If since childhood you have dreamed of attending a real fabulous ball, feel free to choose a magnificent wedding dress in which you can feel like a cute princess. In this outfit, you will undoubtedly become the center of attention at the wedding, and all admiring glances will be turned exclusively to you. The wedding portal site will tell you how to choose the right outfit from a variety of models and designs in order to feel like a true goddess!

Puffy wedding skirts - choose a convenient option

Wedding dresses with a voluminous fluffy skirt look very luxurious and expensive. You should choose the best version of the skirt for yourself, because its splendor can be formed in various ways. Choose the one that will be most comfortable for you:

Lush dresses - top 7 original ideas

If you really like puffy wedding dresses, be sure to pick up a few photos that you will like before you go to the salon. It will be easier for the consultant to select the best options and models for you if you show her some photos. The portal for young people Wedding.ws brings to your attention 7 models of puffy outfits that are now at the peak of popularity:

1. Long puffy dress with a bow. Long puffy wedding dresses are the standard of femininity and style, and if you complement the image with a voluminous fabric bow, you will amaze the groom with your beauty! What to add: bow earrings.





2. Fluffy dress with a train. Dreaming of feeling like a queen on the red carpet? Lush wedding dresses with a train will allow you to get really royal photos. Many models allow you to hide the train by fastening it to the skirt with special clips. This way, you can loosen the train only for photos, and don't worry about it the rest of the time. What to add: long lace veil.






3. . Lush wedding dresses do not have to be long. If your celebration takes place in the summer, you can safely choose an outfit with a short but fluffy skirt. This dress looks a little naive and playful. What to add: high-heeled sandals.





4. . Such a delicate version of the outfit is suitable for slender ladies who are not shy about showing their arms, shoulders and neck. This design will look especially beautiful on girls with large breasts. What to add: voluminous necklace or necklace.





5. . If your celebration is scheduled for the cool season, puffy wedding dresses with long sleeves will suit you. In such a luxurious outfit you will be warm and comfortable. Most often, the sleeves are made of thin translucent lace, which adds sophistication to the image. What to add: diadem or lace headband.







6. Fluffy dress with feathers. The most magnificent and voluminous wedding dresses are created not only by petticoats, but also by external details. Many designers use feathers in their outfits, which visually make the dress more elegant and sophisticated. In this outfit you will look like a real white swan - fragile and tender. What to add: a small hat or headband with feathers.



7. . Puffy 2017 wedding dresses were often paired with stylish colorful sashes to add contrast to the look. The trend in 2018 remains the same: the belt will emphasize your waist, as well as make the image brighter and more interesting. This is also a great dress for a pregnant bride, only the belt is tied not at the waist, but under the breast. What to add: shoes or ballet shoes to match the belt.

Lush wedding dress: who will suit?

A very puffy wedding dress will look good on tall, slender girls, because most often in such models, designers focus on the waist. With the help of a magnificent outfit, it will only be possible to emphasize the thin lines of the arms and neck, as well as chiseled facial features. Behind a fluffy skirt, you can also hide some imperfections, for example, not very even legs or slightly lush hips. For girls with appetizing forms, it is best to choose wedding dresses that are not puffy and short, so as not to visually add additional volume to the figure. For beauties with lush hips and bust, you can choose straight-cut dresses with an emphasis on the neckline. In a good salon, you will definitely be offered several plus size wedding dresses that will not only fit your figure, but also elegantly emphasize your dignity.

When creating a wedding look, remember that even the most magnificent and expensive wedding dress in the world will not make you beautiful if it does not fit your body type. Be patient in choosing an outfit: make sure that the chosen model is right for you by consulting with a consultant, mom and girlfriends. If you are on a budget, try looking for an outfit online. Often, individual entrepreneurs buy tight and puffy wedding dresses in bulk and sell them in an online store at affordable prices. It is even possible for a consultant to come to your home for a fitting. On your holiday, you should look perfect, so spare no effort and time to find that very dress!

