Page 18 of The Gentleman's Seduction
“Time for dinner, miss?” the lady’s maid asked.
“Yes.” She followed Mellie to her bedchamber and sat down to wait for the maid to display her options. There was the Devonshire brown evening gown, a cream gown with gold gauze overlay, and a capuchin dark-orange gown. Livvy and Mellie examined all the outfits.
“You’re in tonight for dinner, so perhaps the Devonshire brown? It’s a simple cut but a stunning color,” Mellie suggested.
“I think you’re right.” She turned her back, allowing Mellie to unfasten the gown for her, and Mellie offered her fresh stockings and dark-gold slippers.
“May I dispose of these?” The maid lifted the thrice-mended stockings.
“Yes, I have more than enough pairs now.” Martin had bought her a dozen pairs of stockings. It was far too much money to spend, but she had to admit she liked the idea of enjoying a little luxury.
She put on the stockings and tightened the ribbons, then put on her new petticoats, chemise, and stays before Mellie assisted her with the gown. The sleeves were long down to her wrists and puffed out at the shoulders like mutton legs, but she liked the flexibility of the brown satin gown. There was a reddish hue to it under a certain light that made the gown glow with color.
“Your hair?” Mellie finished putting up the back of her gown and led her to the vanity table. “I was thinking a chignon on the back and curls at the front and sides.”
“That sounds lovely.” Livvy missed having an accomplished hairdresser at her disposal. Their single maid had been adequate, but the styles she was most comfortable with were severely outdated. She’d also been forced to spend most of her time cleaning and couldn’t attend to Livvy or her mother as much as they might have wished.
Mellie selected a mother-of-pearl comb Martin had purchased this afternoon. The comb ran through her hair, and for a moment neither woman spoke.
“Have you worked for Mr. Banks for very long?” Livvy finally asked.
The maid stroked her hair again. “Two years. He’s a fair and kind master, if that’s what you’re asking. Never takes liberties, if you know what I mean.”
“I do.” Livvy cringed. She may be innocent, but she knew that female servants were often at the mercy of their masters.
“What… What were his other mistresses like?”
Mellie giggled. “I’m surprised you’re only asking now. I would’ve asked last night.” Her open honesty made Livvy smile.
“I was a bit overwhelmed last night. I still am, to be honest, but I’m starting to understand what it means to be here…like this.”
The maid set the brush aside and began binding back her hair to style it.
“Most of them were fancy birds, but none so sweet as you. He usually has opera singers or ballet dancers or courtesans. You’re the first real genteel lady to be here.”
That surprised her little. She had wondered if Martin had blackmailed other ladies before, but it didn’t sound like it.
“Has he ever had a woman come here for…” She couldn’t find a way to pleasantly say what she meant.
“For?” Mellie asked.
“Um… Well, I’m here because my father owes Mr. Banks money.”
Her maid gaped at her. “What?”
“Yes. I agreed to satisfy my father’s debt—ouch!” She winced when Mellie tugged part of her hair.
“I’m so sorry, miss. I was thinking of how I wanted to strangle him and pulled too hard.” Mellie’s face reddened with embarrassment.
“It’s all right,” Livvy assured her. “I wanted to strangle him too at first.”
“He’s never brought anyone else here for a reason like that. I thought he was a better man than that. Not that I ever said that to you, miss.”
“No, I understand your feelings,” Livvy muttered. “So, I am to be unique then. I cannot say whether that’s good or bad.”
“Perhaps good?” Mellie suggested. “He’s been different around you.”
“Different how?”
