by Dawn Brower
“Thank you, Patricia. Could you take this to my room for me? Just set it on the bed and I’ll open it when I get a moment.” The girl nodded and went back up the stairs with the package. It was slightly oversized and a little awkward to carry, and Cordelia was glad she wasn’t the one who had to deal with it. Cordelia tried for a moment to guess what might be in it from the way it looked in Patricia’s arms, but remembered her guest and hurried back out to the garden. “Thank you for waiting,” she said. “Come on around the house with me, I’ll show you my favorite roses.”
A good hour later, Cordelia bid farewell to Mr. Russell and invited him to come back with his wife for dinner sometime. She had offered to arrange him a ride back to town but he had insisted on walking and she waited until he was at the end of the drive to go back inside.
“What a kind man,” Cordelia said to Mrs. Richmond as she closed the door. “I wish everyone could be so nice.” They went into the sitting room and she picked up the box with the necklace in it. Mrs. Richmond scowled at her.
“I can’t believe you just left that down here where anyone could come take it.”
“No one is going to take it,” Cordelia said, irritated. “Apart from Arthur, there’s only me and the staff here and I hardly think any of them would be interested in something like this.” She opened the box and looked down at the necklace. “It’s very pretty but I don’t think it’s particularly valuable.”
“Even so---”
“I’m going up to my room,” Cordelia interrupted, before Mrs. Richmond could really get started on her lecture. “My lesson and walking around the garden have tired me out and I’d like to lie down before dinner.”
“Very well,” Mrs. Richmond said. “If anyone else comes to the door for you, I shall tell them you’re not to be disturbed.”
“Please do.” Glad to be freed of Mrs. Richmond’s suffocating stare, Cordelia hurried up the stairs and went into her bedroom. She put the box with the necklace in it on her dressing table, then sat down to take off her boots. They were far easier to get off than put on and she had them off in moments, wiggling her toes with relief.
When she went to lie down, however, the box that had been delivered earlier was on her bed and she looked at it curiously. Now that she was able to see it clearly, it looked like a dress box. She picked up a nail file and cut the string, then tore off the brown paper to reveal a pinkish box with the words “Ellery Of London” printed in gold on the front. Frowning, Cordelia opened the box and took out a layer of tissue paper, then gasped.
Lying inside on a bed of tissue was the most beautiful dress she’d ever seen. When she picked it up, it only got more wonderful. It had a skirt in shades of light blue and green that reminded her of ocean waves, a cream-colored top with puffed sleeves and gold accents, and what looked like a jumper made of thousands of blue and gold beads that dripped from the square neckline to where her knees would be. Matching embroidery and beads decorated the hem of the skirt and Cordelia put her hand over her mouth.
“My Lord,” she breathed. “Who would send me something like this?” She laid the dress on the bed, then looked through the box for a card. She didn’t see one, so she picked up the tissue paper she had taken off the top and found a small envelope tucked in it. It was sealed and Cordelia pulled it open, eager to see who had sent her such an extravagant gift.
My dearest Cordelia, the card read. I hope it fits, I had to guess the size. Think of me when you wear it, and imagine I’m as close as the fabric against your skin. There was no name on it but Cordelia knew immediately who had sent it. Her cheeks were on fire as she read the card again, her eyes taking in every angle and curve of Victor’s handwriting, and she hastily tucked the card back into its envelope and stuck it at the bottom of her jewelry box. Her husband might be having affairs with all the young men in Greenley but a part of her still wasn’t prepared for anyone to find out she’d kissed another man in secret.
“Lady Whittemore?” There was a light knock on her door and Cordelia recognized Patricia’s voice. She closed the jewelry box and fanned her face as she turned around.
“Come in, Patricia.” The door opened and Patricia came in with an armload of roses.
“Mrs. Richmond said you were going to lie down. May I help you get undressed?” She took the roses to a large vase that was sitting on Cordelia’s dresser and put them inside it. “I’ll bring you some water for them in a moment. They’re from Lord Whittemore.”
