Page 17 of A Lady's Curves
“Oh, well, I’d better get a move on then. Will you pull the bell for my maid?” She touches her hair and frowns.
I pull the bell cord and go to my room.
Margery, Honoria’s maid, is standing by the wardrobe in my room. “Margery, what are you doing here? Lady Chervil just rang for you.”
She smiles and looks down at the lavender gown lying across her arms. “His lordship sent this for you. He asked if I can make any alterations that are necessary before I dress Lady Chervil tonight.”
The fabric is delicate and beautiful. I’m drawn forward and touch the dyed lace along the sleeves. It also runs down the skirt. “This is very fine, but I should wear one of my dresses.”
Nudging me in front of a full-length glass mirror, she puts the dress in front of me. “You will be beautiful in this, Miss Ann. Why not wear the gift? From the worried expression on his lordship’s face when he gave it to me to press, I don’t believe it comes with any expectations.” Margery is very bold, but one would have to be to be Honoria’s lady’s maid.
I almost look pretty in a dress like this. “Perhaps.”
She grins. “Good. Let’s get you dressed. Then I’ll go and do her ladyship’s hair and come back to do yours.”
I’ve lost my mind, but I agree.
We step inside the Creeves’ townhouse and Mae rushes through the foyer. “I’m so glad you’re here.” She hugs her brother and then Louisa. She greets Honoria formally, then stops when she reaches me. “You look different, Miss Wittman.”
Holding my chin up, I force a smile. “A new gown and wrap, my lady.” I pull the dark purple wrap around tighter.
Scanning me from head to toe, she smiles, and then winks. “Lovely.”
Louisa says, “Mother I must speak to Father before the other guests arrive.”
“He is in the library. Would you like me to go with you?” Concern creases Mae’s forehead.
“Yes. That would be best. I’d hate to have to do this twice.” Louisa pulls her shoulders back and looks at me with a hint of her inner panic showing in her eyes.
I give her a reassuring smile and nod. “The worst he can say is no and you’re no worse off than before.”
Taking a deep breath, she strides down the hall behind the grand staircase with her mother following.
The butler offers to take our outerwear.
I hesitate to relinquish my wrap, but there is little choice so I give it over.
Honoria saunters toward the ballroom behind a footman.
Oscar stares at me, then a wide smile breaks across his face.He smiles so rarely, I hardly knew how handsome he really was until this moment.
My heart pounds and my hands sweat. The riotous butterflies have broken loose in my belly. “Thank you for the gown.”
“Seeing you in it is more than thanks enough. You’re beautiful, Ann.” He offers his arm.
Throat clogged with emotion, I slip my hand through the crook of his elbow and allow him to show me into the ballroom. We are the first to arrive, so it’s not inappropriate for him to be my escort. Who would know?
“Don’t you two look cozy.” The Dowager Countess of Kendall strides over, carrying a cane that barely touches the ground.
I pull my arm away and curtsy. “Good to see you again, Lady Kendall.”
“Mother, why are you here so early?” The brooding tone is back in Oscar’s voice as he pulls his hands behind his back.
A knowing smile followed by a stern look crosses over her face. “Your sister wanted my help and so I am here. Where is your charge?”
Since her overbearing stare is on me, I say, “She has gone to speak to her father.”
“Lord, she’s not joining the Everton Domestic Society, is she?” The derision in her voice is lost on no one.
