As the afternoon sun cast long shadows across the estate, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as the dresses for the upcoming ball arrived. Amelia stood in the grand foyer, a sense of curiosity tingling in the air.
"The dresses have arrived, madam," the butler announced, bowing slightly.
Amelia nodded, giving him instructions on where to store the garments before heading off to find Ethan. She found him in the training hall, his brow furrowed in concentration as he practiced his swordsmanship.
"Come along, Ethan," she said, a smile playing on her lips. "Let's go see what's arrived."
Ethan's eyes lit up at the prospect, and he eagerly followed her out of the hall. As they approached the main foyer, they were surprised to find the duke waiting for them.
"Uncle Alister," Ethan exclaimed, his excitement palpable.
The duke nodded in acknowledgment, his expression unreadable. "Shall we go see what treasures have arrived?"
Together, they made their way to the storage room where the clothes were kept. The room was filled with boxes of various sizes, each containing a piece of their attire for the ball.
Amelia eagerly opened the boxes, revealing the array of outfits inside. There were suits for Ethan, tailored to perfection, and elegant gowns for herself, each more stunning than the last.
Ethan's eyes widened in awe as he examined the clothes, a grin spreading across his face. "Aunt Amelia, they're amazing!"
Amelia smiled at his enthusiasm, her heart swelling with affection for the young boy. "Yes, they are, Ethan. But wait, there's more."
With a sense of excitement, Amelia reached for another box, her fingers trembling slightly as she opened it. To her surprise, nestled among the garments, was a matching couple outfit.
Her breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight. "Oh," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Alister cleared his throat, breaking the moment. "Ah, yes, that's for us," he said, his tone casual. "It's customary for couples to show unity at such events."
Amelia nodded, though a small flicker of confusion passed through her eyes. She didn't dare question his explanation, choosing instead to focus on the task at hand.
Together, they helped Ethan try on his new outfit, the fabric flowing around him as he twirled in delight