tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-186429682024-03-18T19:43:40.817-05:00Sew RandomMostly about sewing! However, I may wander off onto other topics from time to time...Lisa Lareehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516986664460840579noreply@blogger.comBlogger2153125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18642968.post-7834390987012593182024-03-17T00:14:00.009-05:002024-03-18T19:43:09.574-05:00Oof...a rough weekend in the sewing room....<p></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsAvFQ6qWVmt8jt2q2muBUagEdmttCj5KFTfEoGD5E-FkfeMDq0J8Oazt1sSOn7chuY7Tj37IWToi7azbfOR-m4sRm0QNmVInSADf7JpqH-uY2Qme2a5vIHUkeqw6driGRlvAHs4y5n868-jmtXnPkwoQAOBK_GAyiOGqNwmx0hnKQa9dAelWYQ/s4032/PXL_20240317_044512361.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsAvFQ6qWVmt8jt2q2muBUagEdmttCj5KFTfEoGD5E-FkfeMDq0J8Oazt1sSOn7chuY7Tj37IWToi7azbfOR-m4sRm0QNmVInSADf7JpqH-uY2Qme2a5vIHUkeqw6driGRlvAHs4y5n868-jmtXnPkwoQAOBK_GAyiOGqNwmx0hnKQa9dAelWYQ/s320/PXL_20240317_044512361.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /> Good for humility, I guess. This shoulda been something I could do in my sleep.<p></p><div>It's Bible costume season again. This is not for the current church production...I am not really involved in that again, too much travel at the wrong time this year for me to be part of that team. But I did have a friend who is participating in a walk-through program as John the Beloved and he needed a costume. He purchased the fabric from JoAnns and Hobby Lobby and brought it to me to sew up.</div><div><br /></div><div>First is the coat... It's a very pretty piece of upholstery fabric that has a sprayed-on interfacing. I washed it and it softend up considerably but that backing was icky and it's going to start flaking off before long. The coat will hang much better once it DOES rub off, I think, but it's going to be messy. He decided he wanted sleeves, so I planned to make a <a href="https://sewrandom.blogspot.com/2008/08/bog-coat-jesus-costume.html" target="_blank">Bog Coat</a>; however, the fabric was only 54" wide and my friend is a strapping 6'4" fellow and, since the width of the fabric is the finished circumference of the coat, I didn't think that would be roomy enough. So I altered up my trusty McCall's Bible costume...cutting the front open and the back on the fold and adding slits to the sides. I had to cut everything on the cross - grain because he really only got enough to make a sleeveless vest. So in my humble opinion, between the bulk of the fabric, the spray on interfacing and the cross-grain cut, it doesn't hang as nicely as I would like. I did manage to get that tried on him this morning, though, and he is pleased so that's all that matters. I bought it back home to hem up the sleeves.</div><div><br /></div><div>I already had the under gown cut out and, once I had the coat sleeves hemmed, proceeded to work on the gown. Shoulda been a piece of cake.</div><div><br /></div><div>But the right side and the wrong side are nearly indistinguishable, and that bit me. I added self-drafted pockets and put the right one on too high, gauging off of the notch that marked the sleeve front instead of the notch that marked the waist line. I'd already trimmed, turned and pressed the pocket facing before I realized my error. </div><div><br /></div><div>Cut it back, unstitched it, patched the hole in the seam allowance, cut a new pocket and tried again.</div><div><br /></div><div>And noticed when I started to pin up the sideseams that the finished pocket bag was on the OUTSIDE of the robe.</div><div><br /></div><div>I unpicked it, filled in the hole in the seam allowance and gave up. He's got one pocket on the left side.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4maZLVaYPj3rNmZyjmj8CnK0HGY2o9BHcddQk6QsmZ5vWjIf4VQo09rBJtsqXr1-KQqIj5z6EDegZlbQgYGoy73p7F0kf8IZ-9f11t7Mu7x5rFG65ROhVFkkCHMhdOwbigLLdRD7YvhX55elN0aXp5sEXYIdxUwGnVDzAAFrzSq5ZIBxeUu1uTg/s4032/PXL_20240317_000453081.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4maZLVaYPj3rNmZyjmj8CnK0HGY2o9BHcddQk6QsmZ5vWjIf4VQo09rBJtsqXr1-KQqIj5z6EDegZlbQgYGoy73p7F0kf8IZ-9f11t7Mu7x5rFG65ROhVFkkCHMhdOwbigLLdRD7YvhX55elN0aXp5sEXYIdxUwGnVDzAAFrzSq5ZIBxeUu1uTg/s320/PXL_20240317_000453081.jpg" width="180" /></a></div></div><div>If you click on that to embiggen it you will see my hasty patch jobs. The edge didn't really waver that much...that's just the unstable fabric showing it's tricks.</div><div><br /></div><div>The fabric, while it appears to be a woven, behaves like a knit. A very unstable knit. It wasn't nice to sew as it kept shifting and stretching in odd places. The neckband (I elected to put a band rather than a facing) twisted oddly on one side. Didn't want to risk damaging the picky fabric so I left it; I don't think it's going to be terribly noticeable but I'm not happy with it.</div><div><br /></div><div>The whole thing is VERY heavy; my plastic hanger was threatening to buckle when I took the picture.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have about 3 more costumes to make in the next couple of weeks...one IS for the Easter mini-production...so that's what my sewing is gong to be for the foreseeable future.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hopefully the next ones will be more cooperative. And I won't be stupid.</div>Lisa Lareehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516986664460840579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18642968.post-51255885384846473452024-02-12T22:38:00.001-06:002024-02-12T22:38:21.031-06:00See Blog Two...<p> I write two blogs, for a number of reasons, and most folks don't read the second one.</p><p>But, in the interest of not typing the same thing twice...here's a link...</p><p><a href="https://beerlahairoi.blogspot.com/2024/02/of-comfort-and-sweet-memories.html">Beer Lahai Roi 2/12/24</a><br /></p><p>Hopefully sewing will happen later this week...</p><p><br /></p>Lisa Lareehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516986664460840579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18642968.post-21535929921184599142024-01-20T22:54:00.008-06:002024-01-20T23:12:19.799-06:00Whittling the WIP Stack --- the Velvet Hippie Earth Mother SkirtIt's been too long since I actually sat down at the sewing machine and made a thing to wear, lol. <div><br /></div><div>But, as it happens, I have a stack of things I have started ...some really an embarrassingly long time ago...and I just need to clear the Work In Progress stack.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I started with the velvet earth mother skirt. When <a href="https://sewrandom.blogspot.com/2023/03/the-fiddly-bit-is-done.html">I left it</a>...just a little under 11 months ago, gulp, I had finished the yoke with the pockets. I decided to cut out each tier, sew it up, and then cut the next one, to avoid mixing the pieces up (one of the previous Hippie Earth Mother Skirts may have had that problem...). </div><div><br /></div><div>So, today I finished cutting the first gathered tier, and sewed it on, then I cut and assembled the second tier and have it sewn on, although I do need to serge the seam to finish the edges.</div><div><br /></div><div>I did tackle my <a href="https://sewrandom.blogspot.com/2023/02/i-hope-this-works.html">cutting schematic</a> to see if I could do wider, and fewer, tiers, but my fabric was 2" too narrow for that to work. I have to use the narrow tiers to be able to use up the fabric efficiently.</div><div><br /></div><div>Which means...5 tiers, with each tier 1.5 times the volume of the one above it...the hem is going to be something like 330" around. Yeesh. Fortunately, for a velvet, the fabric is fairly light.</div><div><br /></div><div>I made a casing for a drawstring, just in case it's too heavy for the elastic, just the same.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, anyway, I shall be gathering for a bit, lol.</div><div><br /></div><div>When doing something so bodacious and hefty, I use dental floss to gather ... Zigzag over it, </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLaVDC85xFW7hz38FqY6BFnHWp93N73cFcVR-C166wdl27dy31_FOC4FQZ4rgCvRXhHR7H4WwtogoU8pOkGJLwkGAF6x2Ec_jyFldGF-ttQyb8miOwv7YCBADlz7ZyFWSTC-9ugfBGq0GcgqP9THYEO_ViD4-21GE8i5WZDHLR7MQw9g8sRnyF2Va2CDu/s4032/PXL_20240121_021027360.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLaVDC85xFW7hz38FqY6BFnHWp93N73cFcVR-C166wdl27dy31_FOC4FQZ4rgCvRXhHR7H4WwtogoU8pOkGJLwkGAF6x2Ec_jyFldGF-ttQyb8miOwv7YCBADlz7ZyFWSTC-9ugfBGq0GcgqP9THYEO_ViD4-21GE8i5WZDHLR7MQw9g8sRnyF2Va2CDu/s320/PXL_20240121_021027360.MP.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Then pull the dental floss and secure the ends. This is waxed, which means the gathers aren't terribly inclined to slip once I've got them arranged...but it's kinda stiff, so I do pull it out after the seaming is all done.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILNle6FB_sqynHOXfXUQO-yuDTYx62CKHDeceH9OHMdpLDhEIcQeAV0hyphenhyphenJKuX3oQxL9OHTRifw_kyyNcvWXedNegdKeVsvAkSblCNBoENF6N9j9tISu_qx4p8NLC0n8t4SoJBENZt_mduiRRj2vuWJxwWDOgkPrRE7J7r83O2TMRp3keZt_VPEMRWIk_E/s4032/PXL_20240120_221156295.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILNle6FB_sqynHOXfXUQO-yuDTYx62CKHDeceH9OHMdpLDhEIcQeAV0hyphenhyphenJKuX3oQxL9OHTRifw_kyyNcvWXedNegdKeVsvAkSblCNBoENF6N9j9tISu_qx4p8NLC0n8t4SoJBENZt_mduiRRj2vuWJxwWDOgkPrRE7J7r83O2TMRp3keZt_VPEMRWIk_E/s320/PXL_20240120_221156295.MP.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /></div><div>That's just a little tedious, lol.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not sure when I will finish this; likely not in time to wear it this season as 1) all the fancy events are behind us and 2) even though our high was in the teens today, we'll be pushing 70 in a week. We're likely done with winter at that point, based on historical trends. But I'll be ready for any holiday parties that arise in 2024, lol.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div>Lisa Lareehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516986664460840579noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18642968.post-80477164223284833002023-12-29T16:44:00.007-06:002024-01-01T12:35:21.573-06:00Found in a box...<p> I wasn't even really aware I had kept this...</p><p>Back in 1991, I made applique'd sweatshirts for the family Christmas card photo...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3myvI-k34czmm-Z5wfKqid0FI4-msQkB_c4hVJTfO3FiUet3g-oXNOPNb_wYGqSWcfAEwz6Hdskcz5OAqxwtf1Fsh9vHEhwbvC5TQNDn94pyW1dz_QDNw7soQ78zvDzj-jYxoI49jUekQpOh71yss30SWohEWFaDKV0WstMpaVV2yNAUat4YTw/s1518/candy%20cane%20shirts%201991.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1518" data-original-width="1039" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3myvI-k34czmm-Z5wfKqid0FI4-msQkB_c4hVJTfO3FiUet3g-oXNOPNb_wYGqSWcfAEwz6Hdskcz5OAqxwtf1Fsh9vHEhwbvC5TQNDn94pyW1dz_QDNw7soQ78zvDzj-jYxoI49jUekQpOh71yss30SWohEWFaDKV0WstMpaVV2yNAUat4YTw/s320/candy%20cane%20shirts%201991.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>(It's a good thing you can't see much of mine, it was pretty garish, lol. I used remnants of a bit of piecing I did of some Christmas prints for another project). Kids at this time were the Princess and the Artist.<div><br /></div><div>Eight years later, The Actor, age 5, wore the toy soldier shirt to his grandparents' house... pictured with his brother and two cousins...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGnmhldYvjBmPs6P1LCRm-qVHfz9VUg5NaekNr3isCepywL2EQVOZjJsCMolfTXsYLjY2hMy74HVaPfZkAa1T0JFFvkekwRgmeLaCrAkt5I4ppdPPITjdQbF4qa0Of8_cr7IHVrtCA0CYKJPVuGUkzshbNNprZpCBpdXiynlUAN0Hf2YH7xIdFg/s734/christmas1998.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="488" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGnmhldYvjBmPs6P1LCRm-qVHfz9VUg5NaekNr3isCepywL2EQVOZjJsCMolfTXsYLjY2hMy74HVaPfZkAa1T0JFFvkekwRgmeLaCrAkt5I4ppdPPITjdQbF4qa0Of8_cr7IHVrtCA0CYKJPVuGUkzshbNNprZpCBpdXiynlUAN0Hf2YH7xIdFg/s320/christmas1998.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div>A couple of weeks ago, I dug all the way to the bottom of the 'Christmas Shirts' box (which also has seasonal towels and oven mitts and such) and pulled out the toy soldier shirt. I'd forgotten it was still here. My Sweet Babboo still has his shirt, although he says it's too small (hm). Mine was put into a family reunion auction several years ago; I think the Princess's shirt got hand-me-downed to younger cousins, so I was surprised this shirt was still here.</div><div><br /></div><div>It just happened to fit the Little Prince this year:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_iTeu6VAcbTaO2XAkMqUT58qXLh0kUP4EnmZfyonGNVgChG9Vg_g-VzUPefbpqPyxFaW4o63xoS2P8L8W4WmbpPu-FjMWXaHbYQE02qQy7U_XhY-OwfdgDHAzf3WK2G4xm9meSJSk40nrVF10CePdltTAM3y0_to-IKkOXOiXGDO0qOfSs1ypdA/s4032/PXL_20231227_034456263.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_iTeu6VAcbTaO2XAkMqUT58qXLh0kUP4EnmZfyonGNVgChG9Vg_g-VzUPefbpqPyxFaW4o63xoS2P8L8W4WmbpPu-FjMWXaHbYQE02qQy7U_XhY-OwfdgDHAzf3WK2G4xm9meSJSk40nrVF10CePdltTAM3y0_to-IKkOXOiXGDO0qOfSs1ypdA/w147-h261/PXL_20231227_034456263.MP.jpg" width="147" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The only thing that these three photos have in common, besides the shirt, is the Artist. <div><br /></div><div>How fast time flies...</div><div><br /><div>A little bit of the gold glitter paint that crisscrosses the soldier has broken off, but other than that it's held up pretty well. Mayhap in two or three years Little Brother (and that nickname will change once I hit on the right thing...) will wear it as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe I need to make a new batch of candy cane shirts.</div><div><br /></div><div>They were complicated...I first sewed red ribbons (two different widths!) onto white fabric, then turned that into the candy cane applique's. I have since found some candy-cane striped fabric, which works, but the ribbon looks so much nicer, lol. I may even have a few extras in one of my scrap bins...</div><div><br /></div><div>Yeah, that'd be crazy. Better to just enjoy the old pictures, lol.<br /><p><br /></p></div></div>Lisa Lareehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516986664460840579noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18642968.post-402099212278974562023-12-27T13:59:00.010-06:002024-01-06T23:36:44.461-06:00Santa Claus is coming tonight....<p> ...at our house, anyway.</p><p>We have always done Christmas under our tree at an odd time; when the kids were growing up, it was always New Year's Day. We were typically at grandparents' on Christmas Day itself, so we just made use of the whole 12 days of Christmas thing and had our traditional Christmas on January 1. </p><p>I thought that would be a good preparation for the inevitable day when we had kids who needed to visit inlaws on Dec. 25; we could do our celebrating later on and it wouldn't feel like we were changing tradition. Much, anyway. Now, with kids who live out of state and have to be back to work on January 2, New Year's Day doesn't work for celebrating anymore...they need travel time. But, no matter, we have almost a whole week to work with; this year we are gathering on the 28th.</p><p>And we needed three new stockings this year...two weddings and a new baby meant I needed to get crafting again. I have posted before about <a href="https://sewrandom.blogspot.com/2021/12/a-wee-bit-of-overdue-christmas-sewing.html" target="_blank">making stockings to match the original set we got in 1985</a>, but this year was different because one of the stockings had NOTHING for me to trace/ copy...I was on my own.</p><p>And I realized I don't have a moniker for the newest grandson, the Little Prince's Little Brother. I'm going to have to puzzle on that one for a bit; he's a corker of a kid at 10 months already. But, meantime, his was the easiest since it was just another Teddy Bear stocking...and I'd already made two of those. </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROUL526mwCT9wkxLLW9YohP9FjZpx4sPKHmzlWR6Cl6l7ZFwhclaU2P44RHCokT8OAVQF4zBmQiztrUQUrJY0sqIqVMmT5xvpwoRb5kXdkiBAX2xGx6HIqS1Gd6QsRgnaxxsABnBUClFWiw9hqRkP-AwsZbk508LmNaDPyxs2RNkhHYMSAaWjHA/s4032/PXL_20231226_213649629.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROUL526mwCT9wkxLLW9YohP9FjZpx4sPKHmzlWR6Cl6l7ZFwhclaU2P44RHCokT8OAVQF4zBmQiztrUQUrJY0sqIqVMmT5xvpwoRb5kXdkiBAX2xGx6HIqS1Gd6QsRgnaxxsABnBUClFWiw9hqRkP-AwsZbk508LmNaDPyxs2RNkhHYMSAaWjHA/s320/PXL_20231226_213649629.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">I was a bit perplexed over the Dancer's stocking...she's The Artist's new wife...but when I took a really good look at his stocking I realized it wasn't going to be any harder to replicate than the teddy bears. I just tweaked it a little...giving her horse blonde mane and tail and batty eyelashes, lol.</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFi2UW0s-hNiQsGDs9cyO-K9C0JqwKWVCNrKoH-xx8D9OJhvpyGlz48E_ONNrf_jUy_OMBdKUOXPes2O19qLIH-UDzuJCVqc3PE3QLaeGR2J1aZADHxQVvwtWWdnd9VWY5UZrWQjNoqxn6NaS_C_Ao3so7Vekf3VXXF5JZf9uMSYa3jb2qg864Nw/s2197/PXL_20231226_213402809.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2197" data-original-width="2197" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFi2UW0s-hNiQsGDs9cyO-K9C0JqwKWVCNrKoH-xx8D9OJhvpyGlz48E_ONNrf_jUy_OMBdKUOXPes2O19qLIH-UDzuJCVqc3PE3QLaeGR2J1aZADHxQVvwtWWdnd9VWY5UZrWQjNoqxn6NaS_C_Ao3so7Vekf3VXXF5JZf9uMSYa3jb2qg864Nw/s320/PXL_20231226_213402809.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p> But the Actor's stocking was the Jolly Old Elf himself...so his Little Redheaded Girl needed a legit Mrs. Claus on her stocking and I was stumped.<p></p><p>I took an applique pattern I'd used before to make stockings for my inlaws and also for My Sweet Babboo and me...Snowman/Snowlady...and adapted the Snowlady pattern but I wasn't happy with it. I did the other two first while I stewed about Mrs Claus. Last week, as I was finishing up the blonde rocking horse, The Princess was over looking at my handwork and I lamented to her about my lack of inspiration for the last one. So she did what I should have done...hit up Pinterest and found a felt applique (for sale, of course, not a pattern). It was quite different from my snowlady adaptation and I wasn't sure I was up to it, but she sent me the link to the picture just the same.</p><p>When I fnally couldn't put it off any longer, I pulled up the pinterest picture and decided it was worth a shot.</p><p>I think it turned out looking better than the modified snow lady would have...but it's still far from perfect. I had problems with the sewing order...the arms are UNDER the dress bodice but ON TOP OF the apron. And, yes, I messed it up and had to do a plan B but if I don't tell you what I did you probably can't tell, lol.</p><p>It'll do. If they have any kids, I will find a pattern for applique elves, lol.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNIZ1lUNW5ZD-ir6TuaCJ51w7d1TNS19XIS5C0Yk5Mq5xwfuttjfubPCvvw9uBvKE0nnTQNpVfN8ZI6WmB97lCxlhP-HZWBnIemhlpZoh2gmBw6SSyrPBfG7Fvxc9VFK7tslBXokQVnyhaTA3G7g_lGf8N6tgyuj7c5JOV1LJQDsakNKIRtCT3sA/s2428/PXL_20231226_213555331.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2428" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNIZ1lUNW5ZD-ir6TuaCJ51w7d1TNS19XIS5C0Yk5Mq5xwfuttjfubPCvvw9uBvKE0nnTQNpVfN8ZI6WmB97lCxlhP-HZWBnIemhlpZoh2gmBw6SSyrPBfG7Fvxc9VFK7tslBXokQVnyhaTA3G7g_lGf8N6tgyuj7c5JOV1LJQDsakNKIRtCT3sA/s320/PXL_20231226_213555331.jpg" width="299" /></a></div>So, here are the three stockings I made, pretty much since the first of the month, lol. Nothing like waiting till the last minute...again...<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Um6I1iV8aeqnlVd5jIkpZw5mx4p6LB3lXGeWMmB-cZQ2CxOS33zkPYgNV19VHZ0tcQx6NDnKmcqbx1BwqyEd-QmDThQVUzPKkaSLSZnEn0LR67LLxaq2O8dhqh8p99TXZo5eDTeFqnmnRcUCsj_O7udBQYp4wkSKVcIMeYVY8NSMo9tzQRBnBw/s4032/PXL_20231226_213757286.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Um6I1iV8aeqnlVd5jIkpZw5mx4p6LB3lXGeWMmB-cZQ2CxOS33zkPYgNV19VHZ0tcQx6NDnKmcqbx1BwqyEd-QmDThQVUzPKkaSLSZnEn0LR67LLxaq2O8dhqh8p99TXZo5eDTeFqnmnRcUCsj_O7udBQYp4wkSKVcIMeYVY8NSMo9tzQRBnBw/s320/PXL_20231226_213757286.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And I kept the stockings out of storage last year so I could work on them before the last minute...oy, the best laid plans...Then, I had a minor accident with the Actor's stocking and an uncapped marker...sigh. I managed to get the spot, which is fortunately on the back side, down to a rather large shadowy spot, but I'm not posting that, lol.<p></p><p></p><p></p><div>As a note, this year I actually noticed a manufacturer's tag in the stockings. Facepalm; I hadn't paid any attention to it at all in the past. They were made by Russ; I did a quick google search and actually found Ebay listings for the three original stockings ...Used Santa and Teddy Bears, selling for about $8 each, and New Rocking Horses (3 of those!). Selling for about $16 each. So they are not particularly valuable collector's items, lol.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Flute Player chuckled that I had no idea what I was getting myself into when we got those first three stockings...</div><div><br /></div><div>ETA...and here's a picture of the whole lot of them with their stockings. Prince Charming's is just barely visible behind the Princess....</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkds-Dl3ZrKZbHO5N-cvd_ywoVSmQLnFzGxSB1dzKy6KFYtTlrmq4VNKqKycghMqfFsDNcNfGIIq0jSBVF__DUA7JH1LS6-5LY41louMGlPH_EKdc7pFvYaar1cHIprGhpEiiBjaKkCHQduPANHv2f9r7xFGJGz4u6PqsEdYorMQst7YBGFCZvw/s2716/2023%20Stockings.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1912" data-original-width="2716" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkds-Dl3ZrKZbHO5N-cvd_ywoVSmQLnFzGxSB1dzKy6KFYtTlrmq4VNKqKycghMqfFsDNcNfGIIq0jSBVF__DUA7JH1LS6-5LY41louMGlPH_EKdc7pFvYaar1cHIprGhpEiiBjaKkCHQduPANHv2f9r7xFGJGz4u6PqsEdYorMQst7YBGFCZvw/s320/2023%20Stockings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Left to right: The Little Redhaired Girl (who is married to) The Actor: The Flute Player and her hubby The Jokester; The Artist and his wife The Dancer; The Little Prince, Prince Charming, The Princess and ...The Little Prince's Little Brother, who shall have a nickname before long....</div>Lisa Lareehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516986664460840579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18642968.post-74347067121483394532023-12-12T22:47:00.006-06:002023-12-22T19:26:52.759-06:00That was not the plan....<p> It has been an ...interesting...couple of weeks in these parts. I typed up a whole backstory and deleted it; it's tedious, lol. The upshot is that my hubby went to Indiana to help his mom, came down with covid after he arrived, and I tested positive for it myself after I found out he had it; I was on meds for a sinus infection after a negative covid test earlier. </p><p>So I spent last week at home with the cat. I didn't really feel bad, and I never developed the bad cough and sore throat that other folks have had, but I had zero stamina. Just walking up the stairs pooped me out. I did manage to get some of the Christmas decor up, around working from home, but the sewing stuff I intended to do last week just didn't happen.</p><p>But I got the lights swtiched around on the porch rail garland. That was a PAIN. Because, stupid me, I made assumptions.... I ASSUMED that the white lights I bought from Hobby Lobby were the equivalent of the colored lights I'd bought from Hobby Lobby and switched out all the purple lights with the white ones, only to find that it didn't work when I plugged them in (why didn't I check after switching one light? Well...it matched visually; I thought it was the same....bonehead move...). So I had to take all the white lights back off and put them back on their original string. Then I got a couple of the multi-color light strings that had been on the bushes two years ago and pulled red, green and yellow lights off and stuck them in the spots where the purple ones had been on the garland lights. I even switched out about 1/3 of the blue lights. Once I verified everything was working (I learn slowly but I do learn), I put the colored lights back on the garland, then I wrapped the white lights around the garland also.</p><p>More than one way to skin a cat, right?</p><p>The photo still looks a little blue but in real life the white makes it sparkle...I like it, even though it's a cooler white than I have on the bushes. My thumbnails have pretty much recovered.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRMCcAWkWmPQg8gEO5rt4p-v00n3iq91klVOTNHMLpWWsdI1De4dJrrAkKPNUpeSeFV33k5WY2A5VM4MvOzzEaNKz_RzzkA_lzOZQTZKcNcyd8lVzqk0dQCsmlYXzfInpavca3dJc9xIwFuuIAcuXRMM1mSTl0FvaXu-SNVWmVR5ouVvKoTFaIw/s3479/PXL_20231205_231343258.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1790" data-original-width="3479" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRMCcAWkWmPQg8gEO5rt4p-v00n3iq91klVOTNHMLpWWsdI1De4dJrrAkKPNUpeSeFV33k5WY2A5VM4MvOzzEaNKz_RzzkA_lzOZQTZKcNcyd8lVzqk0dQCsmlYXzfInpavca3dJc9xIwFuuIAcuXRMM1mSTl0FvaXu-SNVWmVR5ouVvKoTFaIw/s320/PXL_20231205_231343258.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We put the tree up before my Sweet Babboo left town, but it took me a while to get the needles it shed vacuumed up so I could put down the tree skirt and the traditional Christmas book selection (a tree's gotta have something under it, lol). The teardrop lights that failed utterly as outdoor lights last year look really nice on the tree, although I do have some mini incandescents on it too, so I can run the 4 ornament spinners... It is an artificial tree this year since it went up so early.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Czp-kwTut26bL6uBz8iIB9XkEyCGagoeTGV2d5GfVsN0ooZ7OyqNVW5-HY2eYpmgRPEZ6Wu2CCnLr6SVeylWxyAzgKpLQJPRvqHr-Bz-n8H0c9DL5_h75d050mqCBR0l-_ujRJchpGGhazjVP-1rKAXhaoGjWfOjGZ7jYpOyBhz-HHYkIEBgFg/s2687/PXL_20231205_061051105.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2687" data-original-width="1746" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Czp-kwTut26bL6uBz8iIB9XkEyCGagoeTGV2d5GfVsN0ooZ7OyqNVW5-HY2eYpmgRPEZ6Wu2CCnLr6SVeylWxyAzgKpLQJPRvqHr-Bz-n8H0c9DL5_h75d050mqCBR0l-_ujRJchpGGhazjVP-1rKAXhaoGjWfOjGZ7jYpOyBhz-HHYkIEBgFg/s320/PXL_20231205_061051105.MP.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><br /><div>We got a new tree-topper this year...I liked it when I got it but when we got it out of the box we found that it is one sided; the back is just lights and wrapped cord, lol. </div><div><br /></div><div>Later on I managed to get the rather pitiful throw-back tree up on the porch...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYEA7p4sDbsDctgyDiQnwCloFRqX_8y_N3G50pgrrhY7NWs6B2kC8EMvPE5Btye3RyiWM2fFgDLFVDQdKC5kXo7BW0SL_QWmIhsCIovuN6uaC7p0QzShlL07nI4YFrxLDV9irUJPFk3Tb_L0VUuKoK-Dn-BAJNeN5zGDg73BGlddaXu_OdPXQCw/s2370/PXL_20231207_235149256.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2370" data-original-width="1628" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYEA7p4sDbsDctgyDiQnwCloFRqX_8y_N3G50pgrrhY7NWs6B2kC8EMvPE5Btye3RyiWM2fFgDLFVDQdKC5kXo7BW0SL_QWmIhsCIovuN6uaC7p0QzShlL07nI4YFrxLDV9irUJPFk3Tb_L0VUuKoK-Dn-BAJNeN5zGDg73BGlddaXu_OdPXQCw/s320/PXL_20231207_235149256.jpg" width="220" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>My grandmother had an aluminum tree with a rotating light when I was little enough to believe in magic, lol. This one came from a hoarder's stash about 10 years ago. I don't know how long it will hold up but it is fun and nostalgic on the sun porch. About half the ornaments on it were some that my grandmother bought late in her life. </div><div><br /></div><div>I had to move furniture around in the family room to get what we call the 'stocking tree' up. We used a little tree by the fireplace to put the stockings around before My Sweet Babbo added the mantle; now we can hang the stockings but the tree is a tradition.