Page 97 of The Sainted Duchess
As Charity slipped into the moving pattern of guests, another figure stepped into Maria’s line of sight. Prudence, efficient as ever, with Alethea on her arm.
“Tell me everything,” Prudence said under her breath, eyes already taking stock. “Breathing? Shoulders down? Do you need water or rescue?”
“I need none of those,” Maria said, pleased to find it true. “Charity is determined to prove I am not invisible.”
“She is correct,” Alethea said softly. “You are not.”
“He is watching you, you know,” Prudence’s gaze flicked to the far side of the room.
“Everyone keeps saying so,” Maria muttered. “I would prefer to have proof.”
“Turn your head a fraction to the left,” Prudence directed, wicked with care. “No, the other left. There. Now wait two counts.”
Maria obeyed, and on the second count, Stephen appeared in the space between two groups, as if the crowd had decided to reveal him. He was speaking to a grey-haired gentleman and listening with real attention, but the line of his mouth changed when his eyes found her.
Prudence smiled, satisfied. “Proof.”
“He looks like he has remembered something important.”
Maria’s stomach did an odd turn. “Perhaps I will not flee,” she said.
“Please do not,” Prudence replied. “It is hard to dance when one’s duchess has vanished.”
“Prudence,” Maria said, amused and faintly horrified.
Charity reappeared then.
“Ah, all my favorite people have gathered. This is just what I needed,” she grinned. “Did you notice how lovely her dress is tonight, ladies?”
“Please, I would rather not talk about that…” Maria flushed.
“Stand still a moment.” Charity adjusted a curl with two fingers. “Better. You can be seen without having to wave.”
“I’d rather not be seen at all,” Maria muttered.
“That option isn’t available,” Prudence said. “Take the easy wins.”
“When you walked in, I noticed the room got quieter,” Prudence said, giggling.
“That was simply the music changing,” Maria said.
“It wasn’t,” Alethea replied, certain.
“If you start apologizing for breathing,” Charity leaned in. “I’ll step on your hem to distract you.”
“Please don’t,” Maria said, half laughing.
“We are only trying to raise your spirits, young lady,” Charity said, mock-severe. “You should be allowed to shine.”
“I’m still learning,” Maria said quietly. “How to stand here and not feel… wrong.”
Prudence’s face softened. “I don’t blame you. It wasn’t a thing at the nunnery.”
Charity nodded. “We were taught to be neat and useful. Not seen.”
“And not asked what we wanted,” Alethea added.
Maria let out a breath. “Exactly. So when people look at me now, I’m not sure what I’m meant to do with it.”
