Chapter Two: Onwards, to the Ball!
A polite knock at the dressing room door interrupted Hermione and Ginny's giggling. The two quickly went over to the dresser to take one last look at their appearances, and each picked up the set of long white gloves that were drape on the dresser and slipped it on.
They were ready.
"You may come in." Ginny announced towards the door.
The family chief butler, Solomon, emerged. He was a stout and jolly fellow, and has been with the Baron Weasley's family for decades. Solomon smiled at the girls and gave them a nod of approval.
"Ladies," Solomon greeted them with a light bow, with his left hand touching his opposite shoulder. "If I may, the carriages await and the young masters are at the foyer, ready for the departure as well."
"Thank you, Solomon." Hermione said. "We're ready, we will go downstairs now."
"Certainly," was the butler's answer, and he held the door for the young mistress and her lady-in-waiting to step through. The two girls stepped through past Solomon and delicately picking up their gowns, they descended the arched staircase with Solomon just two steps behind them.
At the base of the staircase, the five Weasley brothers stood in a single file line, all looking very handsome in their formalwear. They each wore the same tailor-made deep maroon suit, the Weasley signature color, but each brother choose a different color cravat to express their creativity and flair. Charlie chose a deep red to complement his attire, Percy was less creative and stuck with his trusty metallic black. The twins were more playful with their choice with Fred choosing a neon orange piece while George chose a bright green to be as equally eye-catching in a battle of being the most florescent. Finally Ron chose a dark champagne gold to go with his suit. Needless to say, they were all very dashing.
Ginny was first to descend the stairs and when she reached Charlie, she dropped the hold on her gown and held her hand out and bent her knees to a slight curtsey and tilted her head down. Charlie took her hand and pecked her knuckles.
"You look great, Sis." he said.
"You look like a real lady," Fred chuckled and George immediately chirped, "That's exactly what I was going to say!"
Ginny pretended to be offended, but she couldn't keep the smile from creeping out. She knew her brothers were just having a bit of fun. "Are you saying that I'm not a lady every other time of the week?" She held out both her hands and each twin took one hand and gave it a chaste peck.
"You do realize it's because I'm normally surrounded by you lot. We need more female representation in this household."
"That's why you should be taking after Hermione! She's the epitome of grace and class." Percy teased, having his bit of fun in the conversation.
"I am not!" Hermione laughed. She had gotten to Ron and she held her hand out for him and curtseyed.
"Yes, you are," Ron affirmed as he stared directly in Hermione's eyes. He kissed her knuckles, a little longer than what was called for, before letting go. Hermione looked away as she retracted her hand, a tinge of pink rose from her cheeks.
"You all are too kind to me," she said softly.
"Alright! Let's go! Off to Luna's debutante ball!" George cried and put an arm around Fred's shoulder.
The gentlemen were first to cross the threshold and exit, but they waited outside off to the side of the carriage for the ladies to get in before their turn.
The footman helped Ginny in, and Ginny muttered under her breath that it was so difficult to travel with such a formal gown. Her brothers chuckled as she finally got seated, only after hitting her head on the roof inside the carriage.
"Ouch," was her muffled cry and she rubbed her head at the sore spot as the pain ebbed.
Hermione was next, and just as she was about to take the footman's hand, Ron reached out and said, "Allow me."
A little caught off guard, Hermione blinked twice before managing to utter a small 'thank you' and accepted Ron's help. Hermione stepped into the carriage much more gracefully than the former and took a seat next to Ginny. Ron, Fred and George also joined the carriage and Charlie and Percy took a small carriage right behind them.
They were in for a night.
A/N: Much love to the followers/favorite-ers (not a word, but IDC!)! I'm pretty fascinated by the Victorian era ever since reading/watching Earl and Fairy (I recommend it if you're into Japanese animation!). Anyway, I'd love to hear what you think. Do send me a review, even if it's just to say 'thanks' ! :)
Chivalric Ranks:
1. King - 2. Archduke - 3. Grand Duke - 4. Duke - 5. Earl - 6. Viscount - 7. Baron - 8. Knight - 9. Esquire - 10. Gentleman
