by
Gayle
"
inderella! My frock! It's ruined! How dare you!"An atrociously fat young maiden of eighteen or so stood bawling in the center of her large, extensively furnished bedroom. Her face was anything but attractive, what with her small squinty brown eyes, large freckled nose and wide mouth. A young girl of seventeen rushed hurriedly to answer her cry. Her long, lustrous black hair was tied up in a coarse knot for convenience, which only made her wide, violet eyes framed with sooty black lashes look larger and more appealing than ever. Her features were delicate and finely formed, and yet there was a look of determination in her, which arose at times to the great surprise of those around her. She had a shapely figure to be proud of, yet it was hidden by her rough, simple dress made out of an unattractive dark brown cotton. At the moment, her face was contrite and yet the tiniest bit indignant. "Why, Sister Henrietta, what's wrong?" she asked in a curious voice. "Don't you dare call me sister you…you lousy lout! You know very well what's wrong! My best frock! It's completely ruined!" Henrietta screeched in contempt. "Why does my best dark blue velvet evening dress have a large white spot on it?" "Why, Sis…Henrietta, you know very well that velvet spoils when wet, and last night you…" "Last night I what?" she demanded. "Last night you spilt your cocktail over it, and…" "Rubbish! Shut up! My, I've never seen such a blunderhead in my life! And to think she's my half sister! Why, Cinderella…I'm ashamed of you! Completely, utterly ashamed of you! To think you blame it on me when you are obviously at fault!" Tears glistened at the corner of her eyes, but only there. Cinderella refused to cry. She never did so anymore. She had, once, when she had been told to sweep up the cinders (which had changed her name from an imperious Rella to a common Cinderella) everyday and to prepare all the meals of the house and to sweep every single one of the twelve rooms in the large mansion when she was but nine. But tears never worked in this family. She had learnt that the hard way. "I'll…I'll see what I can do about it." She said, her chin trembling.
"Cinderella!" she heard. A beautiful, regal woman swept down the winding staircase to stare coldly at her stepdaughter. "What about my tea? You know I need some every afternoon!" She exclaimed. "Really, you are a blunderhead!" "Why, Mother, that's exactly what I said to her a few minutes ago!" Henrietta smiled, glad to be able to claim a resemblance to her attractive, though cold-hearted mother. Her mother, Serene, looked at Henrietta in disgust. That daughter was one of her most blatant failures as a mother. She had no social skills to speak of, was absolutely ugly and had not even a commendable talent like playing the pianoforte or singing. Now if Cinderella had been her real daughter…ah, what a daughter she would have been! But she was not, and if she was not rich or related to her she was not worth her time except to boss around and scold. "Really, Cinderella, be more careful or you'll find yourself out in the streets one of these days." She warned. "Cinderella!" Cinderella heard for the third time that day. Suppressing a sigh, she turned to find a tall, thin but attractive girl of nineteen staring at her. Like her mother and sister, she was cold inside and out…but you never could guess it by her nice brown almond eyes and charming features. "Where on earth are my pearl earrings?" she shouted in exasperation. "I've hunted everywhere and I can't find them!" "I think you brought them out to a party last week, Annabelle," Cinderella stated. "I'm not sure where you left them, though. Perhaps at Duke Claymore's place…?" "Why…whatever are you suggesting?" Annabelle asked with feigned innocence. Already her mind was racing ahead to calculate how much she could wring out of the Duke's extensive fortune before he got really angry. "As if I was dallying at his residence…" Serene smiled a little smile to herself. Now, this daughter was a success. Already she had brought around the ruin of several young men with a flutter of her eyelashes. "Enough about this matter! Cinderella, forget about my tea today, I've got an appointment with the wife of Earl Fortimbras. You may retire to your room. Henrietta, forget about that stupid frock of yours, it doesn't do anything for your appearance anyway. And Annabelle dear, we'll drop by at the Duke's place later and ask him if he's seen your necklace. Hurry, we'll be late if we don't get going."
