Little Miss Adeline

This story is inspired by The Little Princess

Once upon a time, there lived a little miss called Adeline. Little Miss Adeline is very spoilt but very pretty. Her parents, Sir Charles and Lady Juana love her very much. Her own maids-in-waiting, Becky and Frances did everything for her, including squeezing toothpaste for her on her toothbrush every morning. She rarely had friends, and her only friend is her little Retriever, Golden.

It was when Little Miss Adeline goes to a “Private School for Rich Young Missus”, or PCRYM that Adeline learnt what is to be not spoilt, and had many friends, like Little Miss Lottie, and Little Miss Cassie. They all had their own maids, and Adeline’s are Becky and Frances. When Adeline and her friends are 10 years old, the school had to be closed, so Adeline and her family had to sail to Indonesia to pursue their career and studies. The year is 1925. Adeline is now a rich young miss in Indonesia, where she is greater than before. While other children run around barefooted, Adeline rides in her father’s black Buick with Becky and in her lace smock with gloves with her curly golden tresses falling down her shoulders.

When she arrives at her destination, the street kids would open the door for her and bow to her. Then, Becky would come down first, giving the children their tips (which is usually a lot, about $5), and help Miss Adeline down. As she strode purposefully in her grand dress, Becky is always helping her and holding her hand like she is a princess. Becky is always dressed in a lace dress which falls to her knees, with her hair tucked nicely in her servant hat. The children always stop playing to awe her and make way for her. At this point, it is clear to everyone—Adeline and Becky are the grand whites, while the street children are the normal ones.

Usually Adeline and Becky are on their way to her classes, her school and her lessons. She goes to the school for the rich, respectable, and honourable’s girls. Its name is “School Of Finery Arts For Girls”, “SOFAG”. Nobody dare to make fun of its name, SOFAT, they instead called it SOFT. Adeline’s school is something like her previous school, PCRYM, only that in this school there are many rich and bossy girls bossing their maids around, and it’s numerous races. At SOFT, the girls are allowed a maximum of 5 maids each, two for themselves, and three for the scullery. This means that the rich are giving maids to service the school. They board over six days a Timeule, with a four day rest. A period of ten days is called a Timeule, and there are three Timeules in a month.

Adeline’s personal maids are Becky and Frances, her sculleries are Jane, Martha and Alice. They learnt to embroider, to walk with grace, to curtsey, horse riding, studying and many more princess-like duties there. The maids in the scullery learnt to cook, to wash, and mop and sweep and all the housework. Then they do all the above-mentioned for their Miss.

Adeline’s closest friends are Audrey and Elizabeth. Audrey being an Indo-Chinese and Elizabeth is a mixed between American and Chinese. They try to get together every rest day of a Timeule, and practice their curtsies. The reason SOFT teaches them such skills is because maybe one of these Missus will marry a prince someday, because two years later, the Prince of Ireland will be coming to choose his bride here.

During the rest time, Adeline either goes to classes with her friends, or goes to the park with her parents. She has many lessons like piano, ballad, Japanese, Italian, French and German. Audrey will teach them Chinese, Elizabeth will teach them violin and Adeline teaches her friends swimming. Their parent knows each other well.

Audrey has an older sister who is married to a knight’s son in Ireland. There are high chances that Audrey will be the future princess of Ireland because the knight’s son is the prince’s closest friend. During some of the rest days, Sir Charles, Lady Juana and Miss Adeline, together with Becky, Loran (Lady Juana’s personal maid) and Willy (their man-servant) goes to the park. Sir Charles in a suit and top-hat, Lady Juana in her huge dress filled with embroidery and her silken umbrella and Adeline in her lace dress and pink ribbons in her hair. Her glove-covered hand would hold the leash of Golden, dressed up.


Grand as she was, Miss Adeline did not yearn to be the Queen of Ireland, but if she was chosen, her parents would be the in –laws of the Royals in Ireland. She wasn’t like vain Ailing, the richest indo-Chinese whom is older than all of them, and often bosses them around. She isn’t pretty, and she had the worst behaviour. But Miss Mitch, the house-mistress adored her, for her parents paid her large sums of money to keep their only precious daughter happy. Their only hope is for their Ailing to be Queen of anywhere someday that is why they enrolled her into the best young maiden school that a prince would pick his bride from someday.

