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Rose nodded. Lily bathed quickly, and then used double the amount of tooth powder and scrubbed her teeth thoroughly, trying desperately to remove the coating of invisible film that seemed to cover them. She brushed her hair briskly, noting that Rose was lying still on her bed. Lily responded to a knock on the door. Two maids stood in the hallway, one holding the concoction for Rose, the other her ball gown.
“Madame apologizes that the gown wasn’t here earlier, milady.”
“That’s all right, no harm done.” Lily took the gown and laid it carefully on her bed. “I’ll need you to return in half an hour and see to my hair, and my sister’s.”
“Yes, my lady.”
Lily carried the glass of liquid to Rose. “Drink up, dear.”
Rose looked at the glass. “You can’t be serious”
Lily nodded. “Every drop, or I shall have to use force. I won’t lie to you. It’s dreadful. But you’ll feel much better in a half hour or so. Come on.”
Rose held her nose and drank.
“You may feel a little bit sick, so I’ll get a basin, but you probably won’t need it. I want you to lie down and close your eyes, and I’ll wake you in half an hour.”
Rose nodded. Lily fetched a basin for her sister, wished for some cucumbers but knew there wasn’t time, so she wet a cloth in cold water and placed it over Rose’s forehead and eyes. She continued to brush her hair until it shone and rang for a maid to help her into her gown.
The gown was revealing, as she had planned, but it was also lovely and flattering. The color highlighted her rosy skin tone and her dark hair, and despite the fact that the low curved V neckline made her breasts look as though they were likely to tumble out, the bodice of the gown was remarkably secure. The ruffling about the bustle made Lily’s narrow hips appear more luscious and curvy than they actually were, and the sleeves, which were off shoulder, draped seductively from the pearl studded clips, showing Lily’s well-shaped shoulders and arms.
“My lady, you are a vision,” the maid said.
“Fetch my pearls from the dresser,” Lily said.
Unfortunately, the rubies would clash with the vivid crimson of the gown, but the pearls would be exquisite. The maid returned and helped Lily clasp the choker and earrings.
“Now, what to do with my hair? I want something…shocking.”
“Leave that to me,” the maid said. “Come and sit.”
“I need to wake my sister first.” Lily hurried over to Rose’s bed and gently nudged her. “Come on, Rose, it’s time to wake up.”
Rose yawned and opened her eyes. “Is it time for the ball?”
“Nearly, dear. Sit up now. How do you feel?”
“Much better, actually. How in the world?”
“Mr. Putney’s secret.” Lily rang for another maid to tend to Rose and then seated herself at a dressing table to have her hair done before Rose had a chance to scrutinize her gown.
By the time Lily’s hair had been swept on top of her head, Rose was seated next to her, dressed.
“My, Lily, that gown…”
“Lovely, isn’t it?”
“Well, yes, of course, you’re lovely in anything, but what will Papa say?”
“I don’t give two figs what Papa says. He’s marrying me off. I’m no longer his concern.”
“Lily…”
“Everything will be fine, Rose. You look incredible, by the way.”
“Thank you, but I’m afraid I can’t hold a candle to you. I would never have the nerve to wear such a daring gown, but my, you are splendid in it.”
“Thank you, dear.”
