Chapter 5: Missing slippers
Rachel work up on her sixteenth birthday in the best of moods, as she bounded up, her dark eyes twinkling, she couldn't resist peeking a look at the dress she would wear tonight. She'd had it made especially for her birthday and she was thrilled. It fitted wonderfully, the pale golden fabric made her skin glow and she'd found some lovely daisies which she would wear in her hair. They contrasted beautifully against her mahogany curls. She looked in the cupboard to find her new slippers, but didn't see them. Furrowing her brow she bent to sort through her collection. She'd bought a particular pair three weeks ago, to ensure they would arrive in time. Her maid should have placed them in her armoire. A kernel of panic set seed. If she didn't have the shoes her whole outfit would be ruined. Rachel sunk to her knees and rummaged through her shoes, discarding pairs until the floor of her wardrobe was empty. It wasn't there. She ran down to the kitchens, ignoring the cook preparing breakfast and, finding their maid, demanded.
"Lucy, where are my slippers?"
The maid looked at her bewildered "Your slippers?"
"Yes! My new yellow dancing shoes, I ordered them from London three weeks ago, and they are not in my wardrobe!" Rachel's voice was steadily rising
"I don't know Miss, we've received many packages from London over the last three weeks, so I couldn't say…"
"Lucy!" Rachel interrupted loudly "I need those slippers for tonight! I don't have any others! What am I to wear if I don't have them?!" she blinked back furious tears. Her whole night would be ruined!
"What's going on? Rachel, why are you yelling at Lucy?" Rachel's Aunt Mary had entered the kitchen and was looking at Rachel with disapproval.
"She's lost my shoes!" Rachel cried, pointing accusingly at Lucy. Mary raised her eyebrows and glanced at Lucy.
"I'm sorry Ms. Mary, I'm not sure where they might be. If they had arrived, we would have put them in Miss. Rachel's wardrobe."
"Well they're not there!" Rachel hissed. Aunt Mary inwardly groaned. Sometimes she could hardly believe Rachel was turning sixteen.
"Rachel, stop it! You're acting like a child. We'll find the shoes if they're here and otherwise we can get another pair."
"We can't get another pair! The party is tonight!" cried Rachel.
"Can't you wear a different pair?" asked Mary, confused
"Oh! You know nothing about fashion! Of course I can't! I need them or my whole outfit is ruined!"
"Rachel, you must lower your voice. We'll have a look and otherwise we must make do with another pair. Go have another look in your room."
"I've already looked there!" cried Rachel
"Did you check both of your wardrobes?"
Rachel paused and dashed back upstairs without a word.
Mary watched her go with disapproval "I'm sorry about that Lucy. Rachel will apologise for her behaviour. But if you could check the packages we've received?" she asked gently
"Of course, Ms. Mary" Lucy hurried off whilst Mary headed slowly upstairs to check her own armoire. Rachel sat crying on her bedroom floor. The slippers weren't there. Her night was ruined. She looked up at a soft knock on the door frame. There her Aunt stood, holding a gorgeous pair of golden slippers.
"Oh!" she flew to her Aunt and almost bowled her over with her eager embrace. "You've found them!".
"Yes, they were in my armoire." replied Mary, trying to suppress a small smile. Rachel looked up at her and then looked down a bit ashamedly. "Perhaps you owe Lucy an apology." asked Mary, feigning disapproval. Rachel cleared her throat
"I… I suppose I do" Rachel looked up guiltily "and I'm sorry to you too Aunt. This is just… it's such an important day…"
"Oh Rachel, you have so many important days in your life, a little thing like shoes should never be allowed to mar them." Rachel nodded slowly but then looked up with a slight smile.
"Nonetheless, I'm glad they didn't today" she began to hurry off to see Lucy but abruptly spun back around to say "And Thank you Aunt, I'm glad you've come to stay with us". Aunt Mary finally permitted herself to smile.
"You're welcome Rachel, while I miss London, I daresay I'd miss you more… oh and happy birthday."