Miss Adeline is also unlike spoilt Audearyn, whom is very bad at heart, and since she is the youngest in the whole school, people gave in to her. She acts innocent and fooled many when they came to visit, and it was very much later then the people knew her true colours. She only hopes to be a real princess someday, so she planned to marry the prince of Ireland. Even Ailing has to give in to her sometime, for she would scream and yell and kick till you give her what she wanted. Again, Miss Mitch bear her, for her father poured money on her, having 6 sons and lastly as daughter.

It had been two years since that day Adeline met her friends, and at long last, the news came.

“The Prince of Ireland, Prince Coleus, is turning 18 by the end of August. His Highness had decided that SOFAG, School Of Finery Arts for Girls, had the best wives he can choose from, thus, His Highness would be here in July for the final round of choosing his bride, and they would marry on his birthday. He only wants maidens 15-17 years of age, and you have 3 months to prepare.” The Ireland call man read out.

There was a great excitement, as the girls left for their vacation, going home to tell their parents their news. They would come back a month later, and Miss Mitch expected them to be all prepared, and the competition would start. Luckily for Adeline, she turned 16 the month before, and Ailing was 17, but Audearyn was only 14, so she was out. She had to wait 2 years later, when the Prince of Poland would come to choose his bride. This was not good news though, and anyone married to him would be a torture, as he was ugly and bad-mannered, with the meanest parents of all.

“Mama! The Prince would be coming in July. Prepare for me! I want to be queen!” Ailing complained to her mother upon seeing her. “Of course you shall be queen, you shall have all the finest things on earth to compete with, and with your beauty, Prince Coleus would have to marry you!” her mother replied. Audearyn’s mother was busy comforting her, and Audrey’s mother was telling her how close she would be to be queen, as her sister had been saying good things about her during her visits with her husband and the prince.

Adeline’s parents bought her 12 new dresses, made of silken material, hats, umbrellas, gloves, shoes and accessories, and had her hair gone for many times of softening and treating and curled. The three close friends had been practising their posture, curtsies, manners and politeness together with a hired trainer.


Finally came the day. Prince Coleus is arriving! The rich young misses arrived in SOFAG with excitement, with luggage and bags… All the maids were carrying heavy looking bundles, and even their faces were filled with excitement. This term, beside the 2 self maids for themselves, they were allowed all sorts of help with them. Adeline parents hired for her a personal dresser, personal hairstylist and personal full attire.

Ailing had with her 10 maids to hold her train, and many groomers. Ailing was actually very ugly and bad-mannered, but no one dared to tell her that.

There were altogether 35 girls taking part, and rounds and rounds of competition. The prince himself will come only on the final 2 rounds of the competition, and all the girls will be allowed to let the prince choose, but mostly the princess will come from the finalist.

The first round is beauty. In this round, the girls are to parade once in their plain slacks without pretty dresses or accessories without dolling up, then in full dressed and full dolled. Ailing, the vain girl cheated in the first round, having made-up her face in the slacks parade. She and 3 others cheated were disqualified. 4 of them were out, having failed this competition. Adeline and her friends were still in.

Next was the posture test. None was out as everybody practiced really hard on this.

It was the end-of-competition for that day. The girls that were out were all sent home to spend the summer. They would return only at the 2nd last round of the competition, and the prince would choose the top few he wanted, and the rest shall be sent home, returning for lessons only after the bride was chosen.

The competition would be over 2 Timeules, only after that would the bride be chosen. 2nd and 3rd day the girls were briefed on the topics that will be tested, be it practical or written. 4th day was the Ireland test, and this was indeed the most important element. 2 girls were out, and were sent home. The competition proceeded to a memory test. None of the girls were out, and then the IQ and EQ test. For both test, 3 girls were out. 1 cheated and was disqualified.

