THOUGHTS from early this morning whirled around in my mind. I never expected to find Christopher there. I desperately needed to rid my mind of him and he just had to adopt the same idea of watching the sunrise.

Heavy drowsiness has been looming over me for the whole duration of the day. However, I was happy to have a small part in helping Astrid's endeavors. Maybe to see him actively take my advice would help, and I was anxious for the results.

"Della?" The sound of Abigail's voice shook me out of thought, "You have been staring at the floor for God knows how long!"

"Oh," I giggled, bringing my mind back to the current, "I am just quite overwhelmed."

Lady Stratford seized today as an opportunity to make a trip to the Mantua Maker to get our dress fabrics and designs picked out.

Everywhere I turned, there was an assortment of fabrics varying in color. Large spools were even hung behind the long wooden counter. The girls roamed around the small shop, poking around each fabric. This was nothing new for them, but I didn't even know where to start!

"This goes with your skintone perfectly, Della!" Alaina drew my attention to a lovely, mauve colored fabric.

"I absolutely adore that one," Astrid walked over with widened eyes and took it from Alaina. She ran her hand over it, as if it were a lost treasure, "I want it."

"No it would look better on Della," Alaina argued, "She is the guest of honor."

"And that signifies I must look like bloody scum?!" Astrid bit.

"Composure please, Astrid," Lady Stratford corrected firmly. She continued to meander around the shop, eyeing each fabric.

"You may wear whatever you like, Astrid. I think it would look quite lovely on you."

"Oh thank you little cousin. You have quite a good eye," She winked and took the fabric to the wooden counter where a short, busty woman stood.

Alaina walked toward me, "You are too kind for your own good."

"And you are much too impatient."

"An honest truth," She nodded and broke into a smile.

"What is the duration of this dress making process?" I wondered aloud. 

"Well Miss Aarons has known us for quite a while, so she knows of our measurements. When we find a fabric that we adore, she never fails to design a beautiful gown in no time."

I nodded, looking at the way Astrid spoke to the woman. Her hands flailed in the air, and I could see her expressive countenance.

"Oh Mamma look at this one!" Abigail wrapped a dimmed, lime green fabric around her shoulders.

"Good lord child put that down," Lady Stratford frowned with a disgust plastered on her face. Abigail sighed with great defeat.

"Della come hither at once," She commanded. I did so, and she held a deep magenta fabric near my face. I was fond of it at first sight. She switched her concentrated gaze from the fabric, to my face every few seconds.

It was then that I felt insecure about the single spot on my right cheek.

Her lips blossomed into a rare smile, "This will do."

Later, when we arrived backed at the estate, the girls and I were gathered in the drawing room. Alaina busied herself with a book while Lady Stratford and the girls embroidered. My fingers couldn't take anymore pricking, and I certainly did not wish for any jokes of ridicule at my terrible handwork.

So I settled myself at the piano, attempting to interpret a sheet of music.

"I am very satisfied with my dress. Miss Aarons always does an extraordinary job. Christopher shall be a madman when he sees it," Her tone was boosted with her usual pride.

"I'm sure he will, my dear," Lady Stratford agreed.

"He is truly a god-sent," Astrid went on, "He gave me a rose this morning and told me it cold not match my beauty."

"Oh how sweet, sister!" Abigail gasped. I pressed my lips into a line and tried to filter her words out of my mind.

"He picked it from the gardens early this morning."

"Hopefully an engagement is near," Lady Stratford said.

At that moment, I felt sick. But why? I clutched my stomach, at the growing queasiness. This meant that after I gave him advice, he immediately followed through with it. This was something to rejoice over.

Astrid was receiving the attention she craved from him.

I took a deep breath and attempted to swallow my strange sentiments. I picked up the sheet music for a closer look. But when I did, a small peice of crinkled paper slipped from between the pages.

I set the music on my lap, and picked up the small note.

Sunrise
   Chris A.

My lips immediately perked up into a wide smile.

"Child whatever are you smiling about?" I crumbled the note in my hands discreetly at Lady Stratford's unexpected inquiry.

"N-nothing my lady. I am very pleased to hear Astrid's news with Christopher."

"Aren't we all."

~ • ~

I walked toward Christopher, and a smile grew on his lips when he caught sight of me. I had to admit, there was a certain excitement that bubbled inside of me.

"How did you know I would receive that note?" I asked as I settled into the grass beside him. I was puzzled at how his dark hair was de-shelved, but still had the ability to make my heart drum against my chest.

"I took my chances," He shrugged, "And I am quite glad I did."

I smiled and pulled my unruly waves to one side. I was sure it resembled a birds nest, the longer he kept his eyes on me.

"Are you almost finished with the book?"

"Yes, I only have a small part of it left. But I want to completely savor it," I answered.

"And how shall you do that?" He looked at me with an amused intrigue.

". . .  I am waiting for a rainy day," Embarrassment flushed my cheeks red.

He shook his head with a chuckle.

"I would tell you to stop laughing, but I must say I am quite used to it," I said matter-of-factly.

"Well let me be clear, I am not laughing to make fun of you," His laughs subsided, "But because I have never met anyone like you."

I snorted, "You mean someone poor?"

"Not at all," He shook his head.

"Oh," I looked down at my hands, and silence befell the moment. I gave my attention to the sky, as did he.

"It will never cease to amaze me," I mumbled in mesmerization.

"I agree," He nodded, "It is only missing your singing."

I swiveled my head with a frown, "What?"

He laid back into the grass with his hands behind his head, and closed his eyes. I continued to stare at him with puzzlement.

"Won't you sing, Della?" A grin tugged on his lips.

I was hesitant to answer, but then I remembered. I've sang in his presence before, it would be nothing new.

"Okay," I breathed.

____________________________

A/N - hoped you guys enjoyed  this chapter! So sorry I didn't update on Friday, I literally saw endgame twice and it had me shook 😂

love y'all 3000 😭❤️

Votes/Comments are much appreciated!

~ kya h.