The evening of the Winterfest Ball had arrived. Weeks of preparation were at an end. Kate had the dressmaker, Mrs. Snead made a dress from taffeta and velvet that she had chosen. It was on her bed as she picked it and looked in her vanity mirror. It matched her emerald green eyes.  The dress had a sweetheart neckline and full ruffled hem at the bottom.<br/><br/>Ann, the head housemaid helped her with her hair. Kate looked in her vanity mirror Ann braided her hair and pinned it to the top of her head and the rest of her auburn hair fell loose in the back to her, slender waist.<br/><br/>Lord Lyons shook his head as he walked into Kate open room and stood behind her. “I would like you to wear this tonight. This is your mother’s tiara and you have grown to look like her every day. She would want to have it.” Kate sat breathlessly, “Papa it’s beautiful. My how handsome you look in your new uniform. Is there anyone special you want me to meet?” Lord Lyons shook his head, “I learned my lesson. No more matchmaking. Dance with anyone you wish.” Kate scooted her chair, arose, hugged her father then kissed his cheek, “Relax, have a good time tonight.” Kate sat back down as Ann pinned the silver, diamond, and sapphire tiara in her hair.<br/><br/>Lord Lyons turned on his heels and met his eldest son, Jonathan, at the foot of the stairs. They entered the main hall together. The whole manor was decorated for the occasion. A 10-foot tree was in the corner of the parlor and opposite the parlor was a marble and alabaster spiral staircase. The banister was dressed in a rope of greenery as were the windows and the main door has a huge wreath with a bright red, taffeta red bow. The manor’s kitchen permeated the air with baked chicken, spiced apples, oranges with clover.<br/><br/>The main hall was full of male officers and female guests she had picked for the single men. She was proud of them all, for they had just fought a major an engagement, months earlier pushing the Orcs, Trolls, and their minions back to the Baron Lands Of The South. Currently, the land was safe as the pass was closed and a time of celebration and feasting was in the air.<br/><br/>She saw her father and brother John talking to an officer she had never met. She had only seen him when he arrived at ? years old. He was a scared and shy lad that picked up swordplay quickly and stayed mostly to himself. He had grown into a tall, muscular, and handsome, young man.<br/><br/>He and her brother among other soldiers were going to be knighted in the spring. She graced to her father’s side confidently though so many eyes were upon her. Prior to this night, all the soldiers were told to keep ten paces away from her. If they disobeyed they would be confined to quarters. Kate managed to hide in the bushes, trees, and the attic to gain a glimpse of shirtless men fighting target dummies.<br/><br/>Kate smiled warmly as she approached and dimi-courtesied, “Good evening, Happy Winterfest Gentlemen and Welcome!"