Those that cheated were not allowed to be re-chosen by the prince, as they failed one important element, integrity. The 5th and 6th days were practices, as the girls strengthened their skills.

The girls went home for the rest days and Adeline, Audrey and Elizabeth practiced hard for it. They told each other that if one of them were out, she will not be jealous but will be happy for her friends from their bottom of their heart.

“I think I’ll be out! Look at Samantha. She’s really good and bound to be queen!” Audrey complained.

“I’ll be out by the horse-riding test! Look at the way Claudia rides her pony! So elegant! ”Elizabeth said.

After the rest and the start of the next Timeule, the girls were required to bring their trusted horses to their school for the horse-riding test. Adeline’s barn’s men helped harness 3 magnificent white horses onto a pink carriage, filled with bows and ribbons and silken threading. Her personal maids travelled with her and her 2 other maids walked by the carriage with the footman. Adeline was dressed in one of her fine silken baby pink dress, matched with a pink feathered hat and gloves, completed by a pair of furry pink heels. Her hair was set in auburn curls, tied at the tops with silken ribbons by her professional hair stylist, with elaborated pink necklace and pearl earrings.

As she reached the field for the competition, she dropped at the dropping bay, and her maid, Becky opened her beautiful pink umbrella and walked her to the competition bay. All the girls came in beautiful dresses as instructed to. Adeline sat with her friends, also dressed in baby blue dress and vanilla dress, whispered to each other excitedly.

“In this round, the girls are to ride their horses around the fields through the challenge. If the contestant managed to ride it through without falling, she passed. The main focus of this round is to SIDE-RIDE, which is usually a chore, but to ride with the royalty, the females have to SIDE-RIDE, including Prince Coleus sisters and mother, the Queen.” The prince foreman announced.

As the competition follows, Camellia, Laura, Juana and Kimberly fell from their horses, and the rest of the girls proceeded to their next round. The rest of the day was free time.

The 2nd day, the girls went for mannerism test on dining. Joanna accidentally opened her mouth while chewing and Ashley clanked a spoon. Both were out.

Next was the curtsies, and none were out. For the 3rd and 4th days the girls were taught princess-to-be expectation. On the 5th day, the competition resumed and the judges were very, very strict. After that was the talent test and altogether, 4 girls were out, including Audrey. After which they prepared for their final day of competition, competition with the prince himself.

The 4 girls were allowed to stay and watch the qualified practice and prepare. On the morning of the 6th day, the girls in SOFAG woke up at 5am to prepare, and the others that failed the previous tests returned at 6am. Only those disqualified did not come back.

Adeline and her friends prepared. Adeline put on a pearly white snowy dress, which fluttered as she walked. Even the other rich girls came to look at this amazing dress. As Adeline put on her lace gloves and pearly bracelet, dangling lace hearts in silver, her dressers and stylists did her hair and face. At last glamorous Adeline emerged, beautiful, together with all the other girls.

After their served breakfast, there was a call from the maids to the breakfast hall that the prince had arrived! The girls abandoned their breakfast to peep at the prince. “He’s so handsome!” squealed Hattie. “I’ll be his wife now!” cried Gwent. ‘I’ll be his wife anytime’, thought Adeline dreamily. But she knew it’ll never happen. There are so much prettier and better girls, the prince will not choose her.

They assembled in the audition hall, and one by one paraded in front of the prince. The prince did not have much of any reaction; just that he watched each of them carefully, hoping to find his future bride. All of them were allowed to stay in SOFAG, but away, much away from the prince. Nobody was to haven a glance at the prince, as the 11 girls enlisted girls practiced for their final two rounds. After rehearsing, all the girls were to prepare for the communication party thrown for them and the prince. At 3pm, after tea, the girls rehearsed their dancing steps again for an hour. After which, they started preparing for the party.

