Page 55 of A Lady’s Fairytale Come True
Olivia felt entirely divided within herself. There was a part of her that felt proud that her sisters could see all of these things and marvel at all that the earl had. But there was another sense in which she disliked it all. After all, she wanted them to know more about him than simply his wealth. She wished that they could see him for who he truly was.
But they would that evening. As they indulged in a life of class and status, they would have the opportunity to meet the earl and see the sort of man he was. Olivia could not wait for that moment.
Her eyes scanned the assortment of people. They had arrived early enough that there were only perhaps fifty or so others in the hall and the musicians were playing tunes for music rather than dancing. But they luxuriated by the table, indulging in sweet treats.
Gemma seemed particularly interested in every pastry that seemed to hold a sweet sauce and Olivia had to try and limit her.
“But I never get to eat such things,” Gemma pouted.
“All right, you may have one more,” she allowed, unable to resist her younger sister.
Gemma babbled on about the beauty of the home and Olivia and Louise simply agreed with her. There was not much to say as they were all so overwhelmed by it that it was hard to address each and every thing that was before them.
Within a short time, a great flood of guests arrived, and the musicians prepared for the full evening of dances and excitement.
Soon after that, the governess came for Gemma. “Pardon me, Miss Digby?” she asked.
“Yes, and I did not get your name,” she replied.
“I am Miss Collins. I shall be looking after Miss Gemma this evening. The earl has prepared a program for her and if you should need anything at all, we are going to be on the first floor, down the right-hand corridor. You may send any of the maids to fetch us if you like,” she informed her.
“All right,” Olivia agreed, nervously. It was strange handing Gemma over to a stranger, but she trusted the earl and knew she could go at any time and check on her sister.
Gemma, on the other hand, looked thrilled to know that she was receiving such special treatment. “What sort of things will we do?” she asked Miss Collins, who smiled back at her.
“The Earl of Glauston has arranged a puppet show for you. There are also an assortment of games and even a dancing lesson that is entirely for you,” she replied.
Olivia’s concerns eased. Each of these sounded like a dream for a child like Gemma, who had never been able to experience anything of the sort.
The two left the hall as the music struck for the second dance of the evening.
“Where is your earl?” Louise asked.
“I’ve not seen him yet,” Olivia replied, perplexed and a little distraught.
“Oh, well do not be too concerned. I am sure he shall appear in no time at all. And even if it does take him some time, there is plenty for us to do. Now, tell me, do I look all right?” she asked.
“You look more beautiful than I have ever seen you,” Olivia replied.
“You think so?”
“Louise, have you not noticed the eyes of a number of men passing you by? They are all upon you.”
“I might have said the same for you. I have seen you stared at a great deal. Is this what it means to be seen in society for the first time? Do people look upon us as if we are new and exciting rather than knowing that we are simply paupers?” Louise laughed.
“I suppose so. It is amazing the mystery that a beautiful dress can add to a woman’s appearance,” Olivia giggled.
“Then I think I must own a beautiful dress always,” Louise decided.
“If you should manage to woo any of the gentlemen here then there is little doubt that you will be wearing a new gown every day of your life until your mansion cannot contain them any longer,” Olivia teased.
“I do think I could accept such a life,” Louise nodded.
“Well then, do not waste your evening standing by my side. Go, mingle, get to know someone,” Olivia urged.
“How am I to speak with the other young ladies?” Louise asked, nervously.
“If I knew the answer to that, I would not be standing with you,” she teased in reply.
