“Daffy? I’m here to help you get ready.”
“What?” She unlocked the door to see a slight, pretty woman on the other side. “I’m Coral Winthrop’s stylist, Choko. She asked me to help you get ready.”
“Coral Winthrop? How does she know I exist?”
“The queen told her who you were and why you’re here. May I come in?” She carried a large black case full of beautification magic. “I love your hair. I’m envisioning a fab updo. What do you think?”
“Yeah, if you think you can tame this mess.”
“Oh, I’ve tamed far worse.” She pointed to a chair. “Let’s do your makeup first, then hair. Last, we’ll slip on the dress. Is that the one you’re wearing? Gorgeous.”
* * *
Gus
Worst luck. Daffy wasn’t home. It was then he remembered she had a volunteer engagement. He’d forgotten, worst luck.
And now she wasn’t answering her phone. What was the purpose of mobile communication if he couldn’t speak to the woman he loved whenever he wanted?
Were his surprise visits always destined to fail?
He called Ella. She didn’t know where Daffy had gone. Next he stopped by her parents’ home. Her mother didn’t know either. But she sniffed a lot and her eyes watered. When he asked if she was okay, she choked, nodded her head, and hugged him.
Now he was late heading north. At a traffic light, he texted John.
Stall Mum for me.
Where are you? We looked for you all afternoon.
On my way from Port Fressa. Came down to convince Daffy to attend the ball.
Are you serious, mate? You’re going to be late for the photograph. And Daffy, the woman responsible for Mum’s humiliation? Think of us, will you? Someone besides yourself.
She’s not responsible and you know it.
Just get here. Other than my wedding, this is a big day for me and my little brother has gonemad.’
Agree. Mad with love. Once again, he flew low over North One, aching for Daffy. Aching for the chance to share this glorious night with her.
He’d spend the evening in the bachelors’ corner, dancing with old ladies who wore sensible shoes.
No offense, Aunt Astrid and Lady Weatherby.
* * *
Daffy
Five-fifteen. Daffy started for the door then turned back for the bag on the bed. With a shaky breath, she exited the butler’s room. Choko had turned her into a mini version of Coral Winthrop, which was fantastic, with her hair pinned up in swirls and braids and adorned with flowers. Her makeup had never been so flawless.
The gown swirled and swished against her legs and sang to her, chiming to the rhythm of her Louboutin heels in the hall.
When she whisked through the servants’ hall, someone whistled. Another wished her luck. Probably Miles. She burst into the glorious April sunset, the brilliance clinging to the edges of the advancing dusk.
Prince Gus, the man she loved without reservation, would be waiting on the portico. She kicked into a run, but two steps in, the long grass caught her heels. She should’ve driven one of the carts like the queen suggested.
But she wanted to run toward Gus. Wanted him to catch her up in his arms. Not help her out of a gardener’s cart.
However, her plan was problematic. She’d free one shoe only to have the other one catch. Her next step landed her in a patch of damp dirt, and both heels sank up to the soles.
