In which there is a pin that just won't behave
Morgane stepped over the pug that was stretched out on her back in Aveline's bedchamber. Her friend was sitting in front of a mirror, cautiously adjusting her stays and pulling at her shift. The maid had tightened it far too much that day and Aveline was finding it hard to breathe. She grimaced at every breath in and furiously tried to undo the lacing. Morgane quickly swatted her hand away.
"You're breasts look divine, chérie. Don't worry about it."
Aveline groaned. "I cannot breathe."
"I fail to see the problem. It just means that when you collapse, there will be a plethora of handsome men to revive you."
Aveline rolled her eyes. It was always that way with Morgane. Aveline stood and pulled on her petticoat, smoothing the white cotton quickly. Morgane tugged at the embroidered hems to straighten them as the other woman tied her pockets around her waist loosely – still hoping to have her stays unlaced. Morgane stood up quickly and handed Aveline two pairs of shoes, one a dusky pink and the other a royal blue with large bows. Aveline scrunched up her face comically in thought, causing her dear friend to giggle. Tonight she would wear the pink pair.
Aveline slipped her feet into the heeled slippers, lifting up her petticoat to show of her stockinged legs to Morgane. The other nodded in approval.
"Très belle. Now, help me with my panniers."
Aveline lifted the fabric-covered hoops onto Morgane's hips as she fumbled around to tie the thick cord. Having no luck, a maid rushed over and finished the job before securing Aveline's. The knot tugged on Aveline's stomach and she gasped. Morgane shuffled into her golden shoes and lifted an equally gold dress off Aveline's bed. It had a scoop neck lined with ruffled of embroidered gold fabric and lace. The skirt was layered with more ruffles and golden embroidery and trailed along the floor like a waterfall.
"Qu'est-ce que tu penses?" Morgane asked, swishing it in front of her.
"Parfait! No doubt all the men in the ballroom will be staring at you. You look like a star!"
The two giggled excitedly. With a wave of Morgane's hand, a maid rushed over to help her into the gown. Morgan stood with her arms wide as the maid fastened her skirt.
"And you? What will you be wearing?" she asked as she peered over her shoulder at her friend.
Aveline pursed her lips and stared at the gowns hung out for her to choose from. They were a mixture of pale blues, vibrant pinks and soft greens, each edged with lace and shining embroidery. All were far too typical for Aveline's taste. Every girl there would be wearing something like that. She sighed and walked over to her wardrobe, pawing through the assortment of gowns that lined the walls. Morgane followed her once her bodice had been pinned shut, running her hands along the golden stomacher as she scrutinised Aveline's movements.
The dark-skinned girl paused and lifted up a rich, ruby gown.
"This one."
Morgane lifted an eyebrow. "Are you sure?"
"Absolutely."
"Alright. Well I will be getting my hair done. Are you powdering yours today? Because I am not. I always thought it was a strange fashion."
"Morgane, have I ever powdered my hair?" Aveline replied sarcastically.
Morgane smirked and walked back into the dressing room.
Morgane sat on the daybed and watched the maid struggle with Aveline's hair, stuffing an assortment of macaroons and sugary biscuits into her mouth. The dress, she had decided, was a good choice after all. It had a sack back, with a barely visible damask pattern in silver. The sleeves were with trimmed with silver and gold lace and draped around her dark arms like a veil. A gold stomacher completed the gown. It was incredibly flattering, perhaps too much so for Marie's birthday ball.
"Are you hoping to impress someone?" Morgane questioned in between bites.
Aveline's cheeks flushed.
Giggling, Morgane said, "Is he attractive?"
Aveline pursed her lips, refusing to say anything. Morgane playfully threw a pillow at her shoulder; an act that caused the maid to drop the box of pins all over the floor. Aveline attempted to help the poor maid but was told to stay put before the pins in her tightly coiffed hair fell out. Morgane absently touched some of the diamonds and golden butterflies the maid had woven into her hair.
"You must introduce him to me."
"Morgane, I am not trying to impress anyone."
"Of course, of course. That is why you look like a queen rather than a baroness. Because anybody not trying to impress someone would much rather wear simpler, less attractive clothes. Am I right?"
Aveline frowned.
"Come on, who is he?" Morgane begged.
Her friend sighed as the maid resumed her assault on her hair. "He's … new."
"So I haven't met him?"
"Not exactly."
"Will I meet him?"
"I doubt he'll be there."
Aveline yelped as the maid stuck a pin into her neck. The curl she had been trying to fix in place fell down. The maid groaned in frustration. She had been fighting with that single curl for almost half an hour now. The rest of Aveline's hair had been carefully styled on top of her head with similar decorations to Morgane. It was only that final piece that needed to behave.
Morgane put the plate of biscuits on the table and stood from her place on the daybed. Standing in front of her friend, she moved the single long curl to drape over Aveline's shoulder and along her chest.
"There. Parfait."
Aveline smiled gratefully. Morgane took Aveline's arm and helped her stand. The two walked arm in arm to the door.
"Now, you must tell me all about him in the carriage ride over!"