Gretel grabbed the shoulders of the dress and lifted the heavy garment out of the box. Her eyes gazed in awe over it. Such a dress she had never seen before, much less worn. It seemed too elegant even for the ball, though she was not a fitting judge on the topic. But if Red deemed it suitable, she had no qualms about wearing it. She did admire the color. It was the exact shade of lilac as her childhood dress, the one she wore in the woods with Hansel. The bottom trim resembled drawn up curtains, revealing a white lace material underneath. Intricate patterns of silver were stitched up the side and into the bodice. A small purple bow was tied around the waist to complete the gown. In all, it was very beautiful.
"Red, you really have outdone yourself," she stated, "I fear I will not be able to repay you for all the kindness shown to me."
Red threw her undershirt away and found another of much better style. "You owe me nothing," Red said while watching herself dress in the mirror, "Your friendship has much more value than you know. That includes you, Goldy," she looked over at the blonde. "Besides, the dress was collecting dust in my seamstress's work closet."
"Who has a dress like this just lying around?" Gretel asked while holding it against her body.
"I give my seamstress time everyday to work on her own personal projects," Red replied, pulling her undershirt over her head. "You have never laid eyes on more beautiful dresses. She has aspirations of opening her own business, a dress shop most likely. I believe she will one day."
"A female business owner," Goldy smiled, "It seems to be the trend nowadays." She gave a snide grin to the innkeeper. "Let us hope she learned something under your leadership. She certainly will need it."
Red nodded. "You are very correct. She will have to work twice as hard to receive half as much. Lord knows the world is not kind to the fairer sex."
Red grew visibly somber over her own observation. Gretel sensed the sudden tension in the conversation, so she changed the subject. "Are you sure the dress will fit me?" she asked Red while holding up the gown in question.
"Certainly. My seamstress recorded your measurements when she repaired your last dress," Red stated, breaking away from her grave thoughts.
"But I rarely wear a corset for that dress. You cannot expect this gown to fit properly when I where a corset."
"Gretel, my dear, I would think you of all people would be against the idea of wearing a corset," Red stated while pulling her drawers up.
Goldy gasped lightly. "A ball gown with no corset? Red, such a thing is positively scandalous! She will be the gossip of the ball the moment a man puts a hand on her waist," Goldy stated.
"Who says a man will be touching my waist," Gretel snapped indignantly as she undressed.
"Ladies, let us not get excited," Red intervened, "If Gretel is to be the gossip of the ball, I shan't let her have all the attention. I shall go without a corset as well."
"Really, Red! I understand your fancies of revolution," Goldy stated, "... but this is a public ball. This is the reason corsets were invented."
"Stuff and nonsense," Red huffed, "The corset is nothing more than a medieval device of torture used to carve women into unreasonable shapes for the pure enjoyment and lust of men."
The blunt definition left Goldy's head spinning. "But Red, I...," she struggled to argue.
"This seems rather silly to me," Gretel said in a reserved tone. "Frankly, Red, you seem more eager to be rid of the thing than I."
Red pulled her hoop skirt and petticoats up around her waist. "Let me put it this way," she said while looking in the mirror. "I have seen much through the years and survived misery that would bring most to their knees. Now that I am free, why should I be forced into further agony with something as absurd as conformity and a rigid piece of clothing?"
The other two could say nothing. Red looked at her reflection as though she were grieved by it.
"I suppose it was the arrival of a charming blonde and an unorthodox German that finally made me realize this," she said rather sadly, ashamed of not recognizing it earlier.
A solemn silence fell over the women. Gretel stepped into the mirror image, sweetly putting her arms around Red and staring at their reflection thoughtfully. "I find it a daft notion to think a corset could hinder you, Red," she stated with a content smile.
Goldy stepped into frame as well, embracing her friend. "A bear trap could not stop you, my dear," she joked.
Red felt her cheeks grow warm at the compliments. "I suspect this is about more than just corsets," she smiled embarrassedly. "Forgive my sudden gloom. This is a time of celebration. I need not dampen the mood with my personal social grievances."
Gretel continued to cling to her companions. However, they had become so much more in the short time they had known each other. Together, they were confidantes and friends, possibly even sisters. Gretel smiled into the reflection, though she had to gasp at the uncanny resemblance to the photo she had taken in the woods. Three beautiful goddesses stood in the mirror. Though now they showed a soft vulnerability, a mutual feeling of uncertainty and aimlessness. Gretel wished for a moment they could return to the woods, to transform back into the bold, indomitable women in her photo. But for now, they would have to carry on.
"Come now," Red stated, "We will talk about this later, when the time is right."
"I would like that," Goldy smiled, giving Red one last affectionate squeeze. "Now if you don't mind, someone needs to help me get this blasted corset off."