Of course I knew I wouldn't be lucky, the first of three and the eldest, it never works out for the eldest. But that didn't mean I wasn't going to try my damndest anyway. The party was in full swing when I got there, the band was playing Blue Moon and there were lots of couples swaying on the dancefloor. As I walked down the stairs to the main ballroom I was aware of some disapproving glances from the matrons, much whisering behind hands. Who was this lone beauty? How dare I arrive alone? Well sorry, but with a family like mine you've got to take any chance you can. Suddenly I saw my stepmother, I can't believe she didn't recognize me. But she was too busy primping her daughters to take much notice of me. I turned quickly away and bumped into the most handsome person I've ever met. 'May I?' he said and we whirled away to Three Steps to Heaven. It will always be Our Song. The rest of the evening passed so quickly it all seems a blur, but soon it was a quarter to midnight and I had to leave, thats the trouble with being the eldest, responsibility gets you every time.
I knew I was looking good when every face turned towards me as I walked down the stairs. I shone, I shimmered. I felt flirtatious Soon I was surrounded by prospective partners, Captain Drummond of the Life Guards, Lord Horsham, Colonel Waring, who'd have thought the old dog would be so spry? And as for his small talk! I was so happy, I was a success, there was a queue of men waiting to dance with me. Then right in front of me was the Prince, 'Sorry, old man' he says to Captain Drummond 'This one's mine'. We danced and danced, had supper then danced some more. He is quite fascinating, we talked; or rather he talked and I listened. It always pays to let a man think he is interesting. Fortunately for me he was anyway, except about the prime-minister but no-ones perfect. I could see Capt Drummond casting wistful glances in my direction but I didn't care. I heard the clock strike quarter to but we were discussing the importance of the correct shoes with evening dress and I didn't pay much attention. Then suddenly I noticed it was five to midnight and I wrenched myself away, he seemed rather surprised. I noticed Captain Drummond smiling as I ran up the steps.
I must say I was quite nervous, it was make or break tonight, there's always so much expectation on the youngest. The Major-domo smiled and bowed as I entered the ballroom which made me feel better, I paused at the top of the stairs and saw the Prince approaching. He held out his hand and we danced off to The Night Has a Thousand Eyes (and they're all looking at me). It was magical. I felt on cloud nine as I whirled and swung through 50 songs each one better than the last. At supper we sat in a quiet corner but even so many people came up to talk to us though they left quite soon when they saw how uninterested we were. There was one man, a Captain of the Lifeguards I think, who looked quite upset. I hope I haven't offended him in any way. How good it was to be out alone, no-one to nag or outshine me. It made me quite courageous. All at once the clock started chiming midnight! I'm not sure how it happened, but fortunately we were near the french windows so I dashed out. After a moment the Prince started in pursuit, he shouted something but I didn't catch much of it, something like '...second time' I raced across the car-park and lost a shoe, most annoying they matched me so well. The chauffeur was looking quite worried when I arrived and we really burned rubber around the first corner.
All three dresses available at Wickedlady Collectables
