After Leonard walked Serena back to her dormitory, she got changed for her excursion with her friends. Currently, they were at Marchesa, looking through some ready-made gowns for the ball. Rather than wearing what they already prepared beforehand, the girls decided to look around and see if there would be something that suits them better. Then Serena will design the alterations to be made.

Serena sighed. Earlier, she wanted to tell Leonard that he has nothing to worry about because Geoffrey has his heart set on Emily. However, she does not have any substantial proof. Aside from that, she doesn't know what Leonard might do. He just might confront Geoffrey and cause a scandal. Thus, she kept that knowledge to herself. Not wanting him to think that his advice went to deaf ears, she nodded her head and said "I'll think about it."

"Earth to Serena." Milly said, looking at her friend that looked like her mind was floating.

"Yes?" she replied.

"Do you think this pink one would suit me better than the yellow one?" Gizel asked.

Serena shook her head then pointed at the dress hanging behind Gizel, "I think the coral dress will do. Try that one on."

Gizel grinned as she picked the dress, indeed the color looked like it will be more flattering on her tan.

"Serena, why don't you try this one on? I think this will suit you beautifully." Via suggested. Although she was not buying, she quite enjoyed looking at the dresses. She decided to wear what her parents prepared for her to the ball.

Serena looked at the dress. It was a short sleeved ombre tulle dress with 3-d floral embellishments. Liking the color and the embellishments on the dress, she decided to buy it immediately.

"Aren't you going to try it on first?" Via asked surprised.

"No need, I will alter it later."

After paying for their purchase, they strolled and shopped for more items in town. When it was past dinner, the girls went back to their dormitory.

--

Alone in her room, Serena could not sleep. She thought about what Leonard said over and over. Not that she was interested in Geoffrey that way, but she felt like she has been doused with a bucket full of ice-cold water.

When she started her relationship with Charlton, it was with the thought that she could leave him anytime. She never placed herself falling in love with him in the equation. However, with the way things were now, she has no plans of giving him up just like that.

However, if she were to assume that Leonard was right and Geoffrey did like her, then what will happen next? How could their engagement get broken?

If she were just to think of herself, well sure. No problem. She can just break her engagement with Geoffrey with no strings attached. However, Leonard's words made her feel so selfish.

Inevitably, if she were to do that, her family would bear the repercussions, and although they were not her real family, she would never want that for them. Her engagement was a royal decree. Also, it was her father who proposed the engagement, and her being the one to break it would suggest that they were playing the monarchs as fools.

Thus, the question would broil down to whether she is willing to sacrifice the honor of her family for Charlton. She understood why Leonard said those words to her. If she were in his shoes, she would also say the same thing.

The question and the guilt cause her a headache. Not wanting to lose sleep about it anymore, she decided to not dwell on that matter. Besides, maybe it was all in Leonard's mind.

--

At the orphanage, Serena tried to notice any strange behavior from Geoffrey. Was he really interested in her? She wondered. However, she did not notice anything strange. He was being a little friendly, but nothing to indicate that he likes her that way.

Serena sighed in relief.

--

The days passed quickly and soon it was the 16th of December. As the event will be held in the evening, Serena attended the student council meeting fist. Everyone was also busy discussing the final details and any minute additions for the ball as it will be held next week already.

"After sending out the invites last week and receiving all the confirmation earlier this Monday, we were able to finalize the registration accordingly. Since there are more male than female in school, not all male has secured a muse. However, all the female students have escorts." Mary reported as she passed the prepared registration to Joan.

"Good. Leonard, please prepare another copy of this registration for the master of ceremonies." Joan instructed as she continued to ask "How about the dance card and the order of dances?"

Gina grinned and passed around some expensive looking booklets.

Serena received a piece and looked it over. Unlike the dance card she was more familiar with, which were usually only a piece of cardboard paper folded in two, the one in her hand was very elaborate. The cover was made of leather and silk dyed in midnight blue incorporated with silver and a sapphire at the middle. The cord that should be attached to the lady's wrist or ball gown was also decorative and in the color of silver. It was held closed by a pencil placed through the silk loops.

"Please remove the pencil to open the dance card." Gina said, pride evident in her voice.

Serena saw that inside, attached on each side was an ivory sheet. At the heading were the words programme du bal, Windsor school for nobles, 150th founding anniversary ball. While below, divided in to two columns were the order of the dances. On the left was the dance and title of the song, while on the right was a blank space where the name of the dancing partner can be written.

"As you can see, there are 21 songs listed and the corresponding dances. The first would be the grand march, followed by the Quadrille. Then it's all random. We have 3 sets each for Quadrille, Lancers, Polka, Gallop, Schottische, and two-step. Then only two for Waltz. Hehe, wouldn't it be romantic to only have 2 dances for waltz?" Mary said dreamily as Gina nodded at the side. The two were very happy with their work.

Joan along with all the girls nodded in satisfaction while some of the boys sighed in relief. At least with the number of songs, they won't have any problem with getting a dance partner. Events like these were truly a fish bone in their throat.

"Fantastic. Are all the dance cards now available?" Joan asked.

"Yes, we have all the copies here." Gina replied.

"Alright, Leonard, you better ensure that the cards are safe. Tell the people assigned at the registration to handle it with utmost care."

Leonard nodded his head while Gina and Mary stared at him slit-eyed.

"Moving on, how about the arrangement for the food?"

Artemis coughed, "Due to popular demand, alcoholic beverages will be served through out the event."

Joan furrowed her brows while she looked at Diana, "You let that happen?"

Diana shook her hands, "I tried my best, but there were just too many boys than girls in school. We were outvoted."

Joan looked at Geoffrey, as if asking him to intervene.

Geoffrey sighed. "How about this, alcohol can only be served at the last song before the intermission."

Artemis quickly jumped on that boat, "Good idea Mr. President. I agree."

With heavy breath, Joan accepted the suggestion.

"Fine. Anyway, that is the last of it. So, I guess we're all ready for next week?"

Everyone nodded.

"Alright. Now let's move on to our next agenda. With regards to the orphanage, as tomorrow will be our last visit for this year, I have been informed by the facilitators that they will be holding a small Christmas party for us so that we and the children will be able to celebrate it together. The event will start after lunch, so we will leave here by noon. By the way, I know I do not have to say this, but might as well. Although not required, it would be nice for everyone to bring gifts to the children they are handling. Anyway, we still have the rest of the day and tomorrow morning to shop." Geoffrey informed.

Everyone nodded in agreement. After, since there were no more matters to discuss, the meeting was adjourned.

Serena was about to leave with Leonard when Geoffrey called her attention. Leonard wanting to give the two some privacy left, using the registration and dance cards as his excuse.

"Yes?" Serena asked.

"I wish to ask, what time do you have to leave later?"

"The event will begin at 6, so I guess we should be leaving before 4. Why?"

"Ah, I was wondering if you have enough time to join me in town to shop gifts for the children. I can hand them your gifts tomorrow. Also, if it is not troublesome, I can send you to the Duke's palace after."

Serena paled, feeling as if her heart stopped. 'Is he really interested in me?' she pondered.

--

TBC