She fumed her whole way up the stairs, a long strand of unkind words threatening to follow. Cassius Lestrange, while not a first son or particularly noticeable himself, was the bachelor to catch. His connections alone would ensure any party she threw to be a success and, more importantly, she would be able to sign off as Verity Lestrange. A feat she thought lost to her when Claudius married last summer.

Her entire wardrobe was opened and thrown upon her bed. None of her available options were suitable enough, each more plain than the last. She frowned at her newest dress — her Christmas gift — which already felt outdated and bland. Cassius wouldn't notice her in that. Groaning, she turned to address her hair instead.

Forty minutes wasn't enough time to accomplish the intricate updo she desired. No, it was barely time enough to do a neatly designed bun. She muttered to herself as she managed something and tucked her lone two pearl pins into it. It wasn't much, but hopefully it would be enough.

Her dress was another matter entirely. Reaching for the Christmas gift, Verity charmed the mauve fabric to be a beautiful sage instead. The sage would compliment her skin tone nicely and, hopefully, be unlike any colored dress Grace chose.

Which, turned out to be true as she noted with horror that Grace chose grey. Grey?! Glaring at her graceless sister, Verity stood near the doorway as if awaiting approval.