The White Rose invitation came a day after her dinner with her mom it was a white card sealed with a delicate white rose. The card even smelled like roses which she Rella thought was another level of sophistication.
Dear Mrs. Diamond the honorable committee of the White Rose would like to welcome you to the fold as a honorary member. We look forward to your presence at brunch this Saturday.
The invitation was written with gold cursive letters.
"Do you want to send a response immediately madam?" The butler who had delivered the invitation asked.
Rella sighed. Guess she has no choice. "Sure go ahead, tell them I accept their invitation and that I'll be at the brunch."
Even though she had made herself resign to the fact that this was a legacy she couldn't escape, Rella had a feeling she was going to regret this sooner rather than later.
He made a small bow and left.
The silence that fell on the room was deafening. Ten heads turned towards her direction and about a dozen or so eyes regarded her with contempt which Rella for the life of her could not fathom what she could've done to any of them. This was her first time meeting with any of these women and they're already regarding her as the bane their existence.
Rella shut her eyes for a moment and exhaled. When she opened them again she squared her shoulders and held her head high as she put one foot in front of the other until she was in front of the gathering.
As expected they were in satins and silks with severe coiffed hairs while she had showed up in a tweed jacket and pants with her hair flowing down her back.
She was unaware of the rules and nobody told her about a dress code.
When she reached the centre of the room and stopped, that's when she noticed who was sitting at the head of the table.
Lucille Carpenter.
Is this a joke?
Lucille smiled then like she was aware of Rella's internal turmoil. She rose from her chair like a snake uncoiling from it's own body and she looked gracious doing it.
Rella bit her lips there was no way she would allow these women look down their noses at her and make her feel small.
She was a Diamond after all.
Rella smiled brightly then and started to say, "hello I am…"
"Everyone may I introduce the newest member of the White Rose Cindy Diamond." Lucille said, her eyes never leaving Rella's and neither did her smile waver. "I am Lucille Carpenter the chairlady." Rella could tell there was a jibe in there but she refused to be moved into showing a negative reaction instead she continued to smile.
"I am honoured to be a part of this esteemed institution, I'll do my best to ensure everything is smooth sailing."
The rest of the women reluctantly said 'hi' her but when Rella was about to say something Lucille interrupted her again.
"Now that we've gotten the introductions out of the way let's get down to our agender for the day shall we?"
To Rella she said in a dismissive tone, "you can sit anywhere you like."
The meeting proceeded and everyone of them ignored her like she was invisible which Rella didn't mind at all as she's always hated being the centre of attention. The discussion centred around the annual charity ball; a grand and lavish party the White Rose is known for. At the end they decided on a masquerade themed ball.
They were served tea and biscuits and Rella could only nibble on the snacks. When she went to the rest room and returned there were whispers here and there and managed to get a whiff of some of it…
"... She's so tacky…
"... I wonder how that party animal was able to snag Stefan Diamond of all people…"
"... I heard her family went bankrupt…"
"... Nothing but a gold digger… "
They recounted her (Cindy's) escapades and called her shameless.
Some of them were scrambling when they realised she was within earshot but others dared her to retaliate but Rella simply walked over to her seat and remained tight lipped and was glad when the brunch came to an end.