Dressing in her room, Sissi was deciding on her jewelry for the evening. She had the gold pendant that her aunt had given her for her twentieth birthday. She also had the old charm bracelet and earring set. She debated on the pearl earrings. Touching her neck, she remembered the turquoise heart hidden under her bodice. Taking it out, she examined it carefully, holding it up to the light. There was a chipped bit on the side like it had been thrown or dropped on the floor. The other half was gold plated and caught the light with a glow. Almost entranced by it, Sissi didn't hear the knock on the door. Milady looked in, wondering how much longer her niece needed.

'Everything alright?'

Sissi jumped and turned round guiltily. 'Er, yes. Just wondered what to wear.'

'The green dress, obviously' said Milady, bemused eyes sweeping over the tall figure standing in front of her dressing mirror. 'And…the gold shoes.'

'Haha very funny.' Sissi hastily shoved the necklace in the nearest box. 'I need to find some jewelry to match.'

'Well, how about something gold? What about your birthday necklace?'

'But what earrings shall I wear?' Pouted Sissi.

Her aunt walked to her dressing table and surveyed the boxes. Hoping that she wouldn't open the one she had hidden the turquoise necklace in, Sissi nervously waited. Milady picked up a pair rarely worn, tiny bows and handed them over. 'What do you think?' Sissi put them on and wondered why she never bothered with them before. They were nice. Shifting her eyes to the reflection behind her, she was surprised to find her aunt looking at her with an expression she couldn't quite decipher.

'What's wrong?' she turned around.

'Nothing.' Milady tried to wipe all emotion from her face but she couldn't manage it quickly enough. There stood a beautiful young woman replacing the girl she had once been.

'You just look so grown up. I can't believe it's already time for you to go to parties on your own' she said, brushing back a stray lock from the careful twist in Sissi's hair.

'Oh stop fussing, I'll be going to lots of these now, you've got to get used to it' teased Sissi, waiting for a witty reply back. But none came. Milady couldn't speak for fear she might betray her sudden feelings. Sissi's smile faded and she took her aunt's hand in hers. 'Is everything alright? Do you want me to stay tonight?'

'Of course not!' Exclaimed Milady. 'I wouldn't think of it.' She had managed to keep her voice under control but she knew she had given herself away. She needed to act like the role she was meant to play, the overbearing aunt, but she couldn't bring herself to, not when she wanted Sissi to have what she never did.

'You are going to this party and you are going to have fun' she instructed her firmly. 'I won't hear of anything else, understood?' Sissi nodded. 'Now finish and let's go. You don't want to be late.'

'It's fashionable to be late' objected Sissi as she selected a perfume and handbag and threw a wrap over her shoulders. Milady took that to mean that she would be back late too and asked as a precaution.

'More than likely.'

'Well then, I'll come to pick you up at around dawn then.'

'If you must.'

Milady stifled a smile. Sissi liked to be one of the last ones left at the party. That girl was out to have a good time.