Cinderella Spell - Laurie Lee Page 0,17

up slices of cheese and round soda toast. Have you had them? She claims to have gotten the recipe on a trip in France.”

“Sounds better than saying it’s what the doctor ordered for your father’s sour stomach.”

Marissa rolled her eyes at her mother, but the woman seemed to be enjoying her oysters. The next course arrived. Sereh had no trouble selecting the soup spoon. “Which gown did you say?” Marissa returned to the conversation.

Sereh offered a smile between sips of the squash nutmeg. “Thought I’d wait to see your gown before making a final decision.”

“Impossible.” Lady DeGanne interrupted. “Marissa’s gown will not be ready until the day of the ball. You must give your choice to the lady maids at least three days before. Five would be better. You cannot expect them to press a dozen gowns the day of the event.”

Sereh turned from Marissa to Lady DeGanne, then back to Marissa. “I… of course not. I thought since we are to be companions, it would be best to be in compliment of each other.”

“Sweet girl. I am sure whatever gown you choose will captivate a young officer.” Lady DeGanne paused as soup was replaced with a cold meat tray. “But you must realize, Marissa is the king’s daughter. As such, hers will be beyond any other in attendance.”

“Step-daughter.” Marissa seethed.

“Of course.” Sereh gushed. “I hadn’t considered…” she toyed with the meat on her plate without eating any of it. “I do prefer the blue. I’ll order new ribbons for the waist.”

“You will be spectacular.” Marissa reassured. “Have you tried the roast? It has a savory flavor.”

Sereh obliged, eating one of the small cubes. “Delicious.” She ate more.

By the time desert arrived in a golden dish lined with cherries, Marissa was ready to exile both her mother and Sereh. The blend of sweet and tart delighted her mouth, but her stomach churned. Perhaps I need soda bread, she sighed, then smiled at her friend. “I fear if I eat another bite, I shan’t be able to do a thing this next week.”

“Nonsense. You’ll have dance lessons every day this week. A few more fittings will be necessary. The rectory’s wife will expect you to accompany her on visits since I cannot.” Lady DeGanne motioned at Sereh. “Sophia can go with you.”

“It’s Sereh.” Sereh tried to correct, but Lady DeGanne ignored her, preferring to list a few more chores Marissa would do.

“Mother, if I keep to your schedule, I’ll be exhausted by the time the ball gets here.”

She smiled. “I’ll speak to Mrs. Boyde to make sure you are not over-taxed. Of course, I want you at your best. You’re expected to dance with Robert.”

“I’ll make sure he holds a cotillion for Sereh as well.”

“If it’s possible. There are so many young ladies expected, he can’t dance with them all.”

“Sereh will have her chance soon after me.” Marissa assured. “Shall we play cards in the parlor?”

Sereh nodded emphatically, but Lady DeGanne declined. “I’ll have your glasses of sherry delivered to you.”

With an inward sigh of relief, Marissa removed herself from the dining table.

9

The night of the ball, Marissa waited until she heard Sereh’s steps in the hallway. She gave the gold lace a final tug and exited the room. Sereh swung around, her blue gown flowing around her. She gasped. “Your gown…” Sereh put her hand against her throat. “I’ve never seen fabric that color.”

“Mother insisted on unique.”

“You’re stunning. I feel as though I should bow.”

Marissa rolled her eyes. “Don’t. One thing I’ve always appreciated about you. You treat me as a person, not as royal.”

“It will be hard for the prince to notice anyone else.”

She shook her head. “We are here for his engagement.”

Sereh swirled, flecks of jewels in her bodice caught the light. Her dark hair was swept into a French knot held with sapphire clips. “You are dazzling as well.” Marissa grinned.

“Enough for a prince’s hand?”

“Are you certain you would like him?”

Sereh frowned. “He’s a prince. What more do I need to know?”

Marissa held her tongue. Robert enjoyed challenge. Sereh’s tendency to bend to whoever’s will would grate on his nerves. She grabbed Sereh’s elbow. “Shall we spy out the ballroom? I know a perfect perch.” She didn’t wait for a response but turned the opposite direction down the hall, pulling Sereh with her. She took a turn into a smaller room storing covered bits of furniture. She pushed on a panel of the wall and pulled Sereh into a narrow walkway. Marissa opened the door at the