The trio swept out of the living room, leaving Cinderella alone. Smiling, she walked hurriedly out the door and into the little room behind the kitchen. That was her corner, her private little haven she treasured from the bottom of her heart. Here she could be anything…from a rich, imperious princess to a little beggar girl.
Looking fondly at her little bed in the corner, colourful rug in the center of the room and tiny desk at the side, she sat on the edge of her bed and started to sing softly a tune she knew by heart. It was a tune her mother used to sing to her…before she died and Papa remarried. Now Papa was gone too…away from all the accusing eyes and loud voices, she opened her mouth and sang the song to herself, tears flowing from her eyes. Little one, close your eyes,
And worry nought o'er the morrow.
For things will be better, you'll see,
And the night will depart with your sorrow.Cast your cares upon the Father,
The Holy one up in the sky.
The one who listens, the one who cares,
The one who knows you and I.Come now, little one,
Close your eyes and rest.
You have a new day waiting for you
And you are to look your best.And remember, in whatever you do,
Your mother will be there with you.
So bear that in mind as you lie in your bed,
And recall what I have just said.Sobbing, Cinderella covered her face with her hands and cried softly. Things had been so different before her Papa died. Her stepmother and stepsisters had treated her tolerably and her Papa had absolutely doted on her. Her mother had died long ago, of course, and the song she had just sung was the only thing she had left her. Cinderella closed her eyes and lay in bed, recalling the song she had just sung. Smiling tearfully, she fell asleep to dream about the place she wanted to go to the most…the palace… ************************************ She was dressed in a gown of sapphire blue, a gown that glistened and shone in the moonlight. A necklace of exquisite diamonds encircled her slender neck as she waltzed slowly around the palace grounds, her arms around the handsome young man in front of her. The dress had a low neckline and a high waist. Folds and folds of blue silk flowed down around her legs. On her feet were dainty glass slippers. Her black hair was loose down her back, and a circlet of pearls was on her head. Her eyes were wide with the magic of the moment, her movements graceful and beautiful. "My Prince…" she uttered… * * *
"Oh, my! Mother! Look at this!" she was awakened by squeals of joy from her sisters. Rushing out of her room, she met them at the door smiling in delight. In her stepmother's hands was a cream colored envelope with the royal seal on it. And in that envelope was a letter which her stepmother was reading from. "To whom it may concern: This is a royal letter from the king. As you know, my son is fast approaching his nineteenth birthday and has shown no intention of marrying as yet. Therefore to aid him in his quest, my Queen and I have decided to conduct a ball at the palace two nights from now to find the suitable maiden to wed my son. All eligible young ladies are to attend and I promise them as a reward for their appearance at least one dance with the prince and more if he prefers. Regards,
King James.""Oh! Mother, what shall I wear?" Henrietta squealed. "What if he picks me to be his wife! Oh, Mother…" "Shut up, child," her mother said irritably. Turning to Annabelle, she smiled warmly. "Remember, darling, you're out to impress the prince. Keep him at arms length and always smile flirtingly at him…like there's more to you than he knows about. That always works with men. They like intrigue so," she rolled her eyes. "I think you should wear your colourful gown. It fits you well and is startlingly attractive…" "Excuse me Stepmother, but…" "What?" Serene snapped irritably. "If you're meaning to ask if you can attend, the answer is no. It wouldn't be any use, anyway. The prince won't pick you." Cinderella opened her mouth to protest, but was cut off once more my her stepmother. "I want to hear no more of this foolishness. You going to the ball indeed! And what will you wear? A ragged sack! Be sensible, Cinderella!" "But I was hoping to borrow your…" "You? Borrow from me? Of course not! Good heavens, whatever gave you that idea! You'll ruin the dress! Now, the girls need to tell you what to prepare for the ball. After that, run along to the market and get us something for dinner. We must celebrate this grand affair!" Cinderella closed her eyes for a moment. Gone were the dreams she had had of the prince and waltzing in the