Adeline and her friends dressed in their beautiful dresses again. Adeline wore a strapless dress in ivory green, covered in inches of lace. The rim of her skirt, just brushing the floor, was ruffled many times. This time round she wore green silken gloves just up to the wrist, ruffled and laced at the edges. She put on her princess-like necklace, in dark green rhinestones and pure crystals. She had her hair straightened and fringe trim after which weaving petals and petals of green ribbons made of rhinestones in her hair. When all her friends are ready, they took their matching pouches with them down to the auditorium, stomach filled with butterflies.

“And now, ladies of high honours and sirs please put down your cups and welcome the young ladies of School of Finery Art for Girls. And one of them shall be the princess-to-be, and the future queen of Ireland!” the prince’s wingman announced.

The huge golden doors burst open as the girls strolled out, with each a maid guiding them. These were the 11 finals that were enlisted, and the other girls were in their respectful seats now. Taking a deep curtsy, the girls were ushered to their tables on the raised platforms, together with the prince of Ireland. After their meal, they were taken to the dance floor, in which everyone danced.

The prince danced with every of the 11 girls, and after which, he invited Adeline to the balcony.

“Why did you take me here? Didn’t you have an important role to play in the party?” Adeline inquired. The prince laughed light-heartedly and replied, “I need some space to breath. And you have to accompany me.” He is so used to ordering people, Adeline thought. The prince smiled and said, “You needn’t accompany me if you don’t want to.”

With that, they chatted for a good long time, and Adeline, being a cheerful girl, blurted out all about her young and past, while the prince said about himself.

Suddenly, the prince told Adeline, “You are so nice and friendly, unlike the other girls I danced with, which were all giggly and cold. This is what I like about you. Some of the girls are nice though.”

“Hmm, you are nice and friendly too, and that’s what I didn’t know till now!” Adeline laughed.
“There you are, Prince Coleus! Everyone is searching for you! And here you are, wasting time with such a beautiful young miss of SOFAG! I should’ve known better and not interrupt!” the Dame of Prince Coleus smiled at them. She smiled a weird smile as if she knew a secret.

Early next morning, the girls were all frantically talking about the prince. “He danced with me! And he smiled at me! I’m almost sure that I’ll be the princess!” proud Hattie proclaimed. “He treated me to a drink! I’ll be princess!” retorted smug Gracie.

Adeline and her friends talked about their night but she told no one about her special talk with Prince Coleus. Then, the girls brush up and the breakfast was served to their rooms this morning. The girls were to have fun today, but actually the prince is going to choose his bride from their performance.

Every of the other girls acted very unnaturally, only Adeline was natural, who is a very carefree girl by nature. The girls first had horse-riding, then games, then lunch. After lunch, there was a friendly modelling competition, where the judges and the Prince were not present, and the girls had a very great time. They played acting, singing and lots more. But the time for dinner, many were exhausted, and they all went to sleep after that. The prince did drop in quite a number of times, but every time he did, he flashed a secret a smile to Adeline, like both of them knew a secret, while he warmly greeted the other girls.

Early next morning, the girls wore another of their fine costumes. This time, the girls do not dress like princesses, they dress like fashionable girls. For one thing, Adeline is very fashionable. She wore her chequered top, accompanied by a very frilly and lacy black skirt. She wore her black boots and black leather jacket, plus her shimmering chain and rings. She had a lace half-glove on her hands, and her nails were professionally painted black with white snowflakes. Her hair was sprayed black and was curled frenzy. It was styled tied up. Her theme was Victorian Gothic. The other girls were unsure about fashion, as all their lives were spent in SOFAG or at their mansions, while Adeline and her friends often went out to enjoy, forgetting their Missy status.

“That Adeline is so nice, though I hate to admit it!” Hattie complained to Gracie. “Well, the Prince smiled at ME that day we were playing ball, so I’m certain I’m his pick.” Ugly Stella said smugly.

It is time for judging. The girls stood in a row, and the other girls’ dressings were a laugh. The names which were out were read off a list. “There will be 6 contestants out. The other 5 shall stay over at the palace to continue the judging.” The wingman read. “Un-enlisted contestants are… They are Stella, Gracie, Lottie, Hannah, Sarah and Gina. The ones enlisted are Joanne, Hattie, Alice, Michelle and Adeline.” Adeline heart jumped with happiness, and she saw Prince Coleus grinning broadly at her. Hattie was busy comforting Gracie, smiling broadly. Adeline’s friends congratulate her.

