I thought it was the only one, the lady said. But as I remember it was taupe.
How does she know about the dress? Mary wondered.
You are right, she answered calmly. But you know, I cant actually afford to buy a collection dress.
But your lover surely can, the lady said, smiling. She saw Marys eyes widen. So, he ordered a copy, didnt he? Who chose that ugly color? It matches your mane about as well as an omelet goes with green onion!
I would never have imagined that a respectable woman like you could have such bad manners. Mary replied, puzzled.
Oh, cute, and while we are talking manners, look whos talking! The lady quietly laughed. Youre the sophisticated one who dressed up in screaming-green on the pastel themed party! In all the invitations it said clearly about the dress code!
Now Mary was stricken. She looked around, and to her horror she realized that the lady was absolutely right. It was like beige heaven for as far as the eye could see, and only she, Maria Jablonskaia, debutante elect, was wearing a brightly colored outfit.
Why? the lady continued scornfully. Is it a rebellious streak in you, or are you just plain illiterate? If you didnt know the meaning the word pastel, why didnt you ask your lover? By the way, where is Robert? Her smile remained but the tone of her voice was changing. I guess, hes probably ashamed to show up with such brilliant under age baby gem like you. How much are you charging him per hour for your services, by the way?
Mary was unable to say a thing with spasm seizing her throat.
Im here on my own, she barely managed to utter. Im not an escort, either, if thats what you are insinuating. I am twenty-one already, and Im here to present my team.
And you have done a pretty bad job of that, you poor incompetent thing, the lady said, moving away.
Mary almost fell onto her chair. A passing waiter offered her a cocktail, and she mechanically took it.
Are you all right? The hostess of the event approached Mary. Did Laura offend you? Shes a little cranky today. She badly wanted to buy a dress, the very same designer dress that youre wearing, in fact. But someone had already bought it. She was even ready to order a copy, just so she could be the first one to show up in it. But you trumped her plans.
Im sorry, it seems to have upset her so much, Mary mumbled, thinking; I can only imagine their shock if they knew that it IS the original dress!
Mary got up and smiled. Im okay, thank you.
The hostess nodded and headed off to mingle and mix with some of the other guests.
Why is such a sweet girl looking so upset? Mary looked up and studied the speaker, a male, middle aged, not very tall, (which is what she liked in a man) thin and slender, clean-shaven, with brown hair and light blue eyes.
He browsed the orphanages promotional material, then looked at her with a friendly smile.
Never mind, sorry, Mary said politely, at the same time thinking in a less respectful way, Hes not a wealthy person for sure. Look at his tux! I bet he rented it.
If I visit you on campus, the man continued shyly. Can I cheer you up, or is it prohibited?
Oh no, poor man! Mary thought with tender pity. He likes me!
Its not prohibited, she answered softly. But its pointless.
Im taking that as a no. Your heart is otherwise occupied, am I right?
You are.
So, these rumors are true, I suppose, he said, ready to leave, but Mary clutched his hand.
Look, please! I beg you, tell me, what do you mean? I have already had a few hints blasted at me, but I want to know whats going on!
Dont you read the press? he wondered. He took out his wallet, and blushing like a girl, showed Mary a picture. It had obviously been cut from some magazine or newspaper. Mary saw a snapshot of herself, smiling broadly. Her pose looked a little bit strange. Suddenly she guessed it was because her head was resting on Roberts shoulder, but the man had cut him off at the neck so as to focus on her.
Thank you, she mumbled, returning the picture. Deep in thought she did not notice that, when the man left, another woman had descended and was standing at her table.
Redheaded, wearing a soft-orange dress, the woman resembled a vixen.
The color suits you she dropped casually.
Really? Mary mechanically replied.
Yeah, you look like a crocodile, the woman hissed, keeping her polite smile fixed in position. And as for your skin Never heard of lotion? It works wonders. I use it on my leather handbag.
Say what you want, Mary snapped back. At least men like my skin natural.
Says who? Robert, or all your other clients? Its actually funny how you think you can mean anything to him. You should see the line of poor beauties he left behind before he bagged you.
Perhaps, you are one of them, eh? Mary said with nice demonstratively naïve smile.
Do you have a problem with that? the woman asked haughtily.
Nope, its your problem, I suppose, Mary threw the reply back in the same manner as it had been delivered.
Stupid frog! mumbled the redheaded as she strode away.
What a day! Mary thought, puffing out her cheeks. Now Im actually rather glad that Robert is not here at the moment. At least I get to figure out the situation for myself.
Oh, I expected a cat fight! A young man, tall and athletic drew closer, and leered at Mary. I would never have expected a monastery to be hiding such a gem. You are a real emerald. Im simply charmed.
Its not what you said the last time, Mary retorted, catching him on the back foot. I know you, the girl explained, moving in for the kill. Last month you attended an event where our team performed a show. I am the leading girl.
Oh, so that insignificant gymnast was you?
His disparaging comment pulled Mary up short, temporarily. But when he made his next remark, she blushed, shocked at his words.
Right, that explains why I didnt recognize you now all tarted up to the nines! How lucky Mister Noirson is having such a beautiful courtesan. I can only imagine all these different ways that youve done the splits with Mister Noirson to get such a pretty party dress out of him.
Despite her red cheeks, he did not intimidate Mary; she knew what he was like.
I suggest you keep your smutty thoughts to yourself and go take a hike to the bathroom to relieve your tensions.
Its not wise to talk with a potential sponsor like that, the young man replied, frowning.
Sponsor! Give me a break! Mary chuckled. Your cheque has been returned due to insufficient funds. If you dont have money, why pretend that you do? To impress people?
The man scurried off in silence. Mary called a waiter over and took another cocktail.
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