moonlight. She had been foolish enough to think about it. The prince? Marrying her? Never! All she was going to was the market…to buy something for dinner… "Cinderella! Wake up, will you? I found my pearl necklace at Duke C…well, never you mind where I found it, but I did, and I want it ready for me two days from now, together with my matching earrings, colourful frock and diamond bracelet. And of course, I'll need your help in powdering my face with rouge and so on…and yes," "Annabelle! I need help too, Cinderella. Get ready that velvet gown of mine and get that awful stain off somehow, or you'll hear it from me! And my set of jewellery too…and remember to help me tighten my corset! Pull it tight enough just for me to breathe…I have to look my best for the prince! And…" "Girls, girls, settle down." Serene said soothingly. "I'll help you personally with these things. Annabelle, you can't wear the diamond bracelet, it won't go with the earrings and necklace! And Henrietta…" Lost and forgotten, Cinderella trailed off sadly to her rooms, her shoulders drooped and weary. She won't be going to the ball…the only place she was going to was the market… * * *
"WHAT? Never!" Prince Jason Alexander, first nephew to the royal King Henry XII of Scandinavia, second cousin to His Highness the Prince Anthony of Greece, nephew to her Majesty, Queen Maria of Rome and direct heir of the noble King James Alexander XII, ruler of England. "Father, what are you thinking of? It's bad enough that I have to put up with the fawning attentions of all too willing ladies…and now I am to dance with every single eligible lady in the whole of England! It's too much to ask!" He exploded. King James looked at him wearily. "Jason, you have to understand…you're going to have to marry sooner or later. I'm sure there's at least one girl you're interested in at the moment…" "No, Father…for the last time, there isn't!" He cried. "Then you leave me with no choice but to hold the ball," King James sighed. Jason looked at him with incredulous eyes. "Father! You don't understand! I'm waiting for the right girl. The girl who can look after me for the rest of my life…like Mother looks after you! And I need someone who can relate to me…not some pretty gal who flirts and fawns and does absolutely degrading things to get my attention…" "Enough!" His father shouted. "You are attending the ball…and that's that!" Defeated, Jason stalked off, his back rigid, to his quarters. As he sat on the soft velvet bed, he bent over and cradled his head in his hands. He hated balls. He hated the fawning girls cooing and giggling like idiots. He wanted someone intelligent, not a brainless object! * * *
The Night Of The Ball
Cinderella sat desolately in the corner. Her hand listlessly patted the folds of her ragged dress. Tears slipped slowly down her cheeks as she looked into the bright fire before her. She bowed her head and whispered slowly, "I wish I could go to the ball." The events that followed were marvelous to behold. First there was a loud whoosh, as a gust of wind blew in at once. The very stars in the sky twinkled more brightly than ever before, so bright it became dazzling, forcing Cinderella to cover her eyes. When she next opened them, she saw a shower of colourful stars scattered about in the air and...and a beautiful lady with a crown and a wand! Cinderella, by this time, was thoroughly frightened and shook up. For the lady in front of her looked alarmingly like her mother... "Rella!" the lady smiled. Cinderella's head snapped up. Only two people in her life had ever called her Rella. The first was a father. The second...her mother... "Mother? Is that you?" she asked hesitantly. "Yes, it is, but your fairy godmother now!" her mother laughed warmly. "Some people are reincarnated when they die, Rella, but others get transformed into magical beings. Some become unicorns, some become fairies, some elves...I was lucky and got the part of the fairy godmother, for that is one of the few beings that have the joy of being able to help someone." Cinderella smiled. "But why are you here today?" she asked. Her mother's face turned serious. "To get you to the ball." she said. Instantly, everything was in a whirl. Cinderella found herself rushing to all corners of the house to get the most ridiculous things her mother asked for, like a pumpkin, some white mice...the list just went on and on. But finally she got the things assembled to the courtyard her mother, upon examining them, nodded her approval. Taking a deep breath, she waved her wand gracefully and the pumpkin turned into