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7IN_7lMS_p3BeTZPDz_kqLGwqtOSZrI1qk-7XPL9ol9-UoWjCzb50dObjFXwqY3MNjQ-GBoAI6PHIhCzklFVnhPc1M4rM404YUOsNPQA2sDII4GNerEE6fDcqc5k56iU6gEKSbrFaZikXrc4KrOcxX-T1JC8FC531p9ucMv7a1fZrdt52YOltQ/s4032/PXL_20231208_225035788.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7IN_7lMS_p3BeTZPDz_kqLGwqtOSZrI1qk-7XPL9ol9-UoWjCzb50dObjFXwqY3MNjQ-GBoAI6PHIhCzklFVnhPc1M4rM404YUOsNPQA2sDII4GNerEE6fDcqc5k56iU6gEKSbrFaZikXrc4KrOcxX-T1JC8FC531p9ucMv7a1fZrdt52YOltQ/s320/PXL_20231208_225035788.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div>Putting up the tree only takes about 45 minutes...and most of that is fussing with the multi function lights. But moving the furniture about did me in.</div><div><br />Each one of those tasks took a separate day. So, while I did putter around in the sewing room a couple of times, I don't really have much to show for it yet. <br /><p>But at least the house is mostly festive; I have a few household decorations that I opted to forgo this year.</p><p>I totally missed the church Christmas production this year. I wasn't able to be in it or really do much, due to the craziness of the fall, (koff two weddings and three out of town trips koff) but I did intend to hang out in the dressing room with safety pins and such if anyone needed costume help. But, nope, couldn't make it work. It has felt WEIRD, let me tell you....</p><p>But the retest was negative Sunday evening so I have been back at work this week. It was nice to hear an actual human voice, lol.</p><p>Now I just need to finish getting the Christmas Epistles out and sew up the stockings that are hanging over my head yet...I have two weeks...</p><p><br /></p><p>(Postscript: My dear MIL had apparently already had this particular variant or was protected by her booster or both as she did not contract it whilst My Sweet Babboo was holed up in the bedroom. He did wear a mask when he came out, but they did eat together, so I can't help but think she was exposed. So glad she is still healthy)</p></div>Lisa Lareehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516986664460840579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18642968.post-33474791173739130452023-11-13T21:46:00.008-06:002023-11-16T21:34:25.004-06:00Making Lemonade from Lemons: A non-sewing project...<p> Two years ago I looked at my Christmas lights...cheap ones from Hobby Lobby...and realized there's way too much purple in them. It kinda made the whole house look bluish/purple...we had snow on Jan 2 (following the high of 70 degrees then storms with tornado warnings on Jan 1), so I actually have a real, Christmas-looking picture here (This is RARE in Alabama...):</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRs_FlREbllDY7gcQdrhNtzfW1o-d-sd2cWBww7iDcg4Q8TYxIwtq8nVX2Rg0lIQ9ly3ESFwEBUYiCIKh5A6fNkshlc7XKq00xsJS2lp3sQKWfCxfFIQv-A8glsC9yaQ7pQfrYlpi2sKH_4fzrP_NzC8tibgqS79x3iIxx3FMoBzMKOVBWWYvnp93KXnAV/s4032/PXL_20220103_072028683.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRs_FlREbllDY7gcQdrhNtzfW1o-d-sd2cWBww7iDcg4Q8TYxIwtq8nVX2Rg0lIQ9ly3ESFwEBUYiCIKh5A6fNkshlc7XKq00xsJS2lp3sQKWfCxfFIQv-A8glsC9yaQ7pQfrYlpi2sKH_4fzrP_NzC8tibgqS79x3iIxx3FMoBzMKOVBWWYvnp93KXnAV/s320/PXL_20220103_072028683.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p><br /></p><p>So last year I went in search of some nice red, white and green lights. I found some that were recommended by a friend...pretty, tear-drop shaped lights. Ordered 7 strings to begin the switchover processes; can't afford to buy all the lights at once, lol. I put them on the bushes and left the Hobby Lobby lights on the railing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieV0oxdhzapcO_DceYIlB7SHUJZPYu3p1jrNVO-iSGMGS58dVAMXXsGMIBIBqIpFBpCl6RgqslFmukjm3gq5nuR-iJkE2j7qj-mgUycz1o59irQZQfUSynCHbp2p5tipz6n04b6c1bSwgIsGBl-ezlyJ0J6JGC56Gvgx5IPqt8ND9Q0WVnbs52hmpRVpnj/s4032/PXL_20221219_230935934.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieV0oxdhzapcO_DceYIlB7SHUJZPYu3p1jrNVO-iSGMGS58dVAMXXsGMIBIBqIpFBpCl6RgqslFmukjm3gq5nuR-iJkE2j7qj-mgUycz1o59irQZQfUSynCHbp2p5tipz6n04b6c1bSwgIsGBl-ezlyJ0J6JGC56Gvgx5IPqt8ND9Q0WVnbs52hmpRVpnj/s320/PXL_20221219_230935934.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>But before we took those lights down, about 3 strings of those lights on the bushes had half the string dark. And when we did take them down, a number of the pretty bulbs HAD WATER IN THEM. And, the teardrops were glass...pretty fragile glass...and a few were broken. A few more broke because they tapped each other as we were moving the lights around. Yes, the lights were rated for indoor/ outdoor use. Obviously, though, they weren't up to the elements. We spent a day plugging and unplugging lights and managed to get all but two of the strings working again but I can't put them outside and, TBH, I'm not sure they will work if we plug them in this year.</p><p>So I began another search for red/green/white LED lights for the front of the house. I have been looking since, oh, I dunno, July or August, for said lights. And have found nothing. Or at least, nothing I wanted; there were some that had, like, lime-green lights....nope.</p><p>With time running out, we went to Lowe's. Where I bought two strings of white, two strings of red, and two strings of green LED lights with the intention of just switching the dadgum lights around and make my own red/white/green light strings.</p><p>So, instead of doing the Christmas sewing that needs doing on my day off (since Veteran's Day was Saturday) today...I switched lightbulbs in half the string sets.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Lzl0qQsfO1dVRGER_gVF5X6hTuQVwCmfu6QXJfOKjnfdBqd8wJrQ2owVjUbvoNtr3p_d7ImTNV8Yxsl5yrH9jwDjgQKZGpnOzUSQxD2aqpM9mOpKiE6ZrgKddYenk1Laj9B6vzFeaOEzL6mpqQYyCo-XRtUt3lSIkG9_9zpSmItQBjzlxwOaBtrfwX37/s2268/PXL_20231114_031117885.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2184" data-original-width="2268" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Lzl0qQsfO1dVRGER_gVF5X6hTuQVwCmfu6QXJfOKjnfdBqd8wJrQ2owVjUbvoNtr3p_d7ImTNV8Yxsl5yrH9jwDjgQKZGpnOzUSQxD2aqpM9mOpKiE6ZrgKddYenk1Laj9B6vzFeaOEzL6mpqQYyCo-XRtUt3lSIkG9_9zpSmItQBjzlxwOaBtrfwX37/s320/PXL_20231114_031117885.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>That was way more complicated than it should have been. Turns out each string has five light sockets/ bulb bases that are larger than the other 95, so I had to be careful to NOT put a regular bulb into one of the larger ones; it doesn't make contact and the string won't light. I finally wised up and started marking the off-sized sockets and the bulb bases with a sharpie marker. I have a LED light repair kit, which includes a 'bulb puller'... a skinny little rounded fork thing to pop off the lights. It helped quite a lot, actually, but my fingers are still sore. I'll probably do the rest of them later this week, but now that I'm onto the peculiarities it should go faster than it did today.</p><p>I'm even thinking about buying some white lights from Hobby Lobby, to match the multicolored lights, and just switching out the purple lightbulbs; I think that will help warm up the garland. Might even be good enough that I won't have to switch the lightstrings on the garland.</p><p>Then I can decide what to do about the holly bushes in front of the porch...lol.</p><p>A PS....I went to add the labels and realized I had typed the whole post <a href="https://beerlahairoi.blogspot.com" target="_blank">ON THE WRONG BLOG.</a> </p><p>Copied all the HTML and pasted it in here, then deleted the other one...</p><p>Yup. It's Monday...</p>Lisa Lareehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516986664460840579noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18642968.post-684616052976836972023-11-04T10:39:00.000-05:002023-11-04T10:39:01.914-05:00A Quick? Favor for a Friend...<p> Not linking this post to social media, lol, since part of the deal of doing favors is that NO ONE ELSE hears about it.... </p><p>Anyway, I had a friend who had some bibbed insulated outerwear pants that were just a little too short in the torso. She's a tiny lady, and I'm not sure what size range these pants actually are, but she gave them to me last spring asking if I could add a bit to the shoulder straps so she had a bit more wearing ease. </p><p>I figured I would just add length to the adjustable strap so it would have more room but I wasn't in a hurry...after all, we were heading into summer, this is Alabama...in my midwest-raised brain, these were pants to be worn on a snow day. I told her I would do them the next time I had black thread in the machine.</p><p>Which was, of course, the MOTG lace dress. Got past the wedding, didn't sew anything because I had a mess to clean up.</p><p>The day before I left to go to Florida, she texted me wanting to know if her pants were done yet. It was going to be a bit chilly (read: lower 50's - upper 40's) for the fall festival outing at the local corn maze and she wanted to wear them.</p><p>Never occurred to me that someone would want to wear snow pants with the temps above freezing. The midwest is still strong in me at times, even after 40+ years in the South...</p><p>Well, I clearly couldn't do them before we left, so I told her it would be the first thing I did when we got back.</p><p>Looked at them Sunday night...literally the day we got home...and realized it wasn't going to be as easy as I thought. The adjustable straps were sewn in a loop around the buckle, like a bra strap. I couldn't do the modification the way I thought. I couldn't recreate that loop if I took it apart; no way my sewing machine could get in that tight spot to sew the end down.</p><p>What to do what to do what to do...</p><p>Wednesday it hit me...what if I lengthened the other side? Where the buckle comes up from the front?</p><p>Took a look and that was just a simple loop. So I got some black grosgrain ribbon on the way home from work Thursday, and yesterday it took me all of about 20 minutes to add 4" to the front of those straps.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnObZudU-CpfeD3Hox9AvbVkO16MtIsVIZdgFZa8rfDLD8AXRAHZ4PlTLN6bRvdn-ppIvlEPRDSLlQ1V-eOdcDGIlkIhv6AcD42D4QrmUat864Ni94YEAPLzeFfPounmWRKlP8aLlwQGALfoxmIrgxItmrtz8txxZJRwZjOYn01INQ1F7ipeLr9A/s4032/PXL_20231104_030847024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnObZudU-CpfeD3Hox9AvbVkO16MtIsVIZdgFZa8rfDLD8AXRAHZ4PlTLN6bRvdn-ppIvlEPRDSLlQ1V-eOdcDGIlkIhv6AcD42D4QrmUat864Ni94YEAPLzeFfPounmWRKlP8aLlwQGALfoxmIrgxItmrtz8txxZJRwZjOYn01INQ1F7ipeLr9A/s320/PXL_20231104_030847024.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p>She had told me she didn't care what it looked like; but I don't think this looks too bad....</p><p>Next up: Christmas stocking for the three people who were added to the family this year...gonna hafta get creative for those, too...</p>Lisa Lareehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516986664460840579noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18642968.post-50472676935657284122023-11-02T22:15:00.008-05:002023-11-03T09:07:13.232-05:00A bit of whimsy...<p> So, the last couple of weeks....</p><p>My Sweet Babboo is, as I have mentioned before, part of a historical group that recreates 18th century frontiersmen...it's an extension of the boys' ministry at our church.</p><p>And, a couple of weeks ago, this organization had its every-other-year Territorial Rendezvous...a 3-day frontiersman- era campout for all the guys in the Southeast Region.</p><p>And it just so happened that this event was at a facility that was about 15 minutes south of where our youngest daughter , AKA The Flute Player, now lives in Florida.</p><p>So you know I tagged along, and got dropped off at said daughter's for the weekend whilst hubby shot black powder rifles, bow and arrows, threw tomahawks, etc. in the woods.</p><p>After the campout, he picked me up...we took the kids out to dinner (her brother The Actor is now on staff at the same church, so he and his new wife are in the same area, which is convenient; we can see them all at the same place), then we drove up to Holiday Inn's Orange Lake Resort and checked in for the week. Timeshare points being put to use.</p><p>Now, this resort literally backs up to Animal Kingdom at Disney World. So we spent that week Doing Disney.</p><p>And, as it just also so happened, My Sweet Babboo's birthday happened to be Tuesday whilst he was there. And he wanted to do Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. So the kids came up and joined us and we were there from about 5 to midnight.</p><p>Now, this is a costumed thing. And we did it in 2019 when we did the very first family Disney trip. I managed to put together an Edna Mode costume,<a href="https://sewrandom.blogspot.com/2019/08/a-little-frivolity.html" target="_blank"> whacking up what had been intended as a wearable muslin for a Burda magazine dress</a>, but didn't get any good pictures then. But, hey, it's been 4 years, and it's a good costume, and it's just hanging in the closet...so I wore it again. And this time, I made sure my sweetie took a picture. He took two, actually, but one was dark and the other was over exposed. So...going with the dark one.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtIyywzr2G7pldVURwX7zz9p49a2gidhRdD_LqOuEAb4G4XA4sCseXvHoLeKeWqDFGOuAXmr6O_YLSlamYgrQO2503G3vpLJUvEQ_kxmfBX9m4TBbPcp1xZPdxjl4SIAA1xGOJ5yKJzs9Gov6_qkrGXYQgGH9GbKzMW1cL56uvcgWWyc27zVtXA/s4096/IMG_20231024_234329837.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtIyywzr2G7pldVURwX7zz9p49a2gidhRdD_LqOuEAb4G4XA4sCseXvHoLeKeWqDFGOuAXmr6O_YLSlamYgrQO2503G3vpLJUvEQ_kxmfBX9m4TBbPcp1xZPdxjl4SIAA1xGOJ5yKJzs9Gov6_qkrGXYQgGH9GbKzMW1cL56uvcgWWyc27zVtXA/s320/IMG_20231024_234329837.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>A couple of days later, I did a meet-and-greet with Edna Mode herself, lol, so you can see if I was close on my costume...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNvsXR7YXHaGTytrOlQuFa9GtZfFhCWbX6JZ9-c7rdNLyXtLvNz-j7z4IwBF-IRd46kuZUqzfv8AMoqz9SPxrj37PcYLubacTW4lox6raUOdL3NaIc6TiyP6c-50Jc27jSiIl9AaLf-5d06UFIbEmLT3CRdA5fzcC8C74f9FvpZd47H05LcbgMg/s5568/2023-10-26%20-%20Disneys%20Hollywood%20Studios%20-%20Pixar%20Plaza.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5568" data-original-width="3712" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNvsXR7YXHaGTytrOlQuFa9GtZfFhCWbX6JZ9-c7rdNLyXtLvNz-j7z4IwBF-IRd46kuZUqzfv8AMoqz9SPxrj37PcYLubacTW4lox6raUOdL3NaIc6TiyP6c-50Jc27jSiIl9AaLf-5d06UFIbEmLT3CRdA5fzcC8C74f9FvpZd47H05LcbgMg/s320/2023-10-26%20-%20Disneys%20Hollywood%20Studios%20-%20Pixar%20Plaza.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><p>I will likely forever be looking for opportunities to pull that out and wear it, lol. It's just too fun.</p><p>But...whoa, y'all. We were gone nearly two weeks, and jumped into a really busy week when we got home and...my laundry pile is as tall as I am, lol. I'm gonna have to excavate that mountain before I do any significant sewing again...</p></div>Lisa Lareehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516986664460840579noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18642968.post-19737438509664767572023-09-25T20:11:00.005-05:002023-09-29T11:15:30.899-05:00A Quick Reminisce on sewing a Lace Dress...<p> Late last Thursday night, as I was nearing the finish line, I commented something to My Sweet Babboo about the craziness it has been sewing three out of the four Mother Of The...dresses. The<a href="https://sewrandom.blogspot.com/2023/08/andafter-it-all.html" target="_blank"> Rayon Maxi dress </a>had zero drama, but the other three...oy, there was drama. With the <a href="https://sewrandom.blogspot.com/2011/09/thowin-up-some-photos.html" target="_blank">first one</a>...it was just my own bone-headedness, which included things like twisting the dress before I sewed in the invisible zipper. Then there was the<a href="https://sewrandom.blogspot.com/2021/06/wearing-wonky-dress.html" target="_blank"> Aunt Lena Quasimodo dress</a> I made for the Flute Player's wedding...but I am blaming those problems on the fabric.</p><p>Rayon crepe is bad enough when it's cut meticulously on grain. Cutting it cross grain, which I had to do because of the orientation of the print, just was hopeless.</p><p>And that brings us to the black lace dress...</p><p>My first problem was probably that I picked the wrong pattern. I picked a really fitted sheath dress...</p><p>Here's the pattern, which I actually purchased because I was smitten with the jacket:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkA5_BwQK8HQtKj_TxkOTqqZ9XKPmfllotaq1Ybtt-SzktiCha1tzobxiXOLJvEOfozaXmfg489we-GjLG57-P9GyB0mGqfj8QnFpo8YYmmJZGqeX4pxsnUDSgLEBUcEnHEcdIRy9Kyd23f1WwEgw7h94EWLN6ohzTZ_r5APlOSYdKWY6prkHgQ/s3508/V1643.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2480" data-original-width="3508" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkA5_BwQK8HQtKj_TxkOTqqZ9XKPmfllotaq1Ybtt-SzktiCha1tzobxiXOLJvEOfozaXmfg489we-GjLG57-P9GyB0mGqfj8QnFpo8YYmmJZGqeX4pxsnUDSgLEBUcEnHEcdIRy9Kyd23f1WwEgw7h94EWLN6ohzTZ_r5APlOSYdKWY6prkHgQ/s320/V1643.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The reviews I had read of this dress looked to have very nicely fitted shoulders/ upper chest. Bingo. I'd just leave those vertical darts out and maybe add a bit of width and I should be good to go, right?<p></p><p>Nope. LOOK at the curves in that dress. </p><p>I. Am. Not. Curvy. Like. That.</p><p>I had to straighten out the hip curves considerably after sewing up the first muslin and seeing the poufs I had. The second muslin was better but I probably would've gotten along MUCH better if I had just started with a less shapely pattern.</p><p>And, to be honest, I probably should have just made a black sandwashed silk dress and used the lace for a duster coat. Although I probably would have needed more lace fabric; I had bare inches of scraps left over after all was pieced up and done. </p><p>But...back to my lament to My Sweet Babboo about the drama. He just looked at me and said, "Why?"</p><p>And that pulled me up short. Why DID I do that to myself? Well...I hated to drop what would likely have been $250 bucks on the MOTG dresses I was eyeballing. (I got that lace at a significant sale price) And those RTW dresses were 100% polyester. My dress was poly lace over sandwashed silk, lined by rayon bemberg. Much nicer than just being wrapped in plastic.</p><p>And it fit. I think that was the biggest thing. The dress fit ME. </p><p>And for some strange reason, I just wanted to tackle a lace dress.</p><p>You know, I learned a lot. I'd never really tried this type of construction before. The Flute Player saw the dress just before it was finished...and gasped. 'How long did that take you???' </p><p>'A lot longer than I expected,' I replied. Then she spotted a scrap of the fabric and looked at it closely. 'OH! The fabric has the little dangly leafs. I thought you sewed all those on!'</p><p>Well, no wonder she was shocked, lol.</p><p>I have come to the conclusion that there must be a lot more engineering in the couture world; I think they must either engineer the patterns so that the seam lines hit the fabric just so or engineer the fabric so that it accommodates the pattern. Each of the little leaf motifs is sort of framed by scroll work and I ended up with several small void places...where I had to trim out the motif to sew a seam but there wasn't enough room to replace a motif in the now much smaller framed area after sewing the seam. Granted, it's not obvious with the black background but if you look closely you can spot them. And I just don't see any way to avoid that...unless the math was done before hand. But that would be way over my head, lol. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1_SRWz3c61ibzLWx9R1PIoxU14dJs_n6JlTcgqaUeuvrvSKUAa09PZSxv4OvpMEhXOe-llYxn8PDYiQ1waAqZfDt63se0eRpMH0VZWAUA6wCojywYQPIRnBwDweTHsYe2zRcBt7mnqD_YMjbi1ZwDbke5s85AaKJafcwyOgudC67p4UZ46osqw/s4032/PXL_20230921_215815424.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1_SRWz3c61ibzLWx9R1PIoxU14dJs_n6JlTcgqaUeuvrvSKUAa09PZSxv4OvpMEhXOe-llYxn8PDYiQ1waAqZfDt63se0eRpMH0VZWAUA6wCojywYQPIRnBwDweTHsYe2zRcBt7mnqD_YMjbi1ZwDbke5s85AaKJafcwyOgudC67p4UZ46osqw/s320/PXL_20230921_215815424.MP.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p>If you look close, you can see that I'm sewing down a motif that I had to trim away from the only conventional seam on the whole lace overlay. I just trimmed one side off, sewed the seam, and then tacked the loose side down. It overlaps the scroll work a bit but from a distance...on the black background...it doesn't show. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRid3Qg_3Wvg6zfwy-wfRV5CvckCaA-URCrBflgh1vUxkBdz_ZcxqG_GhvEUCHr-ELcW6KdyNz6HSpENKWOkFAPSB-K5FOdjxYLFk73nU8tDqd_WFUMN8aPMblPlv8TS31ndK8xyEVwI2F76-mfVYMsss4TIA1fNPql8-EnJZyS2Ee4t1VUrDWw/s4032/PXL_20230920_014854665.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRid3Qg_3Wvg6zfwy-wfRV5CvckCaA-URCrBflgh1vUxkBdz_ZcxqG_GhvEUCHr-ELcW6KdyNz6HSpENKWOkFAPSB-K5FOdjxYLFk73nU8tDqd_WFUMN8aPMblPlv8TS31ndK8xyEVwI2F76-mfVYMsss4TIA1fNPql8-EnJZyS2Ee4t1VUrDWw/s320/PXL_20230920_014854665.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p>But here's a repeat of a picture from an earlier post. The void spots jump out with the white background; there isn't room to attach a motif without overlapping another motif, which is lumpy. Fortunately they are not nearly so obvious with the matte black silk.</p><p> One of the things I learned... I am NOT a couture-level seamstress.</p><p>I *did* finish and it *did* look just fine and either no one noticed the void spots or they were polite enough to not mention them, lol. And, should a suitable occasion arise, I will happily wear it again. Assuming, of course, that it still fits at that point, lol.</p><p>Unfortunately, aside from the windblown picture I posted Saturday night...I don't have any pictures yet. </p><p>But now...I have a HUGE mess in my sewing room. It is staggering how many little motifs are EVERYWHERE. On the cutting table. On my sewing machine table. On the ironing board. All OVER the floor...I can't believe I cut that many off.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLNxjBxIjOhJilG2zZ9Rv_bw8bCbdom7VLeu3rZOdD1Ec13GgjCeloHWH2J78p7XfnlKM9PEoIaByRE8NKKyOqKTdmAfdz-eCZ0F4lcIhEpTRvPBbz87kt8XBlIMG1nem7GCfTDRLMTelxpuvL1Wd5Omhr065H5yBSQ2W5wKeb1zcVssC1WpDr0w/s4032/PXL_20230926_003432280.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLNxjBxIjOhJilG2zZ9Rv_bw8bCbdom7VLeu3rZOdD1Ec13GgjCeloHWH2J78p7XfnlKM9PEoIaByRE8NKKyOqKTdmAfdz-eCZ0F4lcIhEpTRvPBbz87kt8XBlIMG1nem7GCfTDRLMTelxpuvL1Wd5Omhr065H5yBSQ2W5wKeb1zcVssC1WpDr0w/s320/PXL_20230926_003432280.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p>And I did manage to throw a bunch of them in a little box as I was trimming, so ...crazy.</p><p>I have a dress to hem for a friend's daughter before I pull the black thread out of the machines. Gonna pin that up on Wednesday and sew it whilst My Sweet Babboo is off primitive camping this weekend. </p><p>So...I'll do that, and I'll clean up all the little leafy scraps. Gotta come up with something creative to do with those...somewhere down the line...</p>Lisa Lareehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516986664460840579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18642968.post-86742177314731129432023-09-23T21:58:00.005-05:002023-11-20T15:39:18.862-06:00In under the wire...<p> So that the Facebook thumbnail has a nice photo, here's a picture from the venue after last night's rehearsal dinner...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHI2klJM2lvMlFS759eC4Qlrhy04REvt-3sr_1dF1xQFENDbyAJBEktJp4_TTJYxE7m4c_Tz2_v7Y1hdGg2-BF7aryWPd_HB7C0Jjrjd35RSv7Q_4heuY5PigNsW6k4CFv4Dl7P0no2eE8RBFszhuNln89Tofc-Xj_ive7JvZhWQ_M_vi0IpnjOA/s4032/PXL_20230922_234042230.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHI2klJM2lvMlFS759eC4Qlrhy04REvt-3sr_1dF1xQFENDbyAJBEktJp4_TTJYxE7m4c_Tz2_v7Y1hdGg2-BF7aryWPd_HB7C0Jjrjd35RSv7Q_4heuY5PigNsW6k4CFv4Dl7P0no2eE8RBFszhuNln89Tofc-Xj_ive7JvZhWQ_M_vi0IpnjOA/s320/PXL_20230922_234042230.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p>It's a gorgeous spot, and the weather was perfect.</p><p>And yes, the dress did get finished. With time for me to hem a pair of pants for My Sweet Babboo.</p><p>But I did finish hemming his pants, changed clothes, slapped on some makeup and jumped in the car. </p><p>I might or might not have actually applied my lip color whilst hubby drove us to the park, which was about an hour away.</p><p>I will post thoughts on sewing the dress either tomorrow or Monday, but I'll post the picture My Sweet Babboo took for me before we did our official pics with the groom.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJr4fR4XkJqXHrNm9LGZ_kMLjpOOPoKBwcS4QYrixFQyqNYZL8epzswJ8M5kIku_CKH6BALRMv3kMgQxPBBm5tPrOd7uXBz4Igson5wGCVLGTaDemC9ZVyrGavwD1FQBLDge7oasTqCVAqm_8_lWfCDKYKUEn2LVelT5N-iBWoLzHGBmnhzNXUw/s4096/IMG_20230923_142210472.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJr4fR4XkJqXHrNm9LGZ_kMLjpOOPoKBwcS4QYrixFQyqNYZL8epzswJ8M5kIku_CKH6BALRMv3kMgQxPBBm5tPrOd7uXBz4Igson5wGCVLGTaDemC9ZVyrGavwD1FQBLDge7oasTqCVAqm_8_lWfCDKYKUEn2LVelT5N-iBWoLzHGBmnhzNXUw/s320/IMG_20230923_142210472.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>I will admit to laughing right out loud when I saw the picture...it was a wee bit breezy up there on that verandah.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1hlUawqcC4a8l8JdoOts1UAWGEsq7qEVIiFmK3dSWLggkYqp1jy3zZAcwuNZiquV1CBrtUsLSTqeEenKnveYTqBqJZn9C8pVTZasZj8btT26cUedAZ955OaUBWD_cMt4Fo6MVaJcfDoeR1ZRKwcQFeAxchkrKgqAoqs5cslM0Q-Ro7tAymSTIQ/s3546/20230923_150934.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3546" data-original-width="2074" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1hlUawqcC4a8l8JdoOts1UAWGEsq7qEVIiFmK3dSWLggkYqp1jy3zZAcwuNZiquV1CBrtUsLSTqeEenKnveYTqBqJZn9C8pVTZasZj8btT26cUedAZ955OaUBWD_cMt4Fo6MVaJcfDoeR1ZRKwcQFeAxchkrKgqAoqs5cslM0Q-Ro7tAymSTIQ/s320/20230923_150934.jpg" width="187" /></a></div><br /><p><i>Photo by his sister, The Princess, since I stuck my phone in my purse and didn't pull it out.</i></p><p>The wedding went very well, but my sly son pulled one over on his family.</p><p>He had made a playlist for the ceremony. Now, The Artist is an audiophile...I mean, he listens to music on vinyl...he is PICKY about his music. And he had his younger brother running the blue tooth speaker with the playlist he had loaded onto an old phone. At one point in the ceremony, they went aside to a table set up with a unity rope to braid and communion elements, and while they braided the rope music was playing under the pastor who was doing a reading. When the reading finished and they moved to communion, the volume on the music came up and...</p><p>I recognized a recording he'd done of the family singing the Doxology as a meal blessing a few years back when we were all up in Indiana at my in-laws for dinner.</p><p>Not fair.