24

For several days now, it has been raining incessantly, the Zamir autumn has finally given up its positions, and everything around has suddenly become gray and dirty. Lady Holm's mansion greeted me with dim windows and gloomy silence. There were only a few days left before the ball, and, most likely, I came here for the last time. The dress was ready, I just need to pick it up and get final instructions.

The servant who met me, according to tradition, escorted me into the living room, where I suddenly ran into Aiden's aunt again. Amalia knew that I would arrive today, the servant knowingly did not warn me about the guest, which means that this meeting was specially arranged by the mistress of the house.

— Oh, Ellen! Are you ready for the ball? - with deliberate fun in her voice said this dark one. I still haven't bothered to get her name.

- Hello. Yes, I just arrived for my dress,” she said, looking exclusively at Amalia.

“Your dress is ready, you can try it on in your room,” she answe