Are You Ready Yet?

[Lady Hilda Elisabeta von Arles]

The trio of trunks that would accompany her to Demeria were slowly filling as items were approved or rejected by the dark haired young lady, the eye in the swirl of chaos that was composed of her lady's maid, her mother's lady's maid, and half the chambermaids. Elise insisted on inspecting and approving each item herself before it was packed, from underclothing to gowns to shoes and jewels. Progress was being made - the trunks were already half full, but the bench at the end of her bed was heaped with rejected gowns, cloaks, underclothing and the like. It was almost laughable, but she was smart enough not to laugh when her mother strode in looking like a thundercloud.



"Hilda Elisabeta von Arles!"



The voice rang out, bringing the frenetic activity to an abrupt halt, every eye in the room moving to rest on the Archduchess, who stood with folded arms and a tapping foot. Sheepishly, Elise turned to face her mother, remembering to curtsy correctly. "Good day, Your Grace. To what do we owe the honor of your presence?" She was careful not to wince, recognizing the look in Sophia's eyes as one of annoyance and impatience. Mother and daughter were completely, diametrically opposed on every possible level, and she braced herself for whatever was about to come.



The Archduchess pointed at the rainbow-hued pile, then shook her head. Only her youngest child could take two days and half the household staff to prepare for a short journey. "See that these things are returned to where they belong before you depart. After nearly two full days, you ought to be ready to go, yet I see you are not. I expect this to be complete by the time you join us for dinner. We will finish reviewing matters for your journey then." A stern look was bent on her daughter. "Do not be late."



She'd gotten off lightly, considering the room was a whirlwind of color and fabric. Nodding her head, she smiled brightly at her mother. "I will be on time, Mama. I promise. And we are nearly done, I vow. There are only a few more items I have to choose, and I will help Marta and Liesl tidy up." Anything to get Sophia on her way; they'd been having a good time until she arrived, and Elise was eager to get back to that. The smile held as the Archduchess swept out, looks exchanged between the three before a hand clapped over her mouth to stifle her giggles. Her poor mother... a hen with a duckling for a child.



They'd both be relieved when she was on her way to Demeria, no doubt. Elise only hoped Frederick would be pleased to see her, since she hadn't informed him that she was on her way, trusting her mother had done so already. If not, well... it would be a surprise indeed.