Often, couples who decide not to celebrate a wedding, after some time in the depths of their souls regret it and wonder about what it would be like for them, this very wedding. There are other spouses who, having noisily celebrated this celebration, consider it not at all so important, and wasting the family budget in vain. But there are very few such young people. Most lovers still believe that their wedding day is one of the most important in life, and not celebrating it is simply a sin. Another thing is how magnificent the wedding can be, only the bride and groom decide, based on some personal factors.

Do you need a big wedding? All "FOR" and "AGAINST"



1. The budget is not rubber
2. You won't be nice to everyone
3. Pink childhood dream
4. Tribute to parents and guests
5. Personal circumstances

The budget is not rubber.



A wedding is like a renovation. You plan one budget, and end up with a completely different one. Of course, everyone is trying to determine the limits of what is permitted in advance, and plan only what they can afford. But, as practice shows, having entered the taste it is very difficult to stop. In addition, in reality, there are so many pitfalls in the topic of a wedding celebration that it is simply impossible to predict. The dress and suit turned out to be more expensive than you could afford. The exit ceremony required more expenses than expected. The number of guests increased from 30 people to 55, and as a result, we had to rent a hall that is larger, more beautiful, and, accordingly, more expensive. There are many examples of such unforeseen expenses. And the appetite always increases while eating. Therefore, it is better at the very beginning of pre-wedding preparations to warn your soulmate and parents about possible force majeure expenses.

You won't be nice to everyone.



As you know, it is impossible to please everyone. Inviting everyone, everyone, everyone is simply unrealistic, and there will always be those relatives or friends who will be offended that they were left without an invitation card. It will be the same in a situation if a decision is made to make a wedding in a narrow family circle, while some uninvited guests consider themselves closer than relatives, and as a result, someone will remain dissatisfied. Weddings with a small number of guests are usually less fun and memorable. Celebrations with a wide and pompous scope tend to infringe on someone's attention. After all, when there are a great many guests, the bride and groom physically cannot pay enough attention to everyone. In any case, your wedding can be perfect only for you, for some of the guests it will still have some drawbacks. But it is better not to pay attention to it. The holiday is yours!

Pink childhood dream.



Almost every girl, from early childhood, imagines herself in a magnificent white dress next to a handsome prince. At the same time, a white limousine, a million scarlet roses, a castle by the sea and thousands of surprised and admiring eyes around are always present in children's dreams. If the groom has the opportunity to fulfill all the sweet dreams of his chosen one, well, that's fine. And if this is not possible, the main thing is to come to a common denominator.

Tribute to parents and guests.

There is such a thing as a wedding for parents. Some of our fathers and mothers spent half their lives collecting money for the wedding of their beloved child. If the parents and children have the same opinion about how the wedding should take place, then this is fine. If not, you need to look at the situation. Of course, whoever pays is the one who orders the music. But the wedding is for the younger generation, which means they should have the right to choose. So we quietly smoke the peace pipe and come to a common agreement.

Personal circumstances.

Very often, the wedding budget and its possible scope depends on some circumstances that do not depend on the bride and groom. The fastest possible timing of marriage, the pregnancy of the bride, the illness of relatives, the difficult financial situation, etc. You can't argue with such arguments. It is not possible to make a royal wedding - do not despair. There are still many anniversaries of life together, a wedding, which is also very important for many newlyweds.

The main thing - remember, this is the happiest day of your life, which will never happen again. Spend it as you see fit, in complete harmony with each other and without unnecessary worries!

Natalia Ogurtsova


Liana Raymanova

Which of the young beauties did not dream of wearing a fabulous airy dress on the long-awaited wedding day? Such air attire is considered traditional for the bride at the wedding ceremony. Despite the fact that, in general, wedding dresses are the same at first glance, each past season makes its own adjustments, which is why dresses are modified and improved.

Often such a dress is called "royal" and it is no coincidence: the idea of ​​​​creating the first puffy dress belongs to Queen Victoria herself. What should be a puffy wedding dress in 2019?





