Thread: Asking for Directions {darkangel76 & Alan23}

It's simply beautiful! Andie exclaimed, her porcelain pale cheeks turning red as she opened the box and admired the dress within it. Her tiny hands reached for it and pulled it out so that she could hold it up against her petite, slender frame and immediately ran over to the mirror so that she could gaze upon her reflection. Andromeda Elizabeth Schaeffer Hammond had an eye for fashion. All who knew her and her family knew of her gift and often seeking her advice and opinions anytime the topic came up. Something she was all too happy to give and rather enjoyed to flaunt. Your father said you'd be fond of it, miss, remarked Helen, Andie's personal maid. Her face beamed as she watched the girl ooh and ahh over the garment. My father is quite aware of my impeccable taste, Helen. He knows me well. A soft giggle erupted from Andie and twirled about with the dress before looking over at Helen and gesturing that the woman help her into the ravishing gown. The dress was a bit risqu compared to Andie's usual dresses, but this one had special purpose. She was to wear it to her 'farewell party' later that evening for earlier that morning her father had informed her that she was to travel to Annesland on an important trip. She was to serve as a diplomatic representative for the peace talks in New Orleans. Her father had chosen her to be the one to represent them all. It was a great honor, one she knew she rightly deserved. The party he was hosting was just the beginning and the dress he doted upon her only sweetened everything further. Truly, her father loved her and saw her potential as his daughter and now everyone else in the great and wonderful Amerika would as well. Andie giggled as she moved behind the drape so that she could undress and Helen, then assist her in getting into the new gown. First came the corsetso many ties and loopswhich pushed and squished her smaller breasts together, giving them quite an exquisite lift. It made her already small waist even smaller. Next came the garters and stockings. The gown itself was a fine shade of cream, falling beautifully over her gentle curves, the picture of femininity and grace. Unlike most of her dresses, this one showed off a fair amount of her chest. But it was for a special purpose. It was for a 'farewell party'. You look a vision, miss, Helen complimented. Andie blushed at Helen's words, the pink shade not stopping at her cheeks as it ran along her neck and down along her chest and even over the swells over her tiny breasts. She flicked her dark hair, brown eyes sparkling at the thought of the soon-to-be party. Perhaps Harry will be there, Andie stated softly with a giggle. Perhaps, miss. He has been visiting a bit more lately, Helen commented with a nod, her blue eyes a bit mischievous. But it's not my place to pry, her tone a bit suggestive. It most certainly is not, Andie added. Harry and I are respectable! Her cheeks flushed even more as a wave of worry washed over her. Helen's expression was more than disconcerting. I'll have you know, Harry hasn't even kissed my hand! Helen bit down on her lip and curtsied. I'm sorry, miss. I didn't mean to suggest... her voice trailed. You best get to your party. Your father and Harry will be waiting for you. Andie scowled, her mood ruined by Helen's teasing. She looked down and lifted her skirt just a bit so that she could make a final adjustment of her stockings and then smoothed out her skirts. She looked at herself in the mirror and walked over to her vanity and picked out some jewelry to wear, something to compliment the cream color of the dress she was now donning. She settled for pearl earrings and a necklace. Heaving a heavy sigh, she fussed with her hair a bit, making sure it was just right and then reached for a pair of lace gloves. Helen remained quiet as Andie moved about her room, figuring it best to stay out of the way for the time being until the girl found herself to be in a better mood. When finished, Andie glared at Helen and gestured that the woman open the door for her upon exiting. As Andie made her way to the party, she found her mood slowly lifting. The irritation she'd felt as a result of Helen was ebbing away and the glorious sound of the music was taking its effect. Oh how she loved music! Already she was humming softly, her feet padding along elegantly as she made her way to the staircase that would lead her to the ballroom where the party was being held in her honor. When she reached the top of the staircase, she could see her father and Harry both below mingling with their guests as men of their status and renown were meant to do. But it didn't take long for everyone attending to take notice of her presence. Just then, a voice sounded to announce her arrival. And I am pleased to announce the arrival of our most honored guest, the reason why we are all here and the hope for Amerikan peace Miss Andromeda Elizabeth Schaeffer Hammond. At the sound of her name being announced, Andie felt her cheeks grow hot, the blush taking over every ounce of pale exposed skin. She smiled, her brown eyes glittering as she looked down upon her guests. She sought out the faces of both her father and Harry and nodded. Raising a delicate, gloved hand, she waved gracefully at everyone and began to descend down the grand staircase leading into the ballroom.