Page 197 of Storm of Bells
Amy promptly obliged. I had to admit, hertenacity was admirable. It couldn’t be easy to subdue my stubborncurls and force them into a civilized shape. She worked amazinglyquickly and efficiently, and the ribbons she worked into my hairwere beautiful. Although…
‘White?’ Glancing at the ribbons, Amy raisedan eyebrow at me.
‘Ella picked them out.’ I patted her hand.‘Let her have her little delusions.’
‘Should I pick out somethin’ for ye, too?’Amy asked sweetly. What was this? Had she forgiven my earlierbetrayal already?
‘What kind of something?’ I enquired,slightly suspicious.
‘How about some nice undies for yer weddin’night?’ She batted her eyelashes at me, an evil twinkle in her eye.‘I can think of one or two nice pieces that would probably get aninterestin’ reaction from yer—’
‘No! No, thank you!’
So much for forgiveness.
‘Humph!’ Amy jabbed me in the ribs. ‘There’sno gratitude in this world.’
Without further ado, she continued herministrations. She was just twirling the last strands of hair intoan elegant updo when, from the door, a knock came.
Not two knocks.
Not three.
Just one. How economical.
‘Who’s that?’ Amy and the other girlsexchanged looks. ‘All da girls are ‘ere, ain’t dey? Are weexpectin’ anyone else?’
I raised my hand. ‘I have an idea who itmight be.’
Adaira’s head whipped towards the door. ‘Youdon’t mean…oh, no, no, no!’ Sprinting forward, she reached the doorjust as it began to swing open. ‘Oh no, you don’t!’
Throwing herself against the door, she justabout managed to squash it shut—but not quite.
‘What, pray,’ came a cool voice from theoutside, ‘are you doing?’
‘Isn’t it obvious? I’m keeping you out!’
‘I had noticed that much. The question is:why?’
‘God, don’t you know anything? It’s Lilly’swedding day! The groom can’t see the bride on her big day, beforethe wedding!’
The door started to shift inwards. ‘That,Adaira, is a nonsensical superstition.’
‘On the contrary.’ Wheezing, Adaira pushedharder against the door, somehow managing to keep it in place. Icouldn’t keep an eyebrow from rising, impressed. ‘It makes a greatdeal of sense! If she catches sight of your ugly mug she mightchange her mind before she reaches the altar, and I won’t get thesister I’ve always wanted!’
‘Your efforts are somewhat belated, sister.She has already seen me today.’
‘Probably just in the dark.’
‘Adaira! Open this door at once!’
‘You know, perhaps you should wear a veil forthe wedding, too. I could ask Ella to ask mother to bring youone.’
‘Ah, sibling love…’ Ella, who had apparentlyfinished with Cora, slung her arm around my shoulders and sighednostalgically. ‘Isn’t it wonderful?’
‘Indeed,’ I agreed, watching warmly as Adairaand Mr Ambrose played tug of war. Or perhaps tug of door? Hm. Thatsounded like an interesting game to play sometime, in particularwith a bedroom door. But not now. I had a suspicion that Mr Ambrosewas here for a very good reason.
I cleared my throat. ‘Adaira? Won’t you lethim in?’
