The Women 1-The Woman Inside by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Format: epub
Published: 2010-02-13T06:55:42+00:00

* * * *

“You’re a woman of means now,” Anne insisted the next day as she practically dragged Ceylon out shopping. “Besides, you’ll be making several appearances at court, and you must look your best.”

“I have enough clothes.” Part of Ceylon’s feet dragging came from her constant twisting to stare at the many round windows and doors. She’d never seen the like. And so much colored glass ... Glassworks were something this city specialized in, and the multitude of rainbows around her from the many glass prisms proclaimed it. It was quite the loveliest thing she’d ever seen, and surprisingly clean for a city. Queen Callion and her father before her were renowned for their refuse management and educational programs. The city glowed.

The single-minded Anne kept her pace steady and her arm looped through Ceylon’s. “Not for court, you don’t. Trust in my good sense, my dear. It’s vital that we start on your wardrobe. It’s a pity that you didn’t have the seamstress at Shardsvale start on your dresses immediately. They could have shipped them here. Besides, once you are lady of Shardsvale¯”

Ceylon started. “I haven’t said yes yet.”

“What great nonsense. You’re going to marry that rich, sweet, handsome man and don’t pretend otherwise. I know what it is you’re crocheting, even if he doesn’t.”

Ceylon pinkened. “Um.” She hadn’t realized that Anne was familiar with the lace bridal gowns common to her area. The women of her station might be poor, but they were also talented. It was amazing what a bit of string, a hook and some patience could accomplish.

Brows raised in a knowing expression, Anne swept into a dressmaker’s shop, the first of several. By the time they were finished, hours later, Ceylon was just about ready to let the two servants escorting them carry her home. Never had she spent so much money, or had such a dizzying amount of attention paid to her. It was enough to make one long for quiet backwater villages and comforting anonymity.

It was good to go home.

There was a gift basket hanging on her doorknob when she came in. Charmed, for it had been a long time since she’d received a gift, Ceylon looked inside. “Oh, look! Honeycomb candles! And scented soap, and ... oh....” She inhaled deeply of the small bottle of scented oil, then passed it to Anne.

“Lovely,” Anne agreed with a smile.

“It was so sweet of him to—” she broke off as she opened her bedroom door. A cheval mirror, prettily wrapped with a ribbon, stood in the center of the room. A sealed letter dangled from the ribbon. It read, “To the loveliest lady in the land. Your devoted knight, Uric.”

Feeling slightly faint, Ceylon collapsed onto her bed as Anne let herself out. Still clasping the letter to her chest, she felt a silly smile sweep across her face. Uric was courting her!

She did not see him all that night, but the next morning when she got up and stepped into the hall, something crunched underfoot. Afraid she’d crushed something fragile, she jumped back.

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