Seated at the grand vanity in the middle of the drawing room, I glanced at the timid young lady beside Madam Corinne, who was busy arranging fabric samples on a nearby table.
"What is your name, dear?" I asked, not remembering her being mentioned in the novel. She was probably invisible in the eyes of Celeste, who was drawn to sparkly things.
"I-I'm Elara, Lady Celeste." She blushed intensely and curtsied softly.
'Maybe being around Madam Corinne, the renowned seamstress, made her timid,' I mused.
I gestured for Elara to sit down, but she simply blushed. "I-Thank you, my lady, but I..." She hesitated, glancing at Madam Corinne. "But I'd like to remain standing."
"How long have you been working with Madam Corinne?"
"Just a few months, my lady. She's very skilled and has taught me a lot."
"She is indeed. And you're doing a wonderful job. I can tell you have a knack for this."
'Honestly, that's just flattery. I want to pry into her and her dynamics with Madam Corinne. There's something there; I just have to figure out what it is.'
"T-Thank you, my lady! That means a lot coming from you."
Madam Corinne gestured for Elara to guide me to the table where she had prepared the fabrics for my dresses.
"Lady Celeste, I have the fabric samples here for you to choose from."
In comparison to the modern world where I came from, where women wore simpler clothes and cotton, the catalogue she presented and the array of fabrics left me unsure of what to choose.
"These are all exquisite. What do you think, Elara?"
Elara seemed always taken aback when spoken to, which was ironic given her role as Madam Corinne's helper, 'Shouldn't she be more used to being noticed and talked to?'
"M-Me? I-I don't think—"
"My Lady, Elara's preference may not suit your taste. You see, she came from the outskirts of the border. She's not well-read and a bit illiterate—"
"I am not asking about Elara's background, and I believe I am not asking for your opinion on this matter, Madam Corinne."
"Apologies, My Lady. Elara, help out Lady Celeste with the fabrics."
"I-uh... I think the celestial blue silk would complement your eyes beautifully, my lady."
I smiled warmly at her choice, noting her eye for color. "I agree, Elara. Blue silk it is, then."
Elara's blush deepened, and she glanced nervously at Madam Corinne, who remained silent, but couldn't hide the sour exresson she has.
"Thank you, Elara," I said warmly. "You have a good eye for color."
Elara helped out Madame Corinne as I watch them talk more about the dress whilst carefully glancing at me with a soft smile before returning to me.
Madam Corinne finished taking the measurements and stepped back. "All done, Lady Celeste. We will have the gown ready on the following week."
"Thank you, Madam Corinne," I said, turning to Elara. "
I picked up the necklace, admiring it. "You have excellent taste, Elara. I look forward on our next appointment."
"Thank you, Lady Celeste," both of them humbly exited the room. As the door closes, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Perhaps Elara was more than just a timid helper after all, that stammer of hers faded after a few compliments.
"Lady Celeste," Lady Rose arrive with refreshments in hand, greeted with a warm smile, her emerald eyes twinkling with curiosity. "How did the dress selection go? I trust Madam Corinne and her assistant were helpful?"
I returned her smile, nodding. "Yes, Lady Rose, I found a stunning celestial blue silk." I replied, glancing at the door as footsteps approached.
'When I was working tirelessly, no matter how many overtime and how much I save up, I couldn't even find a half-way decent dress on me, but then again I have no occation to use them for...'
Just then, the jeweler re-entered the room, carrying a small, ornate box. "Good day, Lady Celeste, it's a pleasure to be back."
For a few seconds I look at the man in his tux, rings, and cane clueless. 'Who is he?' I tried looking at Lady Rose, needing for help, but how can I ask for help when she doesn't know I don't have any memories?
"Master Aleric, may I ask what you have for my Lady?" Lady Rose's sudden interruption made him take a step before presenting the box.
Master Aleric carefully placed the box on the table and opened it, revealing an array of sparkling jewels. The room seemed to shimmer with the reflected light, and I felt a surge of excitement at the sight of the exquisite pieces.
"These are all...magnificent," I said, my gaze sweeping over the jewels. "Which one do you think will best complement the celestial blue, Lady Rose?"
Lady Rose studied the jewels thoughtfully before picking up a delicate necklace adorned with sapphire and diamonds. "This one, I believe. The sapphires will bring out the depth of the blue silk, and the diamonds will add the right amount of sparkle."
I nodded in agreement. "It's perfect. Thank you, Lady Rose. And thank you," I added, turning to the him, "for bringing such beautiful pieces."
He bowed again. "It is my pleasure, Lady Celeste. I am honored to assist you."
As the jeweler packed up the selected pieces, I felt a sense of satisfaction. With the perfect dress and matching jewelry, all that's left is as to where should I wear these pieces?
On cue, Miss Tan arrived with he freckles and pigtails, "My Lady!"
"Miss Tan, I told you, do not run around the household!" Lady Rose reprimanded seemingly holding back her surprise and lecture, "But I—My Lady, I have an invitation from the palace."
And then on cue, the door swang open once again, this time its Miss Louise. "My Lady, you have a letter from the Palace."
I could not even bid farewell properly to Master Aleric, but he understood right away the need for him to leav. "Untill the next set of my jewels be able to be in your care, Lady Celeste."
'A letter and an invitation? What could this mean?'
"What should we open first, My Lady?"