Olivia had began her costume ball elaborately. There were added topiaries, elegant ivory flower center pieces, and amber lighting. The entire event was up to her standards, and her costume was very much like her personality. She chose to dress as Georgiana Cavendish, the Duchess of Devonshire. She was a woman who was elevated to a status of nobility and wealth and used her position to make quite a bit of political noise, which was unusual for a woman in the 1700s. She also was known for her salacious affairs and her outrageous fashion sense. It was perfect.
Olivia had spent a total of three hours getting ready. It took that long when you were dressing as an eighteenth century duchess. She had her hair pulled back, and up in a modern a la hedgehog look, long ringlets cascading over her right shoulder. On top, she wore an enormous hat, tilted to the side. There were long, thick feathers and ribbons as accents to match her even more elaborate dress. The gown was jewel tone with elegant dark lace and stitched details. It was beautiful.
She entered the room, wondering just how over the top her ensemble was in comparison. She had considered a simple regency ensemble for the role of Jane Austen or one of her characters, but Olivia always was one for show.