Leafing through the catalogs of wedding salons, you can see that the range of puffy dresses is extremely wide and rich, they are presented in a variety of fabrics: satin, silk, velvet, tulle, organza, and are usually decorated with rhinestones, beads, gold embroidery or lace.

Who is this dress for?

• For girls taller than 160 cm with a slender build or with some problem areas of the figure, for example, with full hips, such an outfit will perfectly disguise flaws and allow you to demonstrate the strengths of your body (waist, chest);
• If you are the owner of a disproportionate figure, do not be discouraged, an airy dress will perfectly balance it;
• If you have an hourglass or apple body type, a puffy dress is the perfect solution.

Also, miniature girls should refrain from trying on puffy dresses, a dress with fewer layers is suitable for them.



Why choose a puffy dress?

• This dress will present your figure favorably: the corset tightens the waist, which is why the décolleté is accentuated, and the multi-layered skirt perfectly emphasizes the hips.
• The dress creates the feeling that the bride is a white swan, moving smoothly around the hall, because the movements of the legs remain behind the scenes.
• This dress is for a special occasion - your wedding day. Such a dress is not intended for any other festive event, due to the fact that it is massive and causes a number of inconveniences when worn.
• Photos in this dress are the most spectacular and bright.





The most magnificent dress in the world

Princess Diana at her wedding celebration appeared in a dress that took six different types of fabrics with a total length of more than 130 m to create. Embroidered with diamonds, this dress was remembered by the public not only as the most magnificent, but also the most elegant in the world.



Image in a traditional dress without rings

The corset, being a corrective element of clothing, makes the neckline visible and seductive, while reducing the waist. Thanks to embroidery, the dress looks cute and romantic. Due to the absence of rigid rings, such an outfit will not cause the bride unnecessary inconvenience and will make her feel as comfortable as possible.

Fluffy dress with rhinestones and train

The main element of such a chic milky dress is bright and iridescent rhinestones. It is this finish that brings a touch of luxury and aristocracy to the image. In such a dress, the bride will shine and shine like a real star! A single-layer train, in turn, will make you feel like a real princess.





Unusual pompous dress

The dimensions of the incredibly fluffy skirt truly personify the scale and grandeur of the event. It seems that the girl is about to take off and will soar around the hall, like a light and airy cloud. This effect is created by layering the layers of the skirt on top of each other in the form of frills, reminiscent of rosebuds. A corset embroidered with rhinestones adds pomposity and grandeur to the image. And the elegance is emphasized by the hair pulled back.

Lush outfit-novelty for the wedding

Designers do not get tired of coming up with more and more new variations of beautiful puffy wedding dresses. Often they prefer to work with one part of the dress, leaving the other in a restrained way. On the presented model, the top of the dress is beaten: unusual lace sleeves combined with an openwork triangular neckline. The elegant material of the top catches the eye, and the cotton-white skirt helps the final composition of a truly delicate and sophisticated look.

What accessories will complement a fluffy dress?

If the bride chose a very lush attire "on the floor", then the best shoes would be ordinary "boats" or ballet flats- they are not visible under the dress, and it is convenient and comfortable to move around. With a short fluffy skirt, the purchased shoes should harmoniously fit into the overall composition and have a decor similar to the dress.

If the upper part of the dress is open, it will not be superfluous to wear, for example, a pearl jewelry or a necklace made of precious stones. In the case when the newlywed prefers to complement the image with long earrings, beads can be completely abandoned.

Gold neckpiece with pearls, Primaexclusive(price link)

Silver jewelry with cubic zirkonia, enamel and mother-of-pearl "Garden of Eden": neck decoration; brooch; earrings ; ring, all SL (prices follow links)

Gold earrings with cubic zirkonia, St. Petersburg Jewelry Factory(price link)

Following the advice of stylists, the dress in question will suit a single-layer veil is light and transparent. In cold weather, choose a medium-length bolero so that it does not blend into the skirt. Also, do not forget about the bouquet: it is better to make it from small flowers in the shape of a semicircle.

