After lunch, Ulrich allowed the sisters a short rest, but it lasted barely an hour before the maids were summoned and ordered to begin preparing them for the evening event.
This time, the process was far more thorough than what they had gone through the day before at the estate.
Yesterday had only been preparation for the journey.
This was preparation for the event.
This was preparation to be seen.
The three sisters were separated first and led into adjoining bathing rooms where the water had already been drawn. Steam curled softly through the air, carrying the scent of flowers, oil, and something richer underneath, something smooth and expensive that did not belong to common soap. The bathwater had been mixed with perfumed oils meant to soften the skin and leave behind a faint, refined fragrance. After that came milk treatments worked over their arms, shoulders, necks, and legs until the maids seemed satisfied with every inch of them.
