The day finally arrived for the Festival of Maidens and all the preparations made for it were being put to use. Each house was bustling with preparations and celebrations, either their son was about to choose a maiden, or their daughter waiting for her gentleman.
In Jenna's little house, she had Mabel and Harriet dress up just in case a man decided to choose them, though she knew it was going to be difficult nobody wanted to associate with her. In their words, any girl working for her would only act like their mistress. That is, leaving their marriage at the slightest inconvenience.
For the men, Percy and Henri had gotten hairpins the previous night just to try their luck for any maiden that would choose them. Bruno, who was the youngest, ran errands around the house. He had been sent to go fetch Jenna and Rhane's clothes from the tailor, and when he returned, he had news.
"You know that man...the one from yesterday who kept saying things about our mistress?" Bruno announced for anyone who cared to listen, since everyone was too busy getting dressed.
"You mean James? The stubby merchant?" Mabel added so the young boy wouldn't feel bad.
Bruno nodded, "Yes, that one! I saw him being carried to the nearest village. His two legs are broken, and someone said he might never use them again!"
"How did that happen?" Harriet joined in, a frown on her face.
Bruno looked around to be sure, and then he said, "I heard someone say it's a curse from our mistress. You remember those brutes? They also had their faces punched after stealing from us. What if everyone who goes against our lady gets cursed!"
"And you're saying?" Mabel dropped her hands on her hips and asked.
Bruno exhaled, "What if the Lady Jenna curse is r—"
"Get out, go now before I report you to the mistress." Mabel pushed the boy out of their room.
Bruno tried to explain to them but they didn't let him say anything, they banged the door shut. The boy frowned before turning away, his head hung in disappointment and the pain of not being believed.
He carried the tailored clothes to the next room, which belonged to Percy and the new servant.
"Percy, is Anne there? Our mistress asked that I bring these to him." He handed the clothes over to Percy before leaving.
Percy turned the shirt and trousers over, and a wide smile graced his lips.
"What is the mistress thinking, giving him such a bright color?" Percy chuckled, raising up the wine-red jacket, and he shook his head.
"I guess my lady doesn't care that much for him after all," Percy dropped the jacket, walking back inside the room.
"Anne...here," he handed him the clothes. "You can wear those for the festival."
Rhane took the clothes and nodded, he noticed the young man was trying hard not to laugh.
"Let me say the truth," Percy chuckled, "The women hate men that steal their shows...and once a man wears something so noisy like that red jacket of yours, it's an outright rejection because it seems you're being too loud. But I'm guessing you don't mind, right? You don't even understand the dynamics between a woman and a man."
Percy joked, turning away to continue with his dressing.
Rhane dropped the clothes on the bed and sat down.
"Don't tell me you want to reject the mistress's gift because of what I said. You don't have to be ungrateful," Percy scolded. Deep down, he was already enjoying every bit of the moment.
Though his mistress had warned him, he also wanted to see this young man mocked.
Rhane ignored him, he removed his boots and then his shirt. When he stood up, he reached for his trouser zip.
"I— I'll be leaving," Percy bounced out of the room. He had expected the young man to throw a tantrum about the clothes but he was quietly wearing it!
As evening drew closer, everyone gathered at the village centre, where a burning fire was made with dry sticks to light up the place. A group of singers with their light instruments entertained the crowd, while free liquor and meat were made available for everyone, greeting each other and chatting away while waiting for the main event. The air was already filled with celebration.
"Beth, remember our love will be revealed today." Roy said, taking hold of Beth's hand.
Beth, on the other hand, had her eyes roaming in the dark like she was searching for someone.
"Excuse me Roy, I'll be right back." She patted him on the shoulder. "Don't worry, tonight...yes tonight." She gave him a forced smile before walking away.
Beth lifted her dress, running to go meet Percy who had just arrived.
"Percy, right?"
Percy blushed, he couldn't believe Beth even knew his name. He cleared his throat, "Yes, Lady Beth," Percy bowed like a gentleman, his hand on his chest.
"You look great tonight, and the stars—"
Beth waved her hands, "Yes, yes, whatever...where is Anne?"
Every light of smile and hope on Percy's face faded. He slowly raised his face, "He's at home and will be arriving soon."
"Oh beautiful! I have something I need to tell him...I want to know if he's made a decision."
Percy looked at the young woman and sighed, "I'll be going to find women who have something to tell me," he dragged his last word before walking away.
Jenna arrived at the place with her two servant girls, all dressed and dolled up. She was going to act as their chaperone, knowing how crazy nights like these were.
Unlike the young maidens, Jenna wore a white shirt that had a turtle neck lacy design, same lacy design on the sleeve of the shirt that stopped at her arm, then a wine-red corset that accentuated her hips with black trousers to fit.
On her wrist was a gold bracelet, same as the one on her ears. A black liner under her eyes and a peach lipstick. Jenna styled her hair to the side, then left it flowing down. Her dress style wasn't the usual, but Jenna had picked it up during her travels. One of the villages she visited had their women dressed the same as men and she found it more comfortable for a woman with a bigger figure than others.
"Jenna...she's,"
Jenna walked past the people, she was already used to them saying things even when she did nothing. She could see the eyes of the men on her breasts and most looking at her back.
"Anne is here!" Beth screamed out like a fangirl, getting the attention of everyone who turned to see the young man that had just arrived.
Even Jenna turned with the crowd and she was left stunned.
Rhane walked past the crowd, a cold strut with a dead stare. His lips in a thin line, like everyone else was beneath him. He had a white shirt and black trousers, then a wine-red short-sleeved jacket. His style to the side, leaving a few strands to fall on his face.
With his hands dipped in his pocket, he passed Beth who was holding out her hand for him to take without even looking down, and when he got to Jenna, he took his hands out and bowed.
"You two are dressed like a couple," Lady Collette chimed, breaking the silence of awe.