The next morning found Allie hurrying into the dining room, surprised to find Anthony and Edith already up and dressed, enjoying soft-boiled eggs, tea, and toast. The scene was adorably domestic, one that Allie was certain her brother had already grown used to. It was the day of the gala, which meant crews would be arriving shortly to set up and prep for the event. Allie nodded her thanks as her breakfast was set in front of her and began eating quickly.
"Edith, I sent a note to my stylist last night, they'll be bringing a few dress choices for you this afternoon," Allison finally spoke after drinking a full cup of tea.
"Have you already selected yours?"
"I've narrowed it down to two, perhaps you'll lend some input. Tony usually just says 'that's the one' to each gown I show him."
"Evening gown selection is not a talent I possess or desire to possess," Anthony chuckled.
"I don't know about that, you selected a rather stunning one for me just this week," Edith reminded him with a grin.
"My brother picked out a dress for you? Anthony could barely dress himself until recently."
"He's learned rather quickly then."
"The old boy is full of surprises lately," his little sister smirked. "By the way, your suit, Sir Anthony, has been laid out for you. I expect you to be quite sociable tonight, not just with the good Lady Edith."
"Anything else, Allison?" Anthony questioned with a bemused smile. His sister was an odd creature; she had equal parts of their parents while he was predominantly his father's son. Allison could always manage to charm the leaves off the trees, just like their mother, but within the next breath she could shut down any mouthy executive who decided propositioning her at a charity gala would be a good idea. It was difficult for the pair to fathom the kind of relationship Edith seemed to have with her siblings, the Strallan children had almost always offered a united front. They were friends in addition to being brother and sister; the famed hostility that existed between the Crawley sisters was utterly unimaginable.
"No, that's all. I'll be stealing Edith for the rest of the day, try and keep your sulking to a minimum," Allison informed them, standing and holding out her hand to Edith. "Come along, come-come."
Edith's eyes flickered towards Anthony for a moment.
"No use in fighting it, love."
"I'm not going to bite, just a bit of female bonding."
Hours later Edith wasn't entirely convinced this wasn't some sort of torture. She was tired of trying on dresses. The selection Allison's stylist Anna provided was beautiful, each mimicking the style of the 1920s with ease and class. However, by the third gown Edith was beginning to feel like a doll for Allie to play dress-up with. The fourth gown had to be it, for the sake of Edith's sanity. Granted it was worlds different than this situation would be with her mother and sisters.
Edith never had the same style as her family, gravitating more towards a simple and classic style rather than flashy. Any outfit she ever had the nerve to try on during shopping outings was mocked and belittled until the dressing room was her only chance of retreat. After a while she stopped accepting invitations to those girls days. Allie had been positive every time Edith appeared in a new dress, offering compliments with a sincerity that seemed terribly rare.
Stepping out from behind the changing screen Edith couldn't help but gasp at the sight of Allison. The tall blonde had finally decided on her own attire; a flowing gown of gold silk, sleeveless and fitted at the waist. The cleavage was surprisingly modest, but the back was completely exposed and utterly perfect.
"Just the sort of reaction I was going for. Anna this will be the one for me."
"Excellent, Allison. Thomas will be here shortly to begin on hair and makeup. Miss Crawley, I don't think that's the one," Anna shook her head, taking a closer look at Edith.
"It's beautiful, but a bit—" Allison paused, trying to think of the right word, "bridal?"
"I was thinking the same thing," Anna nodded in agreement. Edith moved to the full-length mirror, surprised at her appearance. The satin gown had a light pink sheen to it, the fabric felt smooth and cool against her skin. The straps were thick, decorated with beading, which matched the detail beneath the bust. There was a fairly long train to the dress, flowing to the ground and a few inches behind her. The only thing missing was a veil.
"On to number five," Edith was instructed, being guided back behind the screen and rather efficiently undressed by Anna before being helped into the next option. "I believe was have a winner."
The peach pink tulle complimented Edith's complexion beautifully. The skirt reached the floor, dragging slightly given the fact that Edith was in her bare feet. In lieu of straps the same gauzy material of the skirt was used to form cap sleeves and collar, the coverage ended there, leaving a deep plunge of cleavage open to view as well as the column of back. The dress was heavily beaded with silver discs and stones, it looked as if stars had been plucked from the sky and sewn to the fabric. The dress fit Edith like a glove and she could hardly contain her glee once faced with herself in the mirror once more.
"Absolute winner," Allison nodded, "how are you in heels, dear?"
"Rubbish."
"Marvelous, it will give Anthony an excuse to remain by your side all evening long."
The shoes were far too high for Edith's comfort; the light pink suede was covered with crystals of the same shade. They put her at the perfect height for the gown to fall just so and would make it easier for Anthony to lean down and whisper in her ear during the party.
"Fantastic, aren't you glad you came along with me today?" Allison smiled, touching up her lipstick.
While Edith's perfect day would never include trying on clothes and doing makeup, it was actually quite fun. In another world, one where she and Mary were on better terms, Edith could easily imagine that this might be what it felt like to be close to one's sister. With a brief sad smile, Edith pulled Allison into a hug.
"I'm very glad, it was a lovely day."
"Yes, well, run along now," Allison nodded keeping a firm control on her expression. "I'm sure Anthony is climbing the walls to see you."
"I really won't be running," Edith called over her shoulder as she slowly tried to keep balance on her heels. They really should've done this down on the first floor. She took one step at a time, carefully making her way to Anthony's study. With the buzz of pre-party activity in the house it would be the only place where he would be left alone. Allison ran a tight ship when it came to parties. It was nothing like the chaos of Downton. Rather every well-oiled cog of the machine worked together, making it possible for her to simply set things in motion.
The same mirror that had greeted Edith upon her arrival yesterday met her once more in the hallway. Once again her reflection had changed. Her hair was perfectly curled and coifed, her makeup a bit on the dramatic side but she found it was quite fetching. Something more still, there was a glow to her skin, as though the secret delight she had felt since meeting Anthony was lighting her from the inside out.
"Good lord," came Anthony's muted voice from down the hall. He had emerged from his study, tired of waiting for her to appear.
"You'll have to come to me I'm afraid. Your sister put me in these," Edith explained, pulling her skirt up just enough to reveal the heels.
"I'm more than happy to make the journey," he laughed. "You look devastatingly gorgeous."
"Thank you," she blushed.
"Thank you for not fighting the compliment."
"You look quite handsome yourself," Edith replied, taking in the sight of him. The tuxedo he wore had the cut of one from the 1920s; he looked rather like a Hollywood leading man in it, an Errol Flynn or Clark Gable. It was a notable difference from what he wore to Sybil's engagement party.
"I endeavor for my lady."
"Greatly appreciated."
"I would appreciate if you two could keep the cutesy banter at bay for the sake of our guests keeping the appetizers down," Allison implored as she finished an unacknowledged grand entrance.
"You look beautiful, Allison."
"I know," she laughed heartily. "Not bad yourself, brother of mine. Now, are we all ready for forced conversations and charming for charitable purposes?"
"Aye, Robin Hood," Anthony managed a mock salute.
"Anthony, I know your Edith is quite lovely but I still need you to be attentive to the wealthy widows."
"I make no promises."
"I'll make sure he does," Edith reassured Allison.
"Marvelous. Well then; ready, set, Gatsby."