Lush dresses are a classic option that gives the bride a special charm and makes the guests of the ceremony shower the beauty with compliments. Satin or velvet, with rhinestones or stones, with or without a high waist - every bride will surely find a dress to her liking, emphasizing her individuality and winning areas of the figure.

December 6, 2017, 19:13

Barbara Cartland

Medicine knows cases when the warm, humid climate of South Asia completely cured patients with eczema. I myself have witnessed such miraculous healings in Singapore and Bangkok.

Although Maximus Kerby and Dorina are fictional characters, the description of Singapore and its history are accurate, including the tale of a pirate attack. The method of treatment for snake bites described in the novel, until recently, was used in different countries, including England.

1879

The Earl of Aldeburn looked up from the letter he held in his hand, a satisfied smile on his face.

It's here, Elizabeth! he exclaimed.

The Countess, seated at the opposite end of the table, looked at him in amazement.

What exactly? she inquired.

Letter from Kirby. Damn it, you know very well that I've been waiting for him for weeks!

Yes, of course, Hugo, and it's bad for your manners. What is he writing?

The count took up the letter again, and it was obvious that every word he read delighted him. Finally he said:

He suggests that Letty sail next month for Singapore on the passenger steamer Osaka of the Peninsular and Oriental Company. (“Peninsular and Oriental” is a large English shipping company. (Hereinafter approx. Trans.).) ".

To Singapore? exclaimed Lady Letitia Byrne in horror.

The cup shook in her hand and she set it down on the table.

In... Singapore, dad? she repeated. - No... no... I don't want to!

Listen, Letty," my father began soothingly, "we've already discussed this. You said you were ready to marry Maximus Kerby.

But not... in Singapore, dad! You said he would come... here. And then… it was so… a long time ago.

I don't want to... marry him, papa! I don't want to marry anyone at all!

Letty, you know perfectly well that you are talking nonsense! the Countess intervened.

But, Letty, when Maximus Kerby came here, you liked him,” the Earl said in a tone that sounded like he was talking to a child.

He gave me… parrots,” Letty murmured, her voice still trembling, “and he was generally… very kind to me. But I don't want to... marry him... and I don't want to... leave home. I want to stay with you dad!

The Count stared at his daughter with an almost comical look of despair. He could not stand tears, and besides, it was always difficult for him to refuse Letty anything. She was so lovely that it was hard to be angry with her.

Lady Letitia Byrne was, no doubt, extraordinarily beautiful. Her blond hair shone with gold; a delicate complexion, blue eyes framed by dark eyelashes, and lips that look like a pink bud, would have delighted the artist.

One would have expected Lady Letitia, if not the star of the London season, at least all the young men of the county to lie at her feet. But, although a crowd of admirers always gathered around her when she appeared, it nevertheless quickly dissipated, and men inevitably went in search of less beautiful but more interesting young women.

As a result, after her first season in London, the earl, who was a very intelligent man, was forced to admit that his youngest daughter was unlikely to make the brilliant party he had hoped for.

One could only hope that some aged peer would be seduced by her rare beauty and consider that she compensated for the almost rudimentary state of her intellect, but until now these hopes have not justified themselves.

The trouble is not that Letty has nothing to say, but that she can't even listen! - the count complained to his wife after some ball, at which, by the end of the evening, the lovely Letty could not find a partner for herself.

I know, Hugo, the Countess replied. - I explained to her a thousand times that men love it when women listen carefully to them and laugh at their jokes.

Damn, what is she thinking? the Count exploded.

Watch your speech, Hugo! the Countess reproached him.

I beg your pardon, dear, - said the count. “But you yourself must admit that it is unbearable!” Letty is so beautiful and I expected her to easily find a rich husband.

The Countess sighed. There was no denying that they were all counting on it.

Their ancestral home, Aldeburn Park, was mortgaged long ago. Debts grew every year, and it seemed that their only asset was the unsurpassed beauty of Letizia.

