Page 41 of Betting on a Duke
“How long was I asleep?”
“About two hours. I’m helping Lady Rutherford dress and do her hair for the ball. If it’s acceptable to you, I will finish and then be right in. While you napped, I took the liberty of pressing your green gown with the cream trim.”
“The green gown is a perfect choice. Thank you, and take your time finishing up with Lady Rutherford.” It would give her time to clear her foggy mind and fully awaken. She climbed out of the bed and found fresh water in a pitcher, a bar of floral-scented soap, and clean linens. While she waited for Penny, she slipped off her chemise and washed her entire body, except for her back, which she couldn’t reach. Feeling refreshed and wide awake, she went to the wardrobe, pulled out a clean chemise, and put it on. She then sat down at the small dressing table, which doubled as a desk, and stared at her reflection in the fine-quality glass mirror.
Brown hair and brown eyes framed by nicely arched brows. Nothing particularly unusual. Her skin was porcelain white with highcheekbones, a round chin, and a small, straight nose with a slight upturn and tiny earlobes. Still, nothing extraordinary. No one called her a “diamond of the first water.” It didn’t bother her. Samuel called her beautiful, and that was all that mattered.
As she examined her reflection in the mirror, trying to see herself as he did, she finally recognized her beauty. Her eyes weren’t just brown, but had gold flecks in them. Her hair wasn’t plain brown either, as red and blonde highlights shimmered depending on the light. How had she never noticed she was anything but plain?
Maybe because she listened to Chesterfield call her plain. His plain wife, with hair and eyes the color of mud. Well, he was gone now, and it was time for her to start regaining her confidence and believing in her beauty, both inside and out. Samuel saw it. Others might as well. But Samuel was the only one who truly mattered. Oh, dear. Her hand flew to her stomach as it seemed to tumble down to her toes.
“My lady,” Penny said as she hurried into the room. “I’m so sorry to keep you waiting. Shall we do your hair first?”
“Yes, that would be nice.” As Penny worked her thick, wavy hair into an elaborate arrangement, Clarice was stunned by her talent. “If you’re so good with hair, why are you a housemaid?”
Penny blushed. “My husband, Mr. Peter Welch, works as an underbutler in your household. We wanted to stay together, and you didn’t need an abigail. I told Mrs. Jones I didn’t mind being a housemaid.”
“I apologize for taking you away from your husband for this trip. I had no idea you were married. Perhaps when we return, you can assist Mrs. Shelley. Besides being my maid, she takes on too much.”
“Thank you, my lady.”
Penny dressed Clarice in the gorgeous green silk gown with a high waistline and scooped neckline, complemented with a cream shawl. The only jewelry she’d thought to pack was a simple gold locket given to her by her mother and engraved with two entwined hearts. She hadalways planned to put likenesses of Samuel and herself inside and pass it down to their daughter someday. Perhaps her plan would come to fruition. They were still young enough to marry and have children.
“You are ready, my lady. You look beautiful,” Penny said. “Kirkland should be waiting outside the inn with the carriage to take you and Lady Rutherford to the Ramsbury Ball.”
“Thank you.” As Clarice was about to leave the room, Letitia entered, looking beautiful in a medium-blue gown with a matching shawl. “That dress looks stunning on you. Your blue eyes are practically glowing.”
“Thank you. Green looks gorgeous on you.” Letitia paused. “We are missing something to complete our outfits. We are supposed to be dressing as though we are attending the races, are we not? Penny, do you have the things I asked you to purchase?”
“Yes, Lady Rutherford, coming right up.” Penny disappeared into Letita’s room and returned with two hat boxes, which she placed on the bed. She then left and came back with two parasols—one blue, one green.
“Thank you, Penny. Your style is impeccable,” Letita said as she opened the hat boxes, pulled out the green and cream wide-brimmed bonnet trimmed with flowers and feathers, and held it out to Clarice.
“This is gorgeous. Thank you, Letitia.” Clarice put on the hat and tied the wide green ribbon to the side by her chin. “It fits perfectly.” The hat was cut out in the back to allow for a lady’s chignon.
Letitia’s hat was similar in design, but it was blue and white. Each parasol matched the hats in color and trim.
They exited the room and headed to the front of the inn and outside, where Kirkland stood at the carriage door, ready to assist them inside.
