"And... We're done!"
Sophia took a step back to admire her handiwork.
"So, what do you think?"
Thanks to the restless night Amelia had nearly fallen asleep in the chair as Sophia styled her, but she was jolted awake by the maid's proud exclamation.
She leaned forward to get a closer look at herself in the mirror. Just as she'd requested her makeup was done heavier than usual, with a pale base, sharp eyebrows and a deep red lip. Her hair was in turn pulled back and adorned with intricate gold hairclips rather than ribbons, all giving her a sharper and more alluring impression.
"Thank you. You've truly outdone yourself this time" Amelia complemented with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
While her get-up did give her her a semblance of feigned confidence it did nothing to the gnawing anxiety in the pit her of stomach.
Sophia looked discouraged by the lack of entusiasm, so Amelia turned and met her eyes.
"It is truly better than I had even imagined. I am just tired today."
This seemed to reassure her.
"Are you still feeling under the weather? Is there anything I can do?"
"No, it is alright. Unless, do you know of anything that is helpful for nausea?"
"I do remember a coworker taking herbal drops during her monthlies. Shall I go ask her?"
"Thank you. But it is nothing serious so it is not necessary to bother her. Could you call for Olivia instead? Although my uncle isn't yet here I'd rather not have to hurry with getting dressed."
Sophia did as she was asked, and the moment she closed the door behind her Amelia slumped down in the chair. She took a deep shaky breath as to try to snap herself out of this state of exhaustion and unease, and when this didn't work she pinched her arm tightly.
If she was seen spiralling over a mere banquet she would surely cause concern. Most of all she did not want Olivia to notice her state of mind given how the maid had worried for her in the past.
***
The get-up was truly complete with the dress on. It was more traditional than the lavender one that Amelia had previously worn, with long sleeves, a hoopskirt as well as a broad V-neckline that subtly hinted to her newly attained curves. The fabric was emerald green and adorned with gold passementeries and embroidered beads that sparkled slightly whenever she moved. The ensemble was tied together with the jewleryset that the king had gifted her.
In the mirror Amelia looked mature and dignified, in stark contrast to how she felt.
"You look beautiful" Olivia proclaimed and Sophia nodded.
"You will surely turn everyone's heads. I think green is truly your color" she added.
Amelia thanked them. In truth, there was only one persons head she wanted to turn today. Or rather needed to. That's why she hoped the maids praises were genuine rather than empty flattery.
Sophia adjusted a hairclip and started tinkering with the hair that had gotten distrurbed while Amelia was dressing.
"You know, I never thought a gown could be this heavy."
"Well, Adeline did say she lined it for warmth."
"Even still, isn't it excessive?" Olivia chimed in. "You'll have to wear this an entire evening after all."
Amelia had been concerned about this as well, but the gown didn't feel that bad once it was on. The corset did a fine job holding up the heavy layers of fabric and embellishments while at the same time not being too restricting. As expected, Adeleine's fine reputation was not baseless.
Amelia was about to assure them of this when she was interrupted by a knock at the door. It was Gordon, announcing the guest's arrival.
Her uncle had come early. She had hoped to have the time to properly gather herself before greeting him, but alas circumstance had other plans.
"Thank you Gordon. Please show him to the sittingroom, I will be right down" she answered through the door, then added.
"If you do not mind, could you prepare some tea for us since we have some time to spill before leaving? Something soothing?"
Though it would probably be insufficient this was the only thing she could think of to calm her nerves.
She lingered by the door for a moment, clenching her fingers into her palms in an attempt to release tension, then pressed down on the doorhandle.