</p><p>But then he upped the ante...that was followed by a similar recording done on Christmas Day in, maybe, 2016? of all of us singing the Seven Fold Amen, following a carol sing around the piano in the living room. </p><p>Cue the waterworks. I was FINE, y'all, until he pulled that. And everyone BUT us and his siblings knew what was coming. They even had the photographer positioned to get our reaction to hearing that.</p><p>But what was going through my mind was all the family members who weren't there today...who were singing at his wedding.</p><p>Scuse me whilst I find some kleenex....</p><p><br /></p><p><i>ETA ...I have since learned that the particular recordings he played were captured more recently than the dates mentioned above. But, you know, it's the thought that counts...and it was still the same people, so...yeah. </i></p>Lisa Lareehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516986664460840579noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18642968.post-2421924130835339452023-09-20T00:44:00.006-05:002023-09-20T00:46:30.823-05:00And...we're going down to the wire (as per usual)<p> I had enough hours in at work this pay period that I could actually stay home today and sew.</p><p>And, boy howdy, it's a good thing I did.</p><p>The dress shell and lining are done to the facings. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtRcmoWai0NlMlkZvyRbKTFkviISe3gV-kukEb032AtsEo53uys8OmGbszDKqYfhmT-sfWhMK7KSylCxUkn_r6OELUIp7wnOdiK14HrRk6iRuoxoO4EGAVL6jpwSsaWz2jWWyzTVnyRmuDo_Kk2Q-rilQiwi0wsphkUsttq_MdLbJXMTBs-fPog/s4032/PXL_20230920_015222569.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtRcmoWai0NlMlkZvyRbKTFkviISe3gV-kukEb032AtsEo53uys8OmGbszDKqYfhmT-sfWhMK7KSylCxUkn_r6OELUIp7wnOdiK14HrRk6iRuoxoO4EGAVL6jpwSsaWz2jWWyzTVnyRmuDo_Kk2Q-rilQiwi0wsphkUsttq_MdLbJXMTBs-fPog/s320/PXL_20230920_015222569.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p></p><p>I was pretty pleased with the dress so far. It fit well, felt good, and draped very nicely. Sandwashed silk over bemberg lining is VERY nice, y'all.</p><p>All I needed to do was put together the lace overlay and then tack it down to the zipper opening and back vent, then put on the facings.</p><p>It sounds so simple... 'put together the lace overlay'.</p><p>I started to do the center back seam, then realized it would be a WHOLE lot better to do the long side seams first, while everything was flat.</p><p>Ya'll, it took about two hours for each of the side seams. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsZg8RFkZzH0wJ_Z92rN_bPQGUzSF7GExaE2YjuFCO8TUTbuM4mmjUJo888NGclV7Hks8aLENEohWttEkMUmlhzjDGuWWYgUfeTDk8INJPxxM6ltvesqYddYY821wUr8YDSjvedO7RLNBcAu4ub09hfjTGxXa08lZfv0Wn6smBET8jjX30pVChQ/s4032/PXL_20230920_014905450.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsZg8RFkZzH0wJ_Z92rN_bPQGUzSF7GExaE2YjuFCO8TUTbuM4mmjUJo888NGclV7Hks8aLENEohWttEkMUmlhzjDGuWWYgUfeTDk8INJPxxM6ltvesqYddYY821wUr8YDSjvedO7RLNBcAu4ub09hfjTGxXa08lZfv0Wn6smBET8jjX30pVChQ/s320/PXL_20230920_014905450.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First, line up the traced seam allowances. Then baste along the scroll lines. Then zigzag on top of the basting. Then trim away the excess on both sides. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Only it's black thread on black lace and I couldn't see diddly squat. On the first one I actually got turned around and started sticthing back the way I came. On the second seam I marked the directions with pins after I basted.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It doesn't look too bad...</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpPjmzs-DDWJY7ZSskUkofm2VGK87cr9MOCmvokvgkNqIgA_riCowNubo5Hpid7QhBAThoq4tA6l1MXGyejNes_ogKHIVM39BRUrgiGHN0kyWSeAOeHT84noRJVezaoBdsMbM4D2o4_MW7VT7mGIS7CRrfNBPNyPIU_wTjjsVVtb4A_hokZbI_A/s4032/PXL_20230920_014854665.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpPjmzs-DDWJY7ZSskUkofm2VGK87cr9MOCmvokvgkNqIgA_riCowNubo5Hpid7QhBAThoq4tA6l1MXGyejNes_ogKHIVM39BRUrgiGHN0kyWSeAOeHT84noRJVezaoBdsMbM4D2o4_MW7VT7mGIS7CRrfNBPNyPIU_wTjjsVVtb4A_hokZbI_A/s320/PXL_20230920_014854665.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I did the back kinda the same way, only just between the bottom of the zipper and the top of the vent. I didn't trim anything because I wanted to see how it lined up with the dress back first.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zR-ZKOlX0OFjwHA5cJlHGiRbwkHgck00OkLKu_UWk7p9eh42uJ8ZbOCihQg_t3Vy8S70NSH4QwUkFTIclD3dXD6ATYlNnX0YqN6Objet9Ixf2BeuL1ga7SbTd4W19Si8Mu-qTB8M4o6kc-nHdw-1Q-mN6e1y8oCxeeTRY5NfLeM7spUlGY-oqA/s4032/PXL_20230920_033054953.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zR-ZKOlX0OFjwHA5cJlHGiRbwkHgck00OkLKu_UWk7p9eh42uJ8ZbOCihQg_t3Vy8S70NSH4QwUkFTIclD3dXD6ATYlNnX0YqN6Objet9Ixf2BeuL1ga7SbTd4W19Si8Mu-qTB8M4o6kc-nHdw-1Q-mN6e1y8oCxeeTRY5NfLeM7spUlGY-oqA/s320/PXL_20230920_033054953.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p>Then it was time for the shoulders...and disaster struck</p><p>Somehow I got whopperjawed. After I basted, zigzagged, and trimmed the first side, I realized I'd sewn the left back shoulder to the right front shoulder.</p><p>So now it's 12:40 AM. The bobble was unpicked, compared to the pattern, overlayed correctly, basted again, zigzagged and trimmed again.</p><p>I put the overlay on top of the dress shell and it looks nice but... I think I'm going to unpick the back seam and do a conventional seam It's going to be too hard to transition from the folded-under-stitched-to-the zipper bit to the trimmed lapped seam to the back vent. The seam allowance isn't too noticeable with the matte black silk behind it. I'd post a picture but my phone battery died just as I was lining things up.</p><p>And...tomorrow is pretty much a non-sewing day, although I might get the back zigzag stitching removed and the motifs trimmed from the back seam allowance.</p><p>I think I'm going to do a short work day on Thursday so I can finish...I hope.</p><p>The Wedding is Saturday...Deep Breaths...</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Lisa Lareehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516986664460840579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18642968.post-22636253073743483322023-09-16T19:30:00.006-05:002023-09-16T22:06:03.469-05:00Piece work<p> I have spent most of the day hunched over the cutting table, thread tracing my lace, and then working on piecing the shoulders in.</p><p>My back is killing me at the moment. So, by way of taking a bit of a break, I'll document the process, lol.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVSwfkny9-jGKEOMwKlYPwNEQQwjKj14wYivqP-bD-U_6PkbxBDPTKsMqpqKh5PukW_Od0gieqxu-n6doF0HFhMNg1i0A8i4UHaZkF5wM5m_TACnwVN29SsAk8LAZ7xMCXau2VHvCcdkvyPZJFa8Md3keymagN84rAoVa8hqs67UlqYvXANPWlRQ/s4032/PXL_20230916_025618835.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVSwfkny9-jGKEOMwKlYPwNEQQwjKj14wYivqP-bD-U_6PkbxBDPTKsMqpqKh5PukW_Od0gieqxu-n6doF0HFhMNg1i0A8i4UHaZkF5wM5m_TACnwVN29SsAk8LAZ7xMCXau2VHvCcdkvyPZJFa8Md3keymagN84rAoVa8hqs67UlqYvXANPWlRQ/s320/PXL_20230916_025618835.jpg" width="180" /></a></div></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had to fold the lace so the blue thread tracing would show up, lol.</div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW178L13wJ6fdXqkVjD8lESuJY5o_ZT4Z13WQl6KAR403_rJ8oKKspiRNzu0zLzCNx3AmWIApvpVgOVcecVtcXuzJUQoqPW-xPaDJ-wG3LhupM4Lg2482zYgq4y-oJWYwtTZaV2ltjITx8UWVIssVbQfvFlO7sMvC3ESpDgZ6nu6Gi54h9sDIt0g/s4032/PXL_20230916_183019366.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After I thread traced the front and both backs, I rough cut everything out so I would have the scrap bits to use to fill in the shoulders. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvil3IkuqhZa4AYctZrrVW73fdYGbA4R1RKzMGon_Yu9FyddEZ5h-3btiNviz4gzc6-mSQ2TBc-jkLmOBH9UKWwQ8gpPNK7MyNNfVIBAcQv-YaAtu-IwzYIo-zaq9UqBp3HKcUHWxoKB8SBRWomEUFaA6YmFDr8BfjFVkKFYjqcuWu3-o10RLjsA/s4032/PXL_20230916_185929365.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvil3IkuqhZa4AYctZrrVW73fdYGbA4R1RKzMGon_Yu9FyddEZ5h-3btiNviz4gzc6-mSQ2TBc-jkLmOBH9UKWwQ8gpPNK7MyNNfVIBAcQv-YaAtu-IwzYIo-zaq9UqBp3HKcUHWxoKB8SBRWomEUFaA6YmFDr8BfjFVkKFYjqcuWu3-o10RLjsA/s320/PXL_20230916_185929365.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is an interesting lace; the leaf motifs are only attached by about five threads; they are free floating otherwise. I had to trim all the motifs from the underlap area of the added bit....and I will be trimming them out of all the seam allowances as well.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikEnIaH4nHuPRYsX5-Xk96AqlklnUiKMmOcllCW1AgHE7loZ7GkZthntkjvwwT6i99_UrwjS3hV7zUbzIKnoLHc3_KBkxBIUqFTM8LDoAE8n-kJ23-jM6S_J8xsWQWoOzLh3TKU7IyIpOmpFQvX1BSSmLcTb9-brCYzWbUBs2efpko4Mbuynhywg/s4032/PXL_20230916_190946220.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikEnIaH4nHuPRYsX5-Xk96AqlklnUiKMmOcllCW1AgHE7loZ7GkZthntkjvwwT6i99_UrwjS3hV7zUbzIKnoLHc3_KBkxBIUqFTM8LDoAE8n-kJ23-jM6S_J8xsWQWoOzLh3TKU7IyIpOmpFQvX1BSSmLcTb9-brCYzWbUBs2efpko4Mbuynhywg/s320/PXL_20230916_190946220.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFbuOhdrG6N9N0dXqNfjBKQV7OkEHFhkpFxGfb8kvO_GEUBuKbiPx7Sd_EQM0tQiBHnWKLPVyH9kCn0qNdFdguGFHZjTmVB_Ut80MXWnnfmz5o8tfnTnFxa3A5b922Gc0WBvKL2F3YyzHG-wh01qm5_RrydEnP-L7FA3BzPJU4MQdocCHJLBfWQQ/s4032/PXL_20230916_190300523.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFbuOhdrG6N9N0dXqNfjBKQV7OkEHFhkpFxGfb8kvO_GEUBuKbiPx7Sd_EQM0tQiBHnWKLPVyH9kCn0qNdFdguGFHZjTmVB_Ut80MXWnnfmz5o8tfnTnFxa3A5b922Gc0WBvKL2F3YyzHG-wh01qm5_RrydEnP-L7FA3BzPJU4MQdocCHJLBfWQQ/s320/PXL_20230916_190300523.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /></div>Matched up the motifs with the pieced area underneath. I hand sewed the scrollwork...basically permanent basting, because after I hand sewed it, I ran it through the sewing machine, zigzaging over that stacked curvy line.<div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDpgBVDMB57EBDERrR50FqaAqKBbivbuApr8DLl3x3UKazyARLPZibdlgBtdUSQSFyVQWih7ULcKfmdLuylpSXgKXQOGfY1PmVlntFSzd1fP8CLLNdPq9GGqUUnx_ABdZXYuScKWC3n0YVtEfXT8zZqhBiUq3ZONTETKwu_HDEBf5do8EODEF3lA/s4032/PXL_20230916_183019366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDpgBVDMB57EBDERrR50FqaAqKBbivbuApr8DLl3x3UKazyARLPZibdlgBtdUSQSFyVQWih7ULcKfmdLuylpSXgKXQOGfY1PmVlntFSzd1fP8CLLNdPq9GGqUUnx_ABdZXYuScKWC3n0YVtEfXT8zZqhBiUq3ZONTETKwu_HDEBf5do8EODEF3lA/s320/PXL_20230916_183019366.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Then I trimmed up the under/ overlap. The design is not quite consistent; some of the scrollwork didn't match up exactly. But with the black underlay that is not going to show.<p></p><br /></div><div>Then I laid the pattern back over the piece and finished thread tracing the shoulders.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have done both the back pieces and the front is about half done. It's about a 4" repeat...I BARELY had scraps big enough to fill in all four shoulder bits, because I had to match the peculiar slant of the motifs.</div><div><br /></div><div>But 'barely'...is enough. Whew.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am saving all the little leaf things that I'm trimming off; if I need to sew a few on after it's assembled to fill in gaps where things had to be removed from the seam...I have PLENTY.</div>Lisa Lareehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516986664460840579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18642968.post-38974271314653863742023-09-12T22:39:00.004-05:002023-09-12T22:39:46.734-05:00Deja vu....<p> Welp, I <a href="https://sewrandom.blogspot.com/2023/05/so-much-for-productivity.html">did it again.</a></p><p>This time it was a rotary cutter.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOoCH8wj8vgZszf2m9QqA7YQbEcUxVjW8bfMX4wcMlsvPEzDa_HUQD5dPbRL7HbmTk7R9ihAoLM5V_ilt_nW_uDLK29fMjvLeLJO1vD9eaUR7hlnIeBqmcrm0cZyBkGaB2A0XveGlkC8dBTOY77vkjiXSVDI1QDCJ4_x5ewWTfBkwpctsvo99Zww/s3264/PXL_20230912_031954823.MP%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="1836" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOoCH8wj8vgZszf2m9QqA7YQbEcUxVjW8bfMX4wcMlsvPEzDa_HUQD5dPbRL7HbmTk7R9ihAoLM5V_ilt_nW_uDLK29fMjvLeLJO1vD9eaUR7hlnIeBqmcrm0cZyBkGaB2A0XveGlkC8dBTOY77vkjiXSVDI1QDCJ4_x5ewWTfBkwpctsvo99Zww/s320/PXL_20230912_031954823.MP%5B1%5D.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p>I don't even know how it happened; somehow, whilst cutting the very tight inner curve on the front facing, I caught the far side of my left pinky and cut right through the fingernail. Then my fingernail wrapped up in the blade and tore loose from the nail bed...I think. I have a nick on my actual finger, a horizontal cut into the fingernail that suddenly goes up at an angle and then turns again parallel to the first one. I don't know how much of my finger underneath is cut...or if it just ripped up the nail. I wasn't going fast with the cutter, but it was a brand new blade, 'cause I was cutting silk...</p><p>It's going to take that puppy a minute to grow out. Gonna be a nice look for the wedding next weekend. :rolleyes:</p><p>So I didn't finish cutting the silk shell out until tonight.</p><p>But.. I have the lining put together, and I got the darts in the front and the back seam ready for the zipper. before I decided it was time to quit before I messed something up.</p><p>The next two days are pretty full; I'm going to try and get the zipper in after I get home tomorrow, then I can put the front and the back together on Thursday...and maybe get it hemmed. Then Friday morning I can baste the lining in...and start the process of cutting and piecing the lace.</p><p>I'm gonna be hand sewing all weekend. And maybe Monday and Tuesday evenings.</p><p>At least the bummed up pinky shouldn't interfere with that too much.</p>Lisa Lareehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516986664460840579noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18642968.post-60944316010656814832023-09-06T23:11:00.004-05:002023-09-06T23:11:27.377-05:00It's gonna be a puzzle...<p> I've got the patterns with the final edits...it's not perfect but I haven't got time to tweak it four more times for perfect. I think it's going to be at least as good as ready-to-wear, so I'm calling it good enough.</p><p>And crossing my fingers that the final fabric doesn't do something weird that wasn't showing in the cotton muslin, lol.</p><p>But I do have a dilemma. My lace is a very scant 40" wide.</p><p>Which means I have this problem:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzgAn4PPu4VLxaz8HVlu9IHS4A6pKMHLLipVcBf_Igli4wUt0HHcUJUV805hd0Wewxki4j1Wz3l4-YUGfCTM0VWBGv6emdjb1tA_wj3w8Kj1m0hT8yEa8O8ReLMnwpQX4Olxr0YUOWM-tEYP7BITYnXIq_ZBum6uPPdGvogwsrLbonCMHdW334Q/s4032/PXL_20230907_025421574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzgAn4PPu4VLxaz8HVlu9IHS4A6pKMHLLipVcBf_Igli4wUt0HHcUJUV805hd0Wewxki4j1Wz3l4-YUGfCTM0VWBGv6emdjb1tA_wj3w8Kj1m0hT8yEa8O8ReLMnwpQX4Olxr0YUOWM-tEYP7BITYnXIq_ZBum6uPPdGvogwsrLbonCMHdW334Q/s320/PXL_20230907_025421574.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>I put the pattern on just to see how things were going to work. The hemline is at the bottom, but the top kinda runs off the edge.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgHGLEiCaYoW8sX6MqwyyHWUcf5scTzs29EowqJVnRKN6U3QSk0UxVO-DTuLQdItpTpsM0OA0XpG9TCA9GOJG5_-cnhf11doOCHDXF488EqJmyeX2AyHbn9fGLDrrbxICqJuKAKhfv7lLJjrmu_R897DRlzsBWgghuY-xyhJ6NSnnQMOsTGICLw/s4032/PXL_20230907_025658931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgHGLEiCaYoW8sX6MqwyyHWUcf5scTzs29EowqJVnRKN6U3QSk0UxVO-DTuLQdItpTpsM0OA0XpG9TCA9GOJG5_-cnhf11doOCHDXF488EqJmyeX2AyHbn9fGLDrrbxICqJuKAKhfv7lLJjrmu_R897DRlzsBWgghuY-xyhJ6NSnnQMOsTGICLw/s320/PXL_20230907_025658931.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>I have been puzzling over this. all day. Finally, driving home from work, I recollected that two years ago I <a href="https://sewrandom.blogspot.com/2021/06/crossing-my-fingers.html" target="_blank">added 6" to the girth of a bridesmaids dress</a> with crazy piecing. I figure if I can do that, I can piece a bit on the shoulders.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNWpaVPvnAs4KfaAWrqSdSJ8iym1J_mbWOdqQwm9h2-kj2Vkd50mIfYTqzOIXkXWI2i6E4oexSexVV04LMMiHMry6pKQOXgfoWtH058w5sMGp-dUAhwFSgDX-R20crHQxJptGTPcz2T4FnXjXeyPfKQphKIutCyEyybQsqTmZ47EWUhi169SEvQ/s4032/PXL_20230907_025928827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNWpaVPvnAs4KfaAWrqSdSJ8iym1J_mbWOdqQwm9h2-kj2Vkd50mIfYTqzOIXkXWI2i6E4oexSexVV04LMMiHMry6pKQOXgfoWtH058w5sMGp-dUAhwFSgDX-R20crHQxJptGTPcz2T4FnXjXeyPfKQphKIutCyEyybQsqTmZ47EWUhi169SEvQ/s320/PXL_20230907_025928827.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p>The underfabric is a sandwashed silk with a gorgeous drape that's been in the stash for...ages.... I think any piecing should disappear right into that matte background. </p><p>It's going to be lined with a lightweight Bemberg.</p><p>I also made a tracing with no seam allowances; I will lay that on the lace and thread trace the seams. I am probably going to be sewing the lace overlayer pretty much by hand.</p><p>But this weekend is the annual women's conference at church...so not much sewing is likely to happen. I will probably cut and sew...at least as far as I can...the lining and the underlayer before I cut the lace. If it turns into a disaster, I will omit the lace and just have a black silk dress. </p><p>I may splurge on a dressy jacket if that happens. But I'm hopeful it will work.</p><p>The wedding is two weeks from Saturday. Deep breaths.</p>Lisa Lareehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516986664460840579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18642968.post-87227760952552879312023-09-05T18:51:00.000-05:002023-09-05T18:51:17.791-05:00Serial Fun - Final Installment (13)<p> <i>So we arrive at the conclusion of the matter. I really thought I could do it in five or six chunks; I find it highly amusing that we finish with 13, lol. If you haven't read the whole thing, click <a href="https://sewrandom.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Real%20Fairy%20Godmother" target="_blank">HERE,</a> and read from the bottom up. Thanks for indulging me as I did one more edit through the manuscript. I have no idea if I will ever do anything else with this, but I have enjoyed sharing it.</i></p><p><i>I am pretty sure I will have some real sewing content tomorrow, lol.</i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHJyrfPt1yhqvfeyIqjT9UBWUNiIPeJf_CeCzhSgpDkNqtVVEMRcEUl9_5-ccUv6hQHFmOEy0uSWVjqipTOLYj_Utro5KvCapNCms-snfIa7aWDRGfOCkopI1fRnJprHrzXuddPKjZLsUwQoSdaiI0NHk-7Fd5d3VUtLNAMJrzySNa7QoPDT13A/s4032/Day%205%20004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHJyrfPt1yhqvfeyIqjT9UBWUNiIPeJf_CeCzhSgpDkNqtVVEMRcEUl9_5-ccUv6hQHFmOEy0uSWVjqipTOLYj_Utro5KvCapNCms-snfIa7aWDRGfOCkopI1fRnJprHrzXuddPKjZLsUwQoSdaiI0NHk-7Fd5d3VUtLNAMJrzySNa7QoPDT13A/s320/Day%205%20004.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>To the Princess, waiting in the carriage,
it seemed that Gregory and Godfrey were in the manor house for an eternity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’d brought a small embroidery project to occupy
her time but was having great difficulty in keeping her mind on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one point the door opened, and Rita leaned
forward eagerly only to see Henry, the page, come out and speak to a pair of
the soldiers who had accompanied the carriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They handed their horse’s reigns to two of their comrades and went into
the manor house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they’d gone, Rita called
softly through the one of the open carriage windows, “Henry!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Having completed his errand, Henry
turned to her and handed her the velvet pillow through the open window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Your Highness?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What is going on in there?” Rita
queried with the barest touch of impatience as she stuffed the pillow into the
corner behind her back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s taking forever!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Henry grinned and shook his
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The Grand Duke is putting the old
lady in her place, and the two snooty girls with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s done it up proper, I’d say.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Did you see Isabella?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita was fighting the urge to go and peek in
the window.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Aye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’ll all be out soon, I guess.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita sighed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I certainly hope so.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She relaxed back into her seat and
half-heartedly returned her attention to the embroidery. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She frowned and told herself that she <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">would</i> stitch until someone came out of
the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, no sooner had she re-established
herself with her place in the pattern than a movement caught her eye and she
saw Henry hurry to the door to relieve Gregory of something he was carrying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita dropped her work onto the seat when she
recognized Isabella’s trunk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Henry took
it from Gregory, who turned to offer Isabella a hand down the front step.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Grand Duke followed Isabella out of the
house and shut the door firmly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita bit
her lip in excitement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’d done
it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isabella was free!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Henry carefully placed Isabella’s
trunk onto the carriage luggage rack as the footman opened the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isabella gathered her skirts, shifted the
slipper she was carrying and took the footman’s hand...then stopped in shock
when she saw the Princess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Rita!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gasped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“How did you get here?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita was very nearly bouncing on the
seat in delight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Get in!” she urged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll tell you all about it!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella took a deep breath -- the
day was feeling less and less like reality -- climbed into the carriage and sat
down opposite Rita.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Godfrey climbed in
next and sat down beside Isabella.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
smiled at her sympathetically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is your
head spinning?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He asked as Gregory picked
up the embroidery from the seat, handed it to Rita and took his seat beside his
sister.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As the footman closed the carriage
door, Isabella smiled ruefully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">has</i> been rather...” her voice trailed
off as she looked at the Prince and Princess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sitting side by side, the sibling resemblance between them was obvious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rita</i>
that Prince Gregory had reminded Isabella of at the ball...<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that</i> was why he looked so familiar...<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Seeing her confusion, Gregory spoke
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Isabella, I don’t believe you have
been properly introduced to this impetuous young lady.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May I present to you my little sister,
Princess Gwendolyn Marguerite Prudence Genevieve Anne...whom I usually refer to
as Rita.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita giggled at Isabella’s
wide-eyed astonishment.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Your sister!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isabella exclaimed as the carriage rolled
down the manor house drive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Rita, why
didn’t you tell me?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Sheepish now, Rita looked down at her
embroidery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was afraid you’d be
intimidated by the title, and I just wanted to be a plain friend.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She glanced up at Isabella and smiled mischievously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It all worked out, didn’t it?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella took a deep breath and
glanced around at the three of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was finally sinking into her that the misery of the past five years was truly
and forever at an end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To her surprise,
tears flooded her eyes and spilled down her cheeks. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gave a queer kind of sobbing chuckle as
she self-consciously wiped her tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Yes,” she sniffed, “It all worked out.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Godfrey pulled his handkerchief from
his pocket and gave it to Isabella.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m
sorry to have shocked you like this.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella sniffed again, thankfully
took the handkerchief and, trying to stave off what felt very close to an
embarrassing emotional breakdown, buried her face in the fine linen square and
took several deep shuddering breaths. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At
long last, she raised her face and wiped her eyes. Finally, she smiled ruefully
at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll be all right. Really.” She
sniffed again and wiped her eyes once more before continuing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“In all honesty, I don’t know how else you
could have done it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked around
at them again. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, she looked squarely at Rita.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Rita, I don’t know what to say to you...”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita grinned at her. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t say anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m just glad you’ll be living at the palace
for now.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Isabella,” Gregory frowned, “There’s
one thing I’m curious about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">did</i> Lady Alicia call you ‘Cinderella’?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella winced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That was the nickname they called me
virtually all the time.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cinderella</i>
