I was determined to thank Grandfather for his intervention in bringing my friend to London. I could only pray Edward would see the treasure right in front of him.
13:Kitty
When he shall die,
Take him and cut him out in little stars,
And he will make the face of heaven so fine
That all the world will be in love with night.
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE,ROMEO AND JULIET
Aunt Clarice refused to let Fredericka wear any of the gowns from the pathetic trunk she’d brought from home. Poor Freddy blushed and bit her lip as Aunt surveyed the meager offerings the day following my friend’s arrival.
“Dated. Too high-necked.” She sniffed and dismissed our maid Abigail, who’d held up each dress in turn. Seated near the fireplace, Aunt delivered her judgments with brisk finality. A white muslin evening gown was abandoned, regardless of the lace.
“My mother’s lace,” Fredericka protested.
“Good heavens,” Aunt muttered, brushing aside the gown. “It’s yellowed. No, that won’t do, and fixing just the trim won’t save it.”
Freddy’s eyes shone with unshed tears.
“Really, Aunt Clarice, she’s welcome to borrow my gowns until we visit the modiste, and I think Fredericka brought lovely dresses,” I interjected with a frown meant to quell Aunt’s frank speech.
“I should think not.” Aunt waved at the trunk. “We’ll purchase new ones. I’ve heard wonderful things about Madame Lanchester’s shop on Bond Street. We’ll leave right after breakfast, allowing plenty of time for social calls later in the afternoon.”
I could hardly argue with Aunt’s sudden burst of generosity, but Freddy squirmed in her chair.
“I haven’t the... I cannot afford to make purchases right now. I don’t need to attend every function. I’d be content to stay at the townhouse.”
“Nonsense,” Aunt declared. “What were your parents thinking, sending you off with such a meager wardrobe?”
“That’s enough, Aunt,” I cut in, noting how Freddy’s hands twisted in her lap. “You’ll wear us out with your plans before we’ve even begun.”
Ignoring my protest, Aunt swept from the room. “Come now, ladies! Do not dawdle. We’ve much to do!”
I waited beside Freddy until Aunt was out of hearing range.
“I’m truly sorry. Aunt Clarice means well,” I whispered.
Freddy stood, finally lifting her head. Her muted gray dress, with its high neckline and plain fichu, did nothing to flatter her complexion. Aunt had been right—such somber attire hardly suited her youth or lively spirit. At least she hadn’t succumbed to wearing a lace cap. Still, the sight of my dear friend, so subdued after Aunt’s sharp comments on her wardrobe, filled me with sadness.
She lingered at the door, her fingers brushing the edge of the frame, as if reluctant to leave the safety of my room.
“It’s just ... my father hasn’t any money, Kitty. Our situation is far worse than I initially let on.”
Her voice dropped, and I leaned closer, sensing the weight of her confession. “What do you mean?”
“We’ve lost nearly everything,” she admitted. “You know he invested heavily in the East India Company, but now the creditors are closing in.He had hoped the dividends would cover his debts, but it wasn’t enough. Father’s ships never did return.”
I frowned, the mention of the Company sparking a pang of unease. “But surely there’s still time to—”
“No,” she interrupted. “The estate was entailed, and furnishings sold to settle accounts. My father’s position as a baronet—what good is a title without means to sustain it?” Her voice caught, and she turned her face away briefly before continuing. “He’s taken a modest house in Bath in the hopes of finding work as a steward or agent for one of his wealthier acquaintances.”
I placed a hand on hers, my heart aching for her. “Fredericka, surely not. A gentleman cannot work.”
She smiled faintly, though her eyes remained clouded with worry. “I’ve tried to hide this news. Father wouldn’t want me to burden anyone, least of all you. But the truth is, Kitty...” Her voice lowered, trembling. “If things don’t improve, I may also have to seek a position myself—as a governess or companion. Why should I fear good, honest work?”