a beautiful golden coach, inlaid with silver and covered with intricate carvings. The wheels were magnificient objects, made out of gold and bronze, as were the matching windows. The white mice were turned into prancing white horses with bridles, harnesses and saddles matching in colour to the coach. And the lizards, another thing on the list, were turned into polite, handsome footmen. Rather cold looking, perhaps, but that was what lizards looked like! They were dressed in matching livery, which was gold and bronze. Cinderella looked rather breathlessly at the miracle before her. With a deep breath, she turned to her mother. "But, mother..." she whispered. "My dress..." Her mother smiled tenderly. "Oh, I would never forget the gown, dear," she said. With an elegant wave of her wand, Cinderella found herself in the very same dress she had dreamed of in her dream. She looked at her mother with a questioning look in her eyes. Her mother nodded. "I sent you that dream, child," her mother said. "To cheer you up and to tell you that good things were ahead of you." Cinderella gave her a dazzling smile and flung her arms around her. "Thank you," she said tearfully. "You'll always be the mother of my heart." She stepped into the carriage, and as she rolled away smoothly, she could hear her mother's rich voice singing with unshed tears in her voice, "Little one, close your eyes, And worry nought o'er the morrow. For things will be better, you'll see, And the night will depart with your sorrow." * * *
Hebert sighed. It had been a long night, introducing every single guest. And the guests included all the eligible young ladies in the kingdom, her parents, friends, relatives...sighing, he straightened as he spotted a smart gold and bronze carriage rolling towards the palace. Despite his many decades of seeing fine carriages and horses, he had hardly ever seen such a magnificient set! And as the exquisite, breathtakingly beautiful young lady stepped out of it, he smiled. This would be the prince's bride. He felt it in his old heart. He would be glad to announce her arrival. Swinging around smartly, he glanced down the guest list to announce her arrival, then did a double take. The next name on the list was Lady Amelia Eubanks, and she was a pompous old crone. Could it be that this young lady was a foreigner? Shrugging, he turned towards her. "May I ask of your name, mademoiselle?" he asked politely. "Rella Aston," she smiled sweetly. Herbert sighed in relief. Aston had been a rich but kind old man while he lived, but when he died his no one really knew what his daughter was doing, except that she was suffering under the rule of her stepmother and stepsisters, and by and by they had forgotten about her. But now, it seemed, his daughter was back, and more beautiful than ever. He turned back to the doors leading to the steps and blew on his horns. The sea of faces turned to face him. Herbert felt quite important. That was one of the joys of his job...even princes and kings looked at him at a toot of his horn! "Announcing The Lady Rella Aston, daughter of the late Robert Aston." All eyes turned to the stunningly beautiful young lady beside him. Her shimmering silk dress clung to her body as she descended the white winding staircase to the crowd below. Every face was upturned to the vision of exquisite beauty coming down to them...silence filled the room. Not one breath was breathed. Rella kept her head high as she swept down regally, her black hair flowing down her back. She walked slowly through the automatically created space in the middle of the ballroom towards the king and queen and curtsied gracefully and slowly. That was the signal to start. The band started playing, shakily at first, still wondering who this beautiful girl was, and the guests lost all interest in dancing and started speculating how on earth Robert Aston had managed to keep such a jewel of a daughter for so long, but of course, he had died, and her stepmother and stepdaughters were awful creatures, everyone knew that, but thank goodness she had managed to escape their clutches and come to the ball. For the dreadful women, Serene, Annabelle and Henrietta, had been telling everyone that she felt ill and could not attend, but then here she was, looking as healthy and beautiful as can be! As, voices were loud that night, and the only ones left standing alone, shocked expressions on their faces were her stepmother and stepsisters. And yet, the prince, Jason, was yet another who was gazing at the etheral girl in wonder and delight. Moving towards her, he bowed gracefully and yet again, all eyes swung towards the charming couple. It was the first time the prince had shown any interest in the girls in the room. The guests watched, dumbfounded, as Rella blushed becomingly and accepted his unspoken invitation with a silent nod. The two began to waltz around the room as the band played on, and soon the whole ballroom was filled with dancing, talk and laughter. * * *
