Page 68 of The Thief
Melody chuckled at Bard’s polite rushing.
“Tell Lord Alastair that we are almost ready. Lady Scarlett and I were just finishing up our hair and we should be dressed and ready then. I assure you that if we are to be late, we will be fashionably so.”
“I will reassure him, my dear, that you are almost ready.”
“Thank you, Bard,” Melody said, curtsying at his slight bow and then shutting the door.
Melody walked back over to the vanity and pinned the last curl on top of Scarlett’s head, completing her hair. She pinned the burgundy rose in her hair, the gorgeous flower matching Scarlett’s dress perfectly.
“There, you are finished,” she said, stepping back to admire her handiwork.
Scarlett took her hand mirror and turned to face Melody, holding the mirror so that she could see that back of her head.
Thoroughly pleased with the result, she put the mirror down and stood.
“I will help you with your gown so that you do not mess your hair. I’d hate to see such a beautiful creation ruined.”
Melody had piled her curls atop her head and pinned them in place, letting only a few hang down to frame her face. She had also put in a few diamond pins to lend some sparkle to her hair.
Scarlett was fascinated by her ability to do such an elegant hairstyle on herself.
With a smile, Melody turned and grabbed her dress, handing it to Scarlett as she slipped off her dressing gown and stepped into the amethyst gown, standing still as Scarlett laced up the back.
“Ragan will be beside himself when he sees you,” Scarlett teased, making Melody blush.
It was Scarlett’s turn to blush when Melody quipped back, “Lord Alastair will be unable to take his eyes off you tonight.”
“Now, let us go. We have left the men waiting long enough,” Melody admonished.
With one last look in the mirror, they slipped on their gloves and headed downstairs.
Alastair sat waiting in the parlor when a cough from the hallway caught his attention. He looked over and saw Bard standing there, waiting for him to join him.
When he reached Bard, the man said, “My Lord, they are getting ready still, but they should be down in a few minutes. I did not see Master Ragan yet; do you know where he is?”
Alastair shook his head.
“I have not seen him either.”
“I apologize for my tardiness; I was still getting myself ready,” Ragan said, Bard and Alastair laughing along with him.
“I need to be presentable as well. I know that Melody will look lovely so I know to look at least presentable.”
“You look fine. I am sure that Melody will be very impressed.”
“Thank you, My Lord. I am sorry that we have to accompany you under these circumstances.”
Melody and Ragan were joining them on the trip to help protect Scarlett, along with Ronald and a few other guards.
Alastair had sent a message to Lord Dundamear, letting him know about the situation.
“It’s all right, Ragan. I think Scarlett understands. She is happy that Melody is coming. She usually declines and doesn’t accompany Scarlett to any parties and such. She says she doesn’t enjoy them. I believe she doesn’t go because she had no one to go with.”
“I would have to disagree, My Lord,” Melody interrupted, making Alastair blush, being caught talking about her.
“I do not enjoy these parties because of the people who hold them. There are many people who are not worth talking to, as they do not respect others. That is why I choose not to socialize with them.”
“My apologies,” Alastair said, Melody chuckling as she took Ragan’s hand, helping her down the last couple of stairs. She rested her hand on Alastair’s forearm.