was your nickname?” Rita asked incredulously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Why ever did they call you that?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella sighed and took another deep
breath. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I suppose it will have to be
told sooner or later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see, my room
up in the tower was drafty and cold in the wintertime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first winter after my father died, I
carried a small coal brazier up to try and keep some heat up there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to keep putting coal on it, though, and
it seemed like I was forever having to run all the way down to the cellar for
more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, one day I decided I’d take
several loads up and pile them by my door, so I’d have some close by if the fire
burned low at night. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was carrying up
the last of it when I ran into Hortense and Eugenia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was really a mess after shoveling all that
coal around, and they were laughing at how dirty I was.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isabella’s voice changed, mimicking the mocking
tone of her stepsisters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“‘There goes
her Ladyship Isabella in her finest attire!’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hortense said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eugenia laughed
and replied, ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Isa</i>bella?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looks more like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cinder</i>ella to me!’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They both
thought it was a great joke and the nickname stuck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t long before that was all they ever
called me.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No wonder you hated it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita commented softly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a moment of silence as the carriage
turned into the palace drive.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Finally, Godfrey spoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Isabella, I feel responsible for your trouble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I had checked into Lady Alicia’s story,
you would have been spared much. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope
that my wife and I and,” Godfrey couldn’t resist a glance at Gregory, “The rest
of us can get you re-established again in society.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He paused before continuing, in a rather choked
voice, “Your father was my closest friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I will do everything in my power to make up for letting him down as I have.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella smiled shyly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Right now, I’m content just to be <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">away</i> from...them.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The carriage pulled up to the palace and stopped
as she continued, speaking to Godfrey, “I’ll try to make you...and my father...proud.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Godfrey smiled and nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll get on quite well, I think.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The footman opened the door, and Godfrey
waved a hand in the direction of the palace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Shall we see if the Queen and my wife have your apartment ready?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isabella said nothing but smiled
appreciatively and nodded as Godfrey stepped out of the carriage.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Prince Gregory followed his uncle out
of the carriage then turned to offer Isabella a hand down himself, as she was still
carrying the slipper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, after she
stepped out of the carriage, he continued to hold her hand for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Isabella,” he said in a low voice, “It will
be <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">quite</i> possible for us to spend
some time together now...do you think we stand a chance of being the kind of friends
you spoke of last night?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella looked up at him, seriously
at first but then her face lit up with merriment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Right now, I believe <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">anything</i> wonderful could happen!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Still, Gregory did not release her hand.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, you believe that would be wonderful?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This time, Isabella blushed and
dropped her eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I believe it could.”
she replied, barely above a whisper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then, with a smile up at him, she pulled her hand free and turned to
follow Godfrey, who was waiting for her on the steps, into the palace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Henry had climbed down from his
perch and retrieved Isabella’s trunk and carried it in behind them.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gregory turned back to the carriage
to offer his hand to his sister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita, embroidery
folded neatly with the velvet pillow, had heard the whole exchange.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She glanced up at him as she stepped down
from the carriage with the pillow and her needlework tucked into the crook of
her elbow and grinned broadly at him when he offered her his arm, commenting,
“Little sister, you have started no end of trouble for me.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Oh, really?” she queried, taking his
arm as they walked toward the door.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, really,” Gregory said with
mock seriousness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But I believe it will
be the best kind of trouble...” He looked at her significantly as he continued,
“But let’s keep that our secret for now.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita stopped in her tracks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you mean...” she began, but Gregory interrupted
her.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m not going to say what I
mean...but I believe you know.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gregory
let that sink in for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now, don’t
tell.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Oh, I wouldn’t <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">dream</i> of it!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita said very
seriously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was, however, exulting in
her heart as they entered the palace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Gregory and Isabella!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">were</i> going to ‘live happily ever after!’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She could hardly wait to watch it happen.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><i>The End.</i></p><i></i><p></p>Lisa Lareehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516986664460840579noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18642968.post-41234209129938907672023-09-04T11:03:00.002-05:002023-09-04T11:03:55.157-05:00Serial Fun - Installment 12<p> <i>Y'know, I think I'll just go ahead and post these last two installments today and tomorrow. I'll post whatever progress I make on the MOG dress on Wednesday, lol. It has been kinda fun going through this again. </i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzI7s1f8ELm3Q5i3HZONGHFwBkliOP27i8dsKBrpoh_Dn-qsHgnscM8o4WRargEqf2u2DncqJHA3Y39gkjEC-3rz6xzTZ990cz8O6SzMAVXRsPtdmBCxdZqRBALhyEl6G1MN2v0HXKf-Xx_lC8uygm7zUv6B_41UiHWFKTKq1R_9AxaZ2gNx5vw/s4032/Day%205%20004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzI7s1f8ELm3Q5i3HZONGHFwBkliOP27i8dsKBrpoh_Dn-qsHgnscM8o4WRargEqf2u2DncqJHA3Y39gkjEC-3rz6xzTZ990cz8O6SzMAVXRsPtdmBCxdZqRBALhyEl6G1MN2v0HXKf-Xx_lC8uygm7zUv6B_41UiHWFKTKq1R_9AxaZ2gNx5vw/s320/Day%205%20004.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">Late the next
morning, the Royal Carriage pulled away from the palace with Gregory, the Grand
Duke and, after much pleading and debating, Rita, who had to agree to wait in
the carriage, inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gregory had placed
Isabella’s glass slipper on a soft velvet pillow for effect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked at the slipper, then up at
Godfrey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hope this works.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He remembered Isabella’s terrified face when
she thought she’d been recognized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘Under
a wicked witch’s spell,’ she’d called it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He felt anger building in him at the injustice she’d suffered for the
last five years and amended his statement. “It’d better work!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Godfrey, who carried in his pocket a
decree written that morning by the King to present to Lady Alicia, nodded
grimly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, don’t worry -- we’ll see her
safely out of it.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hortense happened to be sitting in
front of the parlor window and caught the flash of sunlight on the gilded carriage
when it turned into the manor house drive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She immediately jumped up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mama!”
she cried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mama!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the Royal Carriage!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lady Alicia had been on her way to
the parlor anyway, so she quickened her pace and entered just as Eugenia came
in from the library.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stood where she could see the carriage as
it pulled up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gregory climbed out (“The
Prince!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hortense and Eugenia gasped in
the same breath) and took the pillow with the slipper, which flashed in the
sunlight, from Godfrey, who then followed him out of the carriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lady Alicia’s eyes widened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The slipper!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Eugenia, do you remember the Prince saying he would try that slipper on
every girl in the country until he found the girl in the mask?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella, easing into the room with
her broom in her hand, heard Lady Alicia’s question and felt her heart
jump.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">was</i> looking for her!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lady
Alicia saw her as she unconsciously smoothed her hair -- a shadow of her stepsisters’
frantic primping – and crossed the parlor toward her, eyes narrowed.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lady Alicia hissed, swiftly catching Isabella
by the wrists and pushing her back out of the door though which she’d entered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Stay out of sight!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She glanced toward the front entrance as a
herald’s trumpet sounded outside the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was no time to lock Isabella away -- a threat would have to keep
her in hiding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ll be sorry if you
disobey me this time!” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trumpet
sounded again, and Lady Alicia swiftly turned to go to the door, speaking as she
went, “Don’t you dare show your face!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In turmoil, Isabella flattened
herself on the far side of the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
was determined she would at least hear whatever the Prince had to say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a pang, she remembered the look on his face
when he said he’d solve her puzzle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
didn’t know if she could bear it if he left without knowing she was there...<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lady Alicia paused a moment at the
door to make sure her daughters were composed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They all took a deep breath before she opened the door and curtseyed
deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your Highness!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your Grace!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Do come in!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gregory, Godfrey, and a page who was
now carrying the slipper entered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hortense
and Eugenia followed their mother’s example and curtsied to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gregory glanced at Godfrey, took a breath
himself, and began, “Madam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ladies.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They rose in response
and Lady Alicia gestured to the parlor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was an awkward moment as each waited on the other, but they did
finally get situated with the ladies seated and Godfrey and Gregory flanking the
page.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Once again, Gregory took a
breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He glanced at the flushed faces
and glittering eyes of the sisters, trying to decide why they were so
unappealing, even though from a purely objective viewpoint they were pretty and
fashionable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly, he realized that
there was something about their expressions that gave him a bit of a chill; a
ruthlessness that he could not really point out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>--Of course, he admitted to himself --I could
be somewhat prejudiced against them by how they have treated Isabella, but
still.... Anyway, there was business to tend to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sure you remember the young lady in the
mask at the ball last night. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
slipper,” he indicated the page, “Is our only clue to her identity.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He paused slightly, wishing they had
discussed exactly how they would proceed with this part of the ruse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He chose his words carefully as he continued,
“She hinted that she was...unhappy...and I’m determined to find her, even if I must
try the slipper on every young woman in the kingdom, be she noble born or milkmaid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So...”, he nodded to the page, who knelt in
front of Eugenia. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Eugenia’s smile faded a bit when she
saw how very small the slipper was, but she pulled off her shoe and tried her best
to shove her rather large foot inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The page held the slipper steady and glanced up at the Prince, who
watched grimly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, Eugenia sighed
deeply and pulled her foot away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
slipper was obviously much too small.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hortense, who knew her feet to be
slightly smaller than her sister’s, smiled smugly at Eugenia and, as daintily
as she could, offered her foot to the page.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The young man looked up at Gregory, who nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The page shrugged slightly and pushed the
slipper onto Hortense’s toes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hortense
bit her lip as the page pushed the unyielding glass onto her foot but was
unable to stifle a small cry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
clapped her hand over her mouth, but the page took the slipper off her toes and
looked up at the Prince again.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gregory turned back to Lady Alicia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Have you any maidservants, madam?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lady Alicia smiled rather
condescendingly at the Prince.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m
sorry, your Highness, but there is no one else in this house who could possibly
have worn that slipper at the ball last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>May I offer you some tea before you resume your search?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella listened from the next room
with panic rising as Gregory once more stated his intent to try the slipper
even on servants who were presumed to have been at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She realized that her stepmother was not
going to summon her to try on the slipper...it was entirely up to her if she
wanted the chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With her heart
pounding and palms clammy, she took a deep breath and stepped into the
parlor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Please, your Highness, may I
try on the slipper?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Relief flooded through Gregory as he
turned to look at Isabella.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had begun
to wonder how he would politely insist that Lady Alicia call her when it was
obvious that the older woman would not even acknowledge Isabella’s
existence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, seeing Isabella in her
braids and patched work dress, he was again struck by her vulnerability -- but
he noticed the set to her jaw that showed her determination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was, indeed, made of strong stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled at her, hoping to reassure her.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lady Alicia, however, was determined
not to allow Isabella the chance to surpass her own daughters and fury nearly
choked her when Isabella stepped into the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“How dare you affront his Highness!” she said in an icy voice as she
shot out of her chair and began to cross the room to Isabella.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isabella’s face paled a bit, but she determinedly
stood her ground.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gregory interrupted before Lady Alicia
could say anything else, holding up a hand to stop her from approaching too
close to Isabella.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not affronted,
Lady <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Savoy</st1:place></st1:state>,”
he said in a placating tone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“As I said,
I mean to try the slipper on every young lady.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As he spoke, he nodded to the page, who took the slipper to Isabella.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella pulled off her shoe and
slid her foot into the slipper easily, hardly noticing the pain of the blisters
rubbing again on the glass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
before she could even look up, her stepmother sputtered in disbelief, “But...
that’s impossible!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She turned to the Prince.
“Your Highness, you surely can’t believe that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cinderella</i> was the young lady at the ball last night!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At this, Isabella’s eyes flashed and
her chin rose indignantly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My name is
Isabella,” she stated firmly.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lady Alicia turned to her and spoke
sharply, “Hold your tongue.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, with
an abrupt change of manner, she turned to the Prince and explained in a honeyed
voice, “Your Highness, you must forgive Cinderella’s little outburst.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see, her mother was one of the cooks in
the manor house before my late husband’s death, and Cinderella was a very close
friend to his poor little daughter. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cinderella has always been a bit...unsteady...and
when Isabella died, she began to imagine that she <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">was</i> Isabella.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m afraid she
believes it more often than not.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
looked at Isabella sadly, “We do try to see that she is taken care of, but she
gets a bit unmanageable from time to time.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She looked back to the Prince as all the color drained from Isabella’s
face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I am sorry for the scene, your
Highness.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Tears of rage and frustration filled
Isabella’s eyes as she clenched her fists in fury.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She tried to speak, to refute the outrageous story,
to say...anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But she could not
manage to make a sound.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gregory was astonished at Lady Alicia’s
absurd story and, like Isabella, found himself completely speechless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Godfrey, however, had gotten over his renewed
shock at how much Isabella resembled her mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, quite in control of himself and the
situation, he turned to Lady Alicia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“That little story may have explained the young lady to your social
circle, Madam, but I find it impossible to believe.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He raised his hand to still the indignant
reply Lady Alicia appeared to be about to make and continued, crossing the room
to stand by Isabella as he spoke, “I have in my possession a very well-done portrait
of Bella Savoy, your late husband’s first wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No one who sees that painting will have any doubts as to the identity of
this young lady--she is the image of her mother.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He held out his hand to Isabella and indicated
that she should place her hand in his.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella was a bit perplexed but
placed her hand in Godfrey’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned
to Gregory and, with a very formal air, said, “Prince Gregory, I have the honor
and pleasure of presenting to you my ward, Lady Isabella Amanda Charlotte
Savoy.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella blushed and made a deep
curtsey before she realized exactly what the Grand Duke had said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shocked, she looked up sharply from her
curtsey, lost her balance and would have fallen if Godfrey had not steadied
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her stepmother must have
comprehended Godfrey’s statement at the same moment, because she gasped along with
Isabella, “What did you say?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ignoring Lady Alicia for the moment,
Godfrey held both hands out to Isabella, and she stood as he spoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m afraid I owe you a very great apology,
my dear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see, your father left a
will, in which he left very nearly everything to you and named me as your guardian.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He glanced coldly at Lady Alicia as he
continued.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I believed the story she put
out and did not even mention the will when I returned a month after your
father’s untimely death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The truth is,
the estate and everything in it is now, and always has been, yours.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella’s head was spinning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She heard words which she felt she ought to
understand but were only confusing her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>--Time, she thought, --I need some time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She looked at Godfrey in a rather bemused way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mine?” she queried.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Godfrey smiled at her reassuringly,
but before he could speak Lady Alicia overcame her shock enough to dispute with
him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My husband never mentioned a
will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure if he had left one, I
would have been aware of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t
believe you think you can just burst in and announce that everything here
belongs to Cinderella -- it’s mine and has been ever since Maximillian died.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She turned to the Prince to plead her case,
“Your Highness, this must be some hoax...” her voice trailed away as she recognized
cold fury in the Prince’s face.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I do not doubt, Madam, that there
has been some hoax.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gregory said icily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We may be in some disagreement as to just
who is guilty of it, however.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Grand
Duke does indeed possess the legitimate last will and testament of the late
Lord Savoy; I myself read it this morning. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You were to receive a small portion of the liquid
assets of the estate at the time of his death; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">everything</i> else was to belong solely to Isabella.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lady Alicia took in the Prince’s
statement and realized the significance of his having read the will that morning.
