Page 8 of The Butler and the Bluestocking
Bess’s gaze narrowed. “We accepted our cousin Rose’s invitation to live in her townhouse for the next few months while she is traveling in order to give Ivy, Iris, and Josefina the opportunity to have a Season.”
She did not have to say the chance to marry well. That was ever the purpose of women, especially during the Season, even in York.
“This will be our best opportunity to present Ivy, Iris, and Josefina. The other girls are either too young, or like myself, have decided to pursue other opportunities than marriage.”
That, Mal decided, was a distinct shame. Yes, the three being presented were probably diamonds of the first water. However, if each woman of the family was as handsome his Nefertiti, they would all have suitors. If Bess was any example, most likely they were all very intelligent. That the older daughters ‘pursued other opportunities’ suggested they were industrious and definitely not snobbish. Good, he had a low tolerance for snobs, having met entirely too many of that breed in his life.What sort of opportunity does my Nefertiti pursue? He cast another glance at Bess, observing once more the familiar stains where her sleeves ended and her cuffs should have been. Whatever occupied her time, it had something to do with pen and ink.
“So, I shall give you one more chance to change your mind.” his goddess’ voice called him from his thoughts.
“I could not possibly refuse, when you have been so kind to me and generously offer me your trust. I will do all I can to provide superior service and help you succeed.”
Indeed, I will. I’ll begin with a letter to James—I think he’s still in London—directing him to bring all of his marriageable friends—especially Sir Vernon Melbarrow and that Du Grace fellow—to York. My brother can use the races as an excuse. However, I’ll suggest he and his friends arrive early, or they might lose the opportunity to engage themselves to one of the three sisters being launched.Still there are at least six to choose from, certainly someone will eschew youth in favor of the senior sisters, like Bess. Without knowing precisely why, he frowned at that last thought. Certainly, his Nefertiti deserved a happy marriage as much as any of her sisters. He should be pleased he could provide a few eligible gentlemen for her to choose from.
Chapter Five
Several days gave Malample opportunity to observe just how industrious was this family of sisters, for they’d wasted no time establishing themselves in the community and were quite active socially. In addition, all of them sewed with creditable expertise, though Lady Susana was the clear expert with a needle. Lady Seahaven and Lady Dorothea spent hours in the kitchen preparing enough baked goods to feed an army. And there was always a fortifying stew on the kitchen hob. The family did not eat like kings, but they ate well, and no one in the household went hungry. The twins, Ladies Iris and Ivy—when not busy assisting with the sewing—painted delicate flowers on blank, un-fired, bisque forms. Lady Josefina busied herself with preparing unguents and tinctures when not otherwise occupied. Ladies Merrilyn, Emma and Jane kept Bess busy in the schoolroom. However, when her duties as governess were done for the day, she sequestered herself in the study. She remained there during meals and when the other women went shopping or were out making calls. She would prefer, she said, to forgo all events.
One afternoon, Bess was asked to accompany Lady Seahaven and the twins on calls. He’d been prepared to search out a shawl for his goddess as the day was cool, but as he moved past her, he thought he imagined panic in her lidded gaze.
“I know you would prefer not to go,” said Patience. “But several women of influence in York have remarked on your absence. Some even wonder if we’ve made you up out of whole cloth.”
Bess hid her terror well, but Mal was close enough to see the small tremors shaking her form.
He reversed direction. “I beg your pardon, Lady Seahaven, I have just recalled that Lady Susana requested I inform Lady Bess that she is needed for a fitting this afternoon.”
“Oh, dear. Is it your dress for the ball, Bess?”
Heavenly Bess swallowed visibly. “I believe so, Patience. Please give my regrets to the ladies you visit today. Let them know I look forward to meeting them at the ball, if not before.”
“Very well,” Lady Seahaven issued a small sigh then turned to the twins. “Come girls, we’ve a number of calls to make today and had best get to it.”
Bess moved toward the stairs as Mal saw Lady Seahaven and her charges out the door. When he returned, she still stood, shoulders now slumped, on the lowest stair.
“Does Susana truly need me for a fitting?”
Now it was his turn to swallow. He wished he could run a finger under the cravat that threatened to choke him. “Not that I know of, Lady Bess. Would you like me to check with her?”
