Opening her reticule, Nora reached inside and retrieved a folded piece of paper. Sabrina read the list over her shoulder.
“Mask, gown, gloves, chemise, petticoat, corset, dancing slippers, feather, reticule, cape. That’s a long list.”
“Do you suppose the concierge of our hotel would be willing to come and collect our purchases if I offer them a generous tip?” Nora mused.
Sabrina wrinkled her nose. “You brought two gargantuan rolling suitcases with you from Florence that were overweight by several kilos. Where are you going to put all those things?”
“In your luggage.” Nora steepled her hands on her chest. “Did you think this list was for me? It’s for you, silly.”
She took a step backward. “For me?”
“Of course. You can’t be caught wearing the same ball gown twice.”
Sabrina placed her hands on her hips. “I highly doubt anyone will notice if I do.”
Nora waved her off. “What you have is lovely for tonight’s country assembly, but the Masked Ball isthemarquee event of the entire JA festival. You need a dress that will make a lasting impression.”
I’m not here to meet a would-be suitor. I’m here to soak in the atmosphere and socialize with other Janeites.
“Something green or blue, I think.” Nora’s eyes roved Sabrina’s body.
Nora is like Lorenzo. When her mind is focused on a goal, there is no use in trying to change her stubborn mind.
Resigned, she rubbed the back of her neck. “I brought a corset, petticoat, and gloves with me.”
“Brava. Three less items to worry over.” Nora folded the list and slid it back into her clutch bag. “We’ll start with the accessories and build your ensemble from there. The Guildhall will have the best supply of frocks.”
Is this how Jane Bennet felt when her mama fussed over her clothing for the Netherfield Ball?
* * *
Sabrina frowned at the brown and green smudges along the hem of her day dress. “Six inches deep in mud,” she muttered.
“Caroline Bingley would faint.” Nora secured their personal belongings and recent purchases inside of a wicker basket and placed it along the sky-blue wall of the Bath Assembly rooms.
They joined the crowd of ladies in the back of the room. The mistress of ceremonies, a woman in a midnight-blue taffeta gown, entered the room, escorted by a gentleman in a suit of black wool.
“That’s the silhouette I want for you. French inspired,” Nora whispered into Sabrina’s ear. “A square neckline with cap sleeves and an embroidered belt of gold, but in a shade of hunter or emerald green. Taffeta may be heavier than silk, but it flows beautifully on the dance floor.”
They watched the woman float to the center of the room.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the pre-ball dancing workshop. This afternoon, we shall focus our attention on learning two simple country dances, which will provide you with a sampling of the fundamental steps found in many Regency dances. If you are attending this evening’s assembly, this shall be of particular use to you.”
The mistress of ceremonies clapped her hands together. Four couples stepped forward and arranged themselves into two lines divided by gender.
“The most commonly performed dance was the quadrille. It consisted of four couples dancing a memorized sequence of figures. Oftentimes, these dances were quite lively.”
The mistress of ceremonies clicked a remote control in her hand, and classical music filled the room. The men bowed. The women curtsied. Similar to the scenes Sabrina had witnessed many times in Austen films, the women stepped forward first, picked up their skirts, and performed a series of energetic skipping steps, then returned to their place in line. The men mimicked the steps. The speed of the music increased. The couples joined hands and chasséd in a circle.
Sabrina’s jaw dropped.
This is simple?
She stood on the tip of her toes for a closer examination of the dancers. The music clicked off, and the workshop participants applauded. A series of hushed conversations filled the room. The instructor thanked the demonstrators.
“As you can see, the pattern repeats itself until every couple has worked their way through the line one time. While this dance may appear daunting at first glance, it’s actually quite easy. We’ll review each of the steps within the country dance first, then learn the pattern. My students will position themselves around the room to assist you as needed. Now please find a partner and spread out.”
Nora and Sabrina nodded to one another. “Partners.”
