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EIGHT DAYS
CHAPTER 1—INTRODUCTIONS
“The red one,” I said. “After all, there’s no better color for a lady to wear when seducing a husband.”
My handmaid, Lina, raised an eyebrow and pursed her lips in an agitated frown that always amused me.
“Listen to you,” she said, clicking her tongue, her gray curls bouncing around her face disapprovingly. “Sounding like a lass of thirty when you’re barely brushing twenty and one.”
She pulled the crimson dress from my piled choice of clothes, the silk glistening like pieces of eight. My lovely seamstress, Caroline, had been more than generous with the detailing on the gold embroidered flowers, matching them perfectly with the golden lace bodice sash and stomacher. She had even shown me a way to drape the train so I could dance with my choice of gentlemen tonight. If it were anything like my previous birthdays, I would certainly wear out my leather boots by the end of the night from the line of suitors waiting to impress Father.
Unfortunately, he was never impressed. This would be my last night to change his mind on it too.
“And don’t be gettin’ no ideas about seducing a husband,” Lina continued. “Your father has already made your arrangements.”
It was my turn to frown. “Yes, I know. Hence, the reason I should attempt to seduce another and get his approval before the night is over. Father might have mistakenly picked a brainless, dull businessman.”
“A brainless, dull businessman will keep you from starving to death when your father passes. Ever think of that?”
I sighed. I knew Father had been struggling with finances since Mother passed away a little over five years ago. Mother had been the glue that held Father’s business together, and when shepassed, our worlds fell apart both emotionally and financially, resulting in Father’s expedition to find me a well-off husband.
“I know why Father wants me to marry,” I said, “but I don’t think money is any reason for it.”
“Aye, you ain’t wrong. But is love a better reason? Feelings are fleeting, dear one. Better a boring man with wisdom and a heavy pocket than a gorgeous wild card with no common sense.”
Lina helped me into my petticoat and began to drape my dress.
“Are those the only two choices?” I asked. “Surely the world is not so black and white.”
“Of course it is. What else do you think all those grays are made of?”
“Do you really think Father has chosen a suitor already?”
She sucked on her cheek as she finished fastening the stomacher, not saying anything.
“Oh, you’re truly awful sometimes, Lina,” I scolded. “Keeping secrets on my birthday.”
“Then don’t think of it as a secret, dearest. Think of it as a surprise.”
“Can’t you give me a small hint?” I pleaded.
She looked up into my eyes, thinking about it for a long moment.
“Please?” I nudged with a smile.
She rolled her eyes, straightening my sash. “A man of fortune and character. I believe your father has made a good decision.”
I clapped with a smile. “Then he must be responsible and dependable. Yes, I can see Father choosing someone fashioned much like himself in that way. But is my suitor handsome, do you suppose?”
“Be glad to marry a man of character and fortune even if he looks like a goat, dearest.”
I was suddenly overwhelmed by the thought of a wealthy goat-faced husband, my stomach souring.
“What if he’s terrible, Lina?”
“Then pray he’s a workaholic and you never see him.”
“Or, on the other hand, perhaps I meet an amazing stranger tonight who is absolutely crazy about me, and asks me to run away with him?”