“Please inform my husband that they’re lovely but he needn’t have bothered,” Cordelia said icily. “I can’t believe he’d think something like this would make up for what he’s done.” It was a relief for someone else to know about Arthur’s affairs, especially someone she could talk to privately. “And I don’t need any help undressing, I’m not really lying down. I just wanted to be alone.”
“I understand,” Patricia said. “I’ll bring in some water for your flowers, then leave you alone.” She smiled. “I’ll be sure to tell everyone you’re sleeping.”
“Thank you.”
“Do you need me to take away this box on your bed? Oh my!” The dress had caught Patricia’s eye and Cordelia joined her beside the bed. “This is gorgeous, ma’am! Wherever did you get it?” She reached out as if to touch it, then pulled her hand away. “I’m sorry, it’s just so lovely.”
“It was a gift,” Cordelia said. “You may pick it up if you like. It will need to be hung up anyway.” Patricia nodded and held the dress up to see it better. She was a little hesitant to tell the girl where it had come from given her brief history with Victor but supposed she would find out anyway. “Mr. Pembroke sent it to me. I trust you will keep that in confidence?”
“Of course, ma’am. Are you going to wear it to a party?” Patricia’s fingers moved over the beadwork. If it bothered her at all that Victor had given the dress to Cordelia, she didn’t show it. She was either good at hiding her feelings or she hadn’t felt much for him to begin with.
“I hadn’t thought about it yet,” Cordelia said. “I don’t really have a party to wear it to. My sister is the one who gets invited to all sorts of parties. Most likely because she doesn’t live out in the woods.” It was hard to keep the bitterness out of her voice. When she’d first seen the Whittemore estate she’d thought it beautiful and peaceful. Now she felt isolated and alone most of the time.
“You should have one,” Patricia said excitedly. “There was an excellent turnout at the last one, I’m sure that if you let everyone know you were playing again they’d come.” Her face lit up. “You could wear your beautiful necklace with it as well! They’d go nicely together.” She was almost more excited about the idea than Cordelia and her enthusiasm was infectious.
“You’re right. The dress may need alterations, though. It seems that it might be a bit long.”
“I’ll hang it up for the moment,” Patricia said, taking the dress to the closet. “I do hope you have your party, ma’am. It will be nice to not have to serve food and drink this time. I may even be able to enjoy a bit more of your music.”
“I’ll speak to my husband,” Cordelia said. It was the last thing she wanted to do at the moment but a party meant that she could see Victor again without anyone thinking she was doing anything improper. “I’m sure he’ll allow me to have it. Thank you for your suggestion, Patricia.”
“You’re quite welcome.” She hung the dress up. “I’m going to get you some water for your flowers. I’ll be back in a moment.”
“Leave the door open,” Cordelia said. “I’m going to go speak to my husband.” She waited until Patricia was gone, then smiled at herself in the mirror. What a wonderful idea, she thought. At the last party she had even been able to dance with Victor. Any excuse to see him was a good one, even if it meant dealing with Arthur.
She had no idea why finding him with another lover made her so much angrier this time than last time, but she was getting close to the end of her patience. As much as she didn’t want to end up destitute, she also didn’t wa
nt to have to worry about walking in on her husband making love to another man every time she came around the corner.
The door to Arthur’s office was closed and she knocked on it lightly. There was no answer from inside so she started back to her room, supposing she could ask him at dinner. Halfway down the hall she saw Arthur going toward her room as well and she narrowed her eyes. She’d made it explicitly clear that she didn’t want to speak to him but this time she was going to make an exception.
“Cordelia,” he said when he saw her. “I was coming to speak to you.”
“I can see that,” she said, keeping more than a hint of frost in her voice. She didn’t want Arthur to think she’d forgiven him. “There was something I wanted to speak to you about as well.”
“Oh really? Please go ahead.” Arthur looked relieved that she wasn’t going to start shouting again and Cordelia folded her arms over her chest.
“I would like to have another party,” she said. “I’m tired of being alone out here all the time. We could invite everyone from last time, and a few more people besides. This time I’d like to have a real quartet though.”
