Page 41 of The Gentlewoman Companion

Her heart thumped. She found the ribbon that was pinned to the top of her stomacher and entwined her fingers through it. “Not related, no.”

“Well?” Miss Cron urged.

“I…took my maid and ran away from my family. Lady Halverton and I met quite by accident. When she heard my story, she took me in.”

“My!” Miss Trelawney narrowed her eyes at Louisa, bit her lips together, and turned away.

Louisa’s insides shriveled.

“I approve,” said Miss Cron, setting her jaw at Miss Trelawney’s profile. “Society must learn not to force decisions on their daughters. Sons, too, I imagine.” Miss Cron’s words did little to assuage Louisa’s disappointment.

“Lady Halverton is…unconventional,” Miss Trelawney said. “But everyone loves her. She is the epitome of fashion, an engaging hostess, and maintains relationships with all the most important people, despite never going to town.”

Miss Cron muttered, “And she is extremely rich.”

“The most important people?” Louisa asked.

“Yes! In London everyone is forever asking after her, even some whom she rarely meets, for she corresponds with them all.”

Louisa did spend a lot of time helping the countess reply to letters. She had penned even more correspondence than usual lately in preparation for spending the winter in London.

Miss Trelawney cocked an eyebrow. “I admit to being astonished that she facilitated your departure from your family.”

“Oh! They know I am here. As you said yourself, Lady Halverton is an exemplary woman, and my father agreed to her patronage.”

Miss Trelawney looked down her nose and sniffed. “I am sure he finds her benefaction most profitable. I am afraid I have lost track of the hour and must return home. Goodbye.” She turned her horse, leaving them behind.

Louisa’s hands felt heavy in her lap as she watched Miss Trelawney disappear around a bend.

Miss Cron put a gentle hand on Louisa’s arm. “Would you like to take the reins?”

“No. No, thank you.” Her fingers wove into the ribbons that looped her gown.

“I believe Mrs. Trelawney attends the literary breakfasts merely to learn what not to teach her daughter. They are not as open-minded as Lady Halverton. Most are not.”

This did not improve Louisa’s spirits. “I suppose I must resign myself to being a cautionary tale.”

Miss Cron smiled encouragingly. “Or become comfortable with it.”

Louisa sighed. If only matters were that simple.

The next evening, Louisa fumbled with her mother’s brooch.

“Give it here.” Nellie reached for the pin.

“I’ll do it.” Louisa found a place in the gold-embroidered band wrapping her waist where the pin slipped through. Swathed in cream silk embroidered with pastel flowers, she turned this way and that, listening to the swish of fabric. The ensemble was too fine, and the diamond brooch spoke of a wealth that Louisa’s family had not enjoyed for two generations. They were not poor, especially when compared to their neighbors, but the riches that surrounded her at Lundbrooke, that covered her body, were still foreign.

“I feel like a fraud,” Louisa said. “This robe is far too fine for a country dance.”

“That’s naught but quiddle. Let me tell you, I’ve made that excuse for myself too. Seven years back, your aunt’s maid up and ran off with the butcher—pardon, I didn’t mean…”

The reference sent Louisa’s heart quivering, but she waved off Nellie’s concern.

“I was pulled from the kitchen to replace her because the housekeeper had seen me dressing the younger girls’ hair. Without any idea of what I was doing, much like yourself a few months back, I entered the mistress’s room, a bluster of false confidence. Now look at me! I got you looking like a queen.”

Louisa smiled and clasped Nellie’s hand. “You are the best lady’s maid.”

“I am. And you will do my work justice by enjoying yourself tonight.”