The Hidden Thread by Liz Trenow

Author:Liz Trenow
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Published: 2017-03-15T16:00:00+00:00

13

No young lady should go to a ball without the protection of a married lady or an elderly gentleman.

—The Lady’s Book of Manners

My dearest father,

Today has been the happiest of my life so far in London, for I have made a friend. Her name is Charlotte, and she is a dressmaker—or more correctly I should call her a “costumière,” for that is what is says over the door to her shop. She has made all my gowns most beautifully, and today I collected the most delicious velvet cloak with a fur collar and muff to match. I shall be the warmest girl in town!

She is really the most admirable person, independent and unmarried as far as I can tell and conducting what seems to be a very successful business all on her own account. Today, when I went to collect the cloak, she invited me into her parlor for tea, and we had the most delightful conversation about art and fashion.

What I most admire is that she appears unconcerned regarding social status. Despite being in “trade,” as Aunt Sarah would say, Charlotte speaks to everyone: society folk and working folk, men and women, in the same straightforward way without being patronizing or obsequious. It is as if, in her mind, all classes and both sexes are perfectly equal. How wonderful it would be if we were all to be treated so.

Please do not mention this to Uncle or Aunt for I am sure they would not approve. But I am so delighted with my afternoon that I simply had to share it with someone.

Oh, and Aunt Sarah will doubtless write to you regarding an invitation I have received to a ball at the Inns of Court, by a young man called Charles Hinchliffe, a lawyer. She thinks he is the perfect match for me. He is interesting, but I feel little for him, so although she is very excited about this, please do not hold your breath for news of any developments in that quarter!

Give Jane a big hug for me, and tell her that I will write to her again very soon.

Your loving daughter,

Anna

“You look like the cat that drank the cream, Anna,” Lizzie remarked at supper, and Aunt Sarah added, “You certainly have a bloom to your cheek this evening, Niece. Have you received some good news from home, perhaps?”

Anna managed to deflect their questions without lying. “It is just that I am so delighted with my new cloak, dearest Aunt, and the muff that I cannot help smiling with the pleasure of it. Thank you so much for your great generosity.”

Her letter told only one part of the story, of course: her joy was twofold. She had genuinely enjoyed getting to know Charlotte better, and felt an increasing respect for her independent way of living, her confident manner and strength of character. She certainly would like to count her as a friend, although she had no idea whether the affection would be reciprocated.

But by far the larger

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