The Chosen Bride

A Lady Never Says No

Katherine relaxed in the bath, letting the maids scrub through her hair. The smell of lavender engraved itself in her nose.

At first, the idea of maids dealing with her was to foreign and she refused their help, but Lady Eleanor refused for her to do it herself.

"A lady always has her maids by her side." She would reprimand Katherine.

Katherine would simply nod, knowing that this was far out of her way to argue. She couldn't mess up such a rare opportunity.

"Lady Katherine, rose or emerald?"

Katherine looked at the two dresses and went silent. How could she decide when all she really had was old clothing that had been given to her by the previous employer?

"She will wear the rose dress, Clara, merci. Vous êtes congédié." She heard Lady Eleanor say, nodding to the women.

The three maids curtseyed and scurried out of the room.

"I see you have adapted to the new life." Lady Eleanor said as she took a cherry out of the bowl another maid had brought for her and popped it in her mouth.

"Yes, thank you." Katherine whispered.

"Speak up, darling. A lady always speaks up, but never speaks her mind." The lady Eleanor reminded her.

"Oui, mademoiselle." Katherine replied.

"So we must get our story straight for when I will be taking you with me. You are my cousin, a distant one at that. You were in America, visiting your father who is apart of a shipping company. You are now visiting me to perfect your manners and become the perfect lady."

"Doesn't that sound a little elaborate? We could not just say simply I am here to perfect my manners and become a perfect lady?" Kathrine asked, creasing her brow.

"No, the details are essential." Lady Eleanor replied promptly.

"Of course, madam." Katherine paused for a moment before asking, "What shall I call you, in front of your-"

"Friends? Cousin Eleanor or Madam. Whatever suits the situation. Unfortunately, tonight is when I need you. The King and Queen are holding a masquerade and you may just fit right in."

"But I cannot dance." Katherine argued.

"A lady never argues, Katherine. It's simple, just stay by my side."

Katherine nodded, but she wasn't so sure. If she couldn't dance then what was the point? To step on all the eligible bachelors' feet? To embarrass her lady?

"Quickly, dress and then meet downstairs. We shall go dress shopping!" Lady Eleanor sang before leaving her alone.

Katherine sighed and rubbed her forehead. What had she done?

~~~~~~

"I told you that an angel was the best choice for you. It suits you." Lady Eleanor commented as Katherine stepped out of the carriage.

Katherine smiled gently at Lady Eleanor, "You are always right, dear cousin. I think this dress is quite ravishing."

Lady Eleanor laughed and took her arm, "Darling, are not women always right?" The two of them laughed and walked further inside the grand palace.

She gazed at the elegantly decorated ceilings and expensive chandeliers. She had heard the numerous stories from street boys that had worked at the Palaces as servants about how elegantly these kinds of people had lived but she had always thought they were just over exaggerated stories. Stories for big dreamers.