Chapter Eight
Verina allowed Sarie to dress her, excited about tonight’s assembly in Merrivale, the local village.
She felt that she and Justina were settling into life at Merrifield.
Hugo and Tia had held a dinner party in their honor that week, inviting a dozen guests for them to meet.
Four had been couples, while two had been eligible bachelors from the neighborhood, and the other two single ladies.
While Miss Chambers was nearing thirty and firmly settled on the shelf, she had been a delight to be around.
The other, Miss Kannady, had made her come-out last Season, and Verina could not wait to spend more time with her, asking about various aspects of the social whirl.
It was one thing for Mama to tell her about the Season and quite another for someone close to her age to describe all the events and people.
“You look lovely, my lady,” Sarie said, having guided Verina to the dressing table so she might style her hair.
While she had no ballgowns yet, Verina had brought a few nicer gowns to wear for events such as the recent dinner party and tonight’s assembly. Sarie had dressed her in a midnight blue gown, which was a perfect contrast to her blond locks.
The maid finished dressing Verina’s hair. “I’m off to ready Lady Justina,” the maid said cheerfully, leaving the bedchamber.
That gave Verina some time alone to think.
Naturally, her thoughts strayed to the Duke of Reddington.
He had been present all three days new roofs had been placed on various cottages or old ones mended to withstand another year.
The duke was an extremely hard worker, and even Hugo had mentioned how having his friend helping had made everything run more smoothly.
Hugo had also complimented Verina for helping set up the mid-day meal for the three days.
That third day, the workers were able to linger over the feast since their work had been completed.
She had been encouraged to join the others as they ate.
The entire time, she sensed the duke’s eyes on her.
They had not spoken since that first day, but she was more aware of him than ever.
Thankfully, Tia had not invited him to the dinner party since he did not live in this neighborhood, nor would he be attendance at tonight’s local assembly.
She would have the freedom to dance with whoever asked and merely enjoy herself without worrying if Reddington would ask her to dance or what they would talk about.
She thought to change into a satin pair of slippers which she had brought for a special occasion, and then she went across the hall to watch as Justina was readied for the assembly. Her sister might not like the idea of marriage, but she—like Verina—absolutely loved to dance.
“I like what Sarie has done with your hair, Verina,” her sister said.
She patted her hair. “I do, too. I think Sarie is going to make for a wonderful lady’s maid when the right opportunity arises.”
“Thank you kindly, my lady,” the servant said.
Verina had already decided she would speak with Tia about hiring away Sarie. Now might be a good time to do so.
“I am off to see what Tia is wearing,” she said brightly. “I will see you downstairs.”
She went to the rooms which she had learned her cousin only used for bathing and dressing.
Tia actually stayed the night with her husband, sleeping in his bed.
Verina knew that was out of the ordinary.
Even her parents, who had loved one another deeply, slept in separate bedchambers.
When she had asked Tia about it, her cousin had blushed prettily and said she and Hugo needed to be together.
Tia had told her husband of the coming babe.
Justina, too, had been invited to share in the good news.
While nothing had been said to anyone else, including servants, Verina knew most of the household was aware that their mistress was increasing, simply because they were having to clean out chamber pots which Tia regularly spewed into.
She knocked and then entered Tia’s bedchamber, seeing that her maid was almost finished dressing her mistress’ hair.
Other than the fact that her cousin appeared a little tired, no one could tell by looking at her that she was with child.
It made Verina wonder if Lia had already had her babe.
Or babes. It would be exciting if Lia did give birth to twins.
Every day when the post came, Tia eagerly went through it, disappointed when no letter from her own twin had arrived.
Verina had reminded Tia that Lia was not due for another ten days, but she, too, was ready to hear news from Crestwood.
Perhaps if she did not find a husband this first Season, she could go and spend next autumn with Lia, Rupert, and their little one.
Verina watched as Tia’s maid put the final touches on her hair. “There you go, my lady. You look wonderful. I hope you enjoy the assembly this evening.”
