So, making a big deal out of having her hat stolen wouldn’t do any good. That was the reasoning behind Ariella’s words, but Amira interpreted it a bit differently.
“Miss…!”
Over her blue eyes, waves of overwhelming emotion surged.
‘My lady is doing this for me! She’s trying to cover up the theft because she’s worried I might get fired!’
It was a clear misunderstanding, but Ariella didn’t bother to correct it.
“Miss, I’m fine! If we let this go, the head maid will look down on us even more. If I get fired, then so be it, but I can’t let that happen!”
Before long, Amira had included Ariella in the category of ‘us.’ Strangely enough, Ariella didn’t find that feeling unpleasant and let out a small laugh.
“Don’t do that, Amira. I have a plan.”
“A plan…?”
“Yeah. Will you trust me just this once?”
Amira looked up at Ariella with a blank expression. The moment a warm smile graced Ariella’s usually cold face, Amira made a vow. She would believe in whatever Ariella said.
“Yes! I believe you!”
For some reason, her heart swelled. With this feeling, she felt she would nod even if Ariella said she was actually a man.
“Okay, first let’s deal with the party. Hmm… do you think I’ll be teased if I go like this?”
“Yes, it seems so.”
The response was very quick. As Ariella’s eyes narrowed, Amira hurriedly explained.
“Of course, you look incredibly beautiful as you are! If I weren’t a heterosexual, I would have fallen in love at first sight and spent my life pining for you!”
“Enough with the compliments, get to the point.”
“Since the dress is already simple without any embellishments, it might look too bare without accessories. The other ladies at the dinner party might pretend to worry and tease you. They might say, ‘Oh my, is Abercorn going through tough times lately? If you need help, please let me know anytime.’”
The teasing smile and mocking tone were exactly like those of the noble ladies Ariella had seen in the social scene.
Do all maids act so well?
Ariella admired and looked at her reflection in the mirror. Now that she thought about it, it did seem a bit bare.
“How about draping a beige shawl and wearing these gold earrings? And a thin gold bracelet. I know you don’t usually wear gifts… but I think it would match the dress.”
The earrings that Lizzy had coveted sparkled in Amira’s hands.
Originally, Ariella was reluctant to wear gifts from her father or Aaron. It felt like wearing a collar.
But now, she felt she could use them without that sense of suffocation. They were just objects, and she thought it was fine to use them to leave this place, which lightened her heart.
“Okay. And do you have any leftover black ribbons or fabric? It would be even better if it had pearls.”
“I don’t have ribbons, but I do have a long piece of black fabric. If it needs pearls, I can attach them quickly.”
“That’s good. Can you wrap that around my waist? In a ribbon shape, with a pearl in the center.”
“On your waist? I don’t think it would match the beige shawl…”
“It doesn’t have to match. Just do it as I say.”
“Okay, I understand.”
Amira nodded without asking further. She thought there must be a reason for her lady’s orders.
“What about the hat?”
“The hat is the problem. There’s nothing suitable…”
All the hats stored in the dressing room were old-fashioned and in poor condition. It was clear that the previous manager had been negligent in their care.
Hmm… As Ariella fiddled with her chin, a hat caught her eye.
A beige hat adorned with golden flowers. It was something that could have been completed without her knowing.
“Amira, if you start a business, how much would you sell your products for?”
“Huh? What do you mean all of a sudden…?”
Amira’s mouth dropped open in shock as she confirmed where Ariella was looking.
“I’d be willing to pay any price; I want to be your first customer.”
***
Amira desperately opposed, saying she would be embarrassed and would surely be teased. However, there were no other alternatives, and in the end, Ariella was able to purchase the hat she had made by force.
The hat adorned with golden flowers matched better than expected. Matching the colors with the shawl created a more elegant and fresh atmosphere than originally planned.
The waist ribbon that Amira had opposed did indeed feel a bit out of place, but it wasn’t to the point of being bothersome.
Thanks to leaving right after, they fortunately arrived at the dinner party without being late.
With the help of the servants from the Earl of Lancashire’s household, as soon as they arrived at the dining room, a beautifully dressed woman came out to greet them.
