Page 22
Instead, he lied. “It’s just… it’s been a while.” Well, not exactly a lie. It had been a while.
“The man has been hidden away in the country too long,” Tyrone said with a low whistle.
“We must rescue him at once,” St. Clare agreed.
“That settles it,” Drake said firmly. “You’re coming with us. And if you don’t know how to entertain the harlots, let me assure you, they will know how to entertain you.”
Chapter 8
“Entertaining the master of the house is not part of my duties,” Honoria said as they entered the modiste shop. “Not at home, and certainly not during outings.”
“I never said it was,” Lady Somerville intoned dismissively. “I merely suggested my nephew would feel more at ease around someone he knows and trusts. The theater runs for hours. I’ll be exchanging gossip with my old friends, and Caldwell would be bored out of his mind without someone to talk to. You know how awkward he is around people he doesn’t know, and that will be the majority of people in the theater. Yet another reason why you, my dear Miss Hart, make a far better companion for the theater outing than the governess—who, while admirable, as far as I know communicates with the earl through you. Which means he won’t be as comfortable with her. You know him, dear. And that means you will be better company. Besides,” she added with a little shrug, “the children seem to adore you as well.”
“My lady, what an unexpected honor.” Madame Deville, a tall, graceful woman with an elaborate chignon—her gray hairs elegantly threaded among darker locks—greeted them with a deep curtsey and a faint French accent. She looked upon Lady Somerville with such awe that one might think royalty had graced her shop.
“Right, yes.” Lady Somerville gave a distracted wiggle of her fingers before pushing past the madam toward a rack of fabrics. “In any case, it is not up for discussion. Now, let’s see what we can find for our darling Elise. Look at you.” She tipped Elise’s chin up with her fingers, beaming. “Such a beautiful face. We must have bright colors to make you shine.”
Honoria still reeled from the notion that she was expected to be seen in society! Preposterous. Surely Lord Caldwell would intervene and arrange for a more appropriate chaperone for Elise.
Yes, he struggled around unfamiliar people and trusted her, but… she was a housekeeper. A housekeeper!
She was not meant to be parading about at the theater with her employer, dressed in silks and—
She paused, her hand brushing the lush fabrics displayed around the shop. Her fingers lingered, savoring the softness against her skin, so different from the coarse serge of her daily garb.
“We’re here to outfit Miss Elise Stephenson with a proper wardrobe,” Lady Somerville said quickly. “She’ll need day dresses, evening gowns, walking dresses, and perhaps something suitable for the theater. She is not out in society yet, so no ball gowns, and make the cuts appropriately modest. I would like bright pastel colors, like the sun and the orchids. Oh, it will be just wonderful on you, don’t you think?”
Elise’s fingers twisted nervously at her midsection. “I don’t know, I have never worn such colors,” she said cautiously.
Lady Somerville waved a dismissive hand. “That is exactly the point! You’ll be wearing the most exquisite things!”
Honoria noticed Elise’s discomfort and stepped forward slightly. “Perhaps Elise would like to see some examples first?” she offered cautiously, then turned to Madame Deville. “Do you have the latest fashion plates?”
The modiste raised her brow, clearly assessing Honoria’s position in this party. Rightfully coming to a conclusion that Honoria was of no importance, Madame Deville turned back to Lady Somerville, waiting for her instructions.
“Well,” Lady Somerville said with a sharp tone. “Didn’t you hear the question?”
“Absolutely, absolutely,” Madame Deville replied hastily. “Here, please, take a seat. My seamstress will bring you some tea, and you can leaf through the newest catalogue.”
As they sat down, Elise eagerly looked through the fashion plates.
Lady Somerville took a sip of tea. “See? You are the best company for Elise. No wonder Caldwell insisted on you joining us today. You know their minds best. And there should be no wonder I am selecting you to join us at the theater.”
“My lady—”
“End. Of. Discussion.” Lady Somerville pointedly turned away. “Madame Deville, we also need a couple of gowns for Miss Hart here.”
“Please, I could never accept—”
“You are not going to embarrass Elise by accompanying her in your housekeeper attire, are you?” Lady Somerville made a face.
Honoria swallowed, her throat suddenly dry. “Something modest, please. And… in darker shades.”
Elise looked from Honoria to Lady Somerville, sensing a tension between them.
“Did you select anything?” Honoria asked with a strained smile.
“Yes.” Suddenly timid, Elise pointed out a beautiful gown with a delicate gauze overskirt with little bows at the bottom. “I think I like this style. And calm, gentle colors such as these.” She shuffled the fashion plates, setting aside the ones she liked.
