Page 69 of A Spinster to Heal the Duke
"I don't know, Your Grace," Peggy replied with a shrug.
As she began to sweep, the Duke excused himself to the parlor. When it was time to leave, Anne told Charles to meet her and Peggy at the back door to avoid having to interact with Noah again.
It is easier to avoid him if I can be somewhere he isn't. That is fine for now while I am here, setting up, but what will I do during dinner? He will be seated at my right hand. Hopefully those seated nearest us will chat him up. But whatwill I do after we dine when everyone is dancing and enjoying entertainment?Anne thought to herself.
Anne's thoughts continued in this way for the duration of the carriage ride. She knew she could not spend the evening in the kitchen with Peggy and other maids hired for the evening. She had no desire to even attend anymore, but she didn't know of a way out of a party she was hosting.
As food was cooked and tablecloths and decorations were placed, Anne watched the clock, dreading the hour of the banquet drawing closer. Soon, she would need to leave preparations to the staff to get dressed. While she once looked forward to an opportunity to be in Noah's arms, dancing through the evening, now she wished he had never arrived in Reedley or knocked on the door of Reedley Manor.
"Peggy, please leave Esther and Judith's staff to manage down here. I need you to come upstairs and help me dress," she said to Peggy.
"Yes, Miss. I've just finished adding the ribbon to the last floral arrangement. Do you like it?" the maid asked.
Anne waved a hand and began walking toward the stairs.
"Honestly, Peggy, I'm sure everything is lovely and as it should be, but I don't feel well enough to think about it," Anne said.
"Are you sick, Miss?" Peggy asked.
"Not in any way that would excuse me from my duties this evening's festivities," Anne said.
The two women went upstairs and entered a dressing room where Anne placed her dress for the evening and a few things to style her hair.
"You seemed out of sorts this morning, and now, I know something is wrong. Do you want to talk about it? What can I do for you?" Peggy asked as she shut the door behind them.
"No, thank you. I don't believe there is anything anyone can do, but I will be all right in time," Anne said.
Peggy made a sympathetic face.
Then, she said, "Very well then. For now, we will pour all our attention into how beautiful you will be tonight. You may not feel your best, but you can certainly look it."
"Thank you, Peggy, truly," Anne replied, holding back tears.
"Of course, dear," said Peggy. "Now, have a seat, and I'll fill the wash basin. You can freshen up, put on the sweetest smelling lotions and perfumes, and then we will sort out your hair and makeup before putting that lovely gown on."
Anne nodded. She followed Peggy's instructions, and it calmed her.
She felt somewhat soothed until Peggy stepped back from her dress and said, "There we are, dear — pretty as a portrait."
Anne looked at her reflection and felt beautiful. She also felt an ache in her chest with every breath and every beat of her heart.
"I'll go see to things downstairs. Do not be long. Guests will be arriving any minute," Peggy said. "Whatever is wrong, it will be okay."
"Yes," agreed Anne, smiling at the maid.
Once Peggy was out the door, Anne took several deep breaths and steeled her nerves.
"The sooner the evening begins, the sooner it will end," she told herself.
Then, she exited the room to go downstairs as well.
It seemed people were excited. From the top of the stairs, she could see many of the attendees had already arrived and were socializing. She followed Diana's example and forced what she hoped was a pleasant smile and began to greet small groups of men and women.
"Miss Anne Drowton, you look lovely," one person said.
"What a beautiful gown, Miss Anne Drowton," another said.
"You have planned an excellent soiree," said still more.
