Chapter 11
The house was decoratedbeyond recognition. Much as the Warwick home always had an air of glamour to it, tonight it was on another level of beautiful. The maids – including a very enthusiastic Iris – had worked all day long to ensure that there was not even a scrap of dirt or dust to be seen, strings of lantern lights hung in the hallway to greet people, and there were floral decorationseverywhere.
And that was before the guests got to the grandhall.
The hall was a giant room that the Warwick family used only on very rare occasions. It was situated at the back of the home, and no one ever bothered to enter it unless there was an event. Iris had been incredibly excited to go inside it finally because she had not ever been considered suitable to enter before. Her father ensured that she was locked in her room whenever the family did anything, for which she was usually verygrateful.
Today she was glad to be a part of thecelebrations.
The grand hall had an atmosphere of magic filling it. It was impossible not to feel it the moment you stepped inside. It was as if the walls contained many wonderful secrets, and by listening close enough you could pick up some ofthem.
One moment, while she was left alone in the hall, Iris spun around on her heels, imagining that the prince from her daydreams was there twirling her to the music. She hummed to herself, seeing lights twinkling above her like stars, and she felt warm in her imaginary man’stouch.
Of course, that wouldn't happen tonight, there was even less chance than usual. She wasn't going to be Iris Warwick, the sort of woman who might attract the attention of a prince. She was to be Daisy the maid, the serving staff, not to be lookedupon.
At least she could blend into thebackground.
Daisy had been surrounded by people all day long. Iris’s uncle had insisted that he hire ladies trained in the area of beauty to come to the house to make her look her best. They brushed gorgeous makeup on her face, they brushed and styled her hair into a very complicated style, they had even tied up her stays and pulled her dress up over her. A beautiful, purple flowing gown that had small embroidered patterns all over it. The material felt too delicate to touch, never mind dance in, but she had been assured that nothing would happen toit.
In short, Daisy looked better than she ever thoughtpossible.
As she stared at her reflection in the mirror, there was an uncontrollable excitement coursing through her veins. The last few days as she’d acted like a lady, shereallybegan to feel that way. The more that people did for her, the more she enjoyed being looked after. Of course, it was very strange, considering it was her friends working for her, but it felt nice all thesame.
This was the life she was always meant tohave.
Daisy felt like she shouldn’t have been born into a lower class family, she never should have been made to look after another family. She should have been the one being treated like aprincess.
She jutted out her chin and smiled at herself in the mirror, wondering how far she could take this ploy. Iris seemed happy enough in her new role as a maid, Daisy certainly enjoyed being this version of herself, maybe... just maybe they could switch forever. It had been far too easy to fool Walter, she felt certain that they could confuse everyone elsetoo...
Her shoulders fell as she realized just how silly this was. Olivia Warwick would be moving into this home soon, so the plan would come to an end. It was only supposed to be some fun anyway, a way to help Iris. She was getting carried away. Daisy needed to keep control ofherself.
“Are youready?”
Daisy turned her head to the left as she heard Iris’s soft voice calling out to her. She couldn’t help noticing how comfortable she looked in her maid’s uniform now, it was hard to even see that it didn’t quite fit her properly. It was unfair, they both wanted what the other one had, but they couldn’t have thatforever.
“You look absolutely beautiful in that dress.” Iris moved to join her in the bedroom that felt more like home to Daisy every single day. “It suits you far better than it ever wouldme.”
“Oh I do not know about that,” Daisy replied with a very pleased smile on her face. “You do not see what a beauty you trulyare.”
“And thanks to you, nor will Duke Pembroke. Are you prepared to tackle himtonight?”
Oh, if only he was a lovely Duke. If only Daisy could dance with him, and fall in love with him, and become his wife. She could live in his grand house and be a lady every singleday...
But he was a monster, he did not treat people well. Daisy needed to rememberthat.
“I am ready, thank you. I feel much better knowing that your sisters will not be there. That was quick thinking on your behalf about taking over the guestlist.”
"It is just lucky that my uncle wants this dealt with quickly," Iris replied wryly. "If he was a more involved man, Betty and I would never have been able to pull that off. He is disinterested mostly, which has worked very well in ourfavour."
“Indeed.” Daisy looked at herself one last time, before turning away from the mirror forever. “May I go down into the hall now, or must I make a grand entrance?” She did not think that her nerves could stand it. Much as she felt more like a lady these days, she just knew that she’d trip if everyone looked ather.
“Usually it would be customary for you to be presented to everyone, but I have just poured my uncle his fourth glass of whisky. He seems nervous about tonight too, so he will be very drunk. I believe it is alright if we go now.” Iris held out her arm in the way that she had seen men do. “May I escort you, mylady?”
As they walked towards the hall, just a short time before the guests would arrive, both girls had the sense that something huge and life changing would occur tonight. Of course, that could not possibly be the case because as of tomorrow they would need to start integrating back into their own lives, but tonight... tonight anything feltpossible.
“I am worried that I will forget the dance steps,” Daisy gushed, suddenly overcome by an intense sense of panic. “What if I make a fool out ofmyself?”
“Oh, Daisy, I have never known anyone more suited to be a lady as you,” Iris reassured her. “You dance better than anyone I have ever seen, and you look absolutely wonderful. Do not forget that I will be here all night long, in the shadows. If you even need a moment of help, I will be here foryou.”
