"Wake up, Mary."
Mary mumbled in her sleep, only to be shaken as the sheet was pulled off her. She cracked her eyes open, then squeezed them shut against the harsh sunlight streaming through the window.
Frowning, she opened them again and found Eloise's smiling face hovering over her. "Oh… well, good morning."
"When did you come? And what time is it?" Mary mumbled.
"Nine-thirty." Eloise straightened and walked to the window, gazing outside. She wore a simple cotton dress and apron. "Wake up, Mary. Today is the day of the ball."
Mary sat up, rubbing her eyes. "Well, has my husband arrived?"
Eloise turned to her, crossing her arms over her chest. Apparently, she had heard about the arrival from her mother, and instead of feeling sorry for Mary, she wore a grin.
"Well… if he doesn't show up, we can sneak to the bachelor's ball."
Mary frowned. "Is it also today?"
