Chapter 101: the day before II

Chapter 101: Chapter 101: the day before II

The Duchess led the four young ladies into the reception salon.

Soft morning sunlight streamed through the tall French windows, bathing the spacious room in a warm golden glow.

The salon had been transformed entirely for the occasion.

Rather than arranging the preparations around separate corners of the room, the space had been thoughtfully organized into elegant stations so the four friends could remain together throughout the day while each continued to receive the attention of her own personal styling team.

Near the French windows stood four garment forms, each concealed beneath an ivory silk cover.

Beyond them, several long polished tables displayed carefully arranged collections of jewelry. Each family’s selections were grouped separately, accompanied by matching evening bags, shoes, gloves, and delicate hair ornaments chosen over the course of the past several weeks.

Along one side of the salon, four vanity mirrors stood side by side before a row of upholstered chairs, where personal hairdressers and makeup artists had already arranged their brushes, cosmetics, curling irons, and styling tools. Nearby, garment specialists waited quietly with pressing equipment and sewing kits should any final adjustments become necessary.

Although nearly two dozen professionals filled the room, there was no confusion.

Each family had arrived with its own trusted team of stylists, hairdressers, jewelers, makeup artists, and dressmakers, every one of them responsible only for the young lady they had served for years.

The arrangement allowed the four friends to move freely between each preparation area together, comparing choices, exchanging opinions, and enjoying the experience side by side, while their respective teams remained close at hand to assist them.

The atmosphere was neither hurried nor chaotic.

It was calm.

Orderly.

The quiet confidence of experienced professionals preparing four young ladies for one of the most anticipated evenings of the university year. 𝘧𝓇ℯℴ𝓂

The Duchess smiled as she looked around the room.

"It seems everyone is ready."

One of the senior attendants stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

"Good morning, Your Grace."

"The preparations are complete."

"We’re simply waiting for the young ladies."

"Excellent."

The Duchess turned toward the girls.

"I’ll leave you in capable hands."

Before leaving, she looked at Vivienne.

"I’ll be in the drawing room if you need anything."

Vivienne smiled warmly.

"Thank you, Mother."

With a gentle nod to the others, the Duchess quietly excused herself.

The moment the doors closed behind her, the atmosphere visibly relaxed.

Claire let out the breath she had unknowingly been holding.

"Your mother is incredible."

Vivienne blinked.

"Really?"

Amelia laughed.

"Vivienne..."

"She’s a duchess."

"And she’s beautiful," Claire added.

"I think I was trying harder not to embarrass myself than when I met the university president."

Even Eleanor chuckled.

"I was wondering if I bowed deeply enough."

Vivienne couldn’t help laughing.

"You three are unbelievable."

Claire looked at her in disbelief.

"You grew up with her."

"Of course you wouldn’t understand."

Another ripple of laughter spread through the room.

Seeing the girls at ease once more, several members of the styling teams finally stepped forward.

A graceful woman in a tailored navy dress approached Claire first with a welcoming smile.

"Good morning, Miss Claire."

"It’s wonderful to see you again."

Claire returned the smile at once.

"Good morning, Mrs. Aldridge."

"I’ve been looking forward to today."

"As have we, Miss."

Nearby, Amelia’s head stylist curtsied politely.

"Good morning, Miss Amelia."

"We’ve prepared everything just as discussed."

"I had no doubt you would," Amelia replied with a smile.

On the opposite side, Eleanor was greeted by an older gentleman who had overseen her formal attire since childhood.

"Good morning, Miss Eleanor."

"I trust your journey was pleasant."

"It was, Mr. Harrow."

"Thank you."

Finally, Vivienne’s own attendants approached.

The head seamstress curtsied elegantly.

"Welcome home, Lady Vivienne."

"It’s good to see you again."

Vivienne smiled.

"It’s good to be home."

"We’ve completed your gown exactly as you instructed."

There was the faintest pause before the older woman added with a courteous smile,

"...Exactly."

Vivienne noticed the subtle emphasis but merely smiled in return.

"Thank you."

The seamstress inclined her head.

"If the young ladies are ready..."

"I believe it’s time."

The four exchanged excited glances.

Claire clasped her hands together.

"Now it finally feels real."

Amelia nodded enthusiastically.

"It really does."

Tomorrow evening no longer felt distant.

It was almost here.

Together, the four friends followed their respective attendants toward the garment displays waiting near the French windows.

Four elegant mannequins stood side by side beneath their ivory silk covers.

Although each of them had attended multiple fittings over the past month, none had yet seen her gown completely finished.

University life had simply been too busy.

Today would be the first.

The four head seamstresses exchanged a glance before taking their places beside the mannequins.

At a small nod from Vivienne’s head seamstress...

The silk covers were lifted away as one.

For a long moment...

No one spoke.

The morning sunlight caught layers of silk, satin, embroidery, pearls, and crystals, bringing each gown to life beneath the golden light.

Claire slowly stepped forward.

"...They’re beautiful."

Amelia smiled, unable to hide her excitement.

"They’re even prettier than I imagined."

Eleanor’s gaze wandered from one gown to another, quietly appreciating the remarkable craftsmanship.

Each reflected its owner’s personality.

Claire’s gown was graceful and refined, its silver embroidery flowing elegantly across the bodice before trailing delicately down the skirt.

Amelia’s embraced soft romance, pearl embellishments catching the light with understated brilliance that suited her gentle elegance perfectly.

Eleanor’s favored timeless sophistication, combining impeccable tailoring with tasteful detailing that reflected her quiet confidence.

Naturally...

Their attention settled upon the final gown.

Vivienne’s.

The emerald silk glowed beautifully beneath the morning sun.

Its silhouette was elegant.

Balanced.

Refined.

Yet compared to the others...

It was strikingly restrained.

No sweeping embroidery adorned the bodice.

No elaborate crystal work shimmered across the skirt.

No ornate embellishments demanded attention.

For several quiet seconds, the three girls simply looked.

Claire tilted her head.

"...It’s different."

Amelia nodded slowly.

"It is."

Eleanor studied the gown thoughtfully.

"...Very."

The room remained silent until Vivienne’s head seamstress gave an awkward little laugh.

"We did try to persuade her."

The girls turned toward the older woman.

The head seamstress smiled apologetically.

"We suggested embroidery."

"Lady Vivienne declined."

"Crystal detailing."

"She declined."

"Lace appliqué."

"She declined."

She paused before adding gently,

"...There is, however, one more gown."