Chapter XIV.

*A few weeks later*

*Ms Tamara*

"How..." Tamara began, her eyes on the scribed page of their work. "How can we reword this, Eileen?".

"Give it to me.". Tamara handed Eileen the page. "What part?".

With Tamara pointing to the sentences she was talking about, she continued, "I mean, do we even have to rephrase that?".

Pursing her lips, Eileen was mid-thought. "I don't know... I really don't know. It sounds fine to me, Tamara...". With that, she cleared her throat before proceeding on reading the outlined line, "Seeing him, his picture, thereby the photographs of my mother and father, tears slowly began welling in my eyes. I missed him, and I couldn't hide that. My parents saw as such, even my step-sisters.".

Tamara nodded her head, liking what she was hearing.

Then, the doors slowly opened, revealing Agath and Ruth.

"What are you two up to?" inquired Ruth.

Turning to her sisters, Tamara responded, "We're redrafting our story.".

Approaching her two sisters who were by a table, Agath proceeded to ask, "And how is it going?".

"Well... I hope," Eileen replied. "Why are you both here, did something happen?".

"Boredom happened," Agath replied, letting out a gentle huff of air through her slightly parted lips.

Turning toward Tamara's bookshelf, Ruth proceeded on walking toward all the assorted books. With her index and middle finger, she proceeded on brushing, caressing the spine of some of the books. "Have you much left?" she proceeded to ask as she turned her attention from the books back to Tamara and Eileen.

"We're almost halfway through..." Eileen spoke.

Ruth nodded, turning back to the books that were on display.

"Ms Hope also told us that it's nearly time for dinner," Agath mentioned just as she stood up onto her feet. Then, taking in a deep breath, the went on her tippy toes. Slightly holding up her dress so as to not trip up, she began to dance ever so slightly. Such action caused a giggle or two to be evoked by Agath. "My dear sisters, oh how I'd love to go to a ball, a dance... any sort of gathering sometime soon...".

Looking over toward her sister, Tamara let a mere smile on her lips. And as though switching their places, Ruth took her place by Eileen as Tamara gently walked over to Agath.

Lifting her dress up too ever so slightly, Tamara too began dancing. Laughing alongside Agath.

Not even a second later, Agath and Tamara began singing, "With a glass of gin or a bottle of ale, your eyes wander away as though they were stale. Nothing can get your attention unlike me, you stand up and offer a hand despite it being a little past three. We dance and we dance until the break of dawn, I'd approach you for another dance just like a fawn. And then, and only then when all the music goes away, it'll be you, the one who I'd ask to stay.". By the end of the lyrics and their dancing, the two sisters burst into laughter of diffidence as they fall to the floor.

Ruth turned, a smile on her face as she watched her sisters. All the while Eileen had her attention on the page in front of her.

Not even a second later, a knock was heard on the bedroom door of Tamara's room. Standing up, Tamara herself appeached the door, opening it.

"A letter just arrived. From Gertrude," Ms Hope spoke, handing Tamara the closed envelope.

Upon hearing the words, all three of the other sisters stood up, rapidly approaching Tamara.

"Gertrude? Open it! Quickly!".

Pulling out and unfolding the folded page, Tamara began reading the letter with her sisters surrounding her, trying to get a peak of what the letter contained.

My dearest sisters,

How are you keeping, are mama and papa treating you well? And are you returning the favour? I surely hope so. I miss it back home, as I have stated many times in my previous letters. But I love it here. Mr and Ms Bishop are very lovely and welcoming. Just like with Henry, I've made a quick bond with them too. I also wanted to reassure you, my dear sisters, that you mustn't worry about me. I am doing really well.

I am writing to you as both Henry and I wanted to invite all of you, my sisters, to our wedding next week. Not only that, but I want you, my sisters, to be my bridesmaids. Henry suggested that and I wholeheartedly agreed with such a wonderful suggestion. I wanted to invite you all in person, but I would not be able to make it to deliver the invitation on time.

Oh, how happy I'd be to see you all, my sisters. Along with mama and papa. I am tearing up just at the thought of such.

I'd like to come over very soon to further converse about the details of the wedding with all of you, my dear sisters. But until then, my yearning to see you all will only further grow.

I love you all, my sisters, send my deepest, warmest greeting to Mama and Papa too,

Gertrude.

---

*A few days later*

Just as Gertrude's letter said, she visited her dearest sisters with Abigail by her side. The house uproared with joy, with happiness.

"Henry didn't accompany you?" Ann-Marie inquired.