“So all this nonsense about the slipper has just been a little charade, has it
not?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She drew herself up to her full
height, narrowed her eyes and stated, “You do not expect me to relinquish all
my rights without contesting this so-called will in the King’s Court.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Grand Duke raised his hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“One moment, Madam.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to Isabella.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My dear, you will be returning to the palace
with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there is anything you would
like to take with you, go and fetch it now.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Still somewhat dazed by what was
taking place, Isabella looked at Godfrey, barely understanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Today?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Now?</i>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She asked incredulously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he smiled and nodded, she grasped the
whole situation in a flash and felt suddenly and gloriously released.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She slipped her foot out of the glass slipper
and back into her work shoe, took two steps toward the door and stopped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She turned back to Lady Alicia with a
determined gleam in her eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Stepmother,”
she said in a carefully controlled voice, “I would very much like to take what’s
left of my mother’s china figurines with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>May I have the key to the secretary, please, so I may get them?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lady Alicia drew in her breath sharply
and stared at Isabella.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Godfrey and Gregory
exchanged glances, sensing that there was something more to the request than
seemed apparent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was as if the older
woman and the younger were engaged in some contest of wills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Lady Alicia continued to stare, a slight
upturn began to play in the corners of Isabella’s mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Godfrey leaned over to the page and whispered
briefly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The page nodded and slipped
out, virtually unnoticed, taking the velvet pillow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, Isabella stood patiently as Eugenia
and Hortense fidgeted nervously on the divan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At last, Lady Alicia glanced at the grim-faced Grand Duke, who raised an
eyebrow at her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, Madam?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For the first time in her memory,
Isabella actually saw alarm in her stepmother’s face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, she waited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At long last, with a deep sigh, Lady Alicia
slowly drew a small key chain from her dress pocket and carefully extracted one
key, which she dropped into Isabella’s outstretched hand.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Mama!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eugenia cried, horrified by what she knew to
be her mother’s surrender.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lady Alicia turned to her daughter
and rather shakily hissed “Hush!” as Isabella closed both hands over the key
and brought them to the base of her throat, oblivious to their reaction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sudden tears welled up in her eyes and she
closed them for just a moment then, taking a deep breath to collect herself,
hurried from the room.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As soon as Isabella had gone, Godfrey
turned to Lady Alicia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now, Madam,” he
said in a calm voice, “You were saying you would contest the will in the King’s
Court.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled an envelope, sealed
with the royal cipher, from his pocket as he continued, “I do not think it
would be to your advantage to pursue that course of action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If this situation were to come before the
court, I am quite certain that there would be sufficient evidence to bring
indictments of fraud, unlawful imprisonment and perhaps even outright theft against
you and your daughters.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At this, all color drained from Lady
Alicia’s face, and she sank into a nearby chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shocked, Hortense and Eugenia sprang from the
divan, crossed to their mother, and fell on their knees on either side of her
chair.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Mama!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eugenia cried out again.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Oh, what shall we do?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hortense lamented as she began to sob hysterically.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>With an obvious effort, Lady Alicia
collected herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Girls, girls,” she
chided, “This is frightful behavior in front of His Highness.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Eugenia turned frightened eyes to
the Prince as Hortense struggled to stifle her crying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, she reduced her hysterics to rather
hiccuppy breathing, and Lady Alicia waved her daughters back to the divan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Godfrey handed the sealed envelope to Lady
Alicia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I daresay a court indictment
would not be undeserved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I am
not willing to subject Isabella to the stress and publicity of such a trial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore, King Philip has written out this
decree at my request.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lady Alicia opened the envelope and
read the contents of the document inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“You can’t be serious!” she gasped.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I am perfectly serious, Madam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Max’s will specified that you would be given ten
percent of the liquid assets of the estate upon his death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m quite certain you have already spent far
beyond that amount in the past five years, but as Isabella’s guardian I feel it
would not harm her interests greatly to now bestow upon you one fiftieth of the
estate’s liquid assets at this time.... provided you have all vacated the
premises within the next forty-eight hours and leave the country straight away.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“But...but this is blackmail!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Extortion!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Lady Alicia sputtered.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Blackmail?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gregory queried. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He felt absolutely no pity toward these women,
who had treated Isabella so abominably.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Don’t you understand?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will
not only <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> face criminal charges for
your criminal behavior, but you will be allowed to depart with some resources
at your disposal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not confuse mercy with
blackmail.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Eugenia now reacted to the
conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But we can’t possibly
pack everything in two days!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lady Alicia handed Eugenia the decree,
without taking her eyes from Godfrey, as she explained, “We are only allowed to
take our own clothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest must
stay as partial restoration of the funds which we have allegedly spent
illegally.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She frowned and spoke bitterly
to the Grand Duke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You leave us very
little choice, your Grace.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“How much choice have you afforded Isabella
these past five years?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Godfrey countered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I will send someone over Monday with your
share of the funds from the estate, plus a carriage to deliver you to any
location you choose, so long as it is beyond our borders.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gestured to the foyer, and two guards,
sent in by the page, entered the parlor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“These officers are here to ensure that the particulars are carried out,
and they will be relieved by comrades at regular intervals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I regret that I must look after Isabella’s
interests in this manner, but, given the circumstances, I feel that this is
necessary. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do be aware that they are
under strict instructions to inspect every bag, trunk or case that leaves the
premises to make sure nothing other than clothing leaves the household, and
they will protect Isabella’s property.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will arrest any of you who so much as scratches a tabletop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will not have any vandalism done here. And also be aware...the three of you will be individually...inspected...by female palace representatives to insure you do not abscond with any valuables hidden about your persons before you leave. If anything of value is found on you, the entire agreement will be void and you will be facing criminal charges. You will follow the terms."<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Godfrey startled a bit as Gregory
suddenly ducked behind him and quickly crossed to the parlor door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isabella had returned, carrying the small
trunk which contained her cache of treasures, which now included her mother’s
figurines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was obviously surprised
as Gregory insisted upon carrying the trunk for her, and rather reluctantly
relinquished it to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She then turned
to her stepmother and held out the key to the secretary. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, Stepmother.” she said cordially.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lady Alicia took the key, avoiding
Isabella’s eyes and speaking to Godfrey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I have some correspondence to remove from the drawers, but I will leave
the key when I go.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella frowned slightly,
puzzled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then she noticed the guards and
her eyes widened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What...” she began.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Godfrey interrupted her gently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I will explain everything at length, my
dear.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He picked up the glass slipper,
which had remained on the floor, forgotten, where Isabella had left it, and
handed it to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think perhaps we
should take our leave of these ladies. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have a great deal to do in the next two
days.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Prince was already heading out the
door with Isabella’s trunk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Godfrey held
the door for Isabella as she started through, then turned and looked back at
her stepmother and stepsisters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hortense
was weeping again, and Eugenia was talking to her in a low voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lady Alicia had risen from her chair and was
standing with her back to the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No
one took any notice of Isabella at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Softly and sadly, Isabella murmured “Good-bye,” on the verge of tears herself,
although she really didn’t know why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
turned and stepped through the open door.<o:p></o:p></p><i>One more to be continued....</i><p></p>Lisa Lareehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516986664460840579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18642968.post-51177562105378598932023-09-03T23:57:00.005-05:002023-09-08T12:20:27.132-05:00Serial Fun - Installment 11<p> <i>It was a busy Sunday, and I didn't get anything done in the sewing room. Fortunately, tomorrow is a holiday in the US, so I will likely run to the chain fabric/ craft store across town for an appropriate zipper when I go out to get fixins for the family cookout tomorrow afternoon. That's something, eh?</i></p><p><i>I might be procrastinating because this project intimidates the heck outta me, lol. I gotta just suck it up and get on with it...</i></p><p><i>But, meantime, I've almost posted the whole frivolity. I really didn't think it would break down into this many pieces...if you missed the earlier installments, <a href="https://sewrandom.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Real%20Fairy%20Godmother" target="_blank">HERE's</a> the most-recent-on-top link...</i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSCH6btdwrQCqKOoy3jvBsI_i0J1tXZm95AzvdW0VgYcwXP4REg7dEyOjheQg1YQ9MaPorQ4i2J4c3UZ6OIS5vRU3Sw-ttqVXyo716cL381M1FnIh0kfhUs28QmIVaPDoqzt0SBnaKVbPnM3u_ZuxiRxBpIormaMelJpG9hl5bvq3pCHF92-zfQ/s4032/Day%205%20004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSCH6btdwrQCqKOoy3jvBsI_i0J1tXZm95AzvdW0VgYcwXP4REg7dEyOjheQg1YQ9MaPorQ4i2J4c3UZ6OIS5vRU3Sw-ttqVXyo716cL381M1FnIh0kfhUs28QmIVaPDoqzt0SBnaKVbPnM3u_ZuxiRxBpIormaMelJpG9hl5bvq3pCHF92-zfQ/s320/Day%205%20004.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Part Four -- The Deliverance<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There was a long line of carriages
waiting at the palace entrance for the guests who were departing when Rita
slipped into the back entrance, laden with her bundle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was again counting on everyone being occupied
in the public part of the palace so that she could return to her rooms
unquestioned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed she was right
because she saw no one at all on her way in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She awkwardly opened her door, juggling her load as best she could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She managed to get inside and kick the door shut
with her foot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She took a deep breath
and turned towards her bedroom to get everything back in the wardrobe before Esmerelda
came up.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Well, well, look what we have
here.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita jumped when she heard her brother’s voice,
dropping her bundle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Gregory!” she exclaimed.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gregory didn’t reply to the Princess
as he came from her bedroom into the sitting room, looking instead at the
armchair in the shadowy corner where, to Rita’s further surprise, sat the Grand
Duke. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gregory pointed to the bundle and
asked Godfrey, “What do you suppose we’ll find in there?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Godfrey stood up, walked over to the
bundle and crossed his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m just
guessing...but I wouldn’t be surprised to find a pink dress and a mask wrapped
up in there.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita’s jaw dropped in shock as Gregory
nodded and commented, “My thoughts exactly.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then, he finally addressed Rita. “Tell me, little sister, have you been playing
Fairy Godmother this evening?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita stared at him for the moment it
took her to find her voice, then bent to pick up the bundle again. “How...how
did you know?” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>However, before Gregory could reply,
Rita’s door opened again, and the King entered. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did not look happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your mother and I,” he began, with an air of
restrained fury, “Thought you were old enough to understand the necessity of responsibility
and self-restraint; now they tell me you have run off for the evening with no guard
or chaperone.” He paused for a moment, and to Rita’s relief the Grand Duke held
up his hand and interrupted.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Philip, before you scold her too
thoroughly, perhaps we’d better hear what happened.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Godfrey looked at Rita.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“From the beginning.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Tears welled up in Rita’s eyes; she
had planned everything so carefully and now it looked like it had all fallen
apart. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She walked around Gregory into her
room as she considered what to reply, dropped the bundle on her bed and
returned. “But -- I promised I wouldn’t tell...”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked at Godfrey beseechingly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I promised...”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Godfrey nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“All right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let me tell you what I know already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You arranged for a young lady to attend the ball tonight, didn’t
you?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita sniffed and nodded, so
Godfrey continued.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That young lady was
Isabella Savoy, wasn’t she?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Once again, Rita stared at Godfrey,
took a shaky breath and asked, “How did you know?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Godfrey smiled thinly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She took off her mask for a moment and I
recognized her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, what did you
promise not to tell?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita swallowed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Isabella made me promise not to tell anyone
about her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s terribly afraid of her
stepmother.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Godfrey glanced at the King.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not surprised, somehow...”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned back to Rita.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How did you meet her?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita sighed and sat down on the
divan, perched on the front of the cushion with her hands in her lap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She related everything that had happened
after she stomped off into the pasture the previous week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her father started to speak both times she
confessed to going off by herself, but Godfrey restrained him so that she told
the story without interruption. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she’d finished, Godfrey paced about,
shaking his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is terrible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should have checked the whole story out
when I got home five years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something
like this never occurred to me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
looked at Rita.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know you promised,
but she needs help desperately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why
didn’t you tell me this last week?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita sighed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You thought she was dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was afraid you wouldn’t take my word for it
and begin an investigation of some sort, and that word would get back to Lady
Alicia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isabella is terrified that her
stepmother will do something terrible to her if she finds out that anyone knows
the truth.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Grand Duke sighed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I suppose she has good reason to feel that
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there’s more to this story than
you know.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The King looked at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What, Godfrey?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Godfrey pressed his lips into a grim
line then replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Max left a
will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was to be executor of his
estate, should anything happen to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He left nearly everything to Isabella, with Lady Alicia only to receive
a small percentage of the estate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
fact, Lady Alicia was only to be allowed to stay in the manor house if Isabella
permitted it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to the will, I
was to be Isabella’s legal guardian.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The King inhaled sharply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You never told me that!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“There didn’t seem to be any point in
it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember seeing a signed death
certificate for her -- everything looked in order.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The King was puzzled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Who signed the certificate?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Godfrey shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lady Alicia’s personal physician -- who has
since retired and gone back to Flavia. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In hindsight, it appears I was foolish not to
investigate further.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, since I was
convinced that Isabella died before I returned, Max’s will was of no
consequence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Isabella’s next of kin,
Lady Alicia ‘inherited’ the estate.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
gave a rueful sigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Poor Isabella...I
should never have let her go through all of this.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For the first time since Rita began
her story, Gregory spoke, looking out of the window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She pretty much refused to talk about that tonight. I had no idea it was that bad.”
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He paused a moment, then looked at the rest
of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What are we going to do about
it?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita decided she could offer some
advice here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She needs someone to swoop
down on the manor house without warning and take her and her mother’s things away
to a safe place, out of her stepmother’s reach.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Godfrey frowned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you think I could just go and fetch her?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita looked hopeful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Could you just march in and take her away?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The King crossed his arms and paced
a few steps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It would be better if we
could catch Lady Alicia completely off guard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you just went in with a detachment of soldiers...well, you’d probably
have to arrest her and we’d have a trial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It would cause quite a scandal.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gregory groaned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A scandal is the last thing we should
subject Isabella to.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The King nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just what I was thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need some way of taking care of it
quietly.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Suddenly, Godfrey looked up at Gregory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think I’ve got an idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gregory, do you remember saying something
about trying that glass slipper on every girl in the kingdom?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gregory frowned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Vaguely, but I was only joking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides, we know who the mysterious masked
lady is.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Godfrey nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We</i>
know -- but Lady Alicia doesn’t.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He quickly
explained his idea as the King, the Prince and the Princess listened carefully.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When he’d finished, there was
silence as they considered his idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Finally, the King nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It
might work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would certainly put her
off her guard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You might even be able to
get Isabella out without any opposition.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He looked at Gregory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do
you think?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gregory shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think it’s probably the best idea we’ll
come up with tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m in favor of
it.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita knew of a problem with the
plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re giving the impression that
you’re taking Isabella off to marry her,” she objected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Isabella has told me that she won’t marry
anyone just to escape her stepmother -- she insists that she won’t make the mistake
of marrying someone she doesn’t know well enough.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gregory smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She’s made of strong stuff, isn’t she?” He
observed to no one in particular.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The King looked at Gregory with
slightly raised eyebrows, started to speak, stopped, then finally spoke. “Well,
Gregory...what will you do if she says, ‘Thank you, but no’?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Godfrey interrupted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Look, we’ll just say he’s trying to find her
-- we won’t need to say anything about marriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Lady Alicia is forced to admit who she
is, then I can take her away as my ward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t think Isabella will object to that and it will accomplish the
same thing -- we will take her with us when we go.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The King had another thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Isn’t the rest of Max’s will valid as
well?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What can we do to protect
Isabella’s property?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Godfrey frowned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I need to review the provisions in the
will...and maybe check on some legal precedents as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can do that first thing in the
morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe you will have to issue
a decree, Philip, but I think it can still be handled discreetly...unless Lady
Alicia <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">wants</i> a scandal, which I
doubt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Under the circumstances, I think
that, given the right incentive, she would be willing to return to her relatives
in her native country.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly, Rita yawned
and Godfrey laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The Fairy
Godmother is fatigued.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d say she has
done a fair night’s work and should be allowed some rest.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The King nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Gracious, yes, she needs to be in bed,” and
yawned himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We can discuss the
details in the morning...or at least, after some sleep.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Just a moment...there’s something I
want to clear up first...” Gregory gave Rita a knowing look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Little sister of mine, just what did you
have in mind when you sent Isabella to the ball?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita blushed and looked at the
floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well...I hoped you’d like her
and take her away from her stepmother.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She looked up at him and said as innocently as she could manage, “Aren’t
princes supposed to rescue damsels in distress?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Before Gregory could reply, the door
opened and Esmerelda entered, then stopped as she saw that the Princess was
both present and occupied with visitors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Well!” she said brightly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do we
know who the girl in the mask was now?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The King sighed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Esmerelda, this young lady has been most
naughty this evening...but as it appears that her motives were pure and the
results desirable,” he couldn’t resist a glance at his son before continuing, “We
will not be unduly harsh with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get
her in bed as soon as you can, but don’t ask her too many questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything will be made right in the
morning.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With that, he gestured to
Godfrey and Gregory, who preceded him out of the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He himself kissed Rita lightly on the
forehead and said “I will explain everything to your mother…Good night” before
he left.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Relief washed over Rita as she returned
her father’s good night kiss and realized that she wasn’t going to receive a
scolding after all.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><i>To be continued...</i></p><i></i><p></p>Lisa Lareehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516986664460840579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18642968.post-44428130529110442172023-09-02T22:50:00.005-05:002023-09-10T17:19:20.172-05:00Serial Fun - Installment 10<p> <i>Muslin two was very, very close. Just a few wrinkles; I released the side seams and the shaped back seam a bit and I think it's good. The only other adjustment was to trim out the lower back armsceye just a bit. I will trace off a clean pattern, with the additions to the side seams and back seam and then...maybe I'll make a linen version? Just to make sure it's gonna work? Decisions, decisions...</i></p><p><i>But, here's installment 10 for those who are following. Click <a href="https://sewrandom.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Real%20Fairy%20Godmother" target="_blank">HERE</a> if you want to catch up; scroll to the end and read from the bottom up. Interesting puzzle: My feed burner dropped one of the names almost every time it appeared on the last installment. I've no idea why.</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zrH3aqH3RT_m4RXpUope6BCKTJP79K2NrqTeFr-HeUXCjD0dcIe0RB0j9Oz8ZCfN6ZKusVl_oZ8WchboeqXswa05iJiQSU7A89tM8OciSkE7bB6oNaxGbZoERIcHUpuUrnLtQ4nTGbNtQ5pQy-QizI6spLoTJm5P63svjSIW0wABHmoEkcOw6Q/s4032/Day%205%20004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zrH3aqH3RT_m4RXpUope6BCKTJP79K2NrqTeFr-HeUXCjD0dcIe0RB0j9Oz8ZCfN6ZKusVl_oZ8WchboeqXswa05iJiQSU7A89tM8OciSkE7bB6oNaxGbZoERIcHUpuUrnLtQ4nTGbNtQ5pQy-QizI6spLoTJm5P63svjSIW0wABHmoEkcOw6Q/s320/Day%205%20004.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span> <span> </span></span>Prince Gregory,
having had to deal with a number of mothers and daughters who tried to have a
word as he threaded his way around the dancers, was delayed enough that he, closely
followed by the Grand Duke, arrived at the door in time to see the shadow of
the carriage disappear around the curve of the drive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was Godfrey who spotted the glimmer of
glass on the floor and picked up the tiny slipper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It seems your mysterious young lady forgot
something.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> <span> <span> </span></span></span>Gregory took the slipper just as
Lady Alicia and Eugenia came around the corner, and commented ruefully, “Do you
suppose I’ll need to try this on every young lady in the kingdom?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> The Grand Duke </span> saw the approaching women
and remembered the terrified face of the young lady who looked so much like
Bella <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Savoy</st1:place></st1:state>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He frowned as he replied to Gregory, “I don’t
think too many feet will fit that slipper...one moment.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Godfrey hurried to intercept the ambitious
pair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lady Alicia!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he said with far more cheerfulness than he
felt a that moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did my wife get to
speak to you tonight?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure I
remember hearing her mention that there was something that she needed to discuss
with you...” he deftly maneuvered the two of them back into the ballroom as the
King and Queen, who had observed Isabella’s flight across the dance floor, found
Gregory still standing in the doorway, holding the slipper.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The King looked out the door. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My word, Gregory, whatever did you do to
frighten her off like that?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gregory shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uncle Godfrey...” he began when Esmerelda
came hurrying around the corner from the ladies’ lounge.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Your Majesties!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She dropped a quick curtsey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think I can tell you something about that
girl...”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gregory looked at her sharply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Well, all the ladies who were
coming to the lounge were talking about this mysterious girl in a mask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finally peeked out into the ballroom just
in time to see her running across the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think the Princess is responsible for her being here!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gregory gasped “Rita!” in the same
instant his mother gasped “Gwendolyn!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The King frowned slightly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do you mean, Esmerelda?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Well,” Esmerelda began with relish,
“The Princess fairly insisted that we go up and look through the charity
dresses in the West Wing storeroom Saturday morning, and she picked out one and
had me get it cleaned for her...she said she knew someone who might need
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d swear that that girl was wearing
that dress.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She caught her breath and
firmly stated, “We found a pink mask in the trunk as well.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They all stood there a moment,
taking in Esmerelda’s information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then
Gregory said slowly, “Do you mean she” (he meant the Princess) “might know who
she” (he held up the slipper) “is?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Esmerelda nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sure of it,” she stated as Godfrey,
minus Lady Alicia and her daughter, returned.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gregory looked sharply at the Grand
Duke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What was the name you said when
you saw her?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Bella.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That young lady is the image of Bella <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Savoy</st1:place></st1:state>.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Godfrey frowned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I wonder....”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The King suddenly recalled the
previous week’s conversation with his daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Did Gwendolyn ever ask you about the <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Savoy</st1:place></st1:state> family?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Grand Duke’s eyebrows shot
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She did!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And she knew Bella’s name....” his voice trailed off.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gregory frowned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think I need to have a talk with my little
sister.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The King nodded grimly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think several of us need to have a talk
with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we can’t neglect our guests
and we’ve been standing here too long already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Esmerelda, please go to Gwendolyn’s room and tell her that we will be in
to talk to her as soon as the guests go home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Wake her up if you have to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t
want to leave this until morning.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Esmerelda curtseyed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, your Majesty.” she said and headed
toward the private quarters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest
returned to the dance floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
Gregory had not yet finished the next dance with his mother when he saw Esmerelda
speaking with Godfrey at the ballroom door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When the dance had finished, Gregory asked the Grand Duke what she’d
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was somehow not surprised to
hear that the Princess was nowhere to be found.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Grand Duke was certain that she was safe and would return before the
night was over and felt no need to alert her parents just yet; although he did instruct
the palace guards to allow the Princess to return to the castle
unchallenged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They would simply wait in
her apartment for her return, once the Royal Family officially bid their guests
a good night. Neither one of them relished telling The King and Queen that
their daughter had been unaccounted for during the entirety of the ball. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Princess was, at that moment,
sleeping fitfully on the divan in the manor house parlor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had had a rather miserable evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the first time in her entire life that
she’d been completely alone at night, and she didn’t realize how many creaks
and groans a large, empty house could make.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She polished silver and polished silver, humming to herself and reciting
all the poetry she could remember in an effort to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> listen to the stillness, or worse… the odd noises coming from
unknown origins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, about eleven,
she decided she’d polished as much silver as Isabella would have and stacked it
neatly back into place. She’d then gone into the parlor and laid down on the
divan, trying to imagine how Isabella was getting along, and eventually dozed
off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She startled awake, however, when
Isabella arrived home and pulled the bell cord, and fairly flew to the door to
let her in.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>During the ride home, Isabella’s terror
had subsided, and a kind of dreamy reverie took its place as she thought over
the evening’s events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She felt she couldn’t
possibly be the same frightened girl who left the manor house a few hours
earlier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She dropped onto the bench in
the foyer, hardly comprehending Rita’s barrage of questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, Rita!” she sighed, “It was the most
wonderful evening of my whole life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll
never forget it as long as I live!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Isabella looked gratefully at her young friend. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know how you did it...but thank
you!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She winced as she stood up again, and
with a grimace she pulled the slipper off her right foot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had a blister on her heel and another on
her little toe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her left foot was
somewhat worse, since that slipper had been a bit too large.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked at Rita and grinned ruefully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Evidence that I didn’t dream it all...”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita’s jaw dropped slightly as she
looked at Isabella’s feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did you
dance much? And what happened to your other shoe?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I danced almost all night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come on upstairs and I’ll tell you about it
while I go back to my normal self.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
headed up to the tower, and Isabella related the whole story, from the
beginning, as she took off the fine dress and its foundations with Rita’s help, put on her night dress, put away the things she’d ‘borrowed’ without her stepsisters’ knowledge, and
brushed the curl from her hair and braided it back to its normal fashion as
Rita packed up the things she had brought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Finally, Isabella replaced her treasures -- minus the missing slipper
--and hid the trunk back in its cubbyhole under the loose board in the floor.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It was all Rita could do to contain
herself as Isabella recounted her conversation with the Prince on the
terrace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one point, however, she
couldn’t resist interrupting, “He kissed you! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He really kissed you?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella stood up after securing the
floorboard hiding her treasure box.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was so surprised...and I think he was kind
of surprised himself.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She searched for
words to describe her feelings and found none.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, she simply shrugged and said, “Who would ever have thought it?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita knew very well who would have thought
it, but she wasn’t about to say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you
think he fell in love with you?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At this, Isabella actually laughed
out loud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Fell in love with me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita, he barely knows me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He doesn’t even know who I am or
anything...how could he possibly be in love with me?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita, surprised by Isabella’s
response, blurted, “But he kissed you!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella smiled, remembering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes...he did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But part of the reason may have been that there
was music in the air, and moonlight on the lake...it was a perfect, romantic setting.”