When they returned to the village and the earl began to calculate with horror how much the London season had cost him, Maximus Kirby appeared on the horizon.

At first, the earl did not perceive him as a possible contender for Letty's hand. He was introduced to Kerby at the Whites. A familiar peer, speaking, as he believed, almost in a whisper, shouted throughout the room:

I want to introduce you to a fellow, Aldeburn! He is going to buy horses to take with him to the East. Rich as Croesus, and ready to pay any money if he liked something!

Later, the count found out that this was not entirely true. Maximus Kerby was not at all a simpleton, as one might conclude from the words of his friend.

Undoubtedly, he was very rich, but at the same time he was distinguished by a sharp mind and was not going to throw money away. He was ready to overpay for the best count horses, but at the same time categorically rejected all offers that seemed to him not interesting enough.

The Earl invited him to Aldeburn Park to see the horses. And then the Countess gave him the idea that Maximus Kerby was not only very rich, but also quite a presentable young man.

I can say one thing, - said the earl, - maybe there is no blue blood in Kirby's veins, but he is from a very good family, and he can pass for a gentleman.

He is the gentleman! said the Countess firmly. - And if he is a little eccentric, or rather extravagant, then this is due to the fact that he lived in the East for a very long time, and in no way detracts from his merits as a future son-in-law.

Do you want to say? .. - the count began incredulously.

I saw him looking at Letty yesterday at dinner,” the countess explained. - I think, Hugo, that before leaving he will ask for her hand.

But in this case, Letty will have to live abroad! exclaimed the count. “I was told that Kerby had huge holdings in Malaya.

Since the opening of the Suez Canal ten years ago, the countess replied, it has not taken long to reach the eastern colonies. Just last week, Lord Avon said that India can now be sailed in twenty-five days!

He is certainly a very respectable young man,” the earl said slowly, and it was clear that he was not talking about Lord Avon at all.

Personally, I find him charming, - said the Countess.

In Mother Letty, Mr. Kirby undoubtedly found a reliable ally. How could one resist his impudent and courageous smile, which at all times had an inexplicable attraction for women?

If the representatives of the weaker sex easily became victims of his charm, then among men he was popular as an unsurpassed athlete.

His characteristic charm made many jealous husbands grit their teeth, but his tact and manners were impeccable. The appearance in Aldeburn Park of such a bright, vibrant personality as Maximus Kirby seemed like a breath of fresh air.

He bought not only the best horses of the count; to the earl's great delight, he also acquired several paintings, a lacquer cabinet from the time of Queen Anne, and many books from the library, which the earl had not looked at since he inherited the title and estates.

Only Dorina, after he left, looked with horror at the empty bookshelves, realizing that they would never be able to fill them again.

It was to Dorina, sitting at the opposite end of the table, that Letty turned, hoping to find support.

You know, Dorina, I can’t ... get married, - she spoke plaintively, like a child. Her eyes were full of tears, her lips were trembling. "Make dad understand that I... don't like men." I am afraid of them.

But Mr. Kirby is not like everyone else, - said Dorina. - Remember how kind he was to you, he gave you wonderful parakeets, and I am sure that in Singapore you will be able to keep many lovely exotic birds at home. Just think how amazing it will be!

I want these birds to be with me ... here, - said Letty.

It's too cold for them here, they'll die. Even those poor parrots tremble all the time, no matter how close to the fireplace we put their cage.

She was one of the few who calmly looked straight into Dorina's face. This was probably due to the fact that Letty was too self-absorbed, and simply did not pay attention to how her sister looked.

Even to an outsider's eye, it was noticeable that the count, talking with his eldest daughter, always lowered his eyes.

Dorina is already used to the fact that people, turning to her, look away. At twenty-one, she had come to terms with the idea that she would never marry. But at the same time, it hurt her to hear Letizia, who was so beautiful, constantly repeat that she was afraid of men.

