OPEN || FAWLEY ESTATE || 7 jan
It was one of those days that Agnes liked best - it was a day almost entirely about her and it was a Saturday. And what was so good about that combination? It was the perfect setup to effectively and automatically guilt anyone who considered bailing out of her birthday celebrations. So what if her birthday came on the very last day of the very first week of each and every new year? So what if idiots waited until January to make changes, call them resolutions, and pretend they wanted to be better people. Everyone knew the truth. And anyone who had any sense was going to be at the party later that evening – preparations for which, Agnes could see as she made her way lazily down the main staircase of her family’s home, were already underway.
Every year, her parents went above and beyond for her big day. And her wonderful friends, oh, they’d spoil her to bits, too. And with Orpheus having already ensured her birthday’d been given the perfect start, Agnes was ready; ready to be the princess, ready for her spotlight, ready for the visitor waiting downstairs as her elf had promised. “The party doesn’t start until much later, darling, you’re very early. But I appreciate the enthusiasm, that’s the spirit.” She laughed, teasing her visitor easily, but it was all in good spirit and good fun – Agnes was in a wonderful mood. “What can I do for you this morning?”
Visiting early meant less faces, less faces meant less whispers and less whispers meant less drama. With gift carefully wrapped, a white gold locket decorated with diamonds and garnets and engraved on the back ‘je t'aime plus qu'hier moins que demain’ a bold, yet honest statement and also her way of apology. Because ever since New Year, when she had seen in the turn of the year in the arms of her betrothed yet eyes locked onto her she had come to the understanding that nothing was ever going to be easy between them and if this is what it took to finally make herself at peace then so be it.
She just didn’t think Agnes would appreciate the early visit, especially when it was to state she would not be able to make it to the festivities. Dressed ever so immaculately, yet demurely, her black travelling cloak hung over her modest white and blue dress number. With exception of her hair, not a single red colour could be seen, a transition of debutante to wife ever so obvious compared to before. So much that her smile was reserved yet her eyes lit up at seeing Agnes as always beautiful and gorgeous. “Better to be one minute early than three minutes too late- at least, that’s a quote someone once said.” she responded, gripping the box in her hand tightly. “I actually came to give you this- and also pass on my regrets for not being able to attend later.” it was better to be honest than drag out a conversation. “Please know I will be incredibly jealous of all who are here but I know you’ll have an amazing time.”
