Before Abigail could reply, the door connecting to the master’s chambers opened. A flustered Livie entered, wearing nothing but a chemise and a wide smile.
Julia eyed her cousin with envy. She knew that look. Before the night with Henry a fortnight ago, she hadn’t been aware of what it meant when her cousin appeared rosy-cheeked with her hair askew and a pinch of mischief in her eyes.
Julia knew that secret now.
It pained her not to reveal to Livie that she was no longer a maiden, but she feared what her cousin would think of her.
“Oh, I wasn’t aware that everyone was waiting on me.” Livie placed her hands to her scarlet cheeks in embarrassment.
“You said we were going to dress together,” Julia reminded her cousin.
“You’re already dressed,” Livie pointed out, eyeing the purple gown with speculation.
“Not completely, I saved my hair and rouge for Rachel.” Julia ran her fingers through her hair. “Don’t tell Helena, but I really like the way Rachel does my hair.”
“Your secret is safe with me.” The way Livie said it caused a sliver of guilt to run through Julia at the secret she was keeping. Livie turned to Abigail, eyeing her suspiciously. “And you, Mrs. Cooper? Is there a reason why you’re not resting or reading perhaps?”
Abigail opened and closed her mouth several times. “I-I came to assist you for the Almack’s Assembly Rooms. I understand how important this event is to you.”
Livie rolled her eyes at her friend and walked behind the screen where a basin of water was waiting.
Rachel rushed to gather clean underclothing at the same time that Abigail tried to waddle over to the dresser. The younger woman reached it first and Julia tried desperately to suppress a laugh. She knew Abigail hadn’t wanted to surrender her duties, so watching her compete with Rachel always filled Julia with laughter.
“Abigail, Rachel can manage without your assistance. Remember you are only in London because you and your husband are spending time with his parents. You will have your baby in three short months,” Livie reminded her from behind the screen.
Abigail had married Remington’s valet, Benedict, two years ago, and they were expecting their first child. Julia felt happiness for her friend.
“Yes, I know, Your Grace, but I realized Rachel perhaps didn’t know that you prefer to wear your favorite gold gown to important events such as this one.” Abigail looked at the purple gown with disgust.
Rachel ignored her and rushed behind the screen to assist her mistress.
Livie reappeared in fresh undergarments and took a seat at her dressing table. “Rachel, could you be a dear and fetch us some refreshments?”
“Of course, right away.” The girl hurried out of the room, leaving the three women alone.
Livie turned around and glared at Abigail. “Abigail, go to your rooms. I’m sure your husband will be looking for you once he is done with His Grace.”
Abigail looked down ashamed. “B-But really, Livie, it’s my responsibility to assure you look your best in public, and I really don’t think that Rachel is up for the task—”
Livie stood, her height always an advantage over most women. “Mrs. Cooper, you have been relieved of your duties as my lady’s maid and are under strict orders to rest. I will not remind you of this again. If you don’t heed my words, Rachel will permanently be my new lady’s maid. Do I make myself clear?” Her voice was firm and brokered no argument.
“Yes of course, Your Grace. I-I do not mean to be impertinent. I just loath doing nothing.” Abigail’s shoulders slumped in defeat.
“You’re growing a whole person. You’re doing everything you’re supposed to do.” Livie wrapped her arm around her friend’s shoulder and escorted her to the door. “Now go rest before Benedict finds you working. We’ll all have tea tomorrow.”
Abigail stopped to look at Livie, her eyes wide and pleading. “Just tell me, will you wear the purple or the gold?”
“The gold, now off with you!” Livie huffed and shooed her friend out. After Livie closed the door, she walked over and stood in front of Julia.
Julia leaned back slightly to look up at her cousin. “What?”
“What has been going on with you?” She sat down beside Julia and took her hand. “You’ve been acting strange for some time now. Is it Lord Heartford living here?”
“I don’t know what you mean. I’m perfectly well.” Julia plastered on a smile, trying to disguise her feelings.
“You’ve been behaving strangely for weeks. I’m worried about you. Ever since Heartford has arrived, you haven’t been New Julia.” Livie released a heavy sigh.
Julia took a deep breath, wanting nothing more than to tell her cousin everything. “L-livie, I have something to confess.”
