Sophia felt a pang of nervousness at her aunt’s words. She had never had a romantic relationship in her entire life, unlike the other girls her age. Sometimes she felt as though she missed out on some important experience, but other times, she felt content with being alone.
“And when you meet him,” her aunt continued, “you will realise that it is one of the most important connections one can have in life. In fact, it is the most important one. Your return to society shall be glorious, and I am sure you will capture many hearts tonight.”
Sophia shrugged her shoulders, focusing her attention instead on the purring cat before her. She knew that the ball wasimportant for her aunt, and therefore, she would not dare strike an objection regarding her attendance at it.
“I shall return to the breakfast table now,” her aunt announced, turning to her heel, “but you may feel free to make yourself comfortable and make any preparations as you wish. It is never too early to start dressing up.”
When her aunt left the room, Sophia finally stood up and went to take the dress off from its hanger. She placed it in front of herself and examined herself in the vanity mirror in front of her.
“What do we think, Cecil?” she asked her feline friend, who was busy grooming his own fur. “Do you think Aunt Rose is right? Will I be capturing any hearts tonight?”
Cecil answered in a dull meow before going back to grooming his fur. Sophia stepped closer to the mirror, turning her face to the side to expose a large scar that extended from the bottom of her earlobe down to the side of her jaw. She traced a finger alongside it, exhaling a deep sigh.
“Will they accept me for who I am?” she muttered to herself, a hint of sadness coloring her voice. “For all my scars? Or will they want a pretty little lady with a perfect little life?”
Just then, a loud knock on her brought her back to reality.
“Come on in,” Sophia called out.
The door swung open to reveal Clara, Sophia’s lady’s maid, walking in with a tray of food.
“Good morning, My Lady. Your aunt asked me to bring your breakfast up here and assist you with preparations for the ball.” The middle-aged woman smiled brightly, putting down the tray on one of the tables behind Sophia.
“I am not hungry.” Sophia shrugged, letting down her hair to the side to conceal her scar once again.
“Then, shall we begin preparations for the ball?” Clara asked. “I know that tonight a big occasion for you.”
“It is more a big occasion for Aunt Rose than it is for me,” Sophia replied earnestly, putting the dress back onto the rack. “You know how I am. Balls have never interested me so much.”
“Oh, but My Lady, they are such jovial occasions!” Clara’s eyes glimmered with excitement. “You must remember your first ball.”
Sophia’s pressed her lips together in a tight line. Clara had brought up an unwanted memory.
“I wish to forget it all together,” she sighed, taking a seat down on the sofa.
On the insistence of her aunt, Sophia had made her debut at the age of nineteen at one of the grandest balls of that season. Shehad always been told of the importance of a lady’s first ball as it marked her transition from a girl to a woman. She had not been keen on going, but she did not have the heart to decline her aunt’s request.
Sophia had immediately regretted her decision as soon as she had walked into the ballroom. The attention had made her nervous, and she had exited before the dances had even began.
That was her only experience of going to a ball. Since then, she had refused to attend one, always coming up with new excuses to avoid going. Her aunt had been understanding so far, but this summer, she had insisted that Sophia must attend the London Season as her youth was beginning to slip away.
“My Lady, then perhaps tonight is the opportunity to re-write some of those memories,” Clara suggested optimistically. “I am sure you would look like a vision in the dress your aunt has picked for you.”
“Did you ever see my mother wearing it?” Sophia asked. Clara had worked for their family for many years now. Beside her aunt, she was one person whom Sophia shared a special bond with.
Clara smiled.
“Yes, and I remember how much she would love to wear it. It was only reserved for very special occasions,” Clara replied. “In fact, she loved it so much that I believe that she must have left a pieceof her spirit in there. When you wear it tonight, I am sure you will feel her presence in it.”
“I am not sure if tonight is going to be a special occasion.” Sophia frowned, directing her gaze at the dress. It flowed beautifully, and Sophia could only imagine what a vision her mother would have looked in it.
“Why not? It is your glorious return to society. I am sure that is a cause of the highest celebration,” Clara pointed out as encouraging as always.
“It is a cause,” Sophia replied. “Whether or not it is a cause for celebration is up for debate. For my aunt, surely. For me and the rest of the ton, likely not. I am sure no one is dying to witness the return of the… what was it that they called me… the Scarred Woman?”
Clara put a sympathetic hand on Sophia’s shoulders.
“Now, My Lady, do not be like that…” she sighed. “I am sure that you will be greeted warmly.”
