The School for Heiresses by unknow

Author:unknow
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Eight

Lady Purnam’s assembly was a glittering display of wealth, and her poor niece, fresh from Devonshire, stood about all evening with her eyes as wide as moons. Apparently, the girl had never been to London or a high-society assembly.

One might think Grace hadn’t either, judging by the way Ava and Lady Purnam—the self-proclaimed matron of society—eyed her so critically in a small room off the foyer before allowing her to enter the ballroom. She was wearing the latest fashion from Paris—a green and white striped silk, embroidered with tiny rosebuds along the hem and sleeves that matched the embroidery on her shoes.

“It is a lovely gown,” Lady Purnam said, frowning, “but far too much jewelry. Rather reminds one of the crown jewels. Here,” she said, sticking out her hand. “The bracelet. And the earrings.”

“My jewelry?” Grace echoed in dismay.

“It’s really overdone,” Lady Purnam said, and it was clear she would brook no argument. Grace reluctantly removed the offending pieces and watched as Lady Purnam slipped the items into Grace’s reticule, then stood back and studied her again.

“Well?” asked Ava.

“Yes,” Lady Purnam said with a nod. “I think we’ve done it. Now dear,” she said sternly to Grace, “you must remember that young ladies should not mention their father is in trade unless—”

“Lady Purnam!” Ava cried.

“What?” Lady Purnam asked, wide-eyed. “She really shouldn’t.”

“Yes, madam, I am very much aware,” Grace said with a sigh as Ava ushered her out.

But she had nothing to fear with Sir William. He was, just as Ava said he would be, quite charming. Tall, with dark hair and brown eyes, and an easy smile, he wore his Knight of the Garter badge proudly on his chest. Moreover, he seemed to be taken with Grace. “Had I known such a flower existed among the reeds in London, I should have returned even sooner,” he said after Ava had encouraged the two of them to enjoy a glass of wine with each other.

“How poetic, sir,” Grace said, beaming.

They talked at length—Sir William had just returned from Paris and had thoroughly enjoyed his stay. He asked her about her family and she told him what she could without mentioning any sort of trade, and he politely did not inquire.

When supper was served, Ava managed to have Grace seated with Sir William so that they might continue their conversation. She found Sir William to be exceedingly agreeable and a perfect gentleman. She detected no artifice in him, and thought that of all the men she’d met in London thus far, for the first time, she had a glimmer of hope for something more. Sir William seemed to enjoy her company, too, and Grace was certain that with a proper bit of courting, she could come to esteem him greatly.

When Ava came to fetch her so that they might leave for the evening—“I cannot bear to be away from my son for very long, Sir William,” she said apologetically—he bowed gallantly over Ava’s hand.

“I would never stand in the say of a mother’s yearning,” he said, and let go Ava’s hand.

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