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“Shall we?” he asked, smiling and offering her his arm.
She linked hers with his, took a deep breath and nodded.
“We shall,” she said.
Chapter Four
Rowena stared at the massive wardrobe that sat open before her. Even before her family had begun struggling financially, she had never seen such a grand selection of dresses. There was at least one of every color she could imagine, most of which were silk.
She was sure they would all fit her, as her sister has promised to have any that needed it altered. But even though she had arrived at her sister’s home several hours early to get ready, she wondered if she would be ready in time for the party.
“I am utterly speechless,” Sally said, echoing Rowena’s thoughts.
Rowena nodded, caressing a red silk dress.
“Which one should I wear?” she asked.
Sally tapped her chin thoughtfully.
“Let us hold each one up to you and see how they look,” she said.
Rowena nodded.
For the next hour, the women did precisely that. Each dress looked lovelier than the last, and they all looked even more beautiful each time they held them up. At last, after much painful deliberation, Rowena settled on a pale-blue silk dress embroidered with pearls around the neckline, trim and waist, with matching gloves and white shoes.
“What do you think, Benji?” Rowena turned and asked the little dog, who reclined lazily on the bed, his head resting on his paws.
She giggled as he snorted in his sleep and stretched, completely ignoring her.
“I’ll take that as a snort of approval,” she said, still laughing.
Sally nodded in agreement.
“I think the blue matches your eyes perfectly, miss,” she said.
Sally carefully helped Rowena into the dress as Rowena slipped on the gloves and shoes. She marveled at how soft and smooth the fabric was compared to even her fanciest satin dresses. She couldn’t help feeling relieved at having such lovely gowns to wear for the Season rather than her own old ones. If she must find a husband, these were the dresses to do the trick, she thought.
When Rowena was dressed, Sally expertly styled her dark-brown hair into a tight chignon, leaving a few ringlets to frame her face. She grazed Rowena’s cheeks with the softest pink blush and dotted some rose perfume behind her ears and on her neck. Then, she led her mistress to the full-length looking glass.
Rowena stared in amazement. It had been years since she had dressed for any fancy social event. The transformation was astounding, especially in a dress she thought made her look almost like royalty.
“Miss,” Sally gushed, putting her hands on her chest. “You look so fine!Your beauty is remarkable.”
Rowena blushed and started to thank her maid, but just then, a sharp bark pierced the air. The women turned to see Benji, now wide awake, wagging his rear end and panting with excitement.
“I suppose you were right, after all,” Rowena said with a laugh, walking over and gently patting the dog, careful to keep him off her dress. “He does approve.”
“As do I,” said her mother from the door.
Rowena turned, surprised. She guessed that Benji’s bark had masked the opening of the bedchamber door. She smiled shyly at her mother.
“Thank you, Mama,” she said.
Martha Whitworth gave Sally a warm, tired smile.
“I should like to have a word with my daughter alone, Sally,” she said.
Sally curtseyed at once, backing toward the door.
