By the time the younger woman returned, Lady Celia had already drifted to sleep.
Anne went into her narrow cabinet of a room and changed into one of Rosa’s evening dresses she’d insisted Anne wear. Rosa came in and did up the fastenings and assured her the gown suited her well. Rosa offered to arrange Anne’s hair as well. Anne thanked her but declined. She did not wish to appear too eager, nor to rival Miss Fitzjohn in looks, especially tonight.
When Anne went downstairs, she found Mr. Dalby and Colonel Paine in the parlour having a drink before dinner. Both were handsome in evening attire, although Mr. Dalby did not seem as attractive to her as he once had.
Miss Fitzjohn had yet to join them.
“Will you have a sherry, Miss Loveday?”
“No, thank you.” Anne felt out of her element and wanted to keep a clear head.
“Lemonade?” Jasper suggested.
“Yes, please.”
He signaled for the footman to fetch some.
“No sign of Miss Fitzjohn?” she asked.
“Not yet,” Mr. Dalby said. “Probably still undergoing her beauty treatments.”
Anne knew Rosa had finished helping her several minutes before but made no comment.
The footman returned with a glass of lemonade for Anne, which she accepted, grateful for something to occupy her hands and to wet her nervously dry mouth.
She realized Mr. Dalby was staring at her. “Your dress, Miss Loveday ... Have I seen it before?”
“Oh. It’s Rosa’s. She insisted I borrow it.”
“It becomes you,” Jasper said kindly.
“Ah, that explains it,” Dalby said, eyes glimmering as he looked into the vague distance ... or his memories.
Jasper frowned at him. “What does that mean? I’ve not seen Miss Stark wear this dress. I am quite sure of it.”
“Never you mind,” Mr. Dalby said with a smirk and a lift of his drink.
Jasper slowly shook his head, lip curled in disgust. “Don’t tell me...”
“Very well, I shan’t.”
The footman came in again and announced that dinner was ready.
Still no Miss Fitzjohn.
“Let’s go in and take our seats. I am sure she’ll be down directly.” Mr. Dalby rose and ambled toward the dining room. Anne followed suit.
Jasper looked over his shoulder toward the stairs. “Perhaps I should go and see what’s taking Kat so long.”
“Don’t bother her. I’m sure she’ll join us soon. Let’s start.” Mr. Dalby sat down and picked up his table napkin.
“Not without her. It’s her birthday.”
Jude sighed and slouched back in his chair, tossing the napkin aside.
Finally Miss Fitzjohn stepped through the doorway, pausing just over the threshold. “Sorry to be late. I stopped in Mamma’s room to show her my new dress.”
The square-necked coral gown suited her. Katherine truly was pretty with her big brown eyes, fair skin, and dark hair arranged high on her head with dangling curls that flattered her angular face.
