Work Text:
Her birthday is nothing spectacular. No reason to make a fuss for the youngest unattractive daughter, other than to invite one or two families for dinner. Those who bring a potential groom along. Sophie feels sick when Lina gets her ready for the small banquet. It´s more that the grandfather will hold a speech and see to it that she will have to sit next to that disgusting Willem. And dancing later... Tears treaten to ruin the gentle makup the maid has put on her face - to make her look at least a little beautiful.
What she was not told was that the Comtesse and her Abbé were invited too, due to her mother´s insistence. The sight of the young man smiling at her and tilting his head in silent admiration of her festive appearance make her heart flutter. She could endure a horrible three minutes dancing with ghastly Willem, if only she could take a small stroll through the gardens with Leander and talk about anything but the family... Little can she know that he´s turning to study the pictures on the wall to hide his blush whenever he notices how pretty and lovely that girl is. The family might think she's dull, but to him, she's the most incredible girl in the world.
One day... his disguise may fall and then... but that will still be a long time - and she might forget him by then.