Festival of Roses

Jynessa came to the Blooming Rose in her common clothes, ones that she had favored whenever her siblings had demanded that she participate in outdoor activities and games. She stepped inside the establishment and took a deep breath.

The foyer of the Blooming Rose looked much like a noble townhouse. Doors led away to other rooms, and a twin staircase swept gracefully towards the second floor. To one side were carved chairs upholstered in flowery jacquard, and a couple were seated, talking earnestly in low voices. If it weren’t for the sign outside, one would certainly believe that they had accidentally blundered into someone’s home.

There were paintings gracing the walls, fresh flowers positioned here and there, and establishment was serenely quiet.

The young noblewoman stepped further in and looked for someone that seemed to be in charge or, at the very least, not occupied with someone else.

An elderly man in bulter’s livery entered through a side door. He looked disdainfully at Jynessa, assessing, judging. “We’re not hiring,” he stated imperiously.

Jynessa turned a bit red and then shook her head. "Oh, no, I am not here for that. I was hoping to," she trailed off, leaving it vague for the man to fill in.

The butler’s mouth drew downwards slightly, not quite a sneer. He looked down his nose, “I see. Very well, I will take your payment and introduce you to some of our available gentlemen.”

The young lady opened her mouth, closed it, and then finally collected her words. "Be sure that he is a good conversationalist," she requested meekly.

He led Jynessa through one of the doors, into what appeared to be a perfectly innocent sitting room. There was a modest fireplace, a loveseat, and a matching armchair. Between them was a low table, just right for serving tea and cakes. “Please, sit,” the butler extended his hand.

Jyn took a seat on the armchair and gave a demure nod to the man. She tapped her hands against the chair and did her best to maintain a calm composure.

Hand still extended, the butler cleared his throat pointedly, expectantly.