"No, he had some errands at home. But he told me to send you all his warmest greetings.".

And with that, the girls began to talk to each other. They caught up with one another on what was missed out in Gertrude's absence and then the topic of the wedding came around.

"I'd like for you, my sisters, to... in some way possible wear something similar to myself on the wedding day. I'd be wearing a white dress, so I'd like it if you could match me. I think it would make the wedding look really neat. Henry will wear a black suit, while his groomsmen would wear darker colours to compliment him.".

The sisters all nodded to Gertrude's words.

"And if anything is needed, I'd like to accompany you, my sisters, to shops to purchase the right dresses," Abigail offered.

It wasn't long before they bid their sisters good night and walked them both out to the front door. With Gertrude's and Abigail's departure, the sisters rushed to their rooms, each looking for suitable clothing.

Ruth was set, she found a dress that she wore for Tamara's 20th birthday.

Agath also. A dress from when their family friends invited the Clarkes over to celebrate another birthday.

Eileen had a light beige dress, which she wore to her very first night out to an opera with her father and a few other family friends.

Tamara had a few dresses herself, but none which matched her sisters. All of her dresses were a few swatched darker or did not suit the occasion. Her eyes landed on another beautiful dress of hers. Sadly, again, it wasn't the colour she was looking for. 'If only I was the grooms-woman, I'd choose this one without a second thought...".

Letting out a sigh through her lips, she stood up before putting all of her dresses back into her wardrobe.

Going to her sisters, they didn't have any dresses that had an appeal to Tamara. And if they did, they were either too big or too small for her.

"Looks like you'll be going with Abigail to shop for a new dress," Eileen spoke out as she looked into her wardrobe. "All I have are these...". She pointed to the 2 dresses that were on her bed, none of which suited Tamara.

---

*The next day*

With the sisters helping out her mother, all while their father was out of town, Tamara and Eileen were busy pegging up clothes onto the laundry line, a sound made them both look back toward the house.

They saw a familiar carriage approaching the front door of their home.

It took them a second to realise who it was, but it wasn't until she exited the carriage that they realised it was Diana.

Rushing over to her, the two sisters greeted their dear friend.

"Diana!" Tamara exclaimed, greeting her with a big hug.

"Tamara! Eileen!! I see you both are busy!".

"Just finishing some chores," Eileen responded.

"Please, come in, Diana," Tamara opened the door for them all to come in.

"Would you like to drink anything?" Eileen inquired just as Ms Hope entered the hallway to see who just came into the house.

"Ahhh, Ms Oxford! Good day to you, my dear.".

"Good day to you too, Ms Hope. How are you keeping?".

"I'm well, dear. Thank you for asking. How are you? How is your mother?".

"Both her and I are well, especially after receiving the news yesterday of Gertrude's marriage next week. I came as fast as I could to congratulate you all in person," Diana responded, the smile on her face only growing bigger.

"Thank you, thank you so much, Diana," Tamara spoke out as she hugged her once more.

"And not only that..." Diana began. "I wanted to see if there is any help I could offer with anything at all.".

"You are very kind, dear. But I think we're fine for now with everything," Ms Hope replied. "Please, do sit in the living room, I'll bring over some refreshments.".

The girls did just that all while Eileen excused herself to leave for a mere few minutes to leave back the laundry basket where it belonged. Meanwhile, Tamara walked Diana into the living room.

"How are you feeling about all of this, Tamara?" asked Diana.

"I am really happy, I am happy for both Gertrude and Henry.".

"As am I. They seem so sweet together," Diana responded. "Do you have your dresses ready for the big day?".

"I... well, my sisters do, but I don't. Since we all are going to be Gertrude's bridesmaids, she asked us if we can wear light colours to the wedding," Tamara replied.

"And you don't have any suitable dresses?".

Tamara shook her head as she pursed her lips ever so slightly. "I am meant to be going with Aby to buy a dress when she comes by again.".

Diana furrowed her brows ever so slightly. "I have some dresses at home that I don't wear...". With that, Diana looked at the big clock that was in the room. Seeing that it was merely past 3 in the afternoon, she continued, "We might go now if you'd like?".

"For the dress? Oh my, Diana, really there is no need..." Tamara replied as her brows furrowed.

"And let Abigail and you spent a bunch of money on a new dress? I insist, Tamara. My carriage will take you back home as soon as we're done.".

"Diana... I-I really don't know what to say..." Tamara spoke out.