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, she turned brisk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But, a romantic setting isn’t love.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita persisted, “But...didn’t he <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">say</i> anything to you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He surely isn’t going to just let you disappear,
is he?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella scooped up the dustcover
with the dress and things Rita had brought, stating “I’ll carry it downstairs
for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m used to the stairs,” and they
started down the steep, narrow staircase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As they negotiated the steps, she added thoughtfully, “He <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">did</i> say he was going to solve the riddle.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe he will, and maybe he won’t.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita was aghast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Isabella, if he said he would find you,
he’ll find you.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella was amused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Rita, I can’t pin my hopes on what a young
man -- even the Prince -- says under the influence of music and moonlight. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s too easy to forget it in the daytime.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita, knowing Gregory as she did, knew
he wouldn’t have told Isabella he would find her if he didn’t intend to
look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, she could hardly tell
Isabella why she felt that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
tried a different approach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well,
Isabella, what if he <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">does</i> find
you...would you marry him?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella stopped on the stairs and
looked at Rita in shock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Marry him?</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita, I don’t know him any better than he knows
me...”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She sighed and shook her head as
she started down the stairs again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“You’re forgetting that I’ve seen firsthand what can happen when people
who don’t know each other get married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If I get a chance to know the Prince...well, I won’t say I wouldn’t fall
in love with him, but I’ve got to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">know</i>
whomever I marry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to end up
in the same kind of trap my father did.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They exited the staircase and crossed the house to the front door as she
continued.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“As tempting as it might be,
I am not going to rush into marrying anybody—even Prince Gregory – just to
escape my stepmother.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rita was really surprised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It never occurred to her that Isabella might not
be swept away by Gregory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had only
worried about Gregory noticing Isabella.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How could Gregory take Isabella away if she wouldn’t marry him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She took the bundle from Isabella and waited
while Isabella opened the front door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> "But...what happened to your shoe?"</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span> </span>Isabella
sighed. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">“It fell off my foot as I was
hurrying to leave.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">My stepmother was
coming down the hall; I didn’t dare go back and get it.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I don’t know if anyone picked it up.”</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span> </span>Rita
started to reply that she would check when she got home; she caught herself
just in time. “Oh, I’m so sorry!" she stammered instead.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Isabella smiled again. “Oh, it was a lovely evening, and even if that shoe never finds its way home, I will be eternally grateful to you for arranging
it -- however you did it.” Then she turned serious. “I may regret it later if
my stepmother figures any of it out, but I’m foolish enough to hope that won’t
happen.” Then, as Rita headed out the door, “Do you
want to try to come this Thursday?”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita grinned back at her over her shoulder.
“I am getting good at this sneaking thing…I’ll certainly try!”</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella waved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll be looking forward to it!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She watched as Martin helped Rita into the
carriage and waved again as Jerry snapped the reigns and the carriage pulled
away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The clock chimed the quarter hour
as she headed back through the house-- it was one-fifteen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She checked around, making sure everything looked
as it should, then went upstairs, suddenly very sleepy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was asleep almost as soon as she lay down.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella got to sleep for a whole hour
and fifteen minutes before she had to get up to help her stepmother and
stepsisters undress.<o:p></o:p></p>
<i>To be continued....</i><p></p>Lisa Lareehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516986664460840579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18642968.post-27514846147390358402023-09-01T21:13:00.003-05:002023-09-01T23:17:40.373-05:00Serial Fun - Installment 9<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_nJ56DrPJu6FiGubMmJv329I7aq-jPwJjuzRb4mcvyznTtAR8bSRA9X0f3BDUjbM_DZygALYnRT8gn1ZCNRcNZnaf2ongqobniXRneQreba49-X8ljCXRp0obHVrrVkIF-20TBOejYEm9iP3kErB-WBaj1rXdWmsVQaQ4L8x5xjwuZF6E_hK7g/s4032/Day%205%20004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_nJ56DrPJu6FiGubMmJv329I7aq-jPwJjuzRb4mcvyznTtAR8bSRA9X0f3BDUjbM_DZygALYnRT8gn1ZCNRcNZnaf2ongqobniXRneQreba49-X8ljCXRp0obHVrrVkIF-20TBOejYEm9iP3kErB-WBaj1rXdWmsVQaQ4L8x5xjwuZF6E_hK7g/s320/Day%205%20004.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><i>Sigh. I am having difficulty getting to the sewing room. I am about to go sew muslin 2...it is all cut and marked...but rather than stay up and post about it late tonight I'm just going to go ahead and post Installment 9 and hope to have a fitting update tomorrow. If you have missed any of the previous installments, click <a href="https://sewrandom.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Real%20Fairy%20Godmother" target="_blank">HERE</a>, scroll to the end and read it oldest to newest.</i><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella was also thinking it could be a long night as she tied on the satin mask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Without Rita’s good-natured encouragement, her confidence drained
completely away, and her hand shook as she handed the gatekeeper her invitation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She held her breath as he glanced at it,
handed it back and waved the carriage on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She was late enough that there were no carriages waiting in front of them,
so Jerry was able to pull right up to the palace steps. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Martin came around and opened the carriage
door and stood very straight as he held his hand out to help her out of the carriage.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nervously, Isabella stepped out and
smoothed her skirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked up the
steps to the massive doors and took a deep breath.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Miss?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry called softly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isabella looked up at him, hoping she
wouldn’t faint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled at her pale,
frightened face, and reassured her, “We’ll be right here at twelve, just
as...um...Miss Rita said.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, sensing
that Isabella needed a bit of encouragement, he added, “If ye don’t mind my
saying so, Miss, y’do look lovely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have
yourself a good time.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he moved the
reigns and the carriage moved away from the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella took a deep breath, turned
and slowly went up the steps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She vaguely
remembered climbing these steps once before...with her father many years
ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’d brought her to see...who was
it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She couldn’t remember.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly, the whole thing became an
adventure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps she would see
something or someone that would help her remember more about her beloved parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The color came back to her face as she held
up her head and went in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She was met almost at once by a
wigged gentleman in a satin waistcoat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He frowned at her mask but said nothing other than “May I see your invitation,
please?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isabella handed him her
beautifully lettered manuscript, which he inspected somewhat more closely than
had the gatekeeper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He frowned at her
again, and her mouth went suddenly dry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He looked again at the invitation, but apparently could find nothing
amiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said, rather stiffly, “You may
present the invitation to the herald for your presentation to the royal family,”
indicating a doorway to his right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Isabella nodded hesitantly, reclaimed her invitation, and walked over to
the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Judging from the sound of
music wafting through the door, it was a passage that led to the grand ballroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She glanced into the room and saw that a
reception line had apparently been set up and there were a fair number of
people in line to be presented.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isabella
watched as one young lady’s name was announced, and she made her curtsey to the
King and Queen, along with some other people Isabella couldn’t see
properly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She glanced down the waiting
line and inhaled sharply as she saw her stepmother and stepsisters waiting their
turn.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“May I have your invitation,
Miss?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The voice at her elbow startled
her so that Isabella actually jumped.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I...I...,” she stammered, thinking
fast as a page held out his hand expectantly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was no way for her to get by her stepmother...she couldn’t let them
announce her name...suddenly, inspiration hit and she concluded anxiously, “I
think I’d like to freshen up a bit first...would that be acceptable?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The young page smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nearly half the young ladies had so far gone
to the powder room to primp before being presented.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a bit perplexed by the mask, but decided
if the young lady was foolish enough to wear it, he’d certainly not prevent
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told her where to find the room
that was designated as the ladies’ lounge, accepted her relieved thanks and
shook his head as she headed off in that direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Girls!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>To her immense relief, Isabella
found that the ballroom had an entrance on the hall on which the ladies’
lounge was located.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She slipped the
invitation into the reticule Rita had provided for her, took a deep breath, and
stepped just inside the ballroom door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She was instantly entranced by the music and the festive atmosphere of
the room; the flowers, the gauzy drapes, the flickering lights, even the breathtakingly beautiful dresses she saw on so many ladies as they sashayed about the dance floor with skirts swirling...it seemed to her as if she’d stepped into a completely different world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So taken was she with the whole experience
that she failed to notice the stir she caused among nobility standing about the
perimeter of the ballroom...particularly among a group of young men who felt,
with some justification, that they were being ignored by the young ladies
present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a bit of speculation as
to who she might be, one of the young men announced to his companions, “Well, I’m
going to ask her to dance!” and headed toward Isabella.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella was a bit startled when
this handsome young gentleman presented himself before her, bowed and said,
“Lawrence Abergine, at your service.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
she recovered enough to make a curtsey and reply, “How do you do?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Lawrence</st1:place></st1:city> smiled and continued, “I was
wondering if you would do me the honor of this waltz?” and gestured toward the
dance floor.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella’s heart skipped a beat,
then she remembered Rita’s injunction not to look like a frightened mouse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, she<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> was </i>Lady Isabella Amanda Charlotte Savoy...she drew herself up
with a determined air, smiled and replied, “I’d be delighted, Mr.
Abergine.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was a bit nervous as they
walked out to the dance floor...it <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">had</i>
been a long time since her dancing lessons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, her feet seemed to remember her lessons better than she had
expected and Lawrence Abergine was an expert dancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She found that she could follow him easily
and, to her amazement, enjoyed it immensely.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After a few moments, <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Lawrence</st1:place></st1:city> spoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is it futile to ask whose company I am
enjoying?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella smiled shyly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I wish I could tell you...but if I felt like
I could, I wouldn’t be wearing this silly mask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m just going to have to be anonymous tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sorry.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Lawrence</st1:place></st1:city> apparently wasn’t satisfied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, you can tell me...I’ll keep your
secret.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She shook her head sadly. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really, I can’t tell you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She sighed then added regretfully, “I can’t
tell anybody.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Why not?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her partner wasn’t going to give up easily.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She laughed ruefully, “I can’t even
tell you that.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Now <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Lawrence</st1:place></st1:city> laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What is it...are you under an enchantment or
something?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This caught Isabella off guard, and
she considered it for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was surprised
that she didn’t feel at all intimidated by the questions and realized that the
mask was giving her confidence, almost like she was someone else…someone who
didn’t spend all her time and energy trying to keep other people from yelling
at her, or worse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was this what life
felt like if one was a normal person?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps
Mr. Abergine was closer to the truth than she had thought at first. “Well...I
suppose you could call it that.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“So how do I break the spell?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella frowned, thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not sure.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled grimly, realizing the truth of what
she was saying. “The wicked witch never told me it could be broken.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Before <st1:city w:st="on">Lawrence</st1:city>
could reply to that, a hand tapped his shoulder and a young man who presented
himself as Stephen Rogers took <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Lawrence</st1:place></st1:city>’s
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the waltz, Oscar somebody
asked her for the next dance, then was supplanted by Drummond somebody else...Isabella
finally despaired of keeping them straight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All of them were as determined as <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Lawrence</st1:place></st1:city>
to find out who she was, but other than the vague reference to the ‘wicked
witch’ she refused to even hint at her identity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a while, Isabella began to rather enjoy
the attention she was receiving from all these unknown young men, being the
mysterious masked maiden, and her everyday life seemed less real to her than
the lights and the music and the flowers and the pursuit of the noble young gentlemen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was oblivious to the speculation about
her that was flying around the ballroom.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Suddenly, right in the middle of a
waltz, the orchestra broke into a fanfare and the dancing ceased.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Puzzled, Isabella looked at her partner...Edward,
she thought he’d said...and he explained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“They’ve finally closed the reception line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s time for the Grand March.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shall we?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He offered her his elbow.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella looked at the line of couples
forming behind the King and Queen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
had no idea what steps were in the Grand March.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She looked at Edward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Actually, I’m
quite thirsty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you suppose we could
get something to drink?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Edward seemed almost relieved as he
agreed and escorted her to the long hall where the refreshments were being
served.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time, Isabella noticed the
drop in conversation when they entered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She felt as if everyone were looking at her while Edward got her
punch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She told herself she was just imagining
things, but she still felt acutely uncomfortable as she thirstily drank her
fresh raspberry punch and nibbled on the dainty cake Edward had brought to her
as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was relieved when Edward
led her back to the ballroom to watch the remainder of the Grand March.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dancers had split into two groups now,
with the King and Queen leading one group and the Prince and his partner
leading the second. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isabella looked at
the Prince carefully as the second group swept by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was the closest she’d ever seen him, and
she was a bit surprised to find that he looked familiar...or did he remind her
of someone?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe she had seen him all
those years ago when her father had brought her to the palace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wished she could remember.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a flourish or two on the dance
floor, and the Grand March was over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Before Edward could ask her for the next dance, however, another young
man she had not yet met presented himself and asked for the waltz.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isabella smiled apologetically at Edward and
left him standing disappointedly on the sideline as her new partner escorted
her out onto the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span> </span>As before, one
young gentleman after another led Isabella around the dance floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She got along well enough with the waltzes,
but now and again a dance of a different sort, with more detailed steps, began,
and she would take refuge in the refreshment hall. Fortunately, the waltzes
were clearly the most popular with the dancers and the orchestra only
occasionally broke the waltz tempo with another style. Isabella had just begun
a waltz with a young man in military dress when her partner (Isabella could not
remember what his name was...) stopped and looked at someone behind her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, now you’re going to cut in, Gregory?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Sorry, Alex,” said a male voice
behind her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I believe I’ve met every
young lady here except this one, and since no one can tell me what her name is
I’m going to have to ask her myself.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella turned around and was
surprised to find that it was the Prince himself who wanted to dance with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She dropped an embarrassed curtsey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your Highness!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Excuse me, then,” Alex said
good-naturedly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, he added to
Gregory in a loud whisper, “She wouldn’t tell me her name, either...good
luck!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He saluted and left the dance
floor.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gregory whisked Isabella around the
room before she had time to grow nervous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Alex is an old schoolmate of mine,” he explained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He owes me a favor or two...I’ll let him know
we’re even now.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Because you’re dancing with
me?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isabella was incredulous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She could understand why the other young men
were interested in her, since all the girls there were fawning over
Gregory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That he should come and seek
her out with all the others vying for his attention astonished her.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Why not?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gregory smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he said, “I’m right, aren’t I -- we’ve
never met?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No, your Highness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least, I don’t think so.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isabella was still trying to figure out why
he looked so familiar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up close, it was
even more remarkable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She added, “I
don’t get out much socially.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gregory deftly led her around a
corner of the ballroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That surprises
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would expect you to be in great
demand socially.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grinned at
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ve certainly caused quite a
stir this evening.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella nearly stumbled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She felt the color drain from her face. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was sure she’d be recognized if her
stepmother looked at her closely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
glanced about and noticed that there were several people looking in their direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She realized most of them were watching the
Prince, but she still felt that familiar terror returning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just then, the waltz ended, and Gregory bowed
to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She curtsied to him, certain that
he would escort her off of the floor and then dance with someone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, as the orchestra began a minuet, Gregory
made an unhappy face.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I have always despised
minuets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you like them?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He queried.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella was honest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your Highness, I have never learned one.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then she sheepishly admitted, “I have been
avoiding them all night.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gregory chuckled and offered her his
arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Then it sounds like a good time
for a break. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shall we take a stroll on
the terrace?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Isabella smiled shyly
and took his arm, he continued, “I warn you, I’m determined to find out who you
are.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella’s smile took on a slightly
sadder look as they left the dance floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Are you really?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shook her
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m telling you the truth when I
say that it has to be my secret tonight.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gregory said nothing but gave her a
raised-eyebrow smile as they walked out onto the terrace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were quite a few people out there -- it
was a fine night and many, like Gregory, were not fond of dancing minuets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Prince led Isabella to a far corner,
which was partially screened from the rest of the terrace by a large
planter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ground sloped away from the
terrace down to a lake where the three-quarter moon was reflected in a shimmer
of silver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a lovely spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isabella released Gregory’s arm and clapped
her hands in delight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, how
pretty!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>she exclaimed.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gregory now grinned at her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I wondered if you’d think so.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He leaned with both hands on the low wall that
bordered the terrace, looking thoughtfully out over the lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve always liked the view from here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been my favorite thinking spot ever
since I was young.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was silent for a
moment, taking in the view, then he turned around and sat on the wall, facing
Isabella.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did I startle you when I said
you’d caused a stir?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isabella said
nothing but nodded slowly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He continued,
“Would you like to hear the gossip that’s going around about you?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella’s voice was weak as she
stammered, “Gossip...about…about <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">me</i>?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gregory’s voice was amused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are several folks who know you’re one of the minor palace maids
who made a bet she could sneak into the ball...I’ve heard of one or two who
‘have it on good authority’ that you are a commoner that I met and fell madly
in love with while I was abroad, and you’ve come <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">incognito</i> because my parents don’t approve... I’ve been told by
several other young ladies that they feel the mask is nothing more than a cheap
trick to get my attention...shall I go on?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella was aghast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I never thought...I mean, I knew I’d be an
odd duck in the mask, but I never expected that anything like that would
happen...”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a moment, she looked as
if she were on the verge of running away.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Prince smiled at her and gently
touched her elbow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t let the court
gossips worry you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are entirely
too many people here who get their delight from putting other people down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re not used to it, so I’ll let you in on
the secret...if they weren’t jealous of you, they wouldn’t pay any attention to
you.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella considered that for a
moment, looking at the shimmering lake, then commented with just a trace of
bitterness, “Oh, I’m well acquainted with jealousy, your Highness.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had never thought of it before, but
suddenly she understood her stepmother and stepsisters in an entirely new
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Jealousy can make people do...awful
things.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gregory said nothing for a few
moments then asked gently, “Does that have anything to do with your mask?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella slowly turned and looked at
him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“More than I can say, your
Highness.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She dropped her eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The truth is, the gossip is right on one
point -- I’m not supposed to be here.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She looked up at him and quickly added, “Don’t misunderstand me -- I did
receive an invitation -- but...,” she took a breath before continuing, “I’d be
in terrible trouble if ...someone...who has nothing at all to do with you or
your family…found out that I am here.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Is that ‘someone’ somebody in your
family?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gregory was imagining an
overbearing father who wanted to keep his daughter away from society so he
could marry her off on his own agenda.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella caught her breath,
hesitating. “In a way. And I really don’t want to say more than that.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">“But
you took the risk to come.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isabella bit
her lip but did not reply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gregory was
curious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella looked up at him and smiled
wryly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I let myself get talked into
it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, she sighed and shook her
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted something lovely to remember when...,”
she groped for the right words, “...when things aren’t so lovely.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was getting close to dangerous ground.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gregory stood up and sighed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What a blow to my ego!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was hoping you’d say you came to see me.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was only half-joking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was something intriguing about this
girl. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Just like all the others, your Highness?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isabella inquired dryly, realizing the mask was
making her rather bold again.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Touché.” Gregory replied, placing a
hand on his chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he queried,
“What makes you say that?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella smiled slightly,
remembering her stepsisters’ elaborate, unrealistic daydreams that she had had
to listen to for hours as they prepared themselves for the party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I figured there was a reason all the young
men were dancing with me.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gregory laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You don’t think they were dancing with you because
you were such a mystery?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">“I
rather think it’s because when I arrived…I was very nearly the only young lady
not in the line to dance with you.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Yes,
and you made me dance with everyone in that line before I could get my dance
with you.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Oh…I
am sorry.” Isabella-behind-the-mask was teasing him now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I didn’t know I was <i>expected</i> to dance
with you.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">Gregory caught her joke and went right along with her jesting, replying in a rather silly, stuffy voice, “Well,
that is the whole reason for the party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So,
yes, actually, believe it or not. I’m supposed to dance with everyone here …and
fall in love with one of my dance partners forever.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella actually laughed. “Seriously?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone you hardly know?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">“My
mother is a hopeless romantic and all the court aunts and mothers and grandmothers
are even worse.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Surely
they know real love doesn’t work that way.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Oh, yes, but sometimes the whole
lot gets carried away.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gregory dropped
his facetious manner and looked at her, then suddenly asked, “So, how do <i>you
</i>think love works, then?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella looked at him with a bit of
surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t expect that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She took a deep breath, then turned her gaze
out over the lake and thought for a moment of those fleeting happy memories of
her mother and father before she answered, speaking thoughtfully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think love starts with friendship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People who are really in love with each other
know they can trust each other completely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They can share their dreams and ideas with each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They laugh at the same jokes, enjoy the same
kinds of things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They respect each
other, admire each other...they are committed to each other.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She paused a moment before she smiled and
continued, “It takes a while.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked
at Gregory rather sheepishly, hardly believing she was saying these things to
him, but of course he no idea who she was. “That goes rather against the romantics,
I’m afraid."<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gregory, almost shocked beyond words
at hearing this unknown young lady describe the kind of relationship he had
been searching for, nodded slowly and agreed, “Yes, it does.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They stood side by side, saying nothing and
watching the moon dancing on the water for several moments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gregory’s mind was spinning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It began as a lark, just to see if she would tell him her name, but now....<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, he turned to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is it even possible to see you after
tonight?"<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella stood stunned for a split
second, then nodded, stopped and shook her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She swallowed and took a breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s…complicated…I’ve been telling the
others a wicked witch has me under a spell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s not literally true, of course, but…it’s a good analogy.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You are not free to say?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gregory was still trying to match her to an
overbearing, possessive father. ‘Witch’ didn’t really line up with that, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella hesitated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was on the dangerous ground now. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She started to speak, then stopped and looked
out over the lake again. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At last, she
merely said, “It would take too long to explain now, and I don’t want to spoil
a beautiful evening by trying.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
looked at him and smiled ruefully. “I just want to think about…the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be a memory soon enough.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gregory nodded thoughtfully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It sounds like they’re playing waltzes again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d like the next dance, but I would like for
you to do me a favor first.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella looked at him warily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your Highness, I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">can’t</i> tell you who I am,” she cautioned.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I know,” Gregory assured her in an
understanding voice, “That wasn’t what I was going to ask.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He paused a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I would like to see your face,” he
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gesturing to the planter, he continued,
“No one else can see us back here...,” he turned and looked at Isabella with a
gentle smile. “I’d like to know what the mystery lady looks like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One piece to the puzzle.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella’s breath caught.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had been speaking freely because no one
knew who she was; the likelihood of anyone actually finding her after tonight…even
the prince, she thought, was highly unlikely. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But to take off the mask…be herself…did she
dare?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would it make a difference?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if somehow it got back to her stepmother?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But what if he was serious about seeing her?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was that even possible? Could it really hurt
for one person to know what she looked like?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Slowly, as if she were dreaming,
Isabella untied the mask and lowered it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When she looked up at Gregory, serious and unsmiling, with just a trace
of apprehension showing, he looked at her for a long moment, as if he were
trying to memorize what he saw. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gregory
was, in fact, quite surprised at how lovely and vulnerable she looked in the
moonlight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wasn’t sure what he expected,
but there was a dream-like quality to her; he almost felt she might not even be
real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He cautiously raised his hand and
softly touched her cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, she was
real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, without really intending to,
he quickly bent his head and surprised her with a gentle, very light and brief
kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked straight into her eyes
and smiled slightly. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Keep your secret
for tonight,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll solve the
riddle.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella was surprised and
embarrassed and felt tears rising.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked
at the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good luck,” she
whispered shakily.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At that moment, a figure came around
the end of the planter and a male voice spoke, “Oh, there you are,
Gregory!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Startled, Gregory and Isabella
sprang apart as the Grand Duke stopped, surprised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, pardon me, I didn’t mean...” his voice
trailed off as a curtain in the window moved and light fell fully on Isabella.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Bella!” he gasped, shocked as Isabella,
horrified, backed up two steps and fumbled to re-tie her mask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No... you can’t be Bella,” he said, more to himself
than to her.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gregory, thoroughly confused, shook
his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uncle Godfrey, what are you
talking about?” he queried, just as the tower clock began to chime.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella was at once shocked,
angered and relieved that it was <st1:time hour="0" minute="0" w:st="on">midnight</st1:time>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gave a final tug to the knot that held
the mask in place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I…I have to go!” she
exclaimed and darted around Godfrey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Good-bye!” she called over her shoulder as she slipped into the
ballroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She heard cries of “Wait!” and
“Stop!” behind her and, alarmed, abandoned all sense of dignity, and ran
straight across the dance floor, through the reception hall and toward the
Palace door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, as she hurried
across the foyer, she stumbled, and her left slipper fell from her foot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, dear,” Isabella fretted as she stopped
and turned to retrieve it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, to her
horror, she heard an all-too familiar voice coming down the hall from the ladies’
lounge.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m sure the Prince is heading this
way, Eugenia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you hurry, you should get
a chance to speak with him privately.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Her stepmother!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Overcome by terror, Isabella abandoned her
slipper and escaped out the door and down the steps to the carriage, which was waiting as promised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Martin helped her in and closed the door, and
they were gone.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><i>To be continued...</i></p>Lisa Lareehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516986664460840579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18642968.post-35274347462100019592023-08-31T18:31:00.004-05:002023-09-01T08:17:52.940-05:00Serial Fun - Installment 8<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSB4FpTmxkurEubS9rfbapC7ns_zKXTGmKIlTsin9yacg32-n2mEnjZwV1IrNz8ueObOtEq8NBSZVR4HcBlka7dQ0imkzYWU1ujLWhc2orK8X-kic7jap4yj1GT0jRyqVgzolnUILjstpN1PjTqiOaUIDBRarKLFE9KRFWAO45y6yoJkoZ008Ow/s4032/Day%205%20004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSB4FpTmxkurEubS9rfbapC7ns_zKXTGmKIlTsin9yacg32-n2mEnjZwV1IrNz8ueObOtEq8NBSZVR4HcBlka7dQ0imkzYWU1ujLWhc2orK8X-kic7jap4yj1GT0jRyqVgzolnUILjstpN1PjTqiOaUIDBRarKLFE9KRFWAO45y6yoJkoZ008Ow/s320/Day%205%20004.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><i>I am about to head up to the sewing room to cut out Muslin two for the MOG dress; hopefully I'll have some real fitting progress to report tomorrow. Meantime, adding to the bit of nonsense that I've been posting. If you've missed the earlier posts, click <a href="https://sewrandom.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Real%20Fairy%20Godmother" target="_blank">HERE</a> to read from the bottom up, lol</i><p></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">Part
Three -- The Dance</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span> </span>Friday morning finally came -- clear
and warm.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">The palace buzzed all day with
caterers preparing various delicacies, florists arranging fragrant
bouquets for every available spot, palace servants hanging gossamer draperies around the ballroom and refreshment hall and seamstresses making last minute adjustments
to gowns.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Rita’s blue silk moire, finished
the day before, hung in her wardrobe ready for her to don at dinner time; the
rose brocade was now carefully covered by the muslin dust cover that also
covered the gloves and the crinoline and a few other odd items she thought might be useful.</span><span style="text-align: justify;">
</span><span style="text-align: justify;">Rita held her breath every time Esmerelda opened the wardrobe, but so
far Es had not said anything about the dress.</span><span style="text-align: justify;">
</span><span style="text-align: justify;">Rita assumed that Esmerelda had seen that the dress was still in the
wardrobe and was being too polite to say ‘I told you so.’</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Rita could hardly wait to see Isabella in
it.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Her biggest concern now was to get
out to the carriage house with the dress and things for Isabella without being
stopped or questioned.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">She hoped that,
since Esmerelda would be attending to the guests in the ladies’ lounge all
evening, she would be free to sneak out after she had supposedly retired to her
room to watch the festivities from her window.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span> </span>Despite all the activity around her, the day seemed to crawl by. She spent the afternoon being ministered to
by Esmerelda...being bathed and manicured and curled so that she was as fine as
any of the young ladies at the banquet.
