Elise hums as she brushes her golden locks, admiring her beauty. She just wore her most gorgeous gown that showed a hint of her cleavage, her neck adorned with diamonds that brought out the blue in her eyes. She dressed lavishly with plans to seduce the Duke and secure a marriage with him. She had set her scheming eyes on the gentleman ever since she saw his handsome face at the royal ball. Her heart flutters at the thought of him asking her to be his wife—oh, a wondrous thought befitting a woman of her position. Her disgusting sister probably thought the same. Elise rolled her eyes at the thought.

"What becoming man would even think of courting a worthless girl like her? Such an embarrassment she is, to even think herself as a proper lady!" Elise scoffed, her maid nodding along. Of course, Elise is far more charming than Maisie could ever even dream of being.

Meanwhile, Maisie nervously paces her own bed chambers. She sighs as she looks at her reflection from her mirror. Her gown was plain compared to her sister's extravagant outfits, her dull hair fell messily down her shoulders. Maisie starts to cry, but quickly wipes her tears away. She has never felt more terror than when she had heard of the Duke's soon arrival. She so badly wants to catch his eye....but.....who would like a scrappy girl like her? She shivers as she sits on the floor and hugs her knees, a way to comfort herself. A habit she’s picked up back when Elise tormented her as children.

"The Duke has arrived!" A servant calls from the entrance door. Both the sisters flock to the guest room where they await for the Duke. As per usual, Elise begins to belittle Maisie.

"How humiliating,” Elise mocks, “You truly believe the Duke of all men would ever spare a glance at a repulsive roach such as yourself? Please, do not delude yourself!” Elise laughs as the servants hold in a chuckle as well.

"I-I..." Maisie trembles at her sister's taunts, but does nothing except look down at her feet with shaking hands. Do not cry, do not cry, you foolish girl! Maisie repeats to herself.