She turned to see Nora grinning broadly, filming the entire interaction on her phone.
“That would be unladylike,” Nora joked.
The carriage driver slowed his charges and brought the vehicle to a full stop in front of Sabrina. The footmen, both in powdered wigs, jumped down.
The taller of the two bowed. “Lady Nora Bennet, Lady Sabrina Hill. Apologies for the slight delay. We can’t have you late to your evening’s festivities.” He lowered a pair of steps to the carriage and opened the door. “Your servant.”
The man offered his hand to Sabrina. She placed a gloved hand in his, and the second footmen handed the ladies up into the carriage. She was surprised to find the leather seats rigid and chilled. She’d always pictured them as padded and soft.
Nora placed herself in the backward seat across from Sabrina. The horses swished their tails from side to side. With a click, the door closed, and the footmen returned to their posts. The driver called for the horses to walk on. The reins jingled, and the carriage jerked, rolling backward, then forward.
Sabrina splayed a hand on her chest. “This is the coolest experience I’ve ever had in my life.” From the sidewalk, people waved. She smiled from ear to ear, waving back at them. “I feel like a VIP, or better yet,thecatch of the season.”
Nora switched her phone to its camera mode, taking a few selfies. “Two years ago, the mistress of ceremonies arrived in a carriage. Since then, I’ve dreamed about arriving in the same fashion, but it’s hard to justify the expense for one person.” Nora spread her skirt out onto the seat. “Two people, on the other hand, changes the picture entirely, especially with Lorenzo willing to split the cost with me.”
Lorenzo was in on this? He and Nora have gone to so much trouble to make the night extra special. I wish he could be here with us now. I’ve never been more touched and humbled.
They took turns photographing one another in the carriage while enjoying the scenery of the city of Bath by night. Inside the carriage, Sabrina and Nora were in their own little bubble. The driver took the scenic route through the City Centre, conveying them past lively pubs and restaurants. Approaching the Royal Crescent, Sabrina soaked in the glowing golden facade of the elegant townhomes.
One block away, Nora pointed out the Greco-Roman inspired architecture of the three-story Georgian townhomes comprising Bath Circus. “Fun fact for you. The size of the ring formed by the townhomes is equal to that of the outer earth bank of Stonehenge. The architect, John Wood the Elder, was fascinated by the UNESCO site.”
Another Roman connection.
Sabrina shook her head. “There are so many special facets to this city. Bath perfectly melds the historic and the modern.”
Unlike in London, it’s so refreshing to me that the majority of the townhomes we’ve seen over the past few days are inhabited by ordinary families. It adds to the character and vibe of the city. If I had to choose one English city to live in, Bath would be a strong contender.
They made one final turn and soon entered the pedestrian-only area of the City Centre. The carriage halted, and the footmen descended.
“This is as far as we’re allowed to go. It has been our pleasure to serve you this evening, Lady Nora, Lady Sabrina. We hope you enjoy your evening.”
Sabrina and Nora stepped out of the carriage and thanked the driver and footmen. She lowered the hood of her cape. Like much of the city, the exterior of the Bath Assembly Rooms paid homage to its Roman roots with a Palladian design. Its triangular roof and four noble columns reminded Sabrina of the Pantheon she’d viewed in Rome with Lorenzo.
Costumed men and women stood outside the entrance. Sabrina could hear them whispering amongst themselves, wondering who those “grand ladies” might be.
If only they knew the truth. Nora is actual royalty.
Everyone she’d seen so far was in full costume. Men wore knee breeches, white stockings, white shirts, cravats, and dark tailcoats. Among the women, pastel-colored empire-waisted gowns proved to be a popular option. Their masks and wide assortment of feathers, headbands, and other headpieces set them apart from one another.
Walking through the wooden doors, they entered the reception area. An easel hiding a computer displayed information on promotional pricing for guided tours to sites such as Chatsworth House, Lyme Regis, Winchester, Chawton, and Steventon. Three members from the Jane Austen Festival’s organizing committee stood in a neat line, welcoming the guests.
“That woman definitely isn’t afraid of color,” Sabrina giggled. Her vibrant orange hair, cut in a mohawk, clashed violently with a sunflower-yellow gown and a pair of red cat-eyed glasses. A tattoo in cursive writing just below her sleeves read “obstinate, headstrong girl.”
“That’s Michelle, our very own NoblePatroness. She’s gone for tame this year. Last year, her ensemble was neon green. The year before that was fuchsia pink.” Nora removed her cape. “She never does anything by halves.”
Sabrina loosened the ribbons of her outerwear and slipped it off her shoulders.
Huh. The bright colors Michelle enjoys definitely match her larger-than-life online persona.
“Welcome to the Masquerade Ball. You ladies are ravishing. I’m certain neither one of you will leave here empty handed tonight,” the heavyset woman next to Michelle said. She was wearing a white mobcap over a smattering of blonde curls, and her dress was a muted beige. “Here are your dance cards for the evening. Use them wisely.”
What a fun accessory!
The index-card-size piece of cardboard could be looped around one’s wrist, and listed twelve empty spots for a person to jot the given name of one’s dance partner down.
I’ve already promised the opening set to Nora, though if a mysterious stranger does happen to come along to sweep her off her feet, I won’t mind.
Moving one spot down the receiving line, Michelle air-kissed Nora on both cheeks. “Nora. Lovely dress.” She squinted at Sabrina. “I’m having a more difficult time remembering your name. Don’t tell me. It’s on the tip of my tongue.” Michelle puffed out her cheeks. “Okay. Tell me.”
