Harriet nodded, feeling a touch of vulnerability creeping into her voice. “Yes. He’s always so composed, sodifficultto read.”
Here she was putting in all this effort. Would it even amount to anything?
Eliza’s smile softened, her tone gentle. “He’d be a fool not to, Your Grace. And I don’t believe for a moment that the duke is a fool. Men like him, they may seem aloof, but they notice far more than they let on. Tonight, when he sees you, I have no doubt that he will be impressed. How could he not be?”
Harriet looked down at her hands, twisting her fingers together as she thought of Simon’s reaction.
It stirred a strange feeling inside of her. She realized that she longed for his approval.
Stop this, Harriet. What are you even thinking? The man barely thinks of you as his wife. You are getting ahead of yourself.
But still, a part of her wanted to ignore her rational mind completely. She did not care what she felt was the ‘right’ thing to do — or the smart thing to do.
She realized that shedidcare for his approval, as foolish as that might be.When did you turn into a foolish little girl?she found herself thinking.
Growing up, she had always considered herself different than the others girls her age. Never one to fret over a boy, much less pine away at his approval. She wascertainthat was something that would never change about her. So much, in fact, that even her mother Albina used to worry about her being that way.
‘What will you act like when you get a husband of your own? Will you be this way, still? William, you must talk some sense into her.’
If only her mother could see her now, perhaps she would be pleased to see what Harriet had become.
She had been transformed into one of those girls who did care about what a man thought of her.
Not just any man, of course, but the man who was her husband.
It was a remarkable change — a frightening one even, but one that could not be ignored.
Even though it was the last thing that she had expected herself to do.
Eliza resumed her work, skillfully weaving the strands of Harriet’s hair into an elegant updo, allowing a few soft curls to frame her face.
“It will go well, Your Grace. You’re doing this not just for him, but for yourself. You deserve to be seen, to be admired, and tonight, you will be.”
“Oh, I already know there will be too many people there in attendance,” Harriet felt the nervousness arise again. “Too many eyes, too much judgment.”
Eliza chuckled softly. “I predict that they’ll be envious, of course. Envious of your beauty, your grace, and your position.”
Harriet smiled at the reassurance, but did not let it get to her head. Finally, Eliza put on the last thing — a sparkling diamond necklace. She had received it as a gift from her family for her wedding, but never had the opportunity to wear it.
Until now.
“I think,” Harriet said slowly, examining herself in the mirror, “that I’m ready.”
Eliza’s smile widened, her pride evident. “You’re more than ready, Your Grace. You’re going to be the belle of the ball.”
Harriet stood, her gown rustling softly as she turned to face Eliza.
“You flatter me.”
“I only speak the truth.” Eliza dipped into a quick curtsy, her eyes shining with warmth.
With one last glance in the mirror, Harriet straightened her shoulders and took in a deep breath to calm herself.
As she walked toward the door, Eliza opened it for her, and Harriet paused, meeting her maid’s eyes with a grateful smile. “Wish me luck.”
“You won’t need it, Your Grace. But good luck all the same.”
With that, Harriet stepped out into the hallway, her heart pounding with anticipation.
