I Will Love You

Chapter 7

The day that caused me anxiety has arrived, the homecoming dance for Lily Catherine Meyer. The first floor of the house is a mess, employees walking back and forth, furniture I sit moved to the library to make room in the hall, Diana giving all kinds of fits of anger by stress, I can’t imagine how stressful that kitchen must be to prepare all the dishes that Diana ordered. There’s a frenzied in and out of the house, employees coming in and out with flowers and decorations. Because of all this mess I didn’t even go get a new book, which in a way isn’t bad, at least I’ll have peace to write to Dad.

I turn my gaze from the garden of the house to my bed, where the large box decorated with my dress is, I keep looking at the card under the bow, wondering what Abigail would have written, maybe an apology for not being able to come today? I walk calmly to the box taking the card in my hands, I open the envelope quickly and then I pass my eyes on the beautiful and impeccable handwriting of the shop lady.

"Dear Lily,

It was a pleasure to make such a beautiful dress for such a beautiful young woman. I can’t wait to see you wear it to prom, I imagine there won’t be a single man who won’t look at you!

Abigail"

I smile when I return the note to the box.

One of the changes I asked to do in my room was by desk, paper at my disposal and an inkwell so I could write to my family. We had to push some furniture, but my request was answered. The desk and chair are birch, a light colored wood.

I observe the paper already superimposed on the desk, I had already written some words earlier, I stopped to try to have a quiet lunch amid all that chaos in the house, which was impossible. I write again, continuing my letter, stopped at the part where I tell how beautiful Diana’s house is...

After long minutes of writing about my stay for the last ten days, I am frightened by the sound of the door being opened, Diana comes in tapping her feet and sits in the armchair in the corner of the room, she lets the air out and then stares at me.

- I had forgotten how hard it is to organize parties.

I laugh at her.

- You should know by now that I didn’t want to party.

My sister sighs by straightening her posture.

- I knew, but the idea of telling everyone we have contact with that my little sister is here and presenting her at a beautiful party seemed to me such an energizing idea. - Diana says with a bit of tiredness. - Now she is more tiresome.

- How much further to finish down there? - I try to show interest. - Do you know when the guests will arrive?

- The decoration is ready, the kitchen is in full swing and will continue for the rest of the night. - She reveals to me. - And I believe that soon enough, everyone will be here.

- Who’s down there keeping everything on track?

- Sipp.- She pauses. - Well, I hope he is coordinating rather than just stressing out about Nicholas.

I start laughing low, watching Diana pull herself together to get back to her personal hell.

- You can start to get ready if you want. - Turn to me. - Be impeccable, remember that today a marquis will be here just for you.

- I will remember.

Diana comes to me and puts a kiss on my forehead, before taking a deep breath.

I fold the letter over the desk and put it in the drawer, while I repeat to myself not to forget to send the letter. I walk again to the box, this time undoing its loop and opening it, I take the part of the trunk of the dress and lift it up a little, I look at every little detail, seeing that everything is as I asked, the light pink, the ruffles, the neckline, I would wear it forever if I could, 'cause it’s really beautiful.

I had already bathed earlier in the bathroom, so I just separated the corset and shoes, looking at the beautiful composition, I turn to the jewelry box, which Diana made sure to put in my room, and I remove the beautiful necklace and the beautiful pair of earrings.

I start to prepare myself listening to some different voices than I’ve heard all day. I put on the white heels and do a side bun, leaving some loose wires and leave the room, ready to receive all the strangers that my sister wants me to meet.

I walk down the stairs quietly, finding Nicholas at the end, probably ready to climb up. He reaches out, helping me down the remaining steps, his hand lands on my back and his brown eyes stare at mine.

- I would ask for a dance if it weren’t for you! - I roll my eyes.

- Well, not dancing with you will have time to dance with who you want to put a diamond in my hand.

Nicholas smiles ironically as he returns to the ladder.

- Count on it!

I release a low laughter turning to the living room, I enter in the same greeting to all and presenting myself. I hear some compliments from men that I just discovered the name, some women say how beautiful my dress is and try to guess who did it. I meet Abigail from the group of people, next to her husband, talking to some people and drinking wine, talked a little and soon I had to keep greeting, introducing myself, until I turn around and see a well-dressed man, talking to Diana and Sipp.

Black hair, well-groomed, big, suggestive eyes, a thin, slightly pinkish mouth, a little taller than Sipp, without too many apparent muscles on the clothes... It’s him, the marquis I have to impress in case I get lucky, marry him.

As soon as Diana sees me with a curious look she smiles, says something and starts to accompany the two gentlemen coming towards me. Sipp seemed very interested in the previous subject, which leads me to believe it was business.

- Mr Roux, this is my sister, the reason for this party. - Diana says with a nice smile on her face. - Lily, this is Marquis Henri Roux.

I bow quickly and look again at in your eyes.

- It is a pleasure to meet you Mr Roux.- I open my best smile for him.

- The pleasure is my Miss Meyer.- He just makes a nod with his head greeting me. - I did not imagine that you could be more beautiful than what I was told, apparently I was completely wrong.