Jason grinned happily as he moved in one accord with the girl with him. She was wonderful in every aspect. So far she had charmed him with her wit, delighted him with her innocence and amazed him with her beauty and kind heart. He knew this was the one and only girl for him...he just knew! He didn't bother to ask himself why nobody had ever seen Rella Aston before since the tender age of 7, but the gossips said that Duke Claymore himself had been to their house on several occasions to visit Annabelle, and had seen her treated like a lowly servant. Looking fondly at the girl before him, he thought of her as anything but a servant. Cinderella rested her head on the prince's broad shoulder as she contemplated the day's events in her head. It had been the most wonderful moment when she descended down the stairs...but no, the most wonderful moment was when the prince had bowed to her, an admiring look in his eyes and invited her to dance. "Are you well, Rella?" the prince asked, observing her lack of concentration. Offering him a contrite smile, she tossed her head and answered, "Yes, I'm afraid I'm just so happy today, Your Highness..." He put up a hand immediately. "Please, Jason!" he laughed. "I get enough of that around here!" She laughed with him. "Yes, I'm sorry! Do you have the time...Jason?" she asked. "Why, yes...it's...11:55 at night," he smiled. But his smile turned into a frown as her face turned pale. Without another word, she turned and dashed from the room. For the third time that night, all eyes turned towards her as she ran like a gazelle out the door. Jason raced after her, but she had gotten a headstart and all he saw as he got to the door was a peasant girl in rags disappearing quickly. He never saw her face. * * *
Cinderella...yes, plain old Cinderella now that her golden hour was over...rushed blindly home, hot tears spilling down her dirty face. So what if the prince knew her name? Knew where she lived? To him she was a princess, dressed in an extravagant gown...what would happen when he found out she was nothing but a lowly peasant girl. So what if she had the title of the daughter of the wealthy merchant and respected man Robert Aston? She was nothing...nothing! She rushed through the doors and flung herself on the bed, crying. She spent the night like that, curled up in her own little corner... It was morning when she next awoke. The bright blue sky was filled with puffy white clouds and the sun smiled benevolently upon the earth. Wearily, she got out of bed, and was instantly bombarded with questions from her stepmother and stepsisters. "Rella, dear, how did you rest? You simply must tell me how it felt to dance with the prince! You should have seen the look in his eyes! And I must ask you, where on earth did you get that fabulous gown? You looked absolutely marvelous!" Henrietta cooed. Her mother had cautioned the girls to talk to her nicely from then onwards as she, a veteran in the game of the heart, knew when a man was in love with a girl, and Prince Jason was certainly in love with Cinderella. "Well, done, Rella!" her stepmother smiled insincerely. "I must say I was proud of you! My very own sister dancing with the prince!" Annabelle smiled. Inside she was seething that she had to suck up to the girl she had previously treated like her maid. But Rella was seething inside, too. It was making her sick, the way they were being so nice to her all of a sudden. But as she was thinking, a loud blast of the horn sounded in the streets. There stood dear old Herbert, blowing his horn for all he was worth. "The Prince has an announcement!" he declared. "Will Lady Rella Aston please step out? The Prince has graciously asked for your hand in marriage..." He hadn't time to take a breath before Cinderella was out the door and into the arms of her beloved Prince, sobbing her eyes out. And though there is much to tell before this marvelous tale, such as the grand wedding, the loving couple and the jealous stepsisters, I have to end this tale, for no doubt my readers will agree, that without reading on, the happy couple indeed... Lived happily ever after.
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