Page 10 of The Earl's Demure Spinster
CHAPTER 5
Sylvia stood in her bedchamber, a room that now felt both familiar and strange. It was finally time for Aunt Grace’s ball, and she had been given the rare opportunity to transform from the vicar’s daughter and lady’s companion into a vision of elegance. The gown she had tried on the other day, clung to her form in a way that felt both foreign and enchanting against her skin. She had never worn anything so fine to an actual event, and she could not wrap her head around how new she looked. Especially as now it was not just the dress that had changed. It was all of her.
As she gazed into the mirror, Sylvia barely recognized the young woman staring back at her. Her hair, usually pulled back in a practical braid, had been styled into soft, cascading curls that framed her face perfectly. A few delicate flowers were woven into the strands, adding a touch of whimsy and grace that brought a smile to her lips. That all made the dress that much more beautiful. She could only begin to imagine what her father might say to her if he could see her now… if he would even recognize her.
What would he say of the simple vicar’s daughter now? Would he be proud, or confused by who she had become?
The last thing that Sylvia wanted to do was let his memory down, but she had to live this life now. She had to at least give it a try. It was what her aunt wanted for her.
“Lady Sylvia, you look positively radiant,” said Lily, one of Lady Grace’s maids, who had been assisting her, bringing her right back into the present moment with a thump. “I daresay you shall be the belle of the ball.”
Sylvia smiled, though her heart fluttered nervously. “Thank you, Lily. I am not sure about being the belle, but I do hope to make a good impression.”
She still just wanted to survive it, that was her main goal, but a part of her was a little thrilled about the fun that might come. She could not stop her imagination from running away with her, and making plans of things that might never happen.
Lily chuckled softly. “You will do just fine, Miss. Just remember to smile and enjoy yourself. It is not every day you get to attend such a grand event.”
Now that was true, but if her aunt really was going to sponsor her for the whole Season, then she was going to have to get used to this feeling. These dresses, and this fanciness. It would take her a while, but she was going to do her very best.
Taking a deep breath, Sylvia gave herself one last look in the mirror. The transformation was remarkable. The gown, the hair, the subtle hint of colour on her cheeks — all of it came together to create an image that was both enchanting and slightly intimidating. She was going to give it her best shot, and hope that she was not ridiculed by the ton. Maybe everything that she had heard about them being unforgiving and unpleasant was all just rumor. Nothing to worry about…
A gentle knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. “Sylvia, are you ready?” came Aunt Grace’s voice.
“Yes, I am,” Sylvia replied, turning towards the door, all while trying to calm down her pounding pulse.
Aunt Grace entered, her own gown a masterpiece of pale blue silk that set off her auburn hair and fair complexion. She looked Sylvia up and down, a warm smile spreading across her face. “You look exquisite, my dear. Truly, you do. I am certain you will captivate everyone tonight.”
“Thank you, Aunt Grace,” Sylvia said, her voice tinged with both gratitude and nervousness. “I only hope I can manage to hold a proper conversation and remember all the etiquette.”
Aunt Grace stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on Sylvia’s arm. “You will do wonderfully, and here is something I think you will like. Something to assist you tonight, to hopefully give you some confidence.”
She handed Sylvia a small velvet box. “What is this?”
“This is for you, Sylvia,” she said, handing her the box. “It is a family heirloom, and I think it is time it passed on to you.”
Sylvia opened the box to reveal a delicate necklace, a single emerald pendant surrounded by diamonds. It matched her dress perfectly. Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at her aunt. “Aunt Grace, it is beautiful. Too beautiful for me…”
“Absolutely not. You are to wear it tonight. This will be one of your most important nights and you should look your best.”
Sylvia swallowed hard, trying not to let the emotion get too much of her. She had simply never had anything so fine before, and she could not help being a little overwhelmed by it all. Still, she smiled. “Thank you so much.”
Aunt Grace helped her fasten the necklace around her neck. “You are more than welcome, my dear. You deserve to feel as special as you are.”
With a final, steadying breath, Sylvia followed Aunt Grace out of the room and down the grand staircase. Her heart pounded in her chest, the excitement and anxiety blending into a thrilling sensation that made her feel alive. This was a world she had always dreamed of, but never believed she could be a part of. This was a world that she only ever thought that she would be able to read about. And her novels made it seem so fascinating and so much fun. She could not wait to be a part of it.
As long as it accepted her.
“Now, I am hoping that you will help me, this evening, as I greet all of the guests as they enter the ballroom,” Aunt Grace declared. “That will be the perfect way for them to get to see you and to know that you are here, making your entrance into London society.”
Sylvia stood straighter, feeling the weight of the necklace around her neck, both a comfort and a responsibility. “Of course, Aunt Grace. I will do my best.”
As they entered the ballroom, Sylvia marveled at the transformation of her aunt’s home. The chandeliers glistened with a thousand candles, and the floral arrangements filled the air with a sweet, heady scent which would soon combine with the electricity of guests and chatter surrounding them.
It all looked as different as she felt, and she desperately hoped that everything was going to be alright from here on out. That they would both survive this just fine…
***
“Lord Edward,” Aunt Grace declared as she greeted yet another gentleman with the same smile she had given everyone else. “How lovely to see you. May I present my niece, Lady Sylvia Sheffield?”
