“I’m Meredith Montague, the ward of the Duke of Tiverton,” Meredith introduced herself, feeling rather silly talking through the window of a stone wall.
“I’m Minerva Crell,” the woman said. She adjusted her blanket over her lap.
“It’s lovely to meet you,” Meredith replied.
Minerva’s eyes held a hint of shadows as she nodded. “Yes…it is nice to meet you as well. It feels as though it’s been ages since I’ve talked to anyone but my servants or husband.”
“Would you like to come over for tea?” Meredith offered. She hoped Minerva would agree. The sadness that radiated off her was so strong that Meredith wanted to comfort the woman in any way she could.
“Not today, I am too tired, but soon perhaps. I would like that very much, if my husband allows it.” Minerva sighed and she pulled her shawl tighter about her shoulders, wincing slightly as though she was in pain.
“Are you all right?” Meredith asked in concern.
“What? Oh…yes…I just am rather clumsy. Always bruising myself…” She looked away and then cleared her throat as she met Meredith’s gaze again. “I would very much like to visit with you over tea…” she seemed to be repeating herself as though she’d possibly said this to other people who wished to see her. It struck Meredith as odd, and it worried her a little but she didn’t wish to pry into her neighbor’s life.
“I understand. Please let me know whenever you feel up to it, I’ve only recently moved to London and would very much like to know my neighbors.” She meant it too. If she could give this woman some companionship, she would be glad to do it.
Minerva’s slender hands plucked at the blanket on her lap. “It is a pity that we will be moving to the country soon. My husband believes it will be good for my health. I admit, I love the country, but I fear I will feel even more isolated than I do now.” Once again she winced as she moved and a frisson of concern shot through Meredith.
“When will you be leaving?” She didn’t like the idea of this poor woman living out in the country when it was clear she was so lonely.
“We have not yet determined the date of our departure, but my husband has just found a house for us and is hiring staff this week.”
“Please be sure to let me know before you depart, I would like to make sure you come over at least once for tea.”
The other woman chuckled. “You won’t have to convince me, dear. I’ve see that handsome duke of yours, and it would be pleasant so share tea with him.”
“Oh, he’s not my duke…” Meredith blushed and glanced back at Darius’s house.
“Oh?” Minerva’s brows rose.
“He’s my guardian…his uncle who recently passed asked him to help me come out in society and find a husband.”
“I see. I wish I could help you there. I haven’t been out in society for over fifteen years. I daresay no one would even remember me.” Minerva’s loneliness was so clear in her voice.
“All the more reason for you to join me for tea soon. I could introduce you to people as I meet them.”
“That sounds wonderful.”
“Miss Montague!” Nell’s voice called across the gardens as the maid showed up on the terrace. “You must come in now!”
“I’m so sorry, I am being summoned,” Meredith said.
“Not to worry, dear. It was lovely to have met you.” Minerva waved a frail hand at her before Meredith left her small peek hole and walked back toward Darius’s home.
An hour later, Meredith climbed out of the bath in her dressing room and accepted the towel from Nell.
The maid grinned at her. “I have your new gown laid out, miss. You’ll look splendid tonight.”
“I’m glad you think so. I am too nervous to even think about it.” Darius had mentioned that His Royal Highness, the Prince Regent, would be attending the ball this evening, and Darius had planned to introduce her to him. As she had missed her chance to debut in the spring when she would have been presented officially in court, she was now to receive the Prince’s approval, something that they hoped would set her up for the rest of the season.
Meredith finished drying and Nell helped her into her chemise and stays. The ball gown was one that the dressmaker had rushed to prepare for this evening. It was a pale blue, the color of a frosted lake. Beneath the top skirt was a layer of cream petticoats with spring flowers embroidered on the hem, and when she lifted her skirts, the petticoats would peek through, revealing the secret garden along the bottom. Her short sleeves and bodice had creeping vines trailing along them, with budding blooms in soft blushes of pink and peach.
Unlike most ball gowns designed to be stunningly intricate in decoration, it was sedate in its embellishments, but it was light to wear and therefore perfect for dancing. Nell tied a cream-colored sash around Meredith’s waist into a bow at the back, which accented her hips in a way that made Meredith feel very aware of herself as a woman.
Nell styled her hair in the latest fashion, letting loose curls bounce down against the back of Meredith’s neck while the rest of her hair was pulled up with pink ribbons. It was far more fuss than she had ever been accustomed to. Then the maid brought over a black velvet box and opened it for Meredith.
“His Grace brought this to your room while you were bathing.”
