Elaine waited for the most suitable opportunity to meet up with Claire to discuss the events of the day. Seeing Annie was asleep, Claire slowly tiptoed out of the room and went to the living space where Elaine was waiting for her. Along with Vermont.
"So? Were you two able to find anything or convenience?"
"Not exactly, but listen, we may have a way to sneak into the ball. They have a list of who's attending and who's not. I suggest you and Vermont be in disguise, of a maid and the guy who's helping the maid get in new deliveries during the event. I am sure with all of us present on scene we can ditch those things, go to the event and then Elaine, everything else is up to you."
Vermont frowened.
"This is...not the worst idea you've ever had, yet it's not the best one either. I do not know what to say."
Elaine sighed and looked at the two
"Except that I suppose this is how we may have to execute our plan. We cannot use any rash methods. My only concern is that... everything fails if security is tight."
The three were in synchronized, deep thinking.
𝓕𝓪𝓼𝓽 𝓕𝓸𝓻𝔀𝓪𝓻𝓭 𝓣𝓸 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓓𝓪𝔂 𝓞𝓯 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓜𝓪𝓼𝓺𝓾𝓮𝓻𝓪𝓭𝓮
···—–—⚜—–—···
The night had its own charm, striking stars, and the smooth, yet mysterious blue hue of the night sky. The Lytton Manor was already buzzing with guests that twirled and conversed under the pristine, shimmering chandelier. The sconces, as ambient as ever, created a fashionably, noble atmosphere.
All faces hidden under elaborate masks, gentlemen kissing the hands of the young debutantes, with the intentions of courting.
Heavy scents of musk and florals seemed to permeate throughout, incessantly across the venue. Everybody chatted along, and soon enough, the main attraction walked in. The Lyttons. Graced by what can only be called loyalty, the honorable duo walked down the stairs while glancing at the crowd that awaited them. Elaine's grandparents. Lady Clarissa, grandmother of Elaine, at this timeline, was exactly what one would expect, and yet only better. Her long black hair cascaded down the silk of her dress, a trial that of intricate lace that followed right behind her. Adorned with pearls and silvery ornaments, nothing actually overshadowed the main attraction. Her lips aligned, eyes that seems to scrutinize all that looked up at her, the woman was as mysterious as ever. Would she ever expect what was to happen later, at this fateful night?
Beside her, her husband was no less chivalrous. With a soft gaze that served as a strike contrast to his wife, he gladly exchanged pleasantries all night that left a reverberating influence among swooning ladies, and prideful gentlemen.
From behind one of the gigantic curtains, Claire and Elaine watched. They were equally in awe and almost bewitched enough to not carry out their plan and just witness this scene straight out of a fairytale.
"This is..."
Elaine began and was at a loss of words.
"Something... definitely something.."
Said Claire as she fiddled with her fingers that were adorned by white gloves that perfectly matched with her dress.
"So... should I go now?"
"Do you want to? I think you should take Annie with you, and Claire please. You are to keep a low profile."
Elaine was somewhat worried. Claire was the life of any party. Whether people knew her or not, her charm is timeless. Although tonight, that charm may be something that is not exactly of any help. Elaine simply wanted Claire and Annie to mix in with the people, so that when it was her turn, if, as a speculation goes, she is the center of attention, she can easily navigate through the crowd to her two ladies, and gentlemen, that includes Vermont.
"Take Vermont with you first. Then Annie will follow."
Elaine said as she continued to watch, she was still in her clothes that were initially for disguise, the rest of the three were probably all ready by now. She had not shared a single aspect of what she was to do, and none really questioned. There was nothing to ask, for it was Elaine they were dealing with. Whatever may happen, shall happen. One way or the other.
Claire gulped a bit before she went to call in Vermont. A talk figure loomed over them, slicked back hair, straightened posture, and the suit that complimented the display of a true noble stood before them. Claire briefly flushed, her eyes taking in the sight before her as she looked up, eyes gleaming with determination. A sign that said that she was ready. With her hands on his arms, the two walked in and pairs or eyes slowly begin to look, heads turned their gazes. Yet, the two walked hand in hand, ready to face what awaits them. Elaine watched from behind and she would have been lying if she did not admit that the two were a perfect match. Her lips curved up into a small smile almost on whim. She looked back and saw Annie. Fiddling with her dress as she made eye contact with Elaine.
Annie's bright red hair definitely was one for fanfare. Not encouraged among aristocracy, this was her time to shine with her own style.
"I am so sorry for all this Annie. We have caused you trouble ever since we had our own" Elaine made sure that they were still onto that story of how they had lost their claim and were now working on something that cannot allow them to publicly reveal one another, but she was genuinely apologizing to this.. innocent girl who has form nothing but be kind to one who barely deserve it. It hurt somewhat...to "use" someone like her.
"Consider tonight our compensation, please."
Elaine looked at her softly, as her hands went towards the ones fiddling nervously.
"You got this. Just walk towards Claire, and let her whisk you away among so many people."
Elaine laughed as she waited for Annie to respond. Annie, feeling better already, nodded, her lips pursed and yet this timid figure began making her way. The bright lights immediately catched her red hair, and just like her friends, she too, turned heads her way. She slowly made her way, as causally as she could and approached Vermont and Claire who let her with soft, approachable gazes. Vermont, looked at where Elaine previously was, seeing her figure scurry away into one of the many rooms, as if to carry out her part.