Rita rather subconsciously knew the blue silk moire was quite becoming
to her, and when Gregory observed that his little sister was looking very grown-up
she was pleased and flattered, but her own participation in the banquet did
little to distract her from her plans for the rest of the evening. What everyone else assumed would be the high
point of the night for Rita was actually just the prelude that, if the truth
were known, she was rather impatient to be done with. As soon as her parents and her brother bid
her good night and went to receive the guests, Rita retired to her room. Esmerelda accompanied her and stayed long
enough to get Rita out of her fine dress and into her dressing gown, then also
departed to tend guests. Rita was finally
alone. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span> </span>She waited a few moments, to make
sure Es wouldn’t return, then changed into a day dress, put on her dark cloak, picked
up the invitation and the things in the dust cover and very carefully crept down
the back stairs of the palace. There
were two palace guards at the rear door; she wasn’t expecting that. She hadn't taken into account that there was higher security due to all
the guests; the rear grounds were private. She stood in the rear entry trying
to come up with a plan when one of the large carriages came to the rear of the
palace; apparently the driver had dropped off his passengers and was attempting
to turn around and got in the wrong drive.
The guards stepped away to help get the situation righted and Rita took a deep breath and scooted out of the door whilst the guards were engaged, hugging
the shadows under the shrubbery along the walk as she slipped out to the carriage house.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jerry and Martin were waiting as promised,
grandly dressed in the unmarked livery and extremely nervous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She thanked them again for their help before
giving them a few final instructions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“One more thing,” she added, “My friend doesn’t know who I am...and
that’s the way I want it for now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t
give it away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Call me “Miss Rita” for
tonight, please...one “Your Highness” and everything will be ruined.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked at them hopefully.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, y--Miss Rita.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry acknowledged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Martin, who rarely said anything at all,
nodded.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita took a deep breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“All right, then, let’s go.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Martin helped her into the carriage, and
Jerry eased the horses out the back drive to the rear entrance to the royal
estate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita had instructed Jerry to
drive past their destination and stop around a curve, out of sight of the manor
house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they went past it, she
craned her neck and just glimpsed a carriage waiting by the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>--So, she thought, --Isabella’s stepmother
and stepsisters have not left yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry
guided the horses around the curve and turned the carriage around in an open
field, then parked back on the road just out of sight of the manor house
drive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He then slipped down from the
driver’s seat and walked around the curve a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He returned in about ten minutes.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“The carriage is gone, uh...Miss.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry reported.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Did you watch it until it was out
of sight?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita wanted to make absolutely
sure they wouldn’t be seen by the rest of Isabella’s family.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Aye, Miss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re gone.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita smiled in anticipation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let’s go, then!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry climbed
back up into the driver’s seat, and in a few moments, they pulled up at the front
door of the manor house.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita, so excited she could hardly
stand it, climbed out of the carriage before Martin could even get around to
hand her down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With Isabella’s
invitation in her hand, she ran up the walk to the front door and pulled hard
on the bell pull and waited...and waited...and waited. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She began to wonder if perhaps the bell hadn’t
worked, or if Isabella was hurt or ill and considered wandering about the house
rapping on windows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She backed away from
the door a bit, turning to look and see if there were any lights visible from the
inside when the door opened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isabella
could not see Rita fully and said quite stiffly “Yes?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita turned back excitedly.
“Isabella...,” she began, but Isabella cut her off as the color drained from
her face and an expression of shock took its place.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Rita! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What on earth are you doing here?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Closer now, Rita could see that Isabella’s eyes
were red and puffy; she’d been weeping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Well, Rita could do something about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She held out the invitation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I brought you something.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Slowly, clearly puzzled, Isabella
took the envelope from Rita.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked
at her name on the front and the royal seal on the back, then back at Rita, who
was smiling broadly and having a difficult time standing still.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is this....” her voice trailed off as she
opened the envelope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While Isabella read
the invitation, Rita slipped back to the carriage and pulled the dust cover off
the dress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She grabbed the dress and the
satin mask and ducked back into the house to find Isabella sitting on a small
bench in the foyer, stunned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This looks
like a real invitation.” Isabella commented with more than just a trace of
wonder.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita was surprised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i>
a real invitation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re invited to the
ball.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella looked up at her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But I can’t go...I don’t have anything to
we...”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stopped in the middle of the
word and her eyes widened as she saw the significance of the gown Rita was holding
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She caught her breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, my...”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She stood up and reached for it, then dropped her hands and looked
ruefully at Rita.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My stepmother and my
stepsisters are there...if they saw me...”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rita didn’t say a word, but grinned and held up the mask in her other
hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isabella slowly took it and held
it up to her face, a slight smile now beginning to show itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Won’t I look ridiculously out of place?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not a masked ball....”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked at Rita anxiously.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita slowly replied, “Well...think
how <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">mysterious</i> you’ll be...and they
surely won’t recognize you, all dressed up and wearing the mask....”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the horses whinnied and stamped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita looked at Isabella and grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The carriage is waiting....”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella took a deep breath and held
it for what seemed to Rita an eternity, then suddenly said “All right...I’ll do
it!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita gave a little squeal of delight
and gave the gown to Isabella.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve got
a few more things in the carriage,” she explained and dashed out to get the
rest of the things she’d brought.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The two girls were so busy that they
talked only of the business at hand -- getting Isabella ready for the dance and
discussing what Rita would need to do at the manor house while she was gone as
they worked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They did in forty-five minutes
what had taken Isabella’s stepsisters a day and a half.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At eight-thirty Isabella was fresh and lovely
in the rose brocade dress, which fit as if it had been made for her (just as
Rita had known it would).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’d brushed
her hair until it shone, then pulled it up and curled it with Eugenia’s curling
iron (Rita had a small burn on her thumb from picking it up off the hearth
incorrectly).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isabella had no jewels,
but she pulled a small trunk from under a loose floorboard and took out of it a
single strand pearl choker her father had given her for a birthday
present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It settled perfectly against
the base of her throat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita scarcely
recognized the elegant young lady as the girl she’d mistaken for a peasant the
previous week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isabella was
lovely...Gregory just<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> had</i> to notice
her!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That’s everything but shoes,” Isabella
said as she slipped her hands into the long gloves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita’s mouth went dry and she felt the color
drain from her face as Isabella continued.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I have terribly small feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’ll see if they fit.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked
around a moment then frowned slightly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Where did you put them?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita looked at Isabella with a
stricken face. “Shoes,” she said in a rather strangled voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I forgot about shoes.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella smiled at her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, these won’t show so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s all right...don’t worry.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She started to slip her feet into her worn
leather work shoes.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No!” Rita protested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You mustn’t wear those...they’ll spoil your
whole outfit.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She pulled off her own
shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They weren’t dancing slippers,
but they were better than the inelegant work shoes Isabella had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, she was dismayed to see that they
were awkwardly too big for Isabella.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> She did indeed have tiny feet. Isabella</span> felt desperate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There must be something
we can do...do you suppose we could stuff the toes with something?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella frowned, thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Perhaps if we....”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, her face brightened as inspiration came
to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My mother’s wedding slippers!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita asked as Isabella again opened the small
trunk that had held her pearls and drew out a velvet draw string bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To Rita’s amazement, the bag contained what
certainly looked like a pair of...glass slippers!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Are they really glass?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita gasped, astonished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’d never heard of such a thing.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My mother had them custom made for her
wedding.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She set them down, slipped her
feet into them and took a cautious step or two, then looked at Rita with a rueful
smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They’re not terribly comfortable,
either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The left one is a bit big.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She sighed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I suppose I’ll be miserable with blisters by the time the evening is
over, but they’ll have to do.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Are you ready?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita asked, excited for her friend.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella took a deep breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My outside is ready, but my inside is
terribly nervous.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the first time that
evening, Isabella’s face reflected pure panic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Oh, Rita, do you really think I can do it?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita waved her toward the door and,
as they began the descent from Isabella’s tower, told her firmly, “Of course
you can...if you have the right attitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You can’t go looking like a mouse waiting for the cat to pounce on
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">are</i> Lady Isabella Savoy, after all, and you are as noble as anyone else there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forget about all this for one
evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hold your head up and dance and
enjoy yourself!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were downstairs
just as the hall clock struck the three-quarter hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita frowned a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It will be <st1:time hour="9" minute="0" w:st="on">nine o’clock</st1:time> before you get there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three hours isn’t very long.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella sighed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, but I think you’re right that I need to
leave at <st1:time hour="0" minute="0" w:st="on">midnight</st1:time>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">have</i>
to be back home and have everything back to normal well before the others
return.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then she brightened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Still, three hours at a royal ball is far better
than an evening of polishing silver!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, I hope I don’t do such a bad job of it
that your stepmother suspects you didn’t do it.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella smiled grimly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, she’d just scold me for being lazy and
make me do it again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I don’t think I
would mind!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita picked Isabella’s invitation up
off of the bench in the foyer and handed it to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ll need to show this at the gate and
probably at the door.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isabella took the invitation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How did you get this, anyway?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>she queried.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita had hoped she wouldn’t have to
answer that question and evaded it with “No time now!” as she shooed Isabella
out of the door into the dusky evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Martin jumped up and
opened the carriage door for Isabella and helped her settle into the seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t forget to leave at <st1:time hour="0" minute="0" w:st="on">midnight</st1:time>!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rita called from the doorway as Jerry snapped the reins and they started
off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She waved until they were out of
sight, then stepped back into the empty house and shut the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now all she could do was wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And polish silver,” she told herself out
loud as she headed down the hall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
going to be a long evening.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><i></i><p></p>Lisa Lareehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516986664460840579noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18642968.post-4146382841808932272023-08-29T23:52:00.005-05:002023-08-29T23:52:50.533-05:00Serial Fun - Installment 7<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7IgN6rvQwCyt_E0Un9suFRfEC6I4fnEB_VCUyoG5RSKLuRFwus_LLr_S7sgnVJwTJi0vQi3ydcNcYIBgQIOGS-bOyQb0e7-vNpX7nXAozXu1Zky4vE0zbu5xnkZ-6uaDXR4Zm73vgKzzfQzCl361sWL7ACr8Cjex9DCQFHlcTw5H32Ib4fos5g/s4032/Day%205%20004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7IgN6rvQwCyt_E0Un9suFRfEC6I4fnEB_VCUyoG5RSKLuRFwus_LLr_S7sgnVJwTJi0vQi3ydcNcYIBgQIOGS-bOyQb0e7-vNpX7nXAozXu1Zky4vE0zbu5xnkZ-6uaDXR4Zm73vgKzzfQzCl361sWL7ACr8Cjex9DCQFHlcTw5H32Ib4fos5g/s320/Day%205%20004.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p><i>Welp, best laid plans and all that...I never managed to get into the sewing room today. Tomorrow is an all-day-at-church Wednesday, so...hopefully I'll get the second muslin cut out on Thursday. For what it's worth, here's the little ancient diversion. Earlier instalments are <a href="https://sewrandom.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Real%20Fairy%20Godmother" target="_blank">HERE</a>, if you are late to the party...</i></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">The next two days
were a blur.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Monday was the day Gregory
was to arrive back at the palace, so once again Rita’s lessons were
suspended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She spent the morning getting
fitted for her dress for the formal dinner the night of the ball, but she was
so distracted by all the hubbub around her and by her own anxiety that she
scarcely noticed what the dress looked like. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was to be a ‘family’ banquet that
evening, but the number of semi-royal persons at court had multiplied far
beyond the usual and it appeared that the informal welcome home dinner the
Queen had planned would not be far short of a full-fledged feast. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita was nervously watching all the young
daughters, nieces, wards, cousins, etc., of the nobles who seemed to appear in
court from the dust in the air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many
were quite lovely, and all of them hoped to snare Gregory’s attention at the
first available opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
desperately hoped Gregory would not fall madly in love with any of them before
he’d even met Isabella.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was even
more anxious when Gregory’s entourage arrived just before <st1:time hour="12" minute="0" w:st="on">noon</st1:time> and the whole lot of them descended upon
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita watched as her older brother
treated them all with the utmost courtesy and patience and breathed a sigh of
relief as she noted that he treated them all exactly the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So far, so good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It was the middle of the afternoon
before Rita herself actually got a chance to spend any time with Gregory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She found him heading toward the kennels and
picked up her skirts a bit to catch up with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He heard her approaching and turned around
with a look of rather strained patience, which turned instantly into delighted
relief when he saw who she was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘Rita!”
He cried, giving her a hug that lifted her slightly off of the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The first young female I’ve been glad to see
all day!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Poor Gregory,” Rita sympathized as
they began walking toward the kennels together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Has it really been that bad?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She looked at him closely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was
-- she did some addition -- twenty-two years old, and she decided he had
finished growing up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a bit of a
shock to think of Gregory as a man, a grown man, and not just her adored big brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She tried to be objective, but she still
thought him to be extremely handsome: tall and athletic, with sandy brown hair
and deep blue eyes that, unknown to Rita, exactly matched her own. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gregory gave her a wry smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ve no idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not just the girls...it’s their mothers
and grandmothers and aunts and godmothers... I’m beginning to think everybody
in the kingdom is determined to get me married off.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His smile turned into a broad grin as he opened
the kennel door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank heaven for little
sisters who aren’t interested in that yet!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita blushed as she walked in. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe it was a good idea to just put Isabella
where Gregory could meet her on his own, without anyone seeming to try to push
them together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the same, she didn’t
like being even indirectly included with all those ladies who seemed to be pulling
Gregory in so many directions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
finally squelched the pang of guilt by reminding herself that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">she</i> wasn’t motivated by self-centered
ambition...Isabella was perfect for Gregory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She watched as Gregory opened the door of Champion’s run and called the
dog to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Champion, who needed very
little encouragement, was a picture of tail-wagging ecstasy as Gregory snapped
the lead onto his collar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita followed
them out of the kennel before she finally spoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Gregory...do you think you’ll ever fall in love?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gregory shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, I suppose I’ve been close, once or
twice.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sighed wearily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ultimately, though, it seems that all the
girls I’ve met have all been cut from the same cloth.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They took the promenade walk to the garden
perimeter.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita frowned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“‘Cut from the same cloth?’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you mean?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Well...” Gregory thought a moment before
he continued, “I have yet to meet a girl who is interested in me, Gregory, a
man who likes dogs and Shakespeare and the moonlight on the lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think a single one of them could tell
you what my favorite piece of music is, or what reforms I would like to make in
what institutions when I have the opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am a prize to be won, a stepping-stone to a better life, a crown and a
title.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have yet to meet someone that I
can talk to like Father talks to Mother, someone I can trust to have sound
judgment, who thinks of more than just gossip and fashion and parties.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He paused for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So tell me, Rita, are there any girls like
that at court?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita thought of Lady Sophia, who was
a fair reflection of the young ladies at court and shook her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t think you’ll find anyone like that
at court.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, she wished she could tell
him about Isabella!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gregory sighed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought as much.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grinned at her ruefully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sorry to complain to you, little sister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mother and Father understand, thank God, and
aren’t pushing me...yet.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita remembered her recent
conversation with her mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t
think they will, Gregory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mother says
that a happy marriage makes a better monarch...I think they’ll trust your
judgment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’re following their
example, I don’t see how you can go wrong.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She smiled at him as they turned back toward the kennel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It may take a while, though, and everyone
else will keep after you until you’re settled.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I know.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gregory stated grimly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s a temptation to just go ahead and marry
one of them, just to get the rest of them to leave me alone.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shocked, Rita gasped, “Oh, Gregory,
you wouldn’t really <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">do</i> that, would
you?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Again, Gregory grinned at her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, no, it’s just a temptation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m determined to hold out until I find that
girl that’s different.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that moment,
the dog trainer spotted Gregory and waved to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gregory looked at Rita and nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“See you at dinner,” then took Champion over
to the trainer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita waved at him and headed back
toward the palace, her heart singing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Isabella <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">was</i> that different
girl -- she knew it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shivered in
anticipation as she mentally reviewed her list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She had everything Isabella would need...she felt sure she could get her
to the ball...but would Gregory get the chance to meet her with so many other
girls vying for his attention?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita knew
there was no way she could guarantee that.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It was Wednesday before Esmerelda brought
the rose brocade dress back from the laundry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rita was right -- the dress was absolutely stunning once it was fresh
and crisp. Rita gazed at the dress after Es hung it in the wardrobe, still
annoyed by the fact that it seemed somehow familiar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a trifle out of style, but since it
was a fairly classic design, Rita thought it wouldn’t look too out of
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She knew Isabella would look
lovely in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The portrait neckline and
the puffed off-the-shoulder sleeves would give her a truly elegant appearance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She would look like.... suddenly, Rita
gasped, realizing where she’d seen the dress before.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Against all possibility, it had to
be the dress Bella Savoy had worn when Jerome Baltry painted her portrait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">Isabella
would look just like her mother.<o:p></o:p></p>
<i>To be continued...</i><p></p>Lisa Lareehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516986664460840579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18642968.post-40867379941086841012023-08-28T23:31:00.003-05:002023-08-28T23:31:44.578-05:00Serial Fun - Installment 6<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDcx3pHjyLtush1sWHyTHC-Z8bCJ8yZLZEjuj2T6Nb0Tw-b0TKRoUFIC-XdK3p7ku0e08oujDX021fgHgN4SujBIwE6U4YOfg9QkJ4zQ02S4pleLclgx6LOpQMhUHtrfySmWRKhapvYrbYePC0M67YIV79BAyeB9CZqzgdNuwHfmFDrNI1xnXzQ/s4032/Day%205%20004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDcx3pHjyLtush1sWHyTHC-Z8bCJ8yZLZEjuj2T6Nb0Tw-b0TKRoUFIC-XdK3p7ku0e08oujDX021fgHgN4SujBIwE6U4YOfg9QkJ4zQ02S4pleLclgx6LOpQMhUHtrfySmWRKhapvYrbYePC0M67YIV79BAyeB9CZqzgdNuwHfmFDrNI1xnXzQ/s320/Day%205%20004.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><i>I got muslin one sewed up and pinned on, then made alterations to the pattern. We'll cut out muslin 2 tomorrow. I scooped the front neck a bit, lowered the bust shaping an inch and a half, and smoothed out the hip shaping considerably; I had a weird bubble there. I also shortened it 2" and increased the length of the back vent...it looked a bit skimpy. The shoulders/ armsceye/ upper chest fit pretty well, which is good. If that area is good, think I can get the rest. Eventually. I walked the seamline on the pattern...should have done that before I cut anything...and discovered that I was taking about 3/4" too much up in the dart; the front side seam was shorter than the back side seam. I wrangled that a bit but I think I have it correct now. If my paperfolding was accurate, lol.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><i>But still nothing worthy of a photo; so I'll slap up the next installment on the frivolity. I have noticed the page views dropping so I'm guessing folks are getting bored with the story but I'm kinda committed to it now, lol. <a href="https://sewrandom.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Real%20Fairy%20Godmother" target="_blank">HERE </a>is the link to the previous installments; most recent first, if you're behind and want to catch up. Or you can quit here because that's the current status of my MOG dress...</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">Rita puzzled
over the gown as she dressed for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Esmerelda didn’t bustle in to help her dress until she was nearly
finished, so she had plenty of time to mull it over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It didn’t seem to help much, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She came up with absolutely nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was barely on time for dinner, and only
half-listened to the conversations around her as she pondered the problem some
more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if the dressmakers weren’t
swamped with orders for new ball gowns, it would be impossible to bring
Isabella in for a fitting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita knew her
own dresses would never do...Isabella was two or three inches taller, and
certainly not shaped like an adolescent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly, one
of the ladies asked Rita if she was excited about the ball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita glanced at her mother, who smiled at
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, I’m looking forward to
seeing Gregory again, and it will be fun to see all the people dressed up and
dancing, but I won’t be attending any balls or hunts until my sixteenth
birthday.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Oh, I’d forgotten.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was one of her mother’s cousins who’d
asked the question, and she was now acutely embarrassed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had only been trying to include Rita in
the ladies’ conversation, so she tried a different topic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Won’t it be thrilling if the Prince selects
a new sister-in-law for you at the ball?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There will certainly be a good number of young ladies there hoping to
catch his eye!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita’s mouth went dry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes,” she reluctantly agreed, “I’m sure
there will be.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To Rita’s relief, the
conversation moved away from her as several of the ladies discussed possible
matches for the Prince.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She bit her lip,
worried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gregory <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">had</i> to notice Isabella -- he just<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> had</i> to!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When Rita went back to her room that
night, she was still racking her brain trying to think of how to get a gown for
Isabella.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She hardly listened to
Esmerelda’s chatter as she bathed and dressed for bed, when suddenly she
realized Es was talking about -- of all things -- ball gowns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita began to listen very carefully to what
Esmerelda had to say.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s a shame, that’s what it is, to
make these poor seamstresses work around the clock making new dresses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why, they’ll get worn once and then
discarded, just like all those others.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What others, Es?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita queried as Esmerelda brushed the
Princess’s long, dark hair.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The brush stopped for an instant,
then continued.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t guess you’d
know about it, would you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the storage
room in the west wing are trunks and trunks of ball gowns, the majority of
which are perfectly good, except for being stored for so long.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita was curious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps she could find a dress for Isabella,
after all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Where’d they come from?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Esmerelda continued brushing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, various places.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Periodically, the dresses are auctioned off, and
the proceeds will go to a worthy cause, but that hasn’t been done for a long
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the dresses are given to
the collection for the charity auction, but a surprising number of them have
just been left at the palace by visiting dignitaries’ wives.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Just...left?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita was amazed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why would anyone just abandon a beautiful
ball gown?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Esmerelda nodded grimly as she
parted Rita’s hair down the middle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“You’d be surprised how many of these noble ladies would be embarrassed
to wear the same dress to more than one formal ball.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Es began braiding the Princess’s hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“All those dresses, stuffed into trunks in
the attic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if the ladies of the area
would just wear them, then the seamstresses wouldn’t be worked to death next