Dorina rarely had the opportunity to converse with any of the men besides her father and servants. From early childhood, she suffered from a skin disease that left her face, arms and legs covered with ugly scabs. It was not difficult for her to hide under her clothes her wrists and legs, the skin on which at times was flayed almost to the flesh, but the disfigured upper lip and the red scaly spots that covered her forehead and chin could not be hidden.

At first, the doctors to whom the countess showed her stated that these were common phenomena characteristic of adolescence.

Many girls in adolescence have a very bad complexion, they said and prescribed a variety of lotions and ointments that did not help, but only irritated the skin more.

When Dorina was seventeen years old, the countess was in despair. It was time to introduce Dorina to court, to start taking her out into the world, to give her a ball in Aldeburn Park.

However, what was the point of spending so much money on a girl, at the sight of which people shuddered, if not from disgust, then from pity? In addition, many believed that her illness was contagious, although the doctors strongly rejected this assumption.

But how can we explain to people that this disease is not contagious? Dorina asked. - Except hang a poster on my chest.

No one could help, and in the end, Dorina decided that it was not worth forcing her society on people who did not want it.

Forget about me, mother, he said to his mother, and save the money for Letty. She promises to be a real beauty, and I will still look terrible, no matter how hard you try.

It was true, although the Countess did not want to admit it. The smart dresses and elegant hats only seemed to accentuate Dorina's ugliness, and in the end everyone had to accept the inevitable.

Dorina stayed at home and rarely left Aldeburn Park, except when she had to accompany Letty, who always clung to her sister and refused to leave the house without her.

Whether this was due to her tact or shyness, Dorina tried not to impose her company on others, believing that it would be unpleasant for them. This behavior became a habit, and over time it was taken for granted.

She often accompanied Letty to balls or receptions, because otherwise she would refuse to go anywhere at all. But at the very door Dorina disappeared imperceptibly.

She skillfully managed the household in Aldeburn Park, never showing her face if there were guests in the house.

Often, with a bitter smile, Dorina said to herself that she looked like one of those ghosts that, according to legend, often appeared on the main staircase and in the far wing of the house. But, unlike ghosts, she brought a lot of benefits.

Oh, ask Dorina, the count often answered. - She knows what to do.

Ask Lady Dorina about the menu,” the countess said to the cook. - You know that I can never remember the names of these newfangled dishes.

I need Dorina! Where is she? I need her! Letty demanded endlessly.

Only Dorina could put her in a good mood, get her down to dinner in time, or style her hair so skillfully that they did not need the services of a hairdresser.

During the past year, it was Dorina who had done her best to make the idea of ​​the upcoming marriage attractive to Letty, to present it as a joyful, exciting event.

Just think how wonderful it is to live where the sun always shines! - she persuaded her on gray, cloudy days. - Imagine what unusual flowers are in Singapore! You will have a garden where only orchids will grow! And what wonderful birds there are, Letty, with bright, brilliant plumage. You will like them very much.

“I knew that Papa would bring this news to Letty without any preparation and upset her,” thought Dorina now.

I'm not going anywhere ... - meanwhile, Letty wailed plaintively. - I want to stay ... here with Dorina, and with you, dad. I love you so! I am very happy at home. I do not want to get married!

But Letty, imagine what fabulous clothes you will have, - the count persuaded her, - and what jewels! Maximus Kerby has the ability to give you much larger diamonds than the ones I bought your mom. And what a pearl in the East! And they say it's not that expensive.

I don't like pearls, Letty pouted.

The Count looked hopelessly at his wife.

I think, Hugo, we'd better let Dorina tell Letty about the upcoming trip," the countess remarked diplomatically.

I need to send a telegram to Kerby,” said the earl. He expects Letty to sail on the tenth of January.

I'm not going anywhere! said Letty decisively, jumping up unexpectedly. - I'm not going anywhere! I will stay here! You don't love me... you don't need me... but I won't go anywhere... no matter what you say!

She burst into loud sobs and ran out of the room, moving with such grace that her father looked after her with more admiration than annoyance.

