Page 44 of Dark Angel

She nods at Kora, a dainty smile growing as the modiste takes the gown and Alice follows her behind a screen to undress.

“What about plum?” Valarie suggests as she spots one hanging from a rack beside Kora. “Plum suits auburn hair.”

“The plum is pretty.” Daisy agrees with her. “You should try that one as well, Kora.”

Valarie’s eyes flare as she nods excitedly.

“All right.” Kora takes it down from the rack. “It is quite lovely.”

“Go on then.”

Kora changes into the deep purple dress. The cuffs hang off her shoulders loosely. The skirts flowing elegantly down from the bodice. It looks beautiful on her.

Returning to the main room, Valarie and Daisy both gasp from the velvet wrapped seat when she reappears. “I think I’ll be writing my name on your dance card as well, Kora.” Daisy murmurs with an entranced smile.

“I think the Elders would be beside themselves if you two danced together.” Valarie says through a giggle.

Kora’s cheeks widen. “Which do you prefer?” questioning them, because there’s no way she’ll be able to walk out of here with both gowns. She’s lucky enough for Clarence to give her money for one.

“Plum.”

“Definitely.”

Kora’s face relaxes as she looks down at the material covering her. “Agreed. I’ll purchase this one then.”

“Why not both?” Valarie asks with a tilt of her head.

Kora’s lips part as Daisy stands from the upholstered bench she’s perched on and clasps her hands together loudly, “Come on, Alice, I am dying to see that gown on you.”

Garnet eyes come to settle on Kora as Daisy gives her a gentle look. Kora immediately knows that Daisy is aware of their financial situation, even without her needing to voice it aloud.

“Yes, come on, Alice. We are all out here growing beards waiting for you to change!” Valarie chirps loudly.

Kora and Daisy frown at her.

Valarie shrugs. “I heard my father say that once when I was late preparing for a ball. I thought it was funny.”

Kora snorts a laugh. “You do realise that only men grow beards, right?”

“I’m aware. I just liked the saying, that’s all.”

Daisy shakes her head before approaching Kora. Her fingers touch her gown as she stares at her best friend. “I have money for both if you-”

“No. It’s not necessary,” Kora cuts her off. “You’re a good friend, Daisy, but I can’t let you do that.”

She nods in understanding before resting her dark hair against Kora’s head. “If I grow a beard, please be the first to tell me.”

Kora pushes her off lightly as Daisy cackles a laugh. Valarie stares at them before Alice nervously walks out from behind the screen.

Her long wavy brown locks frame her youthful face. Burning green eyes like Matthew’s set on the three of them as her hands awkwardly fall to her sides. The scarlet gown clings to her in the right places. Puffy transparent sleeves show the outline of her shoulders and arms, while the corset sits tight against her flesh. It’s a deep rose red, reminding Kora of Mortal blood. She looks older dressed like this, and exquisite like a princess.

“Divine.” Daisy gasps out, rushing to grab a hold of Alice’s hands and squeezing them tightly.

Valarie shows her teeth in a wide grin as Alice nibbles on her lip. “Please get it.”

Alice nods before ducking back behind the screen, already over the small amount of attention she’s received.

Purchasing their gowns, the four girls leave the modiste with wrapped boxes in their grasp. Alice and Valarie gush over their dresses together as Kora and Daisy walk behind them, listening to their excitement.

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