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“I suppose I had a refreshing night’s sleep. I see you look fairly energetic as well.” She settled into her seat. One of the servants brought her usual breakfast: fresh fruit, two slices of toast lightly buttered, and a cup of freshly brewed breakfast tea. She applied herself to her meal, doing her best not to reveal the excitement humming through her at the thought that, in two hours’ time, she would once again be with the Marquess of Salisbury. Not only that, but she would have the rare privilege of watching him work on one of his sculptures. She knew girls in the ton who would have given half their dowry for such an opportunity.
“What on earth has you so agitated this morning?” She blinked, realizing only then that her mother was watching her, one perfectly groomed eyebrow raised. She also became aware that she had entirely forgotten to place her napkin in her lap and that, though her fruit was half-gone, she had no remembrance of having eaten it, let alone tasted it. “It is not like you, Henrietta, to be so hurried about your breakfast, nor so distracted that you forget your proper manners.”
“I apologize, mother.” She felt a flush rising to her cheeks. “It is only that Eva and I have made plans to go for a promenade, and perhaps to visit some of the shops. The new spring and summer designs are being put up for display soon, perhaps even today, and we wished to see what the newest fashions are. It is said, with France so embroiled in their troubles, that the Italian designers will be featured more prominently this year. Perhaps even some of the Spanish as well.”
“Be that as it may, there is no reason to be behaving like a graceless heathen.”
“Yes, mother.” She dipped her head and concentrated on maintaining her composure and her manners. It was difficult, as she wanted to race from the room so that she could begin her little ruse, her quest to find the perfect match for the Marquess, but it would not do to arouse the suspicions of her parents. Nor her brother, Andrew, who was, while something of a bluestocking, quite observant when he had a mind to be.
She finished her meal with as much calm and dignity as she could muster, dabbed her lips, and set her napkin aside. “Might I be excused?”
Her mother looked her over. “You may. Have you any other plans for the day, besides your visit with Miss Darnell?”
“I have no certain plans. However, I should like to take Sarah with me. She does have such a good eye for fashions, and I want to be sure she can manage any new hairstyles that may become popular. It would not do to have a ladies maid who cannot keep up with the mode, after all.”
“I see no reason she cannot attend you. It is better for you to have a chaperon, in any case. You will, after all, need an escort to and from the Darnells.” Her mother’s gaze slipped back to her pages, a clear indication that she was no longer interested in the matter.
Henrietta stood, kissed her father on the cheek by way of a farewell, then fled before her mother could change her mind. Not twenty minutes later, she and Sarah were safely ensconced in the carriage on their way to the Darnell home.
Henrietta studied the young woman across from her. It was most fortuitous that she had Sarah as a maid, for several reasons, not the least of which was the need to have trusted servants in on her little game. With her husband already involved, Sarah was the logical choice for a confidante.
Sarah was slim and dark-haired, much like Henrietta herself, and near the same height. Though it would never fool anyone who approached closely enough to speak to them, from a distance one might easily mistake Sarah for Henrietta, if not for the plain working dress that Sarah wore, as opposed to the walking outfit Henrietta had chosen.
For this plan to succeed in maintaining its secrecy, a proper doppelganger was essential. Sarah had the correct build and coloring. She knew how to mimic the mannerisms of a well-bred lady, having served as Henrietta’s personal maid since her first Season. She knew of events Henrietta had attended, should she find herself engaged in conversation on the matter. Enough that Eva might be able to prompt her. Though she rather hoped such deception would not be needed.
Eva was waiting when they arrived, and she wasted no time having them shown to her personal chambers. “Good morning, Henrietta.”
“Good morning, Eva.” A glance at the clock told her that time was running out. She turned to Sarah. “Here. Switch clothing with me. We haven’t much time.”
Sarah and Eva both looked taken aback. “My lady—”
“There is no time for debate. Come now.” Henrietta began divesting herself of her own dress, chemise, stockings, and undergarments. After another brief moment of hesitation, Sarah began to do the same.
“Henrietta, whatever are you doing?” Eva stared at her. “Why are you switching clothing with your maid, of all things?”
“It is part of my plan to interact with the Marquess.” Henrietta slipped the last of her garments off and accepted the plain working dress and underpinnings that Sarah had offered her. “I have been to see him already, and he has hired me as a model for his artwork. Rather, I ought to say he has hired ‘Hetty Smith’, the young lady from London with a brother to look after, for a model.”
“My, that is an interesting choice of ruse. Whyever did you choose a plan like that?”
“Well, he is not the most social of men, is he? I needed some way to engage his interest, something he would not expect.”
“Well, it is certainly unexpected.” Eva watched as Henrietta pulled on the maid’s clothes for the day. “But are you sure this is a wise plan?”
“Oh, I am most certain. Do you know, I am positive, based on how he greeted me last evening, that he has had more than one ‘damsel in distress’ turn up on his doorstep? The tone of his voice and the look on his face when he asked if I’d had a carriage accident…” She felt an amused smile touch her face. “This plan of mine shall work much better, you will see.” She tugged Sarah’s dress over her head and smoothed down the skirt.
“If you are certain…” Eva trailed off.
“I am. Do not worry about a thing. It will not take long. I already have an excellent rapport with him, and I learned something of his habits last night. I expect that within a few sessions, I shall know everything I need to know in order to arrange the perfect first introductions between you. And a smooth courtship thereafter.”
And it will be perfect. For her at least.Henrietta blinked at the oddly unhappy thought. Of course, it would be perfect. She was a matchmaker, and Eva was one of her closest friends. She relished the challenge of matching her dear friend with London’s most reclusive bachelor, and she had every faith in her own abilities to achieve the desired result.
Where then did this momentary feeling of regret and unhappiness come from? She had never felt such things before, at least not in connection to her matchmaking escapades.
She smoothed her skirt again and glanced at the clock hanging on the wall. To her shock, it was already after nine o’clock. She spun to face Sarah. “Quick, are you ready? Eva?” Both women nodded their assent. “Good. I must go if I am to make it to the Marquess’ estate in time. We are agreed—we shall meet here again at some time after luncheon?”
“Yes, of course. I look forward to hearing how your ruse progresses.”
The three of them bustled down the stairs and out the door, Henrietta descending a few steps behind as was proper for a servant. Outside, Eva and Henrietta shared a quick embrace. Henrietta smiled as she broke away. “You have some explanation for Sarah, if someone approaches too closely?”
