Page 87 of Lady Edith and the Registry Office
“I think it is a sound theory to share with Lord Harbury tomorrow evening.”
“And your friend Lord Wycliffe,” she added with a grin.
Louisa grimaced. “As long as Wycliffe shows you the respect you deserve, I will put up with him.”
“He’s not so bad.” She giggled. “You must admit he does have style.”
So she hadn’t slept much that night, alternately thinking about how they could board a prison hulk, how kind Lord Harbury always was to her, what she would wear to the supper, and alternately what she would tell the baron about her theory about recent events.
Edith had just fallen into a deep sleep when her maid entered the room the next morning. Mary apologized as she quickly backed out of the bedchamber and did not return with a breakfast tray until much later.
“Good morning, my lady!”
She rolled over and yawned. Groaning, she sat up so Mary could put the tray on her lap. “I need some tea.”
“There is also toast and sliced pears. All your favorites, my lady. Shall I air out your blush dress for the musicale? Lady Louisa’s maid told me you’re attending one this evening.”
“Mary, I’m finally ready to wear the newest gown I ordered.” She felt heat on her cheeks. The dress was daring, like nothing she’d ever worn. Of a minimalist design, when the current fashion was to add ruffles to evening dresses. “I will wear my mother’s diamonds. They will be the perfect addition to the elegant simplicity of the dress.”
The maid clapped her hands. “My lady! You will be the belle of the evening, the most beautiful woman at the musicale!”
Edith hoped someone would think so. She was surprised to discover she wanted to look nice for Lord Harbury; he liked her and respected her opinions. Might he also think she was pretty? Or even beautiful?
Her mind turned to the white lie she would tell her father. Louisa had already guaranteed the story would reach her father’s ears by servant grapevine before Edith confirmed it.
She told herself the falsehood was for the good of the missing men. She must think of the veterans so she wouldn’t lose her nerve.
“Thank you, Mary! I’m sure it will be a wonderful evening.”
* * * * *
Nathaniel was resplendentin full evening dress, and Alicia was excited to play hostess. It was a shame Charlotte and Ashford had left London, but he agreed that Charlotte should not be in Town at present.
He was eager to share his idea with Lady Edith that the tainted supper at Lady Sandhurst’s card party, amongst other events, was meant to be a distraction.
Several candelabras were lit in the larger of two drawing rooms. Alicia informed him that using so many wax candles at once was a vulgar display of wealth.
“The expense!” His sister shook her head. “Do you know how much candles cost?”
He shrugged. “I do not care. I like to see my guests, and I don’t like the dirty soot left behind when you burn tallow.”
Although his sister had winced at the money needed to run his household, Nathaniel’s solicitor did not advise him that he needed to economize.
Cecil arrived at the house first, alone. Nathaniel was quick to offer his friend a glass of port.
Lady Edith and Lady Louisa arrived soon after. Edith wore a pale green gown, simple in construction, cut lower at the bodice than he’d seen her wear before. He felt his pulse ratchet up a notch merely by looking at the lovely lady.
Her hair was dressed high, a light green ribbon woven through her shiny blonde locks. She wore a diamond necklace around her neck with diamond drops at her ears. Edith sparkled whichever way she turned, and he was dazzled.
“Steady on,” Cecil said in a low voice. “Your lady is looking her very best this evening.”
He didn’t reply to Cecil but stepped forward to greet their two new arrivals. “Lady Edith and Lady Louisa, welcome.”
“You have a beautiful home.” Edith raised a brow as she looked at Louisa. “Do you not agree?”
Louisa nodded. “It is beautifully decorated. Tasteful and not ostentatious.”
“High praise indeed!” He nodded to Louisa. “My sister tells me you have excellent taste, my lady.”
