Legacy of Darkness by Jane Godman

Author:Jane Godman [Godman, Jane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781460330692
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2014-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

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The arrangements for the ball were many and complex, but I could not help feeling that Demelza had manufactured a role for me where none actually existed. She, Mrs Lethbridge and Mrs Huddlestone already had the organisation of the event well in hand. The hall floor had been brushed and scrubbed until the flags shone. The woodwork was polished so ferociously that the scent of beeswax stung my eyes. Chandeliers gleamed like diamonds.

I had written over a hundred invitations, my copperplate script a lasting testimony to the tenacity of my governess. These were hand-delivered by the grooms, and Demelza was collating the replies. My only other job, in addition to flower arranging, was to organise the music. A quadrille band had been engaged, and Demelza asked me to ensure that there was a good balance of different dances. It was hardly a task to tax my ingenuity.

Details of the formal supper were planned with military precision. At midnight all of the guests would sit down to a ten-course meal. This was to consist of turtle soup, oysters, pigeon pie, roast turkey with stuffing, roast pork with buttered potatoes, two vegetable side dishes, veal with baked mushrooms, fresh baked rolls, homemade butter, sweet pickles, cake, preserved fruits and a cheese board. Crate upon crate of wine and champagne were carried up from the cellar by sweating footmen. In addition to this feast, light refreshments would be provided in the breakfast room, in case the guests should feel the need of sustenance throughout the evening. Tea and coffee, ices, jellies, biscuits, cold meats, salads and a profusion of finger sandwiches were agonised over with Mrs Huddlestone changing her mind several times a day. Two footmen would man a temporary cloakroom, which would be located in the library, and the morning room was a designated place for ladies to affect such repairs to their appearance as might prove necessary due to the exertions of the dance.

The pleasant task of selecting the right material for a new gown occupied a considerable portion of my time. Demelza, perhaps anticipating my objections to incurring her any additional expense, informed me sternly that, as a young lady of the house, it was my duty to be one of the best-dressed ladies present. With this stricture in mind, we ordered the carriage and indulged in a pleasant day’s shopping in Wadebridge.

“You are so fair and slender—really, I never understood the term sylphlike until I saw you, Lucy dearest—so that only white, or another very light colour, can really be considered suitable. What do you think of this pale blue muslin, with the white tulle overskirt? See how cleverly the embroidery shimmers in the light? And your hair is so beautiful that one or two white roses will be all the embellishment you need.” She nodded, pleased with these choices and, ticking items off on her fingers with brisk efficiency, made sure we also ordered gloves, satin slippers and a pretty painted fan.

“What is the difference between a ‘dance’ and a ‘ball’?” Tynan asked as he handed me down from the carriage on our return.

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