Chapter 7 We Got a Sister
927 Words
Louis gave Lily a gentle smile, a warmth like sunshine emanating from him.
"I'm sorry I missed the funeral. I was tied up with those demanding politicians."
Louis, the second son of the Bronte family whom Steven had mentioned before, was known to Lily to be working in another state.
"It's alright. Thank you for thinking of me."
"Is everything settled? If you need any help, don't hesitate to call me." Louis offered with a polite smile, though his eyes seemed to take Lily in from head to toe.
Lily had inherited her mother's beauty, perhaps even more stunning. Her eyes showed signs of recent tears, making her look even more captivating.
Before Lily could reply, Arthur's voice interrupted from behind.
"When did you have time for such niceties?" Arthur's unexpected arrival disrupted the cozy atmosphere.
"Arthur." Louis acknowledged respectfully.
"I just want to make a good impression. After all, we get a sister."
Louis pulled a handkerchief from his chest pocket and handed it to Lily.
"I'm sorry for your loss."
She dabbed the tears on her face and accepted it gratefully.
"Thank you."
"Are you familiar with the surroundings here? I'd love to show you around," Louis offered gallantly.
"Dad's looking for you," Arthur cut in, finding an excuse to draw Louis away.
"What a shame," Louis sighed. "Well, I'll have to leave then. See you tonight."
Lily nodded and watched as Louis departed, leaving her alone with Arthur. Being alone with him made Lily slightly anxious.
"If there's nothing else..."
Learning from their previous encounter, Arthur placed his hand on the doorframe to prevent Lily from closing the door.
"You need to attend tonight's ball."
"A ball?"
"The Morris family proposed it. You don't need to dress too formally, but you can't wear this." Arthur looked at Lily's robe with a cold gaze, displeased that she appeared in front of Louis like that.
Hastily, Lily lowered her gaze and tightened her robe, hand clasping over her chest. Before she could explain, Arthur had already turned away.
Without much time to think, Lily returned to her room to prepare for the evening's ball.
She had never attended a formal ball before, especially not one thrown by the aristocracy. But the dress Arthur had given her was ruined by Vivian.
Lily remembered her mother's old trunk and found a blue dress inside. It was a bit outdated, but it was her only option.
*****
Escorted by Steven, Lily, now dressed, entered the grand banquet hall.
Through the windows, the soothing melody of a symphony spilled out, the majestic crystal chandeliers sparkling brilliantly in the light. Taking a deep breath, Lily prepared to open the door.
Suddenly, a hand reached out and grabbed her arm. Instinctively, Lily broke free and raised her hand to strike back.
"Easy, it's me," Louis said, raising his hands.
"Sorry," Lily said, her guard dropping as she recognized him.
"Are you planning to go in wearing that?" Louis glanced at the dress. Even without a keen sense of fashion, he could tell it was out of place.
"I... don't have anything else suitable to wear."
"Give me a minute."
Louis murmured something to Steven, then turned back to Lily with a smile.
"Come with me. I've got you covered."
Reassured by Louis's smile, Lily followed him to a building in the garden behind the manor, which housed an exquisite collection of costumes and jewelry.
"Have you moved the fashion gallery here?" Lily exclaimed incredulously.
"This is Austin's studio. He's my youngest brother," Louis explained. "He's in the UK right now. I'm sure he won't mind me borrowing some of his creations."
After mentioning that, Louis glanced at the lady emerging from the back room. Around fifty, she sported an attire similar to Steven's yet with a stylish flair.
"Linda, I'm entrusting her to you. The lovely lady needs a dress for tonight's ball."
"Sure, no problem."
The woman named Linda eyed Lily emotionlessly, making Lily perceive her as distant. Nonetheless, Lily nodded courteously and followed her to an upstairs room.
Lily settled into her seat, letting Linda style her hair. Soon after, Linda brought out a Victorian-style pink satin dress adorned with lace and ribbons.
With the aid of two maids, Lily slipped into the gorgeous dress.
"Try this on," suggested Linda, as Lily changed. Linda drew an opulent diamond necklace from a case.
The necklace was composed of a five-carat pink main diamond flanked by dozens of smaller white diamonds. The pink central diamond sat at the very heart, with the white diamonds cascading outwards in size from larger to smaller, spreading in a teardrop pattern.
Lily instinctively hesitated. "This seems too costly..."
"This is part of Mr. Louis Bronte's private collection. He intends for you to wear it to the ball and simply return it afterwards," Linda clarified.
Hearing this, Lily felt it was inappropriate to refuse further.
Once she was dressed, Lily carefully lifted her skirts and walked out. She wanted to ask Louis for his opinion, as he seemed to be the most approachable person in the manor, yet the showroom downstairs was empty.
"Mr. Louis Bronte has already headed to the ball. He said he'd meet you there," Linda informed her.
Lily thanked Linda and, as she walked out of the hall, was captivated by her reflection in the full-length mirror.
The mirror transformed her like Cinderella ready for the ball. The pink satin highlighted her delicate skin, and the fitted bodice accentuated her graceful figure.
Was this really her? Lily pondered, momentarily lost in her reflection.
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