Page 24 of The Butler and the Bluestocking
Chapter Eleven
Entirely too soon,Bess was dressing for dinner with the Nedhelms.
“Bess, dearest, the earl’s coach will be here soon.” Patience spoke from the open doorway of the small chamber where Bess slept and stored her few clothing items. She didn’t require much, so having the smallest room made sense, especially when her sisters all shared rooms.
“I’m almost ready.” She took a last look in the mirror above her dressing table, nearly not recognizing the stranger reflected there.
The dress Patience had shown her just yesterday was a subdued shade of forest green that flattered her skin, gave her eyes a luminous glow, and showed her auburn locks to great advantage. “I don’t recognize myself. Wherever did Susana get this material?” The green satin had a small bit of the stiffness that characterized that fabric, but was delicate enough to show every line of her body as she moved.
Iris had insisted on arranging the auburn tressesa la grecqueand had woven a strand of cream-toned beads among the curls. Susana had hand embroidered the bodice and short sleeves with tiny cream-colored flowers. Josefina had loaned a pair of pale slippers that were only a teensy bit snug. Bess had Ivy’s kerchief in the cream and green paisley reticule borrowed from Barbara. Doro had contributed a pair of exquisite long silk gloves.
Patience smiled as she came forward a small wooden chest held before her. “Your ensemble is lovely but not quite complete. You need these.”
Bess recognized the container. “Oh no, Patience. I cannot borrow your mother’s things. Those are the only reminders you have of her life and family before her marriage.”
“A family which dis-owned her for that marriage. Mother took these with her when she left to marry my father. Many were used to help them begin their lives together, but a few remain.” The younger woman lifted her chin. “They are my things now, and I wish you to wear them, please.”
“I’m sorry, Patience. I meant on offense.”
“None taken, my good friend and daughter of my heart.” She set the chest on the dressing table then opened the box.
“You’ve given so much to each of us. How could I possibly refuse?”
“Good, because I want you to wear these tonight, and at the ball. They are Jane’s inheritance, but you will return them. In years to come, she will be pleased to know that she had a small part in your success. Put out your hands”
Bess formed a shallow bowl with her hands.
Patience lifted a small pouch, opened it and poured out a stream of lustrous, creamy pearls.
Bess placed the jewels on a cleared portion of her dressing table. As she began to unwind the rope of pearls something green sparkled from within. “Is that? Patience this string has an emerald and diamond clasp. And . . . and earrings that match. This would see our family fed for a full year.” She looked up at the woman she respected most in the world. “Why? Why have you not—?”
“We have managed very well with everyone’s contributions to the family. There was no need to barter away what little inheritance I could give my daughter.”
“But—”
“No.” Patience picked up the rope of pearls. “Put those earrings on while I arrange this necklace.”
Speechless for once in her life, Bess obeyed.
“I know the late earl, your father, burned through every penny and gem your mother brought to her marriage. Since you have nothing by which to remember her, for tonight, I want you to think of these as hers.”
Bess hugged Patience and blinked back unaccustomed tears. “They come from my mother, so of course. I will think of you both when I wear them.”
The dowager countess stepped back and blotted her eyes with a kerchief. “I am so very proud of you Bess.”
A knock sounded at the door.
“The carriage is here, Lady Bess.” Crewe’s voice came from the corridor.
“Coming.” At the door Bess looked over her shoulder at Patience. “Thank you.”
Patience smiled and waved Bess on her way.
