Chapter 4 A Formal Introduction

Miranda stared in astonishment at the dress that lay in the box in Baileywick's hands. It was pink silk with gold stitching, and it was the most beautiful piece of clothing she had ever seen. Looking up at the steward, she shook her head. "I can't accept this."

Baileywick smiled. "He won't take it back. I suggest you put it on."

"It's gorgeous. It must have cost a fortune."

"His majesty told the tailor to spare no expense."

She leaned against the counter of her shop and stared openly at the gown. It was too much. She was about to protest when the bell tinkled and Eleanor, her tailor friend, walked in with Sofia. She stopped short at the expression on Miranda's face.

"Miranda? What's wrong?"

Miranda pointed at the box, and Eleanor gasped. She let go of Sofia's hand and stepped forward to gaze at the extravagant gift. Her fingers traced the cloth and she turned to share her astonishment with her friend.

"That's butterfly silk," she breathed. "Oh, Miranda, the king gave you this?"

Miranda nodded. "I can't accept it."

"Oh, no you don't!" Eleanor exclaimed. "You will accept it. He likes you, Miranda, and you will look amazing in this! Come on, I'll help you get it on."

"Wait a moment," Baileywick said. He handed the box to Eleanor to reveal a smaller box. "He sent something for Sofia, too."

Sofia walked over as Baileywick knelt down and held out the box. She looked up at her mother then removed the lid to reveal a purple gown. Sofia gasped, reaching out to gingerly touch it. Eleanor looked closely at it.

"Chiffon," she murmured.

"It's so pretty," Sofia said. She met Baileywick's eyes and smiled. "Is this really mine?"

"Of course, Sofia," Baileywick said. "Why don't you try it on? When you're dressed, we'll get in the carriage."

Sofia gaped. "We get to ride in a carriage?"

"The royal carriage," Eleanor said, glancing out the window. She nodded. "When he's done keeping secrets, he is done. You agree, Miranda?"

Miranda laughed shakily. "Apparently."

Eleanor headed for the back. "Grab your gown, Sofia. I'll help you two get dressed."

Sofia took the box as if it were made of fragile china. "We'll be out in a moment."

"Take your time," Baileywick said kindly.

Baileywick took the time to look over Miranda's shop while they were in the back. She had plenty of fine offerings, of all sizes, for all ages, and for both sexes. She was skilled. Even he could tell she was, and he had little experience with making shoes. Though he did handle quite a few nice ones, he reminded himself. He was examining a small shoe made for a toddler when the door opened and Miranda and Sofia stepped out.

Eleanor bustled by, calling that she'd be just a moment, leaving the mother and daughter standing in the finest clothing they'd ever owned. Miranda was beautiful in the rich pink gown, which flowed down her form and accentuated her curves. She had put her hair up in a simple updo, and she had a touch of makeup on her face. Sofia's hair was brushed and had a plait on the top layer on the back of her head. Miranda's gown fit perfectly, but Sofia's was a tad too long.

Before Baileywick could comment, Eleanor was back with a small kit. She knelt down and began to adjust the hem of Sofia's gown. In ten minutes, the dress fit Sofia perfectly. Eleanor stood up and looked them over.

"Okay. Now you're ready!" she declared. "You will go and have fun and you will tell me everything when you get back."

Miranda laughed. "Yes, ma'am!" She took a deep breath and held out her hand for Sofia. "Come on, Sofia. Let's go officially meet Amber and James."

Sofia beamed and took Miranda's hand, and they followed Baileywick out to the carriage. The shopkeepers and village children all gazed in astonishment at the shoemaker and her daughter, dressed in regal clothes and following the castle steward into the carriage. The footman bowed to her as he opened the door, and he helped Miranda and Sofia in. Baileywick followed a moment later, and within a minute, they were heading to the castle. Miranda leaned back and exhaled.

"I'll be the talk of Dunwiddie by morning."

Baileywick smiled sympathetically. "Your friend was right. When Roland is done, he's done. He doesn't care if the relationship is public anymore. You'll be known all across the kingdoms as Roland's paramour."

Miranda took a deep breath. This was what she'd wanted. But it was still overwhelming. And she still had to tell Amber and James that she was the one their father was courting. Still, she enjoyed the ride with Baileywick as he asked about her trade. He really seemed interested, and she was happy to explain what she did for a living. By the time they got to the castle, Miranda was more relaxed.

To her great relief, there were no servants lined up to take her inside, no nobles to gaze at her and Sofia. They stepped out of the carriage and Baileywick led them through the hallways to the banquet room. There were several nobles along the way that gazed at her in astonishment, but they said nothing.

The banquet hall was decorated grandly, and she stopped a moment to gaze at the golden dishes and jeweled silverware. It was genuine silver, polished to a shine, and Sofia sighed at the beauty. Miranda smiled as Baileywick gestured for her to follow him through another door.

"Dinner will be served shortly. You're meeting the children in the parlor to have some appetizers and a drink."

Miranda and Sofia soon found themselves in a beautiful room, full of plush furniture, velvet curtains, and a large fireplace. Baileywick stood beside the door as they looked around, then Sofia gingerly sat on a smooth, pink chair.

"Everything's so pretty," she said. "I don't want to touch anything."

Baileywick smiled. "I wouldn't worry about that, Sofia. Touch anything you like. You're no ordinary guests. May I send for a drink for you?"

"Yes, please," Sofia said.

"What would you have?"

"What would you recommend?"

Baileywick thought about this. "How about strawberry cider?"

