Chapter 4: Roderich Edelstein
Roderich sat on the plush velvet upholstery of the seats inside of the carriage as he looked across at the identical twins then had been there already waiting patiently for him to arrive.
Of all the jumbled thoughts in his head he was confused at how enthusiastically Gilbert had responded to the extra music lesson. Roderich was sure he was politically a busy man, and thought he would fall disappointed and reschedule the meeting. Instead this had happened. Why was Gilbert so drawn to Silesia? The people worked hard and the land was rich in minerals but the twins belonged to him, Austria. So Roderich had nothing to worry about, still there was a small twinge in his gut that told him otherwise echoing Elizabeta's warning. That was not logical; if Prussia was rising to power Austria should treat the country as a friend and hope to be in good terms.
The carriage began to move with a shaking start as the driver cracked the whip. The twins sat in silence occasionally a glace passed between them. There was no point in starting a conversation with them, they would usually give him blank stares or answer in short sentences that ended the talk. They were very close with each other ever since they were young; it surprised Roderich for he had fought often with his own siblings and admittedly they all hated each other.
Agnise was perfectly still her profile was turned slightly away as her royal blue eyes observed the passing scenery from the pane glass window.
Caspar was fiddling with around with a stray thread that had unraveled from the cuff of his white sleeve.
The mansion's property fell far behind them as the colorful spring flowers dotted the green hillsides leading them into the town.
The carriage came to a halt in front of a large store that was fancy cursive gold letters and large windows showcasing mannequins wearing the beautiful and elaborate clothing.
Opening the door, a small bell announced their arrival Roderich stepped inside with Agnise and Caspar right behind him. A pleasantly plump woman approached them, from behind racks of dresses smiling as she stopped in front of Roderich.
"Roderich it's been such a long time since you came!" She trilled positively beaming.
"It's wonderful to see you again Sophia, I would like your assistance again to find some appropriate clothing for them." Roderich smiled as he gestured to the twins behind him.
"Ah…so this is Agnise and Caspar I take it?" "My my how fast they've grown!" Sophia exclaimed looking the twins over with a professional eye.
Roderich nodded smiling all the while.
"Okay then, Agnise how about we start with you?" She clapped her hands together enthusiastically. "You're such a pretty girl how about we do some light reds or tones of blue?" While she looked at Agnise's rather dull gray dress.
Agnise looked weary as she glanced at the thousands upon thousands of dresses that seem to take over the entire shop. Hundreds upon hundreds dresses were colored all different shades of red and blue all the sleeves or hemlines and other things were completely different.
"Do I have to try on all of them?" She asked meekly.
"Of course, a lady should wear the most perfect dress!" Sophia said sternly while throwing a look at Roderich that plainly said how could you have not taught this girl these things?
Roderich just shrugged as he watched the lady begin to throw dresses into Agnise's arms.
Another female helper came to Caspar; she was very red in the face and seemed shy as she spoke in a small voice.
"Umm…Madame Sophia told me to help you....she believes tones of green or blue will suit you well…." The blushing girl looked up at him then quickly placed her vision squarely back on her shoes.
"Ah of course lead the way." Caspar replied, smiling.
Meanwhile Agnise had come out of the dressing room with ushering Madame Sophia raining compliments all over the place. She automatically shot a death glare over to Caspar daring him to laugh at her as she approached Roderich in a dark blue dress with a lacy neckline, a large bow fastened on to her back, with bunches of white ruffles trimming the bottom, small swirls of black stitched rose designs. The tight black laced bodice made it hard to walk and so Agnise took small tottering steps until Roderich had reached out and took her arm helping her skip the last five steps.
Roderich looked Agnise over wondering if it was too modest or showy. Elizabeta could have helped but she wasn't very good with dresses she tended to throw on whatever then fly out the door. Agnise seemed to have picked up this trait from the Hungarian because all she wore was gray, white, and black. Not much of a difference in her color palette but efficiently hid any patches or rips. Partially of Agnise's lack of knowledge for feminine qualities was his fault. Roderich hadn't really pressed the issue rather just hired a tutor whom she had quickly became bored of.
He nodded his approval, wordlessly turning to Madame Sophia who beamed then took Agnise away.