Evelyn Richardson by The Education of Lady Frances

Author:The Education of Lady Frances
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nineteen

Wellington performed his duties so well that if Lady Frances, mounting the steps of Mainwaring House that evening, did not outshine all the accredited beauties, she certainly presented a picture of grace and elegance. The delicate pink in her gown enhanced her fine coloring and the sparkle of her mother's diamonds at her throat and in her ears was reflected in her eyes and brought out the warmth of her skin while lending sophistication to the simple line of her dress. Not even the most prejudiced observer would have singled her out among London's beauties as a diamond, but her assured and graceful manner was a refreshing contrast to those tricked out to absurdity in the highest kick of fashion.

If anyone were the cynosure of all eyes that evening, it was Kitty, standing at the head of the stairs with her uncle and the Streathams. The exquisitely simple white muslin, relieved only by cherry ribbons at the sleeves and hem, gave her the ethereal look of a fairy princess just awakened. Her wide brown eyes took in the glittering scene with shy fascination. A delicate flush just rising in her cheeks matched the ribbons in her hair and dress. Her toilette was completed by her mother's pearls, and a delicate nosegay made her truly radiant with youth and anticipation, becomingly timid, but eager to please and be pleased.

“Oh, Frances,” she exclaimed breathlessly, “isn't it beautiful?” Her eyes clouded with sisterly sympathy. “Thank you ever so much for coming. I am so glad you were able to, and I do hope Freddie is doing better.”

Frances answered with an assurance she was far from feeling. “Yes, a few days of rest and he should be quite the thing.” She smiled fondly at her friend. “I am glad I came. You are looking fine as fivepence, Kitty. But I can see that I am not the only one to notice. I'd best let the rest of them meet you.” Lady Frances moved along to give room to a hatchet-faced dowager leading a blushing son who could only gaze admiringly as he stammered his greetings.

Lady Streatham kissed Frances on the cheek while her husband pressed her hand and smiled at her warmly. “My dear, not only do you look lovely, but you appear as though you had nothing on your mind more serious than dancing—not that that is not serious business at a ball. Thank you again for coming.”

Her husband added his reassurance. “You know Freddie should be sleeping now anyway, my dear. If you were at home, he'd only be begging you for stories instead of getting the rest he needs.”

Frances smiled gratefully at him and found herself looking up into Mainwaring's tanned face, where she could read a wealth of understanding and approval in his dark blue eyes. “Now that you and Grandmama are here, our ranks are complete and we can rush to Kitty's defense as she takes the ton by storm.” The sardonic tone was belied by the encouraging pressure of his fingers and the warmth of his lips as he bent over her hand.

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