Sofia's eyes lit up. "Oh, that sounds yummy!"

Baileywick pulled on a rope, and a bell sounded out. Within a minute, a beautiful young woman pushed open the door and curtsied.

"Something I can do?"

"Could you get some cold strawberry cider for Miss Sofia?"

"Right away, sir," the woman said, curtsying again.

"What will you have, Miranda? A glass of wine?" Baileywick asked.

"A rose wine, if you've got any," Miranda said.

"Select a bottle of wine as well, Suzette" Baileywick said.

"I know just the one," she replied then hurried away.

She returned soon after with a bottle of wine, a pitcher of cider, as well as glasses. She poured Sofia red cider into a frosted mug and handed it to her. Then she popped the cork of the wine bottle and poured a perfect glass of rose wine for Miranda. Setting the other frosted mugs and the wine glass aside, she stood back.

"Is it to your liking, madam and miss?"

Sofia took a long drink of the glorious cider and sighed with delight. "It's perfect."

Miranda took a taste of her wine, and it was the best wine she'd ever had. "Very good," she said shyly.

"Is there anything else you'll be wanting?" Suzette asked.

"Not at the moment."

"Ring if you need anything."

She curtsied and left. Baileywick stood quietly by the door, watching Sofia enjoy the cold cider. Her cheeks were pink and her eyes were bright with joy as she savored the treat. Miranda smiled at him, grateful that she wasn't left alone in the big room.

Several minutes passed in contented quiet as the mother and daughter sipped on their drinks. Then Roland walked in, followed by James and Amber. The two children paused in surprise when they saw Miranda and Sofia. James smiled and walked over to bow.

"So you're the one," he said. "I should have guessed. It's nice to meet you again."

"Likewise, James," Miranda said.

"Hi, James," Sofia said. She seemed shy but happy.

"What have you got there, Sofia?" Roland asked.

"Strawberry cider," she said. "It's so good and cold."

"I prefer hot cider," Amber said, her tone as frosty as the mugs.

She stood in the doorway, two spots of color on her cheeks as she glared at the strangers.

"Well, Suzette said to ring if you need anything. I'm sure she can warm some up for you," Sofia said.

"I know what to do," Amber said. She rang for a servant and Suzette came back. "Yes, Princess?"

"Hot strawberry cider, please," she said. "So much better than cold."

"Yes, Princess," Suzette said, curtsying.

Sofia continued to drink her cold cider, undeterred by the mean remarks. James watched his sister as he poured himself a frothy mug of cold cider.

"I like it either way," he said to Sofia.

Roland watched his children's reactions warily as he poured himself a glass of wine and topped up Miranda's glass. Miranda smiled at him.

"The gown fits you well," Roland said. "I'm glad. The tailors weren't too sure about your size."

"It's the perfect size," Miranda said. "No touch ups needed."

"My hem needed touched up, but mine fit me otherwise," Sofia said.

"Who touched up your hem?" James asked. "One of the castle tailors?"

"My friend Eleanor is a tailor," Miranda replied. "She adjusted it in no time."

"Good," Roland said, pleased.

Suzette arrived with the hot cider, and Amber accepted a glass. She continued to glare at Miranda. Humiliation and anger warred within her. She couldn't forget how Miranda had seen her last, muddy and punished by her father. Miranda smiled at her, but she didn't return it. She had been made a fool of in front of commoners, and now she discovered that her father was courting her? It was too much. She would break up their courtship if it was the last thing she'd do. Her father would regret what he'd done.

Sofia and James talked about Dazzle Ball, while Miranda and Roland sat next to each other.

"I don't think Amber likes me," she murmured.

"She's angry at me," Roland said.

Miranda looked over the sullen princess. She didn't know what to say or do to wipe the anger off of her face. Before she could think of something, a servant came in.

"Dinner is served, sire."

"Excellent. Come along then," Roland said.

Sofia finished off her cider, and James took the mug and set it on the tray with his own empty glass. Amber, who had hardly touched her drink, snapped it onto a table and stalked out in front of her father. Roland offered his arm and Miranda took it, and they walked to the banquet hall. James offered his arm to Sofia, and she laughed as she took it, feeling very grown up.

Dinner was a marvelous feast, with roasted goose, new potatoes, and a fine spinach salad. Sofia ate gladly, talking between bites with James. Amber ate silently, her mind whirling as she tried to figure out how to make her father pay. She would do it, one way or another.

Roland and Miranda talked and laughed about nothing in particular, each watching the children as they interacted. James and Sofia seemed to get along fine, but Amber didn't say a word. She threw venomous glances at her father every few minutes, and there was a gleam that made Miranda uneasy. She didn't like that look. She'd seen in in the eyes of the village gossips when they were scheming against somebody.

The rest of the dinner was nice, and when dessert came out, Sofia was astounded. It was a delicious crepe cake, something she had never tasted in her life. She enjoyed every bite. Miranda enjoyed it, too, but she was still disturbed by Amber. She knew how cunning Amber was. The girl had used every excuse and trick in the book to try and get Miranda to clean and polish the shoe instead of taking her punishment. What was the girl planning? Whatever it was, she was sure she wouldn't like it.

After dessert, Roland announced that a game of croquet was set up for them to play. Miranda and Sofia had no clue how to play, but James and Roland assured them that it was easy to learn. As the four of them went out into the late afternoon air to enjoy each other's company and get to know each other, Amber trailed behind and plotted. She would make her father regret punishing her. She just had to figure out how first.