Loretta woke up the next morning and sighed. Today was Christmas Eve and her mothers party.

A light knock sounded, and Loretta sat up pulling the blankets up to her chin. "Enter." She called out. She watched as the door opened slowly and Leteesha walked in.

"Sorry miss Kane for coming so early. Your mother wants you to come down for breakfast."

"Alright." Loretta got up, and Leteesha helped her dress than they both headed down for breakfast. Leteesha didn't stay though she had to go and help do something. Loretta didn't know what with though.

The house was a chaos of servants as they scurried around like rats in a maze. Platters of food were being carried, and streamers were given extra care.

Even servants hand mopping the floors and making them shine.

The smell of turkey and other holiday treats floated in the air making Loretta's stomach growl with hunger.

Stepping into the dining room, Loretta saw her mother, father and Adam all sitting at the table. Tea and coffee cups set out in front of them.

"Loretta finally. Let's eat and then I have some errands for you." Loretta's mom said looking up from the table.

Loretta nodded and sat down. Soon breakfast was served, and everyone chattered with mindless conversation.

Once finished Loretta's father and Adam got up. They said bye to the women and left the room. "They are gone finally. Loretta, dear you must head into town and get your final fitting for your dress. And while you are in town you need to get your betrothed a gift." Her mother said.

"Mother he is not my betrothed I don't want a husband." Loretta replied quietly.

"Loretta Lynn you will listen to me right now. I said to go and make it quick. The party begins at six tonight." Loretta's mother said as she stood up hands pressed firmly on the table. It was obvious to Loretta her mother was angry.

"Fine. What dress?" Loretta said frustratingly.

"Your red one with the white lace. We are changing the color of the lace to green and stretching the length. You have gotten taller."

"Fine." Loretta said as she too stood up.

"Take your hand maid with you. And make sure to get the present." With those final words her mother left without looking back.

Sighing Loretta also headed out of the room. She went to her bedroom and gathered her cloak. Then she went back down stairs and headed outside. There she found Leteesha and the carriage waiting for her. 

The driver helped her and Leteesha up into the carriage, and away they went. The carriage stopped in front of the seamstress's shop. The driver got down and opened the doors.

"Miss Kane your first stop." The driver said holding out his hand. He helped her, and Leteesha down and then climbed back on the bench.

The two women headed for the shop. They were amazed the place was open on Christmas Eve.

"Hello. You must be miss Loretta Kane." An older woman said coming over to the girls.

"Yes ma'am I am Loretta." Loretta replied curtsying.

"Come now. Let's get that dress on and see what we need." The woman said. She was holding a hand, full pins and some green fabric.

She ushered Loretta towards a dressing room "in this room is the dress. Your hand maid may help you."

Loretta and Leteesha entered the dressing room and found a beautiful dress. Loretta picked it up and looked at it closely. It was hard to believe this was her dress.

"Miss Kane that is beautiful." Leteesha said.

"Yes it is. Please help me to get it on."

Leteesha nodded and unzipped her other gown and helped Loretta into the other one. It was somewhat short, and the arm straps were tight. Even the chest was tight on her.

"Leteesha can you help me zip the dress up?"

"Of course mistress." Leteesha went to zip up the dress and when the zipper made it to Loretta's shoulder blades, the zipper wouldn't go on any further. "Miss Kane it won't go up any further."

"Well that is why it is here. Guess I should show the seamstress." Stepping out of the dressing room, Loretta walked over to the seamstress. She instantly began fussing around Loretta. And within no time, she had Loretta change.

"I will have the adjustments made quickly. Come back in an hour. I will have it done." And then she walked away muttering something as she went.

Loretta shrugged and headed out of the building. She saw the carriage still out front. The driver was asleep and Loretta didn't want to wake him.

"Come Leteesha. Let's just walk to the next place. I have to buy Mr. Bowtrel a present."

Leteesha nodded, and the women headed off. They reached a store and was run into.

"Oliver watch where you are going." Loretta heard a woman say. Looking up, Loretta saw the older woman from the other day.

The older woman looked at Loretta and suddenly smiled. "Miss Kane. I apologize for my grandson."

"Oh no worries. Are you still coming to the party?" Loretta asked as another young boy came to stand beside the older woman.

The older woman bowed her head. "I am sorry miss. I can't come. I have nothing to wear but the clothes on my back."

"Well allow me to buy you something. Please say yes."

The older woman looked down at her grandsons as, they both said "please" and "can we go?"

The older woman looked defeated and agreed to come. The boys cheered and hugged Loretta, who was smiling from ear to ear. Even Leteesha was smiling.

The small group went shopping, and Loretta even had them ride with her and Leteesha to the house.

The drive smiled at the older woman and helped her in and out of carriage. Three servants came out of the house and carried everything inside. The presents were placed under the tree, and Loretta's dress was hung in her chesterfield.

Oliver and the other boy, who Loretta learned were named James, scurried off to play with some of the other kids. The older woman looked around the fancy house and sighed. It was beautiful.

"Charlotte." Loretta said to the older woman. "Please follow me. The boys will be fine."

Charlotte nodded and followed Loretta into the study where Loretta's mother was busy. "Mother I am back. I would like you..." Loretta was cut off when her mother's eyes landed on Charlotte. "Why aren't you working? I need everyone working to get this place in order."

Charlotte was taken aback and stared at the woman who looked similar to her daughter.

"Mother she is my guest to this party tonight." Loretta said.

"Nonsense. Send her to do a job. I need to speak to you."

Loretta turned to Charlotte. "Please forgive my mother. There is coffee, tea or punch in the kitchen. Leteesha can show you the way."

Charlotte didn't say anything. She knew the type of woman Loretta's mother was, a rich snob. These type of women say they help the "less fortunate" but Charlotte doubted it. 

Silently Leteesha took Charlotte's arm and led her out of the room. Loretta watched them go then turned on her mother. "That was rude. Charlotte is my guest along with her two grandsons. She had to sell most of her stuff to travel here so she could get them boys. And this is how you treat her?"

"Oh Loretta don't be over dramatic."

"Mother this is a charity ball. Everyone knows it. Wealthy families come and sign checks and then say they are helping the poor. Nobody goes and sees what those "poor people" as you call them, do and how they live."

"Loretta Lynn this is unacceptable behavior. Act like the young lady you are. Now go get your dress on and get your hair done. As for your guests, they can stay. But, only if they stay out of sight."

Loretta was fuming, but she didn't say anything as she stormed out of the room.  She headed straight to her room and changed. Leteesha magically appeared and helped her. The whole time Loretta silently prayed. And when Leteesha was done fussing with her hair and makeup, Loretta sent her out. "Go prepare yourself for the party. And wear this." Loretta said holding up a light-green dress. "It should fit you."

"My lady thank you. However, I can not accept this."

"Of course, course you can. Please it's Christmas."

Leteesha thanked Loretta and bowed. Then she left the room and scurried of to get changed. The whole time she went to her room, she was smiling.

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