A "Wallflower" by choice, Arabella waited impatiently as the strains of the final waltz of the evening drifted to her corner of the room. The little alcove was a refuge from the busy, bothersome gossips who had nothing more pressing to do than whisper about "poor Miss Clary." With an unladylike snort, Belle addressed the other occupant, crouched beneath the bench upon which Belle had settled. "I wouldn't venture into that bevy of husband hunting females for all the tea in China! I imagine the only one less welcome out there would be you, Puss!" Butter wouldn't melt in their mouths as they had greeted her arrival. "How good to see you, My Dear! Delighted to see you out and about again after, well, that unfortunate business." Unfortunate indeed! Jilted! Left standing at the alter in front of her family and friends. Her fear that tragedy had befallen Patrick slowly turned to embarrassment as she left the chapel. By the time she reached home, Belle was in a full blown rage. Her mother's comfort was refused and the terrified maid cowered as veil and gown were unceremoniously tossed into her arms. A few choice words followed by a terse, "Burn them!" And finally the resounding crash of the bedroom door. Subject closed. It would require more than a few weeks for the scandal to pass and Belle had devoutly wished to be swallowed by the earth. She would never have attended this affaire had it not been for the mysterious note, arrived just that morning. A single line, requesting the honor of tonight's last waltz. Though penned in an unfamiliar hand, something in the way it was phrased piqued her curiosity. Now she sat alone, wondering at her foolishness. The music faded into silence and Belle stood to leave. All of a piece, she thought. Idiotic notion. She had just managed to extend her disgrace even further. A great murmur and commotion on the dance floor halted her retreating steps. Much back slapping and hearty male exclamations, followed the tall man as he crossed the floor. Belle stood, transfixed, eyes locked on his. Patrick! Her mind took in his elegant appearance and determined demeanor as his long strides carried him in her direction. Her heart swelled with relief, then hardened as rage and humiliation returned. How dare he do this to her! She had no choice but to stand and face him. As he neared, she could see the weariness around the eyes and how he favored one leg. His hand, burned brown by the sun reached for hers. In a high temper, she pulled away and reared back to deliver a stinging slap, when something in his eyes stopped her. Instead, she traced his cheek with gentle fingers. Her soft question, "Why?" was drowned in a sea of congratulations from the men. As Patrick led her away from the crowd, Belle heard of his heroic deeds and activities behind Napoleon's lines in France. Her voice quivered with hurt,"Why could you not tell me?" His reply softened the hurt, "How could I marry you, knowing I might not return? And my orders were to tell know one. I had no choice, my love." He anticipated her next question, "I chose tonight, and a public place, to lessen the possibility you might not see me." The crowd parted and the music began again. Patrick opened his arms and Belle entered their warm circle. Brow raised and another question on her lips, Patrick again completed her thoughts. "I asked them to play another last waltz. Just for us." As they danced, Belle wondered if he would always be able to read her mind.
Somehow that thought comforted her rapidly healing heart.
The Gown - an "Empire" style, in ivory satin charmeuse, fully lined in the same satin, with an over lay of delicate net. Three rows of fanned scallop lace adorn the hem. The lower row is accented by ivory silk gardenias, moss silk organza, amethyst and pearl glass beads.The middle row, by pink silk roses, organza and glass pearl bead loops. The top row, by moss organza bows, amethyst and pearl glass beads. Tiny scalloped lace traces the neckline and lower sleeves. Glass pearl beads follow the sleeve folds, scallop ace at the neckline and are spaced around the high waist looping over the wide pink silk sash. Tiny pearl beads button the bodice back and skirt placket. The gown flows beautifully and may be arranged in many ways. Arabella is equally lovely standing or seated.
The Accessories - her open fan with bead and glitter embellished silver guard stick has been hand painted with gardenias and tiny pink rosebuds. She wears a looped double strand of glass "pearls, removable single strand bracelet and matching earrings. Pink roses, moss organza and glass pearls adorn her dark brown hair. Removable ivory gloves, lace trimmed ivory shoes with tiny pink rosebuds and moss silk organza bows, a dance card, lace trimmed ivory lawn pantalets and nude stockings, complete the costume.
The Bench - handcrafted by the artist, this little bench has been fully covered in a delicately patterned pink fabric. Carefully pleated in a slight fan pattern on all four sides. The top is fully padded and tufted. The bottom is completely finished. Little "Puss" was cast in "hydrocal" and hand painted by the artist and designed to peek from the folds. He is permanently attached to the bench.
Arabella - has been completely repainted. She has blue eyes, shadowed in soft charcoal, feathered dark brows, shades of rose lips, new wig and a natural manicure. Her jointed elbows, knees and twist waist allow for a variety of poses.
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