That Necessary Polish

by Ana Cristina

Louisa took a deep breath and looked at Isabelle. “De Grave came to see me this afternoon, Isabelle, to ask for your hand in marriage.”

Isabelle’s face blanched at the sudden news. She said in a stunned voice, “Can it be?”

Louisa went on, despite of or perhaps because of Isabelle’s response. “Naturally, I could not accept this request as I am sure your mother and father will want to be apprised of the matter, and it is ultimately their decision, not mine.”

Isabelle stood, her face alternately turning red and white. “Is he still here, Louisa? Oh, but I must look a fright, still in my gardening clothes!”

“Child, do be seated,” Louisa exclaimed, “of course he is not here. I sent him home.”

Isabelle meekly sat back down.

“We need to speak of your comportment sometime, Isabelle. Your parents sent you here in the hopes that the season would give you that necessary polish that ladies need.”

“Don’t forget The Husband,” I muttered under my breath. Isabelle stifled a giggle. I smiled, but my heart wasn’t in it.

Comments

Average Reader Rating: 5.0 stars out of 5

  1. That Necessary Polish

    thebetweenspace's Buddy Icon thebetweenspace

    Posted 6 months ago

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Great addition to your series! I like the last two paragraphs especially.

  2. That Necessary Polish

    THX 0477's Buddy Icon THX 0477

    Posted 6 months ago

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Mixed news here, the excitement of a proposal, but its…him. Nice job having her joke and smile even when she’s not totally okay with it, just to be supportive to her cousin.

Want to comment on this ficlet? You need to sign in!