Read Online Moonlight and Ashes by Sophie Masson - Free Book Online Page A

told me, there’d have been time. But now it’s going to be a problem, isn’t it? You have no dress suitable for the occasion. Don’t tell me those old dresses of yours in the attic would do, because they wouldn’t. And you can’t wear one of Babette’s or Odette’s dresses because what would people say?’ She smiled. ‘Really, my dear, you have been very flighty in this matter.’
    I looked at her, a nasty feeling beginning in the pit of my stomach. This was just another of her cruel games. ‘I . . . I’m sorry . . .’ I whispered.
    â€˜A bit late, don’t you think? Such a pity. We would havebeen glad to have you along with us if you had thought ahead.’
    I tried to speak calmly. ‘I . . . I . . . think there might be something I can wear that –’
    â€˜What? Do you think you can conjure a ball gown out of thin air?’ She laughed. ‘Imagine what the Mancers would say.’
    I felt a little sick. There was a light in her eyes that scared me. She couldn’t possibly know about the hazel . . . couldn’t possibly . . . Frantically, I said, ‘It’s just that someone . . . I was lent a dress that might –’
    Shock invaded her face for an instant, and then her features went very still. ‘Whatever do you mean? Who lent you a dress?’
    â€˜I . . . someone . . . it’s very pretty – I think it might . . .’
    â€˜Then you’d better show it to me, my dear,’ she said silkily, ‘hadn’t you? Let me judge whether or not it will do.’
    With all my heart, I wished I didn’t have to. But there was no turning back now. Sadly, I went down to my room and, leaving the underthings behind, took Maria’s dress upstairs.
    My stepsisters were now in Grizelda’s room. They too wore velvet wraps and curling papers but, instead of a face mask, they wore spiteful expressions. As soon as I stepped into the room Odette said, ‘What kind of rag have you been squirrelling away, then?’
    â€˜I bet it’s ugly as sin, and old-fashioned to boot,’ said Babette.
    â€˜Now, now, girls,’ said Grizelda, the softness in her voice belied by the hardness in her eyes. ‘Come on, show us then, Selena.’
    Oh Maria, I’m so sorry, I thought miserably as I unwrapped her daughter’s wedding dress.
    â€˜Hold it up so we can see,’ ordered Grizelda.
    I shook the dress out and held it up to the three pairs of eyes. There was a silence, then Grizelda said, sharply, ‘Where did you get it?’
    â€˜A friend.’
    â€˜You don’t have friends,’ said Babette.
    â€˜You must have stolen it,’ said Odette.
    â€˜I did not! A friend lent it to me. She made it.’
    â€˜She made it! Then your friend is a common person, a dressmaker. Who is she?’ said Grizelda in a dangerous tone. ‘You will tell me, Selena.’
    â€˜No, I will not! It is none of your business.’ I was beside myself now with rage. ‘She is my friend. She lent me this dress so I could go to the ball. Whatever you think, whatever you do to me, you cannot change the fact I am my father’s daughter and have a right to go to the Prince’s ball. And I am going – in this dress.’
    â€˜Really?’ said Grizelda, and in two long strides she was upon me, ripping the dress out of my hands. I gave a cry of horror and tried to throw myself at her but Babette and Odette were too quick for me, tripping me up and holding me back, my arms twisted painfully behind me, while Grizelda methodically went about the business of destroying Rosa’s wedding dress. She ripped at the lace panels, tore off the ribbons and, taking a pair of golden nail scissors from her dressing table, cut the muslin to shreds. When it was in ruins, she threw what was left of the dress at me, saying, ‘Such a fine