There are many things to consider beside which Monster to Kill on a First Hunt and each is Essential as the next if one wishes to make an Impression at one’s Debut.
The myriad of details to be planned for is likely to send a Girl and her Dear Mother into a frenzy, but rest assured, once the Monster is decided on, no Detail is more Paramount than the Dress.
Now, in these times, two dresses are often required. One for the actual hunt and one for the reception after, as no one wants to dance away the night in blood-soaked petticoats.
As each Unnatural requires its own specific ensemble for hunting, today I shall address the second gown.
After a Young Girl presents her First Kill (to the Queen if she is of the Nobility, or to her local Magistrate otherwise) she changes into her ball gown. It is this second gown that is often overlooked.
Indeed, I was speaking with a Young Lady this last week who made this very mistake. “Lady H–,” she sighed, “I did everything right! I vanquished a Vampire and Everyone said I looked Lovely while doing it, but I have not been asked to as many Hunts as I would have hoped.”
I thought back to this girl’s Debut. She did in fact handle herself with great Skill and Grace during her Hunt, but I struggled to remember anything about the Ball after her Presentation.
Then, I realized it was because she wore an insipid, pale pink gown cut in the most conventional manner. How she could expect anyone to remember her in that dress, I know not. The impression she made with her Hunt was washed away by the Boredom she inspired with her Dress.
Nevertheless, it would hardly help the dear girl now to point this out. I merely assured her that it was not the number of Hunts that mattered as long as she found a Gentleman to Love and Esteem.
Of course, without being Invited anywhere said Gentleman is likely to be a elderly Curate with six children from his first Dear Wife and a bad case of Gout.
In short, wear something memorable, my dears.
