The Art of Promenade

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Written for NYC Midnight 100-Word Microfiction Competition

Prompt:

Romcom (genre)

“amount” (word)

putting on a hat (action)

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The middle-aged Countess strapped on her bonnet like a soldier fastening a helmet.

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She had selected a strategic amount of flowers and a squadron of feathers—all for the slightly evolved mating ritual of attracting a suitor.

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She had no genuine desire for a man, merely to prove to the other strutting debutantes that she could still capture one.

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She lowered a veil hiding her fine lines. “All warfare is based on deception, is it not, Stanley?”

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Stanley the butler nodded, opening the door onto the street.  

As the Countess stepped to the threshold, Stanley straightened. “To victory, my lady.”

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