"Good, because I don't want to hear it!!" she replied, a small smile growing on her lips. "I can only hope that you'll like them, Tamara.".

"But... returning back to your home... you've just arrived here, Diana. Are you sure you wouldn't like any refreshments before we leave?".

"Believe me, Tamara, I most certainly would, if time was on our side. But I most sincerely thank you for your warm hospitality.". She paused for a moment before taking in a deep breath. "Shall we get going?".

A mere few minutes passed before both Tamara and Diana, alone, went into Diana's carriage.

---

*40 minutes later*

Not even an hour passed before they arrived at the Oxford household.

Disembarking the carriage, Tamara followed Diana. Looking up at the house, its sheer size and beauty, it never failed to amaze Tamara. And this time was no exception.

"Welcome, Tamara," Diana spoke out, allowing Tamara to enter the house.

Such a welcome didn't go unnoticed, and so the door of the living room opened up just for a member of the household to walk out into the hallway.

"What's with the ruckus, Diana?".

At first, Tamara furrowed her brows at the familiarity of the voice. The smile that was once on her face now slowly began to diminish into nothing as she turned around. Seeing who it was, she froze in her tracks. "Mr Theodore?". Quickly, she further greeted him with a curtsy.

All the while he replied to her with a slight nod of his head. "Ms Tamara??". A similar expression of surprise was also expressed on his face.

"I-... I didn't expect to see you here, Mr Theodore.".

Such words caused him to let out a chuckle. "I-... well, I, kind of, live here, Ms Tamara.".

Then, they were interrupted by the sound of footsteps that came from the stairs, it was Diana's mother, dressed up in a beautiful coat with a hat to further compliment her outfit.

"Great that you are back, Diana. I must seek an errand in town. It's urgent.". She paused for a second as a smile appeared on her face when she saw Tamara. "Tamara! Dear, I must congratulate you, it was great news we received last night about Gertrude and dear Henry.".

A pleasant smile spread on Tamara's lips. "Thank you very much, Ms Oxford.".

With the proceeding of the ongoing interaction, Theodore had his eyes on Tamara. The last time he saw her was before he left for Veursau to visit his parents.

"Mother, will you be back soon enough? Tamara will need the carriage to being her back home.".

"Oh... I am not too sure, dear...". Marissa stopped as she looked down at the ground, mid-thought. "I am really unsure. I-".

"I can help her back home on my horse..." Theodore offered, stepping forward.

Diana's eyes moved to him. "You will? That will help out immensely, Theodore. Thank you.".

"Okay, now that you have figured that out, I really must get going. I will see you around, Tamara. Send greetings to your family.". And with that, Marissa walked out the door, closing it behind her.

"We will be upstairs, trying on dresses for the wedding.".

Theodore nodded his head in reply as he looked at the two women who rushed up the steps.

But midway up, Diana stopped before turning around. "Theodore, be prepared to be called up, we need more opinions of the dresses that Tamara will be trying on.".

Choking on her words, Tamara had no time to retort as Diana rushed up the steps. Following Diana, that was when she was able to reflect upon what was just heard. "Must Theodore have a say in this? He is a man, after all, and I'd rather trust the opinion of a woman such as yourself, Diana.".

"You mustn't worry. Theodore's taste in fashion will amaze you..." Diana responded.

"Sounds like you might be giving him a bit too much credit, Diana...".

Then, with her opening the door, both she and Tamara entered an old room.

With Diana turning on the light, Tamara's eyes were met with clothes, clothes and only more clothes which were all around them both.

She looked at the tunics, pieces of cotton, and polyesters that were probably owned by Diana herself.

Seeing where Diana was, Tamara walked over to her.

There, she saw her taking a step back as she looked at the dresses she managed to set aside. "I have a few dresses here, you said you have to wear something light in colour, yes?".

To such a question, Tamara replied with a nod. "Yes.".

"I have... light beige here... light silver... I also have white, but I know when it comes to weddings, the bride can only wear white. A sign of purity from what I can remember?" Diana spoke out whilst sieving through her dresses of interest.

"Does it?".

Diana nodded. "Yeah... and I only know as such thanks to Theodore. With him writing as much as he does... it's hard not to memorise small things like that. I always thought it was just how it was meant to be.". Then she paused for a mere few moments. "Has he told you about that little hobby of his?".

"Writing? Yes, yes he has.". Then she paused. "Which is something we have in common, as I also write.".

"A lovely hobby, don't you think?".

A small smile appeared on her lips. "Yes, it is.".

