The Allure Of Love (Sample)

Chapter 3

She admired herself continually as she sauntered around the room. She knew she was pulchritudinous and comely. The dress had much volume, but it fit her body in a way that highlighted the slenderness of her figure. She pulled her bodice down dangerously low and pinched her cheeks to brighten them.

She just laughed at the look of distress that settled onto my face. “Sister please, don’t be so old fashioned. Times are changing, and I don’t want to be left behind.”

I couldn’t even respond to her. It was no use. I turned back towards the mirror and finished the final adjusting to my own dress.

 I myself wore an ivory gown. It was similar to Juliana’s but it was simpler in design. It preferred a more chaste dress. It complimented my fair skin and gave me an angelic glow.

It had been made from fine Egyptian silk. My dearest friends had awaited the arrival of this stately dress as anxiously as I.

The dress was adorned with gold threading as vibrant as the glowing sun. The fabric gathered and fell like cascading snow on a majestic mountainside. I was always the more timid and traditional one.

Juliana had a more gauntlet side to her ever changing personality. Ever since we were little she always had to go bold and daring with her wardrobe and lifestyle. She dressed as if we didn't have to uphold our family's good name.

 I sighed impatiently as my servant tried to pile my hair upon my head. Her nimble fingers were going as fast as they could go. I heard the sound of my father’s deep voice calling for our carriage.

"Lydia, do hurry I must leave now,” I said, tapping my fingers nervously.

"Dear sister did you really think an incompetent house maid would be able to fix your hair for a most regal occasion."

I couldn't help but to laugh, even if it was a mean spirited remark. Poor Lydia though, went ashen colored and hung her head down low. I quickly dismissed my guilt. I couldn’t bother myself with the feelings of menial servants.

Juliana and I walked down the marble staircase and outside into the cool night air. The stars shone bright. We couldn't help but to feel stunning.

 The air smelled of fresh hoof polish mixed with the newly oiled cherry wood. The black horses pranced eagerly and their breath came out in cold puffs.

Their muscles rippled and shook in excitement. Soon we were on our way to the Dallas Ball. My family, who rarely was all together, chatted pleasantly. I on the other hand was quite anxious.

Juliana had no problem speaking with men. They seemed to adore her beauty and rebelliousness. Each one who was in her presence instantly became infatuated with her. She never failed to amaze them with her wit and of course then discarded them all with a mere charming smile and turn of her back.

 Even though I always remained poised and collected, it troubled me I had to try so hard to captivate their attentions. They seemed to want to be anywhere but with me. I vowed that on this night I would do my utmost to captivate someone’s attentions with minimal effort.

I was in awe when we stepped out of the coach and saw the splendid house. It was all lit up, like it had a million fireflies’ seated upon it. My father escorted my mother to the doorway whilst Juliana and I linked elbows. Our dresses swayed with each deliberate step.

Two servants opened the door for us revealing a carpeted staircase we were to walk. "Announcing Mr. and Mrs. Weathers with their daughters Elizabeth and Juliana Weathers,” Rang the voice of the announcer. I walked down the red velvet stairs proudly. The light shone into my eyes.