#hannahthenoble

[the-smallest-star]

@willbeshot

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“Are you sure this is a good idea? Last I saw this guy he was pratically threatening me.”

It had been several months since Hannah’s solo trip in which she was escorted back home. Her father had been undoubtedly cross and it left her under careful watch every time he needed to leave for business.

With him gone Olivia had been asked to watch her, but with one of the Baron’s famous parties being announced Olivia had taken her and her husband’s invite and dragged Hannah along.

“Well I can’t attend one of my favourite parties and watch you at home now can I? Besides my invite says I can bring one guest and your father never attends anyway with all the work he does.” Olivia reminded her, “Just play the wallflower and don’t ruin my night. The coach will be back for us at twelve. Least your hair grew back quickly, you actually look like a young woman for once, not that you’ll attract much attention with your countryside maiden face.”

Hannah chose not to comment on the way her stepmother’s breasts looked like they were going to burst like balloons, or that her make up made her look like a frightening clown. Instead the noble remained silent as they walked up the steps and filtered in with the equally decorated crowd filing into the manor.  A few people were hauled from the crowd who didn’t have an invite and were punted into the nearby lake for onlookers to snicker and howl at. “Have a few drinks and you’ll be fine.” Olivia hissed as she handed over the invite, after being looked up and down the bouncer allowed them to pass into the foyer. 

Hannah was used to grand but this was a very different sort; there was endless chatter filling the air, music filling the background and a thick scent of fine perfumes coming from the guests.

“Olivia!” Squealed one woman with the largest bottom Hannah had ever seen, she grasped the hands of her Stepmother and giggled like she was a schoolgirl, “I almost thought you wouldn’t make it a regular like you! Who’s this little flower?”  “My husband’s daughter from his previous marrage, its her first social event. Hannah this is Lady June, her husband imports exotic pets and livestock” Olivia introduced, June smiled so wide Hannah thought her painted lips would fade into oblivion. “Pleasure to meet you Miss Smalley, don’t let the crowd frighten you off and have some of the wine. You’ll feel right at home after a few glasses.” June encouraged slipping a glass into her gloved hands, “Olivia I need you to help me scope out my husband, I think he was by the drawing room.”

Before following after June Olivia leaned down to Hannah, “Remember, do not ruin this night, go to a corner and stay there.” she whispered until it tickled Hannah’s ear, and then she was gone between the masses of swaying and prancing bodies. Taking a deep breath Hannah retired to a corner of the room to wait. Taking a sip of the wine she was startled by its bitter taste, she swallowed and decided to drink only when someone was staring... which was often enough. She didn’t look or feel like herself at all.