“Thank you,” her cousin said, dismissing the maid. She then turned her attention to Verina. “I see you are wearing blue again this evening. You seem to favor the color.”
“I have always been fond of shades of blue.” She smoothed the skirt of her gown. “Justina always tells me no matter which hue of blue I wear, it makes my eyes stand out.”
“She is right. It is good you have learned what color flatters you, Verina. You will have to let your modiste know when you go to town. Do you know which one Aunt Agnes will be using for your wardrobe?”
“Mama said that Ariadne insists that I use Madame Laurent.”
Tia nodded. “Yes, several of us in the family go to Madame. I think you will enjoy working with her. Her designs are original, and Madame listens more to her clients than most modistes do.” Tia smiled.
“If there is a disagreement between you and Aunt Agnes, Madame Laurent will always come down on your side.”
“I look forward to meeting her and attending the Season.” She paused. “That is something I wish to discuss with you, Tia.”
“I know we have not talked much about the Season yet, and I am certain you have many questions about it. You must be curious. Because I have done my own come-out, we should talk at length about yours. If you think it might bore Justina, we can find time for just the two of us to do so.”
“I have something to ask, and I hope it does not anger you. I have enjoyed having Sarie attend to me during my stay at Merrifield. Mama has told me that once I go to town, I may have my own lady’s maid.”
Tia nodded in understanding. “And you believe you would like to steal Sarie from me.”
“Oh, I had no intentions of doing so—and I have yet to say anything to Sarie—but she is so genial and has done such a nice job taking care of Justina and me. She is a wonder with hair. Sarie has shared her ambitions of becoming a lady’s maid.
Since you seem happy with her sister as your lady’s maid, might you consider Mama hiring Sarie? ”
“I know Sarie has been very happy working with the two you. She has told me so,” Tia shared. “I can easily find another parlor maid and replace her. Yes, Cousin, Sarie can be yours if she chooses to leave Merrifield.”
“Oh, thank you, Tia!” she cried, embracing her cousin. “I do not truly need her until I go to town, though. You would be able to keep her until spring.”
Tia laughed. “Thank you for your generosity,” she teased.
“Let me be the one to approach Sarie and discuss the matter with her. If you speak to her first, she may feel an obligation to me. I want her to know I am perfectly comfortable with this decision. Of course, if you do take her on as your lady’s maid, not only would she attend to you in town, she would also go with you to your new household when you wed.
That would be two different moves for her. The choice should be up to Sarie.”
“I agree, Tia. I am thankful that you will allow Sarie to consider it.”
“Shall we go downstairs? Hugo is certain to be waiting for us by now.”
Hugo and Justina were both in the foyer, and the four of them went out to his carriage. It was but a short ride into Merrivale. They had yet to go into the village, other than attending Sunday services at the local church, where they had heard Hugo’s cousin deliver the sermon.
“You might wish to come into Merrivale this coming week,” Hugo said.
“Yes, I need a new pair of gloves,” Tia said. “I could take my cousins to the milliner’s. We could also visit a few of the other shops and even have tea while we are in the village.”
Hugo took his wife’s hand and tenderly kissed her fingers. “Let me know if you need my escort, love. And by no means are the three of you to walk all that way,” he declared. “You will be driven in the carriage.”
“You have become so protective of me, Hugo.”
He placed a hand on her belly. “Not just of you, love, but of our son or daughter.”
Verina saw the tenderness in Hugo’s eyes.
For a moment, she thought she was wrong.
That she should consider a love match. But she was not her cousins.
Her practical nature knew the likelihood of another love match within their family was against the odds.
Besides, it was perfectly possible to have a successful marriage without love, and that would suit her.
She would look for a gentleman who brought out the best in her, and she hoped that she would do the same for him.
They entered the assembly room and were greeted by many as they made their way about the room.
She had learned local assemblies were quite informal and that no dance programme would be issued.
If a gentleman wanted to dance with her, he would simply ask before a number was played.
And if they ran short of gentlemen, Tia had told them ladies would even dance with one another.
She spied Miss Kannady, and she and Justina and went over to visit a few minutes with their new friend.