Esther's happiness was not an act or a learned art, it shone because it was genuine and when she admitted to being happy with her life there was no lie in the confession. She loved her fiancé and looked forward to her marriage, despite doubts here or there; genuinely spoke well about him and felt praises were not exaggerated. So, yes, for Esther this whole affair was a positive event.
"You are too." The white Mage beamed, "These suit you far better than the old ones, you look more like yourself." Esther did have practice at dressing up for events and her words were sincere, no ulterior motives or flirtatious plays. Playful flirtation was an art that she kept always on the surface and always to men, less and less these days.
"The ballroom is quite warm, but I just wanted to greet you in private and extend my congratulations to your sister through you, I think she is rather busy today and I don't want to crowd her." Thoughtful Esther who didn't want to bother the hostess of the event when everyone was already vying for her attention or a word with her. "I'm very happy for her and Lord Basil, he seems like a very charming man."
“Thank you,” Juliette said. “Countess Albrecht made a gift of them to me.” She still wasn’t certain that she had made the right decisions when it came to style -- for simple dresses, they attracted too much attention -- but the royal blue was less engaging to the eye than the red, it seemed. “They are more comfortable. For dancing,” she added quickly, lest Esther think she was concerned with her own comfort over being ornamental.
Young ladies of quality were always to be ornamental.
“I am certain Alys would be happy to hear from you directly,” she added, the subject of her dresses swept quickly under the rug, “but I will accept your congratulations on her behalf as well, of course. Lord Norwood is very pleasant.” A bland word that meant nearly nothing -- hopefully, Esther would not notice that Juliette did not paint her future brother-in-law in glowing terms. After all, Juliette was often reserved with her emotions, and she preferred to be so here.
Ornamental was only part of the package, Esther believed that a young woman ought to be capable - perhaps not with a sword, or having adventures in the wild, but able to command. Especially those of noble birth, it was their birthright to lead and to look after those who were under their employment, under their protection. Ornamental as a symbol for others, an aspiration, an ideal, not just something fashionable. That was what Esther believed in though she didn't voice it openly.
"A very important part, otherwise dancing becomes a very uncomfortable chore." But then they were expected to dance at these events and pretend to enjoy them. Esther was just more used to it, which made her familiar which in turn helped her find her footing with ease. Practice. "The blue complements you, especially the cut of this one."
Changing topics with ease, Esther smiled not taking offence or reading anything into Juliette's words. Easy, trusting, Juliette was a friend so why doubt it? "I hope he will be a good husband to your sister, she deserves nothing less." And she was not naive enough to believe that all matches were good. Hers was extremely lucky. "I shall congratulate her when she is less busy."
“Alys chose him for herself,” was the only thing Juliette could think of to say. That implied fondness, even if the arrangement seems to be mostly business. “I hope she will be happy.” A hint of wistfulness entered her voice despite her best efforts -- soon, Alys would go to live with her husband, and until the estate was rebuilt, it seemed Juliette and would remain at the guesthouse alone.
What had once seemed like a dream come true now seemed extremely lonely.
“Oh!” Esther clapped her hand together at that revelation, “Then it is a double-fortunate thing, we seldom get to choose, so this is wonderful.” Assuming, of course, that there was love in that marriage somewhere. Or soon to be marriage. “Your sister is clever, I think they call it-” A pensive expression, “-street smart!” She snapped her fingers together as the words came to her.