Chapter 7: What are you thinking?
Unlike her mother's empty rooms, the well-trained maids were, unfortunately, all correctly going about their duties. A-Narah wanted to be as discrete as possible with her entrance. It would be best if no one was to find out about her present state of dress, but she had no way of sneaking in unnoticed. So, with a straight back she walked proudly into her rooms. In this situation the best way to cover up her recent foray would be act as if nothing had happened.
When her maids saw her, they all gasped and surrounded her, asking their mistress what had happened.
"My lady what happened?"
"How did your beautiful dress get so dirty?" One of them mourned.
"And the shoes! They are ruined."
They kept chattering and asking questions, finally, A-Narah cut in and put a stop to their inquiries.
"Nothing to worry about." A-Narah serenely smiled and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Just a small mishap occurred on the way back from lessons. Quickly bring water and a fresh dress. I need to meet with mother before the guests arrive."
The maids wanted to ask more, but they looked at each other and held it in. If their mistress didn't tell them anything then there was nothing they could do to help. Most thought one of the other misses must have bullied their lady, and had hoped that their mistress would have confined in them. But they also thought that their lady was very brave to endure for the household. It was best that such happenings didn't spread out less it comes back to humiliate their lady further.
The maids all hurried off to handle A-Narah's orders. They gathered soft towels and filled a tub full of steaming water. Rose scented soap, perfume, and the cosmetics were also prepared.
"Miss which dress would you like?" one of the maids asked.
"Bring me the white and green one that was made up this year."
Another maid quickly helped A-Narah out of her sullied clothes and helped her into the tub. Four maids then came over and began to wash her body clean.
"Miss isn't it a bit too plain though? Your sisters will surely be wearing their best!" The maid held up a gorgeous golden gown that simmered and was able to reflect the light that hit it.
A-Narah leaned her head back over the lip of the tub and closed her eyes as she enjoyed the pampering. One of the maids lifted her hand and gently began removing the dirt beneath her nails.
"Mother had this dress commissioned with hers. It was done by the best dress maker in the capital. The quality of it is superior to the others and it is simple and elegant. A refreshing contrast to what the others will wear," A-Narah answered, not bothering to look over at what the maid had picked.
When one was overly dressed, even if everything looked expensive and beautiful, they would just look out of place and gaudy when compared to a simpler dress. It was always better for a simple and elegant look. With such a look you would look like a spring painting, a look that inspired appreciation from everyone.
"You are right Miss," the maid replied smartly and regretfully replaced the golden gown before pulling out A-Narah's choice.
When A-Narah finished her bath and stepped out of the tub the army of maids quickly dried and dressed her into the white and green gown and redid her hair and makeup. A-Narah looked like a fairy. Her skin was soft like petals. Her silky black hair had a glossy sheen under the light, and her willowy figured moved gracefully. She was the picture of a young, lovely girl.
Her sisters might have been considered more beautiful, but that would only hold true in still pictures. In person, where the movement, the soul, and the life of a person could be seen, her sisters all paled in comparison. Her sisters were like lovely flowers floating on a still lake, but A-Narah would be the white swan in the center. The flowers were beautiful and might catch you're attention for a moment, but would become a backdrop for the swan that would hold your gaze. And once you were looking at it you would want to get closer to touch its soft feathers, but would ultimately stay your hand in fear that the swan might fly away and the scene would be ruined.
A-Narah felt hesitant about going back to her mother's rooms. She was afraid that someone would know that she had been there already, but as she left, her mother's head maid Mera, was running toward her.
"Young Mistress, thank goodness I found you," she gasped. "Your mother is waiting for you in the hall. Your father has summoned you."
"Summoned me? But what about the guests?"
Mera wished to hurry A-Narah along but would never dare to touch her carelessly. She might have been the Lady's most trusted maid, but A-Narah was the beloved Talley daughter and the smallest cry from her could mean a severe punishment for any servant.
"It's the guests who requested to see you. The young master who was promised to you said that he would marry a daughter from the estate, but that he would be the one to choose."
A look of shock appeared on A-Narah's face and her jaw dropped. It took a minute for her to gather her thoughts at this piece of unexpected news. Muttering to herself, "Oh, this is a new development. I wonder if one of my sisters have been plotting something?"
Normally, no man would make such a request. The legal daughter was considered the best that any household had to offer. The family she was to marry into should have had no need to see what the others were like, so he must have gotten a picture or have met one of her sisters to make such a demand. If he chose one of the others, over herself, claiming that this must be the legal daughter. It would be a humiliation to A-Narah, and if her father felt that the alliance was more important than her… then she could lose her name and place in the family. No father who loved his daughter would allow this situation to occur.
Father had always favored her though. What could he be thinking?
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