You must persuade her, Dorina, he said at last.

Does Mr. Kirby expect Letty to go to Singapore alone? asked the Countess.

Of course not, said the Count. - He writes that we will, in all probability, want Letty to be accompanied by a companion, and he, for his part, has arranged with Lady Anson, the wife of the governor of Penang (Penang is a settlement (colonial possession of Great Britain) in Malaya.) who is on the same boat to look after Letty.

Companion! exclaimed the countess. - Where can we find it? One that Letty would like and agree to go to Singapore?

Well, you can find someone, - the count said irritably.

Of course, you can, - the countess agreed, - but I have no idea where to look. Will Mr Kirby pay for the maid's fare?

The Count looked at the letter again.

Yes, he writes that an experienced Chinese maid has already left Singapore. He arranged with the shipping company that when Letty stepped aboard the Osaka at Tilbury, she would be there waiting for her.

I must admit, he is very attentive, - the countess said, slightly calming down.

Moreover, it would not be very convenient for us to send one of our maids, - said the count. “Besides, Letty will have to get used to Chinese servants anyway.

They say they are excellent, - the Countess remarked with a touch of envy. - Honest, hardworking, dedicated.

In that case, the problem with the maid is solved,” said the Count. - But what about the companion? It's obvious that someone needs to be around Letty at all times to keep her in good spirits.

I'll have to go, papa," Dorina said quietly.

The Count seemed to be utterly astonished.

For you, Dorina? But it will...

He paused, as if trying to find the right word.

"…embarrassing," his daughter finished for him. - Of course, dad, if I go, how Lady Dorina. But I don't want to do it. I'll impersonate Letty's companion, and no one will know that I'm really her sister.

There was a moment of silence as her parents tried to get comfortable with the thought, and then Dorina said:

As soon as Letty is safely married, I will return.

One, on a ship? exclaimed the countess.

Nothing will happen to me,” Dorina assured her with a bitter smile.

Yes, yes, of course, - the count muttered awkwardly. - At the same time, such behavior would be considered very strange for the daughter of an earl.

No one will know that I am your daughter, - Dorina reassured him. - I will call myself "Miss So-and-so." Any reasonably common name will do. I can keep Letty in a good mood. And if I don't go with her, I doubt if, when she arrives at her destination, she will agree to marry Mr Kirby.

There was a silence, as if all three of them remembered at the same time how stubborn and intractable Letty can be, if she pleases.

Her fear of marriage stemmed from an unfortunate episode two years earlier.

Letty was amazingly beautiful, and the count, who was very eager to show off his daughter, took her with him to the hunting ball when she was not yet sixteen.

There was nothing strange in this, because many young participants in the hunt were present at this ball, although they had not yet officially gone out into the world. Among them were several girls of the same age as Letty.

In a new dress ordered from London, with a wreath of roses in her hair, Letty eclipsed all the women present, regardless of their age.

At the ball, as usual, an atmosphere of casual fun reigned, and the count was so carried away by talking about hunting and racing with his friends that, when his wife suggested that he go home, he categorically refused.

The countess could not remember afterwards how it happened that Letty got lost in the crowd, and one tipsy young rake kissed her.

In his defense, Letty only looked at him with an expressionless look and did not protest when he began to show more insistence. It seemed to him that she favorably accepted his courtship.

He could not know that she was unaware of his intentions. In fact, at first she did not even understand what he was talking about, and then she was so paralyzed with fear that she could neither move nor scream.

He kissed her passionately, and when he released her from his arms, she fell into a deep faint.

The countess was immediately sought out, who, after listening to incoherent apologies, took home Letty, who was in a semi-conscious state, and handed her over to Dorina's arms.

If any other girl would easily forget this episode or turn it into a joke over time, then it left an indelible mark on Letty's soul. From that time on, she shied away in horror from the quietest and most well-bred young people, fearing that they would attack her.

You should not be afraid of him, - Dorina usually said about one or another of their acquaintances. - He is the humblest person.