Lillian finished painting Nesta's lips with the red rogue and also finished styling her hair. Nesta sat in front of the dressing table staring at her face in the mirror as Lillian did her makeup and got her ready for the ball.
She could still remember their conversation last night where Nesta told her what her father discussed with her, she was happy Lord Weaver was able to reason with her on her intentions to seek out Lord Bramford herself.
Now, she is happy her mistress would be courted like a lady should be. Excitement coursed through her as all these thoughts filled her mind that Nesta could not help but notice.
"Spill it already, Lillian." Nesta said when she could not take it anymore.
"Nothing, my lady. I am just excited that you would be getting what you deserve after such a long time.
After tonight, there would be callers in this house, you would be properly courted and then finally be able to make your choice just like any other lady out there.
You, Lord Weaver and this entire household would regain its dignity and honour. You would not have to throw yourself at Lord Bramford because he is the only available choice." Lillian explained to her in excitement.
"You actually know that I am still going to choose Lord Bramford in the end, right? This whole accepting callers, courting is just a charade I have to put up with for the sake of society and to do things the way they are done. And I am not throwing myself at Quinn, we love each other and want to be together. He just wants to court me properly and do right by me, I am sure of that." Nesta said to Lillian
"I am not saying you do not love Lord Bramford but you don't know, your feelings towards him might be because you have not had the opportunity to be in the company of other charming young lords. You do not know, you might find one that interests you aside from Lord Bramford." Lillian said
"That is not going to happen Lillian. Think about it, before my father's scandal, I used to admire some of these men but all the things I claimed to have once felt for at least ten of them is nothing compared to what I feel for Quinn. So with or without them, I know who my choice will be at the end of the day.
No one else interests me except for him and I know you do not think I should be with him for whatever reason you might have but I want you to understand that he is the one I want, I love him Lillian and you should try to understand and accept that with me as well, you are my friend and I want you with me at every single step of the way."
Nesta said, turning her face from the mirror in front of her to focus on Lillian who was dusting some powder on her face.
"I know, my lady. But I still can't understand your burning passion for this man, in fact I am quite afraid of it because it might lead you to make some decision that might be in your best interest.
That's why I think this idea of taking things slow and receiving other men would be good for you. If after seeing other men except for Lord Bramford, you still feel the same way then I will totally understand what you feel for him is true and absolute, not some fantasy you built up in your head and I can promise if that happens, you have my full support." Lillian said, sharing her fears with Nesta.
"I understand this Nesta you know is different from the one you've always known, I mean I almost gave up on finding love and men generally.
So I understand if you think my feelings towards Quinn are because he is the only one that I have been with in a long time and not other men.
But I must tell you that my affections will not change even after I have received other men this season, so prepare to accept Quinn and give your support like you said you would." Nesta said, smiling at Lillian who smiled as well.
"Just make sure you are accommodating to the other young Lords at the ball tonight. Show them a beautiful smile and allow them to dance with you, don't just spend the night with Lord Quinn.
People will talk, you know, this ball is different because it is not being held in his household where they will not want to disrespect him, this is another person's humble abode and these people will say anything they like.
So be careful and actually give other men a chance as well." Lillian said as she continued her nagging.
Nesta smiled at her completely adoring her as she could not help but be grateful to her for always looking out for her.
"You know, you could actually as well pass as my mother. I mean if my father were to give out a test to people in search of a mother figure for me instead of just remarrying, you will definitely pass as my mother.
Thank you for always looking out for me." Nesta smiled as she stood up from the table and hugged Lillian.
"I am only doing my duty, my lady." Lillian said, hugging her back.
"Now, I have to go before I ruin all your hard work since morning. I have to meet all these handsome young lords you have secretly dolled me up for."
She said, raising her eyebrows at Lillian who tried to deny but couldn't find the right words since she knew she had been caught.
"What, do not think I don't know what you are up to. You took longer than usual but don't worry I intend to give other men a chance tonight.
There is someone I know who might not like that very well" Nesta smiled as she made her way to the door with a lot of naughty intentions in her mind.
"Enjoy your night, my lady." Lillian called after her.
"Ohh, I intend to." She said as she made her way to the stairs and to the carriage. She cannot wait to see Quinn.