Preparations and Surprises
Disclaimer: I do not own Doctor Who
The next morning Rose was up to her ears in work. Along with her regular chores, she was busy preparing her stepfamily for the ball. She had to buy several silk gowns, help them into the gowns, dress their hair, apply their make-up and perfume as they wanted it and help them practice their dancing—which Yvonne was unable to do as she kept tripping and falling on her face. Despite Yvonne's constant shouting's and Cassandra's belittling, Rose didn't complain and by the time they were ready, she was exhausted.
It was starting to grow late by the time they were done. The old grandfather clock chimed seven o'clock. Cassandra and Yvonne kept preening themselves in their mirrors.
"So, how do we look?" asked Yvonne, who looked revolted she had to ask Rose's opinion.
Rose looked at her stepfamily and gazed at their appearances.
Cassandra wore a dark purple gown with black lace; her dirty blond hair was in a bun, she was wearing too much perfume, her gold necklace was the size or Rose's hand and she kept waving her fan.
Yvonne was wearing a dark yellow and white gown Rose thought was tacky, her face was covered with red and white make up, she wore enough perfume to make Rose gag, she wore so many gold chokers you barely see her neck, her hair wasn't that nice either and she kept flirting behind her ugly fan.
Rose thought they were both hideous. She didn't think the same for Martha. Martha wore a beautiful red silk gown embroidered with silver, she wore a diamond necklace, her lips were red too, her hair was beautiful in its gentle curls, her fan was white with flowers on it, her white gloves were beautiful and she smelled of sweet apple perfume.
"You all look very beautiful," said Rose, even though she thought Martha was the only beautiful one of the three.
"The Princes would have to be mad not to choose you two for their brides," said Cassandra.
There was a knock on the door and Rose answered it.
"The carriage for Lady Cassandra O'Brien and her daughter, Yvonne has arrived," said the footman. "Miss Martha's carriage will be along in a moment."
"Martha's carriage?!" said Yvonne. "Why does she get her own carriage to the palace? Why?"
"A fine gentleman asked if he could escort me to the ball. I agreed to go with him," said Martha quickly.
Rose knew she was talking about Mickey and was happy for her. Good for you, Martha.
Cassandra looked pleased with Martha's explanation. "Very well, then, Martha. I will see you at the palace. Your sister and I shall go ahead." She turned to Rose. "As for you, I expect a roaring fire in the fireplace and a hot cup of tea ready when we get home. We'll be home at half-past twelve."
Rose nodded. "Yes, milady Cassandra."
Cassandra and Yvonne left and slammed the door behind them. As soon as they were gone, Mickey came to the door, dressed for the ball.
"Hello, Mickey," said Rose. "You look great.
"Thank you, Rose," he said. He smiled when he saw Martha. "Oh, Martha, you look absolutely beautiful!"
Martha smiled as he kissed her hand. "Thank you, Mickey. Now, come along. We need to help Rose get ready."
Before Rose could protest, Mickey and Martha took her hands and pulled her into a bedroom. Mickey sat her down in a chair as Martha pulled a box out from under the bed.
"You're going to look fine tonight, Rose," said Mickey.
"You don't have to do this for me," said Rose.
"We want to," said Mickey.
Rose saw there was no changing his mind, so she hugged him.
"What's in that box, Martha?" Rose asked.
"I don't know. But it arrived for you this morning. I kept it hidden from Mother and Yvonne. Open it," said Martha.
Rose opened it and her jaw dropped at the sight of the contents.
It was a beautiful, flowing white silk gown, embroidered with pearls and white roses. A pair of silver shoes sat on top of it along with a note. Rose picked it up and read it aloud.
"'For a beautiful Rose. I hope I can see you at the ball. Sincerely, the traveler.' The man I met before, he must've sent this. Oh, that sweetheart. It must've cost a fortune!" said Rose.
"Oh, this is beautiful," said Martha. "You'll look wonderful in it, Rose!"
"You're not going to turn him down, are you?" asked Mickey.
"Are you mad? Of course I won't," said Rose. She felt happy tears sting her eyes as she held the gown to her body.
"Well, come on then, let's get you ready!" said Martha.
Martha helped Rose get cleaned up and then Mickey did her hair up. After loaning her some dangling pearl earrings, Mickey and Martha left her for a moment so she could change. She slipped into the gown, shoes, placed her locket on and slipped her hands into some white satin gloves. When she was finished dressing, she took a look at herself in the mirror and barely recognized herself.
She found Martha and Mickey in the living room, talking. She cleared her throat and they looked at her. Their jaws nearly dropped.
"Oh, Rose, you look brilliant!" said Mickey.
"You're gorgeous!" said Martha in agreement.
The gown sparkled and shimmered in the light, Rose's lips were red, her golden hair was in an elegant bun with curls on either side of her head, her jewelry and brown eyes sparkled as she smiled.
Mickey opened the door. "Shall we?"
"There's a carriage for you. They'll take you to the ball and get you home before Mother does. So, don't you worry about a thing," said Martha.
Rose hugged her friends. "Thank you both so much," she said.
They smiled and hugged her back.
"I promise I'll pay you back for this," said Rose.
They shook their heads. "Just enjoy yourself and consider the debt paid," said Mickey.
Martha hugged her again before joining Mickey in the carriage.
"Good luck, Rose," said Martha.
"Have a good evening, Martha and thanks again," said Rose.
Martha smiled and left with Mickey.
Rose waved good-bye to her friends as her carriage came and drove her to the ball. Tonight would be a night to remember. She could hardly wait until she arrived at the palace. She was looking forward to seeing her friend again. Would he even recognize her? Oh, Daddy, if only you could see your little girl right now, she thought.