“Yes, of course. That would be lovely,” he said, smiling at her. Cordelia kept her face impassive. “I was coming to tell you that I’m going to London for a couple of days. There are a couple of problems with Father’s accounts that I can only take care of by going to the main branch of the bank. Do you need anything while I’m there?”
“Not that I can think of. Thank you for letting me know.”
“When did you want to have your party? I’m leaving for London on Sunday. It’s leaving it a bit late to have it beforehand but I’m certain we could still have a good turnout. In fact, having it on the spur of the moment will make it more fun for some people.” He was still smiling and Cordelia managed to give him a small smile in return.
“All right,” she said. “I’d like to have it Saturday, then.”
“Very well,” Arthur said. “I shall go into town and have a rush put on some invitations. We shall spare no expense for this party, my darling. You won’t be disappointed.”
“Thank you,” Cordelia said. “And please send the seamstress up here. I have a dress I’d like to wear for the party and it likely needs alterations.”
“Of course.” He leaned forward to kiss her on the cheek and Cordelia moved away from him. Arthur cleared his throat. “Well. That’s all. I’ll be going into town now.”
“Take care.” She went back into her room and closed the door. Only when she was certain Arthur wasn’t going to try and talk to her further did she allow herself to break into a grin. She was going to have the most wonderful party, she was going to wear her beautiful dress and her grandmother’s necklace, and she was going to dance with Victor again.
She could hardly wait for Saturday.
Chapter 10
True to Arthur’s word, the party was just as well-attended as the first had been, even on short notice. As Cordelia walked through the manor greeting her guests, it seemed they were all laughing and having a good time. Even the staff was in a good mood, with the hint of a smile appearing on Mrs. Richmond’s face for a fraction of a second.
“Lady Whittemore,” a woman called from a corner of the foyer. She waved Cordelia over with a smile. There was a glass of wine in her hand and it was already half gone. “This is a magnificent party. Thank you for inviting us.”
“You’re quite welcome,” Cordelia said. She had no idea who the woman was but she seemed nice enough.
“It’s rather fun doing something like this on the spur of the moment, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it is.” The door opened and Birdie came in with the General, her usual grin on her face. “If you’ll excuse me,” she said to the lady, who nodded and stepped aside. “Birdie darling, I’m so glad you could make it.” She hugged her sister and looked to the General. “So good to see you again too, General.” He raised an eyebrow at her and she laughed. “Forgive me, Richard.”
“Old habits,” he sighed.
“Delia, that dress is incredible!” Birdie held her at arm’s length and looked her up and down. “It’s absolutely gorgeous. Is it French? It must be French.”
“I’m not sure,” Cordelia said. “The box said Ellery of London.”
“The box?” Birdie frowned as Cordelia led her and the General into the house to put away their coats. “What do you mean? You didn’t order it yourself?”
“No, it was sent to me anonymously,” Cordelia said, deciding a little fib between sisters wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. There was a little knot of people near the door and Cordelia stepped aside so a young man could move past her.
“Excuse me,” he muttered without looking at her.
“Yes, of course.” Cordelia considered asking if he was leaving already but the majority of her attention was on Birdie and her compliments. “No card, nothing. It was simply delivered to the house a few days ago and I can’t say I’m upset about it.”
“I wouldn’t be either,” Birdie said. One of the housemen came forward to take her coat, which she shrugged off and handed to him, revealing a vibrant purple dress with a deep neck and an elegant sash. “You should have Arthur commission a painting of you in it. You look like royalty.”
“Where is Arthur? I wanted to speak to him about the work he was having done on his stables,” the General said. Cordelia smiled up at him as he took off his coat.
“I’m not sure,” she said. “Probably talking business with one of the other guests. I’m sure if you walk around you’ll find him.” She pretended to think about it. “Perhaps try his study? He sometimes has brandy and cigars with the gentlemen there.”
“I’ll talk with him later,” the General said. “For now the main question on my mind is when we’re going to hear more of your magnificent piano playing? I do hope we haven’t missed it.” Cordelia laughed and shook her head.
