Part 51 (2/2)
”Seems like it's the expected thing here--not just the odd couple or so, like happens anywhere.” The maid grimaced.
”Did hear one of the footmen liken it to a set of coaching inns--one coach pulls in as the last's pulling out.”
Lucinda sat back and stared at Agatha in the mirror. ”Great heavens,”
she finally said, somewhat weakly.
Then she rallied--no matter what the general practice, she was confident that not one of the gentlemen present would force his attentions on an unwilling lady. Her gaze fell on the navy silk gown.
”Not that one.”
Her eyes narrowed.
”The silk gauze.”
Agatha straightened, hands on her hips.
”The gauze?” In the mirror, Lucinda raised haughty brows.
Agatha snorted. '~I'is barely decent. ”
”For my purposes tonight, it'll be perfect.” Lucinda drew out the last word to a literal purr. She wasn't the one who would learn a lesson tonight.
Grumbling beneath her breath, Agatha put away the navy silk and drew out the s.h.i.+mmering silk gauze, its colour a silvery sky blue. Laying it carefully on the bed, she sniffed disapprovingly, then came up and started on Lucinda's laces.
Lucinda tapped her comb on the table.
”This is a horrendous coil.”
She frowned.
”Have you asked after Lady Asterley?”
Agatha nodded.
”There isn't one. The last--her as was Lord Asterley's mother--died years ago.”
”Oh.” Lucinda blinked, then, drawing in a breath, squared her shoulders.
”Well--tonight can't be helped-but we'll be leaving tomorrow.”
”Aye--so I thought.”
Lucinda heard the relief in Agatha's voice. She hid an affectionate grin.
”Don't worry--despite all indications to the contrary, they are entirely gentlemen at heart.” Agatha humphed.
”So you say--but gentlemen can be very persuasive at times.”
Lucinda rose and let her gown fall to the floor. Stepping out of it, she allowed Agatha to help her into the sheath of s.h.i.+mmering blue silk. Only when she was finally ready to descend to the drawing-room did she deign to acknowledge Agatha's last comment. ”As I should hope you know by now,” she said, fixing Agatha with a haughty glance,
<script>