"Stop picking at it," Olivia hisses.

My fingers unwrap themselves from the hem of my dress, "Why is it so tight?"

"We been over this: It's a mint green fitted lace sheath dress. Fitted, not tight." She puts her hands on my shoulders and turns me to face her. "Lets see, dress is straight, hair's in place," she adjusts my headband and nods, "You're good to go."

"I thought I was good to go before I left my room." Right now we're waiting in the 'drawing' room. I thought it would be like an art gallery, but it's pretty much a glorified living room.

"Yet you somehow managed to-- Prince D'arcy!"

"Ms. Green," He smiles politely, wrapping an arm around my waist, "I trust you've been looking after our Gypsy?"

"I've certainly tried..." She pulls her lips into a tight line as her disapproving gaze sweeps over me. "If only she'd stop wrinkling her outfit." She once again tugs at my dress. 

"My fault, I'm sure," He apologizes, pulling his arm away. "Shouldn't have touched it."

I glance up at him, why'd he put his arm there in the first place?

"No, that's perfect," She reassures him. "We want the press to see that side of the relationship."

My face heats up, "Isn't that kind of... a personal thing?"

"Nothing's personal in this business," she replies simply.

I look over at D'arcy, frowning. This is business, isn't it? I knew that from the get go. I'm okay with it... yeah. It's fine.

D'arcy looks like he's about to say something when he's interrupted by a loud voice.

"Where's the poor lass agreeing to marry ya?"

Suddenly I'm spun around, and a freckled face stares down at me as he grips my shoulders, "Quick, love! There's still time-- we'll runaway and make a life together!"

"Carrick!" A young woman scolds, "Don't harass her."

"I'm just tryna save her, Bronnie," He pouts, draping his arm around my shoulder. Waving his free hand at D'arce he adds, "Look at that ugly beast she's 'bout to marry."

D'arcy can't help but smile, "I'm prettier than you, Carrick."

The young woman sweeps in and frees me from the red head, leaving him to attack D'arcy. 

"You must excuse my brother, Gypsy," She sighs, tucking a stray hair behind my ear. "It must be overwhelming, with the traveling and adjusting to life here." Her lips pull into a sympathetic smile, "The last thing you need is that tomato yelling at you."

I think that was the quickest transition from fancy person to normal person ever.

"Oh, D'arcy!" Another girl glides right past me, throwing her arms around his neck. "I haven't seen you in ages!"

"Feels that way," He laughs, returning the hug.

My lips part as I take in the scene. She's being awful... friendly.

What am I thinking? Of course she is, they grew up together! I not gonna be that person. D'arcy's allowed to have friends.

He pulls away from the girl, flashing me a smile, "Gypsy, meet the Delaney family: Bronwyn, Carrick, and Jessamy." He steals a glance around the room, "Where's Uncle Glenn?"

"Off somewhere talking to your father," Carrick, the red head, chimes in.

I watch Jessamy cling to D'arcy like a leech (a friendly leech he grew up with that I'm not jealous of in the least). A graceful smile dances on Bronwyn's lips. She looks like more of a woman than I'll ever be. And Carrick, we'll, I'm not really sure what to make of him.

I can't help but frown. Dinner should be... interesting.