Mint Dress

Ch 2

"Hermione you look positively lovely. I'm glad Rosita convinced me to get that dress it is simply amazing. Purple really suits you:" I felt like a porcelain doll. My pale skin almost seemed to glow under the florescent light, and my brown hair was pulled together on my head with elegant curls cascading down my back.

"Thanks mom, you look amazing too, can Celia come too?" I would be able to cope so much better if my sister was by my side. Although she was two years younger than I, we were very close. We were polar opposites. She was the life of the party; she had blonde hair and blue eyes. She resembled my mother while I looked more like my father who, though would never admit it had some Indian blood in his veins.

"You know she can't Hermione, it would be scandalous if she were to come without being out. This is your season; Celia will have hers next year." I sighed and looked out the window at the orchid farm. I took a deep breath as the carriage slowed in front of a massive manor.

"It's lovely; I didn't know they had a stable. They must have put that in when Blaise was born," mom was gesturing off toward the left where a massive barn stood. We were greeted by a young man shortly after entering the main room.

"Lord Zambini I would like to present my eldest daughter Hermione Granger" I blushed as my mother introduced me to a handsome young man.

"Miss Granger, I don't believe we've had the pleasure of meeting until now. Surely I would have remembered someone so beautiful. Would you honor me with a dance?" My face flushed even redder, if that was possible, as he held out his hand. I looked around panicky towards my mother. She gave me a smile and nodded in encouragement. I offered him my hand.

"It would be my Pleasure Mr. Zambini" I almost sighed in relief as my voice came out calm and didn't quiver. I had to constantly remind myself to breath as he led me to the dance floor.

"Where do you come from Miss Granger? That is quite a charming accent," he said taking my waist as the waltz started.

"I live in Sandrea Valley." I noticed that he was a good dancer and that he seemed almost as nervous as I was.

"The hunting is very good down there is it not?" he replied. "I was thinking about making a trip down there this spring."

"Oh well Sandrea would certainly welcome you." This wasn't so bad I was doing wonderfully. Who would have thought that I could talk to the most handsome guy I had seen and sit here, well dance, and discuss the hunting season without having done anything embarrassing yet?

"How about you, would you welcome me into your town?" He asked with a smile, his dark brown eyes searching mine.

"I would be delighted to have you visit my home. Do you ride Mr. Zambini?" I asked pleased that I had managed to ask a question.

"Why, yes I do. Every day in fact."

"The trails in Sandrea are quite breathtaking and are worth the time." My cheeks flushed at the thought of me inviting someone into our home. The song ended, and he bowed to me aned led me back to my mother.

"Oh you shall be engaged before the end of the month" My mom said excitedly, looking after Lord Zambini.

"Relax Mom, it was just a dance. Don't get carried away." I groaned at the thought of what my mother was planning. Four more gentlemen asked me to dance that night, though none compared to Lord Zambini. I couldn't explain it. I felt a connection to him. As lay in bed that night with another of my favorite novels, Emma, I fell asleep dreaming about the night and Lord Zambini.

I may have forgot to say that this story is very much AU for those who couldn't figure it by the summary. Any don't fret Draco will show up in the next chapter. Please Review. Thank you