“Of course not. I could never start playing without my darling sister. Birdie would never forgive me if I did.” She reached over and took her sister’s hand as if they were children. Birdie grinned and squeezed her hand tightly. “Now that you’re here I can start gathering the guests in the conservatory in a bit,” Cordelia said as they walked down the hall. “What do you think of grandmother’s necklace?”
“It looks perfect with your dress,” Birdie said. “It’s almost like they were made to go together. Whoever sent it to you must have some sort of intuition.” Behind them the door opened again and Cordelia looked over her shoulder. Her heart stopped when she saw Victor come in and she released Birdie’s hand.
“If you’ll excuse me, Birdie dear, I need to say hello to my guests.”
“Oh, of course. I’ll meet you in the conservatory.”
“I’ve got a better idea,” Cordelia said with a smile. “Since Arthur doesn’t seem to be around, could you and Richard start moving guests toward the conservatory? The string quartet is scheduled to begin in the ballroom after my performance.” Birdie nodded and took her husband’s arm while Cordelia went to the door to see Victor.
“Good evening, Lady Whittemore,” he said, inclining his head politely. “You look quite beautiful this evening.”
“Thank you, Mr. Pembroke.” She looked around to see if anyone was listening, then lowered her voice for good measure. “I don’t know how to thank you. This dress is beautiful but far too extravagant. You really shouldn’t have.”
“It didn’t look nearly as good in the shop as it does on you,” Victor said. “It’s as if you complete the dress.” His words made Cordelia blush deeply and he smiled. “Thank you for inviting me tonight, I’m looking forward to hearing you play again.”
“I hope I live up to your expectations,” Cordelia said, motioning to the house. “Please come in. My sister Birdie is gathering people into the conservatory for my performance. I’m a bit nervous, to be honest. Monsieur DuVerne is here and I hope he won’t judge me too harshly.”
“I highly doubt that,” Vict
or said. “He seems like a nice young man.”
“Whom you really shouldn’t have paid on my behalf,” Cordelia said quietly. “My goodness, Mr. Pembroke, if anyone found out about the lessons and the dress---“
“No one will find out unless you tell them,” Victor said with a sly smile. He looked around the hallway and, finding it empty, reached out to brush Cordelia’s lips with his thumb. “Besides, it’s more exciting when it’s a secret isn’t it?” Just this hint of contact was enough to set Cordelia on fire and she wanted him to keep touching her, but he nodded toward the hall that led to the conservatory instead. “Your audience awaits, madame.”
When she stepped into the conservatory, Cordelia was surprised to see that it was even fuller than it had been at the previous party. It seemed that everyone who had attended then was there now, and more besides. Maurice was there and the members of the string quartet were there as well, but Arthur was nowhere in sight. Deciding she didn’t care one way or the other if he showed his face, she went to her piano and faced the room.
“Thank you for coming tonight,” she said. “I’m not certain where my husband is but I’m sure he’ll join us momentarily. I’m going to go ahead and start so as not to hold up our very lovely performers, and I hope you enjoy these pieces I’m about to play.” There was a round of polite applause and Cordelia sat down on the piano bench.
Where is Arthur, anyway? She couldn’t help being a little annoyed. He was the one concerned about keeping up appearances for the time being, and as much as she liked being able to focus on Victor’s attention she could only imagine what people were thinking. Cordelia shoved this out of her mind as she put her fingers on the keys and began to play.
Just as it had been every other time she played the piano, all her worries vanished in an instant. There was nothing in her mind but the music, and this time it was a lively piece that spoke of joy. Her fingers raced over the keys, painting the notes out of thin air and though she wasn’t looking at them she could feel every eye in the room on her. She thought about Maurice and how he was going to teach her to write down her own pieces, the music she felt bubbling up inside her, and her playing became faster and brighter. It was as if she was fanning a flame and couldn’t think of anything she would like more than for it to light the entire room so everyone could feel and see what she felt.