week.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita began to get excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surely, one of those dresses would suit Isabella!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She calmed herself before she spoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are they really pretty?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Esmerelda tied off one braid and
began the other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I haven’t been up
there for a while, but I remember some of the dresses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, there are some very pretty ones...and
some with some juicy stories.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita could see that Esmerelda was
more than just a little interested in the dresses; good, it wouldn’t take much
to persuade her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Esmerelda, do you
suppose we could go have a look at them?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Saturday morning, maybe?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Esmerelda tied off the other braid,
then looked at Rita and giggled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You
know, that might be fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d like to see
them...why not!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That was even easier than Rita had
expected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it might work!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She just might be able to find a dress!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh -- Isabella would need an invitation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That, at least, would be simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita waited until Esmerelda had gone to dress
for bed, then pulled a sheet of parchment paper from her desk drawer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She dipped her pen in the inkwell and
carefully lettered “To the Lady Isabella Savoy.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she finished, she sealed the envelope
and put it into her desk drawer and crawled into bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was so excited over the possibility of
getting Isabella to the ball (-- Won’t <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">she</i>
be surprised! Rita had to stifle a giggle at that thought), that she expected
to lie awake forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, the bed
felt surprisingly soft and Rita was asleep before Esmerelda blew out the lamps.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Somehow, Rita managed to survive
Friday’s lessons. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If her tutor noticed
she seemed a bit preoccupied, he put it down to the fact that she was
anticipating the Prince’s return and said nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita herself felt as if she fidgeted all
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She sent Esmerelda to help make
additional preparations for the next week’s festivities and spent the afternoon
rummaging around in her wardrobe for things that she could share with
Isabella.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was fairly certain that
Isabella could adjust the drawstring on the crinoline enough to fit; it would
be a bit short, but under a gown --oh, please, let there be a gown! Rita half
prayed -- it wouldn’t show that much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She found a pair of long gloves that were a bit big for her so Isabella
wouldn’t have to feel self-conscious about her work-worn hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She put the things on a hanger in the far
corner of the wardrobe and pulled one of her muslin dust covers over them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully, Esmerelda wouldn’t notice
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She made as much preparation as
she could without knowing what kind of a dress she might find.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The day seemed to go on forever, but at last
she crawled into bed for a rather restless night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometime around <st1:time hour="2" minute="0" w:st="on">two a.m.</st1:time>, Rita sat up in bed, frustrated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>--If I’m this keyed up just about a dress,
she wondered, --what on earth am I going to be like before the ball? She
flopped back into bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Go to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sleep!</i>” she whispered sternly to
herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Either her subconscious
listened or she finally was exhausted enough to overcome her nerves, because
she finally fell asleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next thing
she knew Esmerelda was calling to her that she would be late for breakfast if
she didn’t hurry and get up.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Finally, breakfast was over and Rita
and Esmerelda were wandering about in the west wing store room. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were so many trunks, boxes, racks of
clothes hanging under dust covers...Rita was overwhelmed, not knowing where to
start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked at Esmerelda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you know what’s in any of these?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Esmerelda frowned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, I helped put away the things from the
last donation....let’s see....”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
looked under a couple of the dust covers, then pulled on a large trunk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think this one has some things in it that
I know...”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Between the two of them, they
managed to get the trunk out where they could open it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure enough, it was filled with gowns,
crinolines, and other trappings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita was
delighted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first dress out of the
trunk was a blue taffeta...obviously made for a rather large woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Esmerelda draped it carefully over a second
trunk while observing “I don’t know anything about this dress...”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita pulled out a sea green silk dress that
looked like it would be a possibility...until she noticed a dark stain down the
front of the skirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Esmerelda clucked
when she saw the dress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, la, now, I
remember this one!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you know what’s on it?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was going to be fun!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Esmerelda nodded with a bit of
malicious glee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, it was the talk of
the court gossip for a good little bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let’s see... it would have been four or five years ago, I guess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was one particular diplomat from <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Paris</st1:place></st1:city> who was at court
for awhile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His wife was a...well, I
suppose the delicate way of putting it would be that she was a bit free with
her affections.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was at a formal
dinner party that she had a confrontation with the wife of one of the gentlemen
that...well, rumor had it she’d been a bit free with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, a glass of wine was ‘accidentally’
spilled down the front of the loose lady’s skirt and there was a terrible
scene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next day, the Parisian diplomat
took his wife back to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Paris</st1:place></st1:city>
in disgrace, and the dress was found in a heap in the wardrobe of their
room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was cleaned, of course, but the
stain had already set.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She frowned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I suppose a skilled dressmaker could replace
the front panel of the skirt...if the fabric could be matched.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is such an odd green.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita’s eyes widened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I had no idea...are there many stories like
that?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Esmerelda shook her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, there are some, for sure, that I
remember from when I used to help organize things for the charity auction, but
I haven’t worked up here for several years now and there are more dresses than
I recall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should have another auction
soon.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Who buys the dresses?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita couldn’t imagine any of her mother’s
friends condescending to wearing a used dress.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Esmerelda shook out the green silk
gown again and carefully laid it over the blue taffeta as she answered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, tradesmen’s wives, generally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They don’t come to the royal balls, but they
do have their own social functions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
can buy these gowns fairly cheaply, and then the dressmakers alter them
slightly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dresses get used, the
money raised goes to charity, and the royal storeroom gets emptied out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It benefits everyone, I suppose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was one of your grandmother’s ideas.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>More dresses, fine accessories and
foundation garments followed, but nothing that looked like it would be suitable
for Isabella.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back into the trunk it all
went, and another trunk was opened, but again only matronly fashions were
included.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The third trunk was an odd
shade of green, and it appeared that this would be a repeat of the earlier
two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first dress out was a cream
velvet that had a couple of moth holes in the bodice...then there were two
crinolines and a set of panniers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then,
a sky-blue dressing gown that looked as if it would fit Rita.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita, feeling her frustration rising, was
beginning to wonder if they would have to open yet another trunk when Esmerelda
pulled out a dress that made Rita gasp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“This is pretty, isn’t it?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Es
commented as she shook it out.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita reached for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a rich rose silk brocade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She held it up to herself, trying to compare
the too-long dress to her mental image of Isabella.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would fit...she felt sure it would
fit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus, there were no wine stains,
moth holes or other problems with the dress that she could see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you know where this one came from?” she
queried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was something familiar
about the dress...but it couldn’t be one of her mother’s old dresses...why did
it seem familiar?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Esmerelda was shaking her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think this one was one of the charity
donations...but I don’t know anything else about it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She reached into the trunk again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, this is the last one,” she observed,
pulling out a copper-colored taffeta.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita looked at the dress, more out
of courtesy than anything else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was
sure she had the dress for Isabella in her hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly, a thought hit her as Esmerelda held
the copper dress up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Es, I think that
dress would fit you.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Esmerelda blushed as she quickly
folded the dress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, I’ve no need for
a fancy ball gown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll be dressed in my
best, but I’ll be helping tend the ladies’ lounge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No dancing for me...as if I’d be any good at
those dances, anyway.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She bent over to
put the dress back in the trunk, then smiled and pulled out something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe if I put this on, I could get in, do
you think?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She held a bejeweled pink
satin half-mask -- the kind worn to the annual masked ball on New Year’s Eve --
up to her face.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know...you still wouldn’t know how
to do a minuet...”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She held out her hand
for a closer look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Esmerelda dropped the
mask into her hand and began replacing the things they’d taken from the
trunk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita still held the rose brocade
gown as she turned the mask over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
pink satin didn’t exactly match the rose of the dress, but it was close enough,
she thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would Isabella go masked to
a formal ball?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita bit her lip, thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would certainly solve the problem of her
stepmother or stepsisters recognizing her.... Suddenly, she realized Esmerelda
had asked for the dress in her hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Oh.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita handed it to her,
frowning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She watched as Esmerelda
carefully tucked it back into the trunk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At least it was the only green trunk in the room...it would be easy to
find the dress again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">If</i> she could get up here and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">if</i> she could manage to have it cleaned
and pressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She decided to take a
chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Es...do we really have to put
it back?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Esmerelda looked up at her, mildly
puzzled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, what else could we do
with it?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita shrugged and said rather lamely,
“Oh, I don’t know...it just seems too pretty to box back up again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it would be even prettier if it were
clean and pressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems like such a
waste.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Esmerelda nodded grimly as she shut
the lid to the trunk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And there’s probably two dozen dresses in
these other trunks that are just as pretty and just as wasted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s what I was saying the other night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every seamstress in the kingdom will be
working ‘round the clock all week to make new dresses, when there are plenty of
perfectly good dresses right here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
just doesn’t seem right.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita pressed her luck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Es...I know someone who might wear that
dress, if it were cleaned and if she didn’t know where it came from.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Esmerelda looked up sharply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Who?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita hesitated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, it’s someone who’s just a little older
than me that I overheard lamenting the fact that she didn’t have anything new
to wear, and her mother was having trouble engaging a seamstress for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t get to spend much time with the other
girls my age -- most of them are gone to school, and I thought it might be nice
to try and help out someone.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita hoped
that she was neither telling too big of a lie or telling too much of the truth.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Esmerelda’s eyebrows went up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I daresay you’re talking about Lady Sophia
Gresham.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you can get <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">her</i> to wear a used dress, you’ll be
doing a wonder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still...”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Esmerelda’s voice trailed off as she opened
the trunk and took out the rose dress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She shook it out again and held it up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“It might fit Lady Sophia...but it may be too outdated for her, with
those puffy sleeves and all.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
grinned at Rita.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But it is a pretty
dress… if she didn’t know where it came from, it might work.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She closed the trunk and nodded, becoming a
co-conspirator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll give it a
try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll get the dress freshened up,
and I’ll swear the laundress to secrecy.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She glanced at her brooch watch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Oh...it’s later than I thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We'll have to hurry for luncheon.</span>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She bustled the Princess out of the storeroom
as if she were six years old, but Rita was so exultant at actually succeeding
in getting the dress out of storage that she took no notice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, Es thought she was going to try to get
that snooty Lady Sophia to wear the dress!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Well, if it worked, it worked.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Let me talk to her about it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita wanted to make sure Esmerelda didn’t
cause trouble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If she doesn’t want it,
well, I tried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if she even suspects
that anyone could find out it was a used dress...”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Esmerelda chuckled, obviously
delighted to try and give the poor dressmakers even a small reprieve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, I’ll let you handle it, Your Highness.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She hadn’t even noticed that Rita had carried
out the mask.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><o:p> <i>To be continued...</i></o:p></p><br /><p></p>Lisa Lareehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516986664460840579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18642968.post-38860414767748261442023-08-27T23:32:00.000-05:002023-08-27T23:32:11.102-05:00Serial Fun - Installment 5<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8PgSsqpVMWnrQdpj1pRDPku42xPNppNvA0Gr5IcaDP3zpPLMlTAmsdAARtR5Y-v7mlhWx41CqmyEWNzLNCC1X0jNN9ps3NcSN9YeyiR97iFDzLxTXFv6PZKIDRU7bMsTfAgWrKw2gCekh2XDeKZtLLMVLswzDFe_KMdN9xZs-wjfHSRo4eWWORA/s4032/Day%205%20004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8PgSsqpVMWnrQdpj1pRDPku42xPNppNvA0Gr5IcaDP3zpPLMlTAmsdAARtR5Y-v7mlhWx41CqmyEWNzLNCC1X0jNN9ps3NcSN9YeyiR97iFDzLxTXFv6PZKIDRU7bMsTfAgWrKw2gCekh2XDeKZtLLMVLswzDFe_KMdN9xZs-wjfHSRo4eWWORA/s320/Day%205%20004.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><i>I did finish cutting out the muslin; I have the bust darts sewn up. I have my reservations about how those are actually going to look on the body but I should get the rest of the muslin sewn up tomorrow after work. It did occur to me that I really haven't tried to fit a true sheath dress since menopause, lol, so it could take a couple of iterations.</i><p></p><p><i>Meanwhile, I'll just keep posting chunks of the 20+ year old not-so-fairy tale; you can find the earlier parts <a href="https://sewrandom.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Real%20Fairy%20Godmother" target="_blank">HERE</a>; just be aware that it posts the most recent first, so you gotta scroll down and read up...</i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">Part
Two -- The Plan<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What can I do?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita asked herself again as she skipped across
the small brook at the edge of the orchard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Isabella needed help in the worst way, but Rita had promised not to tell
anyone about her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>--Maybe, she thought
to herself, --some promises shouldn’t be kept.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, if Isabella’s fears were true, and questions were asked, Rita
didn’t know if she could deal with being responsible for Isabella getting
another beating...or watching more of her mother’s precious statuettes broken. She
replayed the entire story in her head as she made her way back across the fields,
trying to see a solution for her new friend. Really, what Isabella needed was for
someone to sweep down on the manor house without warning and spirit her… and
her mother’s things… away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>--Perhaps
when Gregory gets home, Rita conjectured, --he can help me think of
something...if I can figure out a way to ask for help without breaking my
promise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gregory had always been good at
helping Rita solve her problems before he’d gone abroad. --After all, princes
are supposed to be good at rescuing damsels in distress, she thought as she
smiled to herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She added out loud as
she crossed a rock fence, “Then they get married and live happily ever
after.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly, her smile faded and
she stood stock still as she realized what she’d just said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gregory and Isabella!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She took a breath, dazzled by this new idea, and began walking toward
the stables.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How can I introduce them?”
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She scarcely noticed that she was
talking out loud to herself again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What
if Isabella came to the ball next week?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rita considered that thought for a moment, then added, “But her
stepmother and stepsisters will be there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What if they saw her?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe a
disguise of some sort...she’ll need an invitation, and transportation,
something to wear...<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita was lost in thought, so she
didn’t notice that Jerry Rattes was leading one of the horses out of the stable
as she approached.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He startled her when
he gasped, “Your Highness!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought you
went back to the palace!” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita quickly glanced around to see
if anyone else saw her, but fortunately Jerry was the only one in sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I decided to take a walk around the
pastures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please don’t tell
anyone.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked at him
forlornly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t get much chance to
just think things through...”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jerry, who was a solitary soul by
nature, had often thought to himself how tedious it must be to be a member of
the royal family and always have to have someone in attendance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled at her shyly, “I’ll keep your secret,
your Highness.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Suddenly, Rita was hit with
inspiration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Can you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">really</i> keep a secret, Jerry?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jerry looked a bit
uncomfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hope so, your Highness.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The horse he was leading stamped her foot impatiently,
and Jerry looked up at her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I need to
take Joyful to the pasture...she wants a roll and a mouthful of grass, don’t
you, old girl?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He patted the horse’s
nose affectionately.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“May I walk with you?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita definitely saw a way to solve one of her
problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think I may need your help
on something.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Again, that uncomfortable look came
to Jerry’s face, but he replied, “You know I’m at your service, your
Highness.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They began walking toward the
pasture gate.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita took a deep breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Jerry, this is an absolute secret, for
reasons I can’t explain right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I
have a friend who needs transportation to the ball next Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is there any way we can do something to
help?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jerry thought for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, I don’t know if we could get permission
to do it, but there is the pumpkin.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“The pumpkin?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita was lost.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“The old children’s carriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s round and sort of orangish -- we’ve
always called it the pumpkin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would
seat one person just about right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
not been used for years and years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Me
and Martin could clean it up.” Martin was Jerry’s younger brother and was even
more quiet and timid around the royal family than Jerry.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita frowned, thinking, as Jerry
opened the gate and let the horse trot into the pasture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just as Jerry predicted, she took a fast
gallop for a few moments, then rolled in the grass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita laughed aloud, ‘You knew that’s what
she’d do!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">Jerry
looked at the old horse fondly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah,
me and Joyful have both been around here together for quite a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She does better when the other horses are off
out of the pasture; I always bring her round when it’s empty.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">Rita
watched the old horse for a moment as she clambered to her feet and began
munching the grass, then ventured. “I suppose my friend would need a driver and
footman...could you drive it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would Martin
be willing to be a footman for the evening?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jerry took a deep breath, hesitated
just a moment and replied, “Aye, your Highness, I think we could help.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What about horses?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And livery?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Again, Jerry frowned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The wagon team would pull the carriage, I
think.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s some of the old livery in
storage in the carriage house. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think
we could find some that doesn’t have the royal crest on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But...won’t Mr. Leifert have to know about
this?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita sighed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s the problem, Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure he’d want to check it out with my
parents, and that would spoil everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I promised my friend I wouldn’t tell anybody about her …wanting to come
to the dance....” Her voice trailed off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She hoped she hadn’t already broken her promise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Jerry was very unlikely to ask any
questions that would get Isabella in trouble. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, if everything depended on getting
Leifert’s permission...suddenly, Rita thought that her great idea wasn’t so
great after all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All she was likely to
do was to get Jerry and Martin in trouble with the stable master.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jerry was watching the Princess as
all this occurred to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wasn’t
aware of how disappointed she looked as she realized what she wanted probably
wasn’t going to work. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>--All she wants to
do is help somebody, he thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>--She
ought to be able to do that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly,
he was determined that he would do anything he could to see to it that she did
whatever she felt she needed to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Your Highness, I’ll figure out something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Me and Martin will make sure the pumpkin’s
ready to take your friend to the ball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just leave it to us.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita looked up at him,
astonished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But, Jerry, I don’t want to
cause trouble for you...are you sure you can do it?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jerry nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Y’see, your Highness, the other stable hands
is used to me and Martin kind of being off by ourselves, anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we’re in the carriage house cleaning an
old carriage, why, it won’t seem so odd to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Leifert don’t take that much notice of us
anyway; we’ve both been around long enough that he trusts us to do what needs
doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll manage.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If Jerry hadn’t been ‘mucking out
stalls’ that day, Rita might have been tempted to give him a big, grateful
hug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A dazzling smile had to take its
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Jerry, I don’t know what to
say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you from...the tips of my
toes!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This time, Jerry actually smiled
broadly at her, gratified to see that he had pleased her so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Happy to oblige.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rita nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll check with you next week about how
we’ll get my friend.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a wave, she
headed toward the palace, exultant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
might work...it really might work!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then,
she thought of the next thing on her list -- a ball gown -- and realized that
the biggest challenge was still before her.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><i>To be continued...</i></p><i></i><p></p>Lisa Lareehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516986664460840579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18642968.post-50107508906463145262023-08-26T21:38:00.001-05:002023-08-26T21:45:42.635-05:00In which some progress was made...<p> So, I have slightly less than 4 weeks until I need the next MOG outfit. This wedding is at a state park in the next county, so it's a bit closer to home. But it's also a bit fancier. IE, the bridesmaids...and the MOB...will be in black, mostly so they will show up against the sky behind the bluff on which the ceremony will take place. But they are all wearing long black dresses.</p><p>So, yeah, I'm gonna hafta go a bit more upscale.</p><p>Now, I *do* have a failsafe; we went to my hubby's 50 year class reunion two weeks ago and I wore something that I can just dress up a bit more with a better topper, shoes and jewelry...Under the Chico's sweater are a couple of Loes Hinse patterns...a black slinky Twinset shell and a Swing skirt, sans flounce, added pockets from the Oxford pants.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzm68B5LbKUxroZ5Alkl5MXZYC4VthHUJmRYgEWRsrKKn5zf-q2OCExJy4D5-5Y_dRT5qNdY_PeG9SHKkUphX4BgsFubk5HmbnJCwZQ99kbdMrUXqyHnsw0bF9_4JlomHi1vKbCocjic2f7j9kBSwGbgEn_BmnfIdteNIXVuxbve_i6YubZ5VquQ/s4032/PXL_20230812_212633879.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzm68B5LbKUxroZ5Alkl5MXZYC4VthHUJmRYgEWRsrKKn5zf-q2OCExJy4D5-5Y_dRT5qNdY_PeG9SHKkUphX4BgsFubk5HmbnJCwZQ99kbdMrUXqyHnsw0bF9_4JlomHi1vKbCocjic2f7j9kBSwGbgEn_BmnfIdteNIXVuxbve_i6YubZ5VquQ/s320/PXL_20230812_212633879.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Not quite as uptown as I would like but if I have a fiasco in the sewing room it will do...because I'm doing a technique I haven't tried before. I am starting with this Vogue dress pattern; <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iBasnznPKqNvWvHHJe7gV9mAtsNbW3XtRtl0pIuLOdyCnfW2cJ-qJOpyuggBYZf4n8qcau47LN-qNXFtkVmX7TPakqR2QHGXFD7ve1ddbaIN33p-lMHDjshKyo1b0OlSPJRff9MZFa1yZvOfS9gIPYiKbwjP0oRTOCef6WtJti22nVWlFKRrSw/s320/PXL_20230827_021239984.MP.jpg" width="180" /></p><p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></p><p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">It's a simple sheath dress...you can see it better in the line drawing:</p></div><div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9h3pcxZvCC9KjQyPQ5LDRaU3xcf_Py95xs5zIevbUEnXYlADFueVD1jke2PkVPzamEzGrVneWCQtLLPFCpbnUXJgw5A70uIt8XZg-GSctIp5SKSokiwyvE2yIt_HwWT_WY4ABlMwiveg6S2AW17dYrFW25sbWSCxFXE8qcWweJ4moDI_TSz2zA/s4032/PXL_20230827_021246849.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9h3pcxZvCC9KjQyPQ5LDRaU3xcf_Py95xs5zIevbUEnXYlADFueVD1jke2PkVPzamEzGrVneWCQtLLPFCpbnUXJgw5A70uIt8XZg-GSctIp5SKSokiwyvE2yIt_HwWT_WY4ABlMwiveg6S2AW17dYrFW25sbWSCxFXE8qcWweJ4moDI_TSz2zA/s320/PXL_20230827_021246849.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today I finally got around to doing the first go at alterations...I did my normal narrow square shoulder adjustment, a FBA, and added some extra width. I also added an underlap to the center back slit...I prefer a vent to a slit. There are only two pattern pieces.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7qLT6RZ8l6lI1jZXVlC-9LKC2YBmhasft-lh1FVf1V4pfNZfft5sio1lXxaDw0bP2Yg9_7PiUJsmhdJTBV8y7zuDqvGvkWitPlpeqjg0C8GHTinEm-9urqmtpLH1lYGbtUdcSvvyGfgPnLau4dZUVd28jPXeX5MpK6czQHBwKoiv5Vn3Fz6MTg/s4032/PXL_20230827_021229336.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7qLT6RZ8l6lI1jZXVlC-9LKC2YBmhasft-lh1FVf1V4pfNZfft5sio1lXxaDw0bP2Yg9_7PiUJsmhdJTBV8y7zuDqvGvkWitPlpeqjg0C8GHTinEm-9urqmtpLH1lYGbtUdcSvvyGfgPnLau4dZUVd28jPXeX5MpK6czQHBwKoiv5Vn3Fz6MTg/s320/PXL_20230827_021229336.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>I had a huge chunk of nondescript gray cotton fabric that I bought 3 years ago to make face masks...I have no idea why I got so much? It must've been on sale, lol. Anyway, it will do fine for a muslin.<p></p></div><div>I added a seam allowance to the center front; I will sew up the back seam and leave the front unsewn so I can just pin up the center front to close up the muslin. Save messing with a zipper. I'll put the seamline on a fold when I cut The Good Stuff.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am omitting the vertical darts... I don't need that shaping (thank you middle age spread), but after doing the FBA that is one honkin' big bust dart. I would just convert it to a princess seam but...the whole reason I'm doing this simple pattern is because I am doing a lace overlay (which I have not done before) and I want to keep the structure as simple as possible, to not interfere with the lace.</div><div><br /></div><div>We'll see how it looks once the muslin is sewn up.</div>Lisa Lareehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516986664460840579noreply@blogger.com0