Suitor, please.

"So, what do you think?" He asked as he sucked on the end of the cigar. It crackled like firewood.1

"I don't know." She twirled chestnut hair around her fingertips. "He seems nice but he's a bit shrewd. Honestly, he's not exactly what I would classify as a an excellent suitor. Not meaning to offend you, father."2

"None taken my sweet." The man adjusted his glasses and took a breath. He was thinking, she could tell that much. His eyes were trying to find the answer to some question he had not yet asked.3

She tugged on her sleeve. "Father, I will find some man. Please understand that I do not wish to spend the rest of my days with some second rate idiot who knows nothing of the world or of love for that matter."4

Smoke curled from his lips. "I know my dear I just--"5

The door opened and the butler stepped in. "Master, all the preparations are ready for this evening. The guests should be arriving soon. Lady Selene is already up in her quarters getting ready. Shall I escort Lady Emily to her's?"6

"Yes I think that is best." He turned to his daughter and nodded, stroking his beard with his hand. 7

Emily stood, gathering her long dress up in her hands. Bowing to her father, she took her leave.8

Her heels clicked on the stairs as they ascended. The butler waited patiently at the top of the steps for her before continuing on.9

"Edward." Emily began.10

"Yes m'lady?" 11

"All of our guest are to be wearing masks...Is that correct?"12

"Aye, m'lady. You and your sister shall be as well. The maids have prepared a fine gown for you, highest quality of white silk. It has a corset with boning made of a rare whalebone. The mask is made of ivory and each feather is from a pure swan. Lady Selene's gown is not as luxurious, then again it is not she we are trying to find a suitor for now is it?"13

Edward smiled and Emily giggled a little. He turned the doorknob to her room and she stepped inside. The maids were walking around the dress which was fitted over a mannequin torso. They each studied it carefully for any flaws or imperfections. 14

"Lady Emily!" One of them chirped happily. 15

As Edward had described, the gown was top of the line. The maids brought it down over her head where it fit perfectly down on her hips. With the laces in hand, they began to draw the corset. 16

Much to Emily's pleasure, it was less uncomfortable then most of the gowns it had been her displeasure of wearing.17

"It's beautiful." Emily smiled at her reflection.18

"M'lady looks more like a Queen then her mother if'n you don't mind me saying." Mary began to strap the swan-feather mask onto her while another maid straightened her curls of hair.19

There was a knock at the door. Selene stepped into the room carefully. Her hair was pushed back behind her mask and her body was adorned in blue gems. Blue gems that matched the soft dusty blue of her dress.20

"Sister, the guests have begun to arrive. You're going to be late if you don't hurry."21

Emily shooed her. "I'm almost ready you impatient girl." 22

"Sister, you are the one who is looking for a man to marry. If anything you should be a little more careful of your time and be early if anything else."23

"I'll have you know I was speaking to father before this." She gave her sister a piercing look with her blue eyes.24

Suddenly, a boy stumbled through the door. Literally. His blond hair fell over his face as he straightened himself up, glancing at the two maidens before him.25

The boy's face turned several shades of red. "Forgive me m'ladies! I...I did not mean to interrupt. I was looking for a different room. Please forgive me!" 26

Selene just looked at him. Emily smiled reassuringly with her eyes and her mouth. "It's quite alright. The room you are looking for is most likely down the hall another door."27

"Thank you!" He bowed his head and left the room.28

Selene scuffed. "Bit of a dimwit don't you think?"29

"Now now, Selene. He is a guest. If you couldn't tell by his attire he is one of the invited people. He appears roughly my age I wonder what he is doing roaming around the upper levels of the castle..."30

"Don't hurt yourself thinking, Emily. He most likely just needed the bathroom."31

They both giggled, and began the decent to downstairs.