CHAPTER THREE
Suzanne was born into a humble family of modest means. Her mother,Isabelle, a talented seamstress, had once served as lady's maid to Mirabelle's grandmother, the Duchess.
Fate intervened when Mirabelle's mother, Lady Carina, found herself unexpectedly pregnant with a third child, after two sons. Overwhelmed and disappointed, Lady Carina struggled to accept the new addition.
Isabelle, sensing Lady Carina's distress, offered her support. She became Lady Carina's confidante and companion during her pregnancy.
When Mirabelle was born, Isabelle was the first to hold her. She gazed into the infant's eyes and felt an inexplicable connection.
Thus, what made Lady Carina named her daughter Mirabelle, a variation of Isabelle, in tribute to her, whose unwavering support and companionship had been a source of strength during her pregnancy.
As Mirabelle grew, Isabelle remained close to the family. She became Mirabelle's nursemaid, then her lady's maid.
Suzanne, growing up alongside Mirabelle, naturally took on a nurturing role. She learned the intricacies of caregiving from her mother.
Tragedy struck when Suzanne's mother fell ill. With her dying breath, she entrusted Mirabelle's care to Suzanne.
Suzanne vowed to protect and serve Mirabelle, honoring her mother's legacy.
Years passed, and Suzanne became Mirabelle's chaperone, mentor, and confidante."
Feeling Suzanne's skilled hands finished her coiffure.
Mirabelle's gaze met Suzanne's in the mirror
"Voilà, milady. You look lovely"
"Thank you, Suzanne. For everything."
Suzanne's eyes softened.
"My pleasure, milady. Now, let's get you downstairs. Breakfast awaits"
*****************
Sir Edgar sat at the breakfast table, sipping his tea and flipping through the morning's newsletter, The Society Gazette. The headline caught his eye:
"LAST NIGHT'S BALL: A NIGHT TO REMEMBER"
He raised an eyebrow, wondering how the gazette had managed to publish a detailed account of the previous night's events so quickly.
"The mysterious lady in moonlit blue, with her captivating beauty and elusive smile, stole the show... Her identity remains unknown, but rumors abound."
Sir Edgar chuckled, intrigued by the gossip. He turned the page, scanning the article. The gazette's speedy publication puzzled him. How did they gather information and appear on their pages within a day?
He glanced up, noticing Mirabelle's entrance into the dining room. His eyes lit up.
"Ah, my dear, good morning!" He set aside the newsletter, his face warm with affection.
Mirabelle smiled, taking her seat.
Lady Carina's gaze scrutinizing her daughter's attire. Mirabelle's androgynous style, once again, made her heart sink.
"That dress, the one the mysterious lady wore last night... Who could have created such a masterpiece?" Lady Carina mused aloud.
"Which dress, my dear?" Sir Edgar asked
"The one from the ball," Lady Carina replied, her eyes still fixed on Mirabelle. "I must know the seamstress's identity. Imagine, if Mirabelle had worn something similarly stunning..."
Mirabelle shifted uncomfortably, sensing her mother's disapproval.
Lady Carina's gaze lingered on Mirabelle's outfit, her thoughts ticking.
"If only I could hire that seamstress for Mirabelle... Perhaps she could transform my daughter's...unconventional style into something more becoming."
Reginald, sipping his coffee, spoke wistfully.
"I wish I'd had the chance to dance with that enchanting lady. Her beauty and mystery captivated the entire ballroom
Lucas, seated across from Mirabelle, cleared his throat.
"Mother, perhaps Mirabelle's unique taste is an asset?"
Lady Carina's expression turned skeptical.
"Unique? It's unbecoming, Lucas. A lady should adorn herself with elegance, not masquerade as a gentleman."
Mirabelle's cheeks flushed, but she remained silent.
Sir Edgar intervened.
"Let's focus on breakfast, shall we? Mirabelle's choices are her own."
Lady Carina's gaze lingered on Mirabelle, her mind still on the mysterious lady's dress.
"I'll find that seamstress," she vowed to herself. "And Mirabelle will wear dress worthy of our family's name."
Sir Edgar's gaze lingered on Mirabelle, noticing the faint dark circles beneath her eyes.
"Are you feeling unwell, Mirabelle? You look a bit...fatigued
"I'm fine, Father. Just a restless night."
Sir Edgar's concern deepened.
"Mirabelle, are you certain you're well? You seem...distracted."
Mirabelle forced a smile.
"I'm fine, Father. Truly."
Lady Carina delicately sipped her tea, her eyes locked onto Mirabelle.
"Mirabelle, dear, now that you've reached maidenhood, it's time to consider suitable matches. I've received inquiries from several respectable families."
Mirabelle's cheeks flushed, her mind racing.
"Mother, please, I'm not ready—"
Sir Edgar intervened, setting his cup down.
"Actually, my dear, I've been in discussions with Sir Powell's family. They has expressed interest in forming an alliance between our families."
Mirabelle's eyes widened.
"An alliance? What does that mean?"
Sir Edgar smiled.
"It means, my dear, that they wishes to marry into our family, strengthening ties between our houses. The Powells are esteemed and influential. This union would benefit our family greatly."
Lady Carina nodded.
"Imagine, Mirabelle, being part of the Powells family! You'll have access to the highest social circles."
Mirabelle felt trapped.
"But, Father, I barely know them. Can't I have a say in this?"
Sir Edgar's expression turned serious.
"Mirabelle, as your father, it's my duty to ensure your future security and happiness. The Powells will send representatives next month to discuss the marriage arrangements. I expect you to be gracious and welcoming."
Mirabelle's heart sank.
"Next month? That's so soon..."
Lucas, who had been quietly observing, spoke up.
"Perhaps, Father, we should consider Mirabelle's feelings in this matter. She's still young."
Sir Edgar's gaze lingered on his son before returning to Mirabelle.
"I've made up my mind, Mirabelle. This alliance will benefit our family. You'll do your duty.
Reginald leaned back in his chair, as the conversation about Mirabelle's marriage continued.
"Ah, yes, the Powells. Excellent family!" he said, his tone detached.
Lady Carina shot him a glance.
"Reginald, don't you think you should offer some guidance? After all, Mirabelle's well-being is at stake."
Reginald shrugged.
"Father's made up his mind, Mother. No use arguing. Besides, Mirabelle will do her duty."
Sir Edgar's expression turned stern.
"Reginald, your lack of enthusiasm is noted. This alliance will benefit our family."
Reginald smiled lazily.
"Oh, I'm delighted, Father. Truly. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have more pressing matters to attend to."
As he rose from his seat, Reginald's mind began to wander to the mysterious lady from the ball.
"Intriguing woman... Who could she be?" he thought.
He excused himself, leaving the dining room to begin his search.