Chapter Six

"Governess, is everything ready??". The Duchess waltzed in gracefully. Her elegant demeanor not surprising the people in the room.

"Yes Your Grace. The Little Lady is ready, if Your Grace sees any accessory or style she doesn't like, please inform me so I can see to it". Diane spoke humbly, the corner of her lips tugging into a polite smile.

" Child, you are too uptight. As far as I have seen, your works are especially beautiful". Observing the dressed up lady, The Duchess praised Diane earnestly.

" You flatter me Your Grace". Neither servile nor overbearing, Diane replied.

Diane didn't realize that the person she wants to avoid the most was standing behind the Duchess. He stared at her without saying a word.

"Oh dear, I forgot to introduce the both of you. Richard come, meet Lady Diane. I had mentioned her previously". The Duchess practically dragged Richard from behind her.

She patted his shoulders and pinched his gloved hands while telling him to greet Diane.

Reluctantly, Richard stretched out his hands to take hers and kisses those soft palms.

"Good day Lady Diane, it is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance".

"As I you Lord Richard". Diane almost removed her hands from Richard's palm in disgust but she controlled herself.

She can't afford to offend the Duchess family.

After the greetings, the Duchess wanted to leave them to know each other further but it was almost time for the ball.

"Child, please get dressed for the occasion. The carriage will arrive soon".

"Yes Your Grace". Diane bowed a little, her head lowered and eyes staying on the ground.

When they left, Diane patted her chest.

Just now, the emotions she felt when Richard touched her, she couldn't tell what it is. One thing she knows is that after what her father put her through, she despised men and every their gender relates to.

"Diane, are you okay?? I could see your back trembling".

Diane smiled. This girl is always so observant.

"I'm fine Little Lady. I had thought of something at that time, it was a bit funny so I had to stifle my laughter while in the Duchess presence ". Diane made up a random lie.

" If you say so. Diane, you have to dress up quickly. Like my mother said, the carriage will soon arrive. I will be waiting for you downstairs". Elisa ran out of the room with the hem of her skirt in hand, ignoring Diane who was telling her not to run.

"This girl... She doesn't heed to my instructions most of the time". Diane lamented pitifully. Her expression a little annoyed.

"Oh well, I tried my best".

Going to her room to change her own clothes, she opened her closet. Closing her eyes to keep the jewelries and clothes from blinding her, she looked dumbly at the undeniable glowing wearings.

"Your Grace... These are too much". Exasperated by the actions of the woman that employed her, she tried to pick a dress that was conservative, modest and not too flashy. Ladies who dress like this are seen as the most mature women and are always praised. Moreso, Diane had always loved elegant and mature clothing.

She picked out a wine coloured wear that will serve as the clothe underneath the outer wear. Then, a much darker red gown with a corset the same color completed the look. Detailed and sophisticated designs were embroidered on the long sleeves, the bottom of the gown had a different kind of design and was sewn with golden thread.

The sleeves on the gown were detachable and flowed from her shoulders. The sleeve was not connected from the shoulders but it did not show much skin.

Wearing the gown, she stared at herself in satisfaction. She grabbed a red shawl to completed the look.

Breathing in deeply, Diane clenched her fists determinedly. She would make her debut into the society once again with this look!!

"Child... We are leaving!!". The Duchess called out, clearly excited to see how Diane dressed.

Diane gingerly stepped out of her room, held on to the railings and walked down the stairs. Her steps slow and unhurried.

"Oh wow!!". The Duchess exclaimed. Her hands flew to cover her mouth that were opened due to shock.

"Child... You look very beautiful" . When it comes to praising a person she like, the Duchess is not stingy.

"Your Grace, you flatter me". Her ears turned red, the alluring color made Richard laugh out loud.

" Milady, what my mother says is exactly how I feel. You should feel good that you are being praised". Richard's words might seem flirty, but he said the truth.

" Thank you Lord Richard ".

" Come, we should leave. Night is falling quickly". Urging them to leave, the Duchess entered the carriage first.

" After you Milady". Richard bowed and stepped aside for her to enter the carriage.

" Thank you". Diane entered the carriage as well as Richard.

"We are ready now coachman. We can leave". The Duchess called out.

"Aye Your Grace. Giddyap!!". The Coachman cried softly, making the horse start the journey.

Not long after, they arrived at the venue. As they did, many others were also just arriving.

"Your Grace, we will be wa'ing over there".

"Alright. Please enjoy yourself". Knowing that the coachmen will also be entertained, the Duchess had no problems

Turning to the people behind her, she flipped her fan open "Come now children, they are waiting to announce our arrival".

Following the leading Duchess, they stopped at the top of the stairs.

" Lady Duchess and Lord Richard enters the ball!! ".

" Lady Elisa and Governess Diane has arrived ".

" Lady Eliose has arrived!!".