Cinderella (Faerie Tale Collection) by Jenni James Page B

the window. “You received the same invitation. I am sure I will be shown the same treatment as everyone else.”
    “No. Clearly not. Clearly she sent a separate invitation just for you. It must mean something. And I want to know what. I want to know why you must be included, you who no one has heard of or seen in ages.”
    She closed the curtains at the window and turned around, trying desperately to change the subject. “Would you rather not lend me a dress, then?”
    “I do not have a choice,” she hissed as she got off the bed. “We might as well get this misery over with now.” She threw open the door and began to flounce down the stairs.
    Closing the door silently behind her, Ella followed Jillian down the steps and into the main family rooms.
    Jillian paused at her room. “Well, are you coming in or do you choose to have me throw one at you?”
    Throw it at me, by all means. Ella took a deep breath and silently walked in. Her stepsister was already at the closet rummaging through the gowns and muttering to herself. She pulled out two and tossed them in a heap upon the bed.
    “Here. Make your choice and be quick about it. You will need to help with the supper soon.”
    Ella knew both of the dresses well. The puce one had looked hideous when it was still on the fabric bolt and Jillian had picked the silk out. She had decided puce was all the rage a couple of seasons ago, yet no one else opted to join her on her choice of gown color. It was rarely worn and was still in perfect condition. However, there was no way the color would be able to do Ella justice at all, yellowy brown/bright green simply did nothing for her. That left the stained blue, but the blue was certainly much finer than the cotton one she had on at the moment.
    She pulled the pretty blue gown off the bed and walked over to the looking glass. How many times had she ironed this dress and wished she could wear it. The stain was not large; however it was of red wine and so quite noticeable. Ella swayed slightly in front of the mirror allowing the skirts to swish back and forth. How beautiful it was. How pretty it shimmered as the light danced upon it.
    Pulling the stained portion of the skirt up to inspect it better, Ella found her solution. Quickly, she flipped the dress around and walked over to the bed. Laying it down, its skirts forming a large arch, she tucked the stained portion in with her fingers and then doing the same with another bit of the skirt a few inches to the left she saw that it bunched up nicely in an attractive pattern. If she repeated the same folds every few inches it would look like a whole new gown.
    “So have you decided yet?” Jillian’s shrill voice caused her to jump.
    “Yes, I have.”
    “Good.” She shooed her away with her hand. “Then leave, please, and take the gown with you.”
    Ella quickly gathered up the dress and walked to the door. “Thank you,” she said as she stepped into the corridor. “It will look very lovel—”
    Jillian slammed the door shut.
    “Lovely,” Ella whispered to no one in particular. Turning to head back up to her rooms, she heard—
    “Ella, is it true?” Lacey quietly asked and motioned her into her room.
    She walked in. “What?”
    “Did you truly get invited to the ball by the queen herself?”
    “Yes.”
    “Eeeh! How wonderful!”
    Ella was surprised to be wrapped in an enthusiastic hug.
    “It is the best news I have heard all day.”
    “You are happy, then?” Ella asked, amazed.
    “Of course I am!” Lacey giggled and let her go. “Now you can be there with me and make sure I will not act the fool in front of Lord Gavenston. I know you will be the perfect good luck charm for me.”
    “Me? You think I bring good luck?”
    “Well, you got yourself invited to the ball, did you not?”
    Ella laughed and shook her head. “I am not quite so certain it will be something lucky—especially with the upheaval it is causing the family at the moment.”
    “Pshaw!” She