~~Nina~~

Mother stood back and glanced at Alice and I, her eyes glistening. "You both look wonderful!" 

I looked at Alice and she at me. My younger sister wore a light pink, frilly dress with many layers of lace and tool beneath, puffing out the skirt. I wore the same in a light blue. We each had matching ribbons in our hair. She had a long pony-tail and I had a French braid. We smiled at each other and twirled in our beautiful new dresses.

"Now, I want you both to be on your best behavior tonight. The young master will be returning home for his Christmas break and the Master and Mistress want everything to go as planned. You may have been relieved of your service duties for tonight, but do not forget your manners."

We both nodded out understanding and giggled with excitement. Just then a small knock sounded from the opposite side of the door. Our father poked his head in, with his hand covering his eyes.

"Is it all right to come in? Is everyone dressed?"

Alice laughed and opened the door all the way. "It's all right Papa! Everyone's ready!"

He lowered his hand and Alice quickly ran to my side. "See? What do you think, Papa?"

Father's jaw fell agape and he glanced around the room as if looking for something. 

"Where have my daughters gone?"

Alice and I giggled. 

"We're right here, Father; right in front of you."

He shook his head. "No, in front of me are two princesses ready for a royal ball. Where are my daughters?"

Alice stomped her foot lightly. "We're here Papa!"

I smiled at her. "It's all right, Princess Alice."

I linked my arm between Father's and held my other arm out to Alice. "We'll just have to take the place of this handsome man's daughters for the night and escort him to the Master's dance hall."

Alice snickered and looped her arm between Father's one free arm. "Oh, yes! What wonderful escorts we'll be."

We both laughed at our joke and led Father into the hallway. I called back to Mother. "Fair lady, if this man's daughters should ever return, would you please tell them that their father is in good hands?"

Mother pulled the tips of her apron up and performed a small curtsey. "Oh course, dear Princesses. I shall deliver the message."

We all laughed together and Alice and I led our lucky father down the hallway and into the foyer and then down the small set of stairs into the large, heavily decorated dance hall.