excolocrack

[Early evening, Excolo Abbey]
[Harry's birthday]

Abbey carefully makes the final arrangements to my dress, ensuring the lace and velvet ribbon are hanging correctly. All of the plans for tonight have gone smoothly...so smoothly I'm almost waiting for the other shoe to drop. All of the guests have confirmed, the kitchen is busily preparing Harry's favourite foods and cake, the bedrooms have all been aired and readied...it's almost worrying. After the debacle at the Christmas ball I was careful to scrutinize the guest list, but this time there were no surprises to be seen. Lord Kent will be escorting Miss Esterlie, and much though I find her taste in men more than a little questionable perhaps she'll be able to keep him on a lead.

Abbey asks about jewellery, and I select the long drop earrings that Alex gave me for our anniversary this year. I finally decided to purchase a number of the new ragtime records for Harry's present. Alex can't stand it, but I must admit, I've listened to some of them and I find their energy rather exhilarating. It must be wonderful music to dance to...

I can hear the clock chiming. The guests should be arriving any moment. The last touches are made to my hair, and I head downstairs to greet the new arrivals.

[OPEN]