Soon, they were on their way to the Cosmo, the Ireland Palace. They had packed 3 beautiful dresses, when only one was needed. At the Cosmo Palace, the girls will stay in their rooms and learn to live like a princess, and 4 other strenuous selections rounds will be held, one girl kicked out in each round. This will be selected by the King, His Majesty, Queen, Her Majesty, Coleus the Prince, His Highness and Arielle the Princess, Her Highness. Arielle is Coleus’ sister, whom is only 14 this year.

Arriving at the palace doors, alighting from the elaborated golden carriages which hold a young miss each, the girls were led through many corridors which were filled with grandeur. Each basked in velvet curtains with golden trimmings, and portraits or former royalty. Maids were stationed everywhere and bowed ever more politely than the maids in SOFAG. There were souvenirs everywhere for different guests, and this time, as the guests were girls, jewellery, tiaras, earrings, diamonds, silken gloves and necklaces were found on every odd door they passed. It isn’t one of them, it’s many… They girls picked their souvenirs gleefully and they passed.

For the first exercise, the 5 girls each get to have a wish. What they did not know, was that from the wishes they royal family would get to choose their future queen of Ireland.

Joanne wanted a diamond bracelet; Hattie wanted a diamond studded gown. Alice wanted 5 branded bags while Michelle wanted glass slippers. However, Adeline merely wanted her two best friends to be able to party with her in the palace that night so that they can enjoy the luxuries for one day. All wishes are granted.

Joanne, Hattie, Alice and Michelle got their materialistic wants while Audrey and Elizabeth were invited to the palace to sleep-over that night. Adeline invited the 4 maids stationed for her and the Princess Arielle to join in the party.

“Yes, this is what I’ve always wanted! A real party with real friends! Maids can be our friends too, so party down everyone!” Princess Arielle squealed.

All the requests of the 5 girls were sent to the King, Queen and Prince Coleus.

“Ha. I knew that is what Adeline will request for. She is so thoughtful, always caring for others and not for herself. I’m sure Arielle will enjoy her party tonight.” Prince Coleus told his parents.

“Well then, is everything goes well, I am sure we know who will be our future daughter-in-law.” The King said to his wife with a twinkle in his eye.

“Of course!” The queen laughed.

The next day, the 5 contestants, together with Elizabeth and Audrey are invited to the royal breakfast. This is a light-hearted event, and the table was full of laughter with Adeline’s quick-witted jokes and friendly behaviour. Prince Coleus smiled widely at Adeline again and she returned his smile.

Princess mannerism test was next. Princess Arielle is invited to be a judge while all the other royals were held back.

Wits and speech test was next with the King.

It is followed by horse side-riding test with the Queen.

Finally, a grand dinner and dance with the Prince.
Late that night, the royal family gathered to conclude.

“So who do you think?” The King asked his family, smiling at each of them.

“Adeline!” called Princess Arielle.
“Adeline.” Said the Queen.
“Adeline.” Said the King.

“So who, my son?” asked the King.

“It is clear from the first day I met her. Adeline it is.” Said the Prince, with such happiness in his voice that the whole royal family is certain that this choice is the best.

Finally, early next morning, the girls were called down to the breakfast table.

“The princess is chosen,” was the simple announcement made.

Joanne and Hattie waited expectantly. Alice and Michelle is certain that it will be them. Adeline simply smiled at the prince, who returned her smile happily.

“Joanne, I’m sorry. Hattie, I’m sorry. Alice and Michelle, I’m sorry. Adeline, the new Highness.” The chancellor said, and gave a deep bow.

The whole hall erupted in cheers, and Adeline gave a shout of disbelief.

~ 2 months later~

The wedding was held, and the whole of Ireland nobles was invited.

Adeline and Prince Coleus lived happily ever after.


-THE END-