Page 47 of The Duke and the Enigmatic Governess
“Now, Miss Elspeth, you need your dress to be demure as you are coming out into society, and that’s what will be expected.However, because your ball has a theme, I think we can add some shimmery gossamer, and maybe even embroidered stars on the skirt,” Audrey said, and then beckoned to the seamstress. “Mrs. Caruthers, can Elspeth have stars on the skirt in a silvery thread.”
“Of course,” responded Mrs. Caruthers. “In fact this cloth would be perfect for that,” she continued, beckoning for her assistant to take a white silk material and hold it up against Elspeth’s face. “We can add a shimmery overskirt with the stars, and it will be quite lovely, and very suitable for the young lady’s first season.”
“What gowns did Alice and Mary have for their balls Mama?” asked Grace and Jane
“Ah, Alice chose ivory silk and Mary a light lemon muslin. I think their dresses are still here, if you ask Rosie, she will find them for you,” said their mother, her face filled with pleasure at the memory of her older daughter’s ball gowns.
“And what did you wear, Your Grace?” asked Audrey, noticing from her smile that she was happy to be asked the question.
“My dears, you take me back too many years. It was a special evening though, that first ball, as it was the first time I set eyes on Charles, your dear Papa.” She sighed, “He looked so handsome.”
‘Your dress, Mama?” chimed the twins.
“I broke with tradition girls. My mother was most anxious, but I knew the color was right for my chestnut hair. I chose the green of the forest and wore emerald ribbons in my hair. We may even have my dress somewhere in the attic.”
“Now Mrs. Caruthers, what do you suggest for two young ladies of fifteen years, not yet out, but who want to be dressed for the occasion? Have you anything in sky blue with a train the gold of the sun on a summer’s day?” asked Audrey, moving over to pick up the bolts of cloth. Mrs. Caruthers suggested an azure hazy blue and Jane and Grace looked as though they were floating on a cloud.
Audrey looked at little Sasha, watching closely, entranced by the cloth and colors. “And you,ma petite, what shall you wear?”
Sasha, unusually quiet and serious, walked to the table, looking at the colors. After a few moments she chose the brightest sunshine colored muslin, smiled at the dowager duchess and Audrey, announcing she would be as bright as the sun. Once chosen she dashed to the window to join Grace and Jane, jumping up excitedly to look at the ribbons they were choosing to dress their hair.
The dowager duchess looked around the room, and then gave a smile of appreciation for Audrey’s support. “Thank you my dear. You arrived at just the right time.”
Audrey nodded. “They will all look beautiful at the ball,” she murmured.
“We are missing one dress, Mrs. Caruthers. What do you suggest for this lady?” the dowager duchess said, gesturing to Audrey.”
Audrey gasped. “But?”
“No buts my dear. I insist you attend the ball as our guest. I meant to tell you that I’ve invited Mrs. Weston to stay and join us for the ball.”
Audrey was almost speechless, overwhelmed by this kindness. “That’s wonderful!” she whispered.
“You need to begin to go out and about again in society. You’re safe now from your brother and his schemes. Mrs. Weston and I shall support you in your return to society and of course, finding a husband,” she continued.
‘Why thank you Your Grace,” were all the words Audrey could find. A husband? Returning to society? This was all happening too quickly.
“Now Mrs. Caruthers, what do you suggest?”
Mrs. Caruthers scrutinized Audrey’s light blonde hair and moved around several bolts of cloth. “In view of the theme of the ball I think this will suit the young lady. It isn’t a usual choice, but I think it will complement the color of her hair.” Audrey couldn’t see the bolt of cloth from where she was standing and watched as the dowager duchess reached out to touch the fabric and nod at the seamstress. “It’s perfect for her.” She gestured to Audrey to come and look.
Audrey thought she had moved away from any interest in fine clothes and fripperies, but the gauzy, gossamer material with a silvery weave took her breath away. ‘It’s quite beautiful. I love it,” she said simply.
“We’re all going to have a wonderful time at Elspeth’s Celestial Ball,” said the dowager duchess. “Now it’s time for Sasha to go and find Nurse, for tea in the Nursery, and I’ll leave you here to choose ribbons and baubles for your hair. I need to check on the decorations in the ball room.” She left with a swish of her skirts.
***
Later, in the Housekeeper’s parlor, Audrey took a cup of hot tea into her hands. The warmth of the porcelain refreshing her spirits.
“We’re at sixes and sevens with the preparation for this ball,” said Mrs. Driscoll. “I’m glad my staff are organized. Her ladyshiphas a new idea most days. I don’t mind telling you Lettie, in confidence, that I’ll be glad when this ball is over.”
Careful what she said, Audrey smiled. “It’s certainly going to be an event that people remember. Did you know, Diana, that I’m invited to the ball. I just found out. Her ladyship is inviting my friend, Mrs. Weston, to stay and we shall attend the ball. I wish you could be there.”
“Now, Lettie, and I shall call you that until you tell me to change to Lady Audrey, I had my taste of balls and a season in London, courtesy of the duke and his mother. You know I’m a very distant cousin and spent holidays here on the estate as a child. Indeed, I remember you visiting with your brother, though you will be too young to remember. I quickly realized I had no wish to marry, and my fortune was miniscule, so it was unlikely anyone would have offered for me. I had an honest conversation with the dowager duchess, and they found me a position as companion for Alice and Mary, and in due course this role of housekeeper. I have my own place, my independence and I’m happy.”
Audrey listened intently, knowing every word was true. Diana Driscoll had a happy life she had forged for herself. “I had no idea we’d met before,” she said.
“As I say Miss, you were only a tiny moppet, barely speaking, and following everyone else around, carrying your rag doll.” She stopped, hesitating how to continue, “I didn’t like your brother then, and I’m not surprised how he has turned out. He wasunkind to you and that hasn’t changed. You must always be wary of him. He will use you to his advantage if he can find a way.”