"Right, follow me, I want to see you in these dresses.". With that, Tamara hurried after Diana and into another room. "Here, we shall have more space to dress up.".

And just like Diana said, she helped Tamara put in the dress. "I have 3 more set aside, so let's see which one suits the best.".

Giving the dress a few final touches, she took a step back to see how it looked on Tamara. "Hmmm... let's try another one.".

Getting out of the first one and putting on the second, Diana took a step back. Raising her brow, she turned her head. "Theodore!! Come here, please!".

Seconds later, his head appeared by the door. "Yes?".

"Tell us... what do you think?" she asked, ushering him to look at Tamara.

His eyes went from the hem of the dress and it only rose up toward her waist and past her sleeves before reaching her breasts and her neck above.

The dress fitted her beautifully, there was no doubt about it. She was beautiful. But he didn't want to admit such a fact to himself.

Nodding his head, he commented, "it looks good...". With that, he turned and left the room.

Confusion spread across Diana's face, as it did across Tamara's.

"Next dress then...".

With Diana helping Tamara put on the third dress and with giving Tamara some final touches, Theodore was once more summoned into the room.

It took seconds for him to walk back and upon his entrance, he kept his eyes on the ground.

"What do you say, Theodore?".

His cousin's question prompted him to look up once more. And when he did, his breath was taken away. He saw the way she looked down at the dress that was on her, ironing it out with her hands before she looked back up at them both, her eyes aimed at Diana more than Theodore. "How does it look?".

A lump began to form in the back of his throat. He hated the way his body reacted to Tamara's beauty, but he couldn't help the feelings.

"That's the one...". Trying to swallow down the lump that was in his throat, he attempted to look unaffected as he turned to his cousin. "T-that's the one...". But his attempt concluded to nothing as he felt his cheeks flare up just as he stammered out his response. "Excuse me...". Hoping that no one saw his reaction, he rushed out of the room.

Letting out a small sigh, Diana remarked, "He's been acting very strange. I also tried seeing why, I am worried because I don't know what is bothering him.".

"Best not force an answer out of him, he'll come to you when he's ready. That's how I am with my family," Tamara replied. "And I'd say that there is no reason to worry, it would usually be something small. Something you'd expect the least.".

"I-I guess you're right..." Diana voiced. "I mean, at least we picked out a dress.".

"And a good one!" Tamara added, looking down at the dress. But seeing her struggle, Diana gently guided her to a mirror.

"What did I tell you!".

And with that, both Tamara and Diana broke into gentle chuckles.

---

*Sometime later*

"I wouldn't like to cause any more disturbance..." Tamara began, as she accepted the bag that Diana handed her. It contained the dress inside of it.

"Far, far from it. Your family is always welcome here, Tamara.".

"Thank you so much, Diana. I'll have it returned to you as soon as I can. The day after the wedding," Tamara responded as she took a step back toward the opened door.

But Diana's voice stopped her in her tracks. "That's my gift to you, Tamara... well, think of it as such.".

When Diana's words settled within Tamara, her eyes widened. "N-no, no, Diana. I really cannot... This dress...".

"Please... Tamara...".

"But... h-how could I repay you? The dress... looks so gorgeous. Please, I cannot accept such an expensive gift," Tamara voiced back.

"But you must..." Diana began. "Otherwise the dress will never see the light of day from my wardrobe. I was planning on throwing it away anyway. If anything, you are doing me a favour by taking it, Tamara. So please do...". She paused for a brief moment. "Think of it as a gift of our friendship.".

Tamara's gaze softened as she looked at Diana before she embraced her in a hug.

"I-I don't know how to repay such a kind gesture..." Tamara spoke out softly whilst in her embrace with Diana.

"There won't be a need for such, Tamara.". With that, they broke their embrace. "But if you really wish to do so, I'd like for you to help me play the piano that bit more. Just until I can manage on my own.".

Just then, Theodore entered into their conversation, "Sorry to interrupt, are we ready?".

"Yes, we are," Diana responded.

"I'll wait by the horse then...".

"Until next time, Diana. And thank you again.".

To that, Diana replied, "You are most welcome, Tamara. I'll be seeing you in a few days at the wedding anyway.".

"Yes. And until then...".

"Bon Voyage!".

And within a minute, Theodore helped Tamara embark on the horse, but with an unexpected twist on Tamara's behalf. It was he who was seated behind her.

"Are we ready?".

Tamara nodded. "Yes.".

With a small smile on his lips, Theodore clicked his tongue and the horse began to move.