“But what if I have forgotten something?” Vivian shook her off. “Everything has to be perfect, Cecily, or I will never get enough money to start the schools.”
“The items for the auction are all laid out, and you have briefed the ushers at the door. The tables of refreshments have all been set up; Andrea is debriefing the footmen as we speak.” Cecily gestured to the door. “You need to get dressed.”
“The wine—” Vivian began, but Cecily interrupted.
“Is here.”
“But what about the musicians? Perhaps I should reread their list of songs.” Vivian clapped a hand to her mouth. “Oh, God, has anyone prepared that plate for Lord Montstatten’s dog?”
“I still cannot believe you allowed him to bring it.” Andrea shook her head as she walked into the room. “Oh my goodness, Vivian, please tell me you are not wearing that to the event?”
“Of course not.” Vivian frowned as Andrea took the papers from her. “I have an evening dress waiting for me.”
“Then why are you not wearing it?” Andrea looked at Cecily. “You are cutting it rather close.”
“That is what I have been trying to tell her! The guests will be here in half an hour.” Cecily hopped from foot to foot.
“Half an hour? What? No, that cannot be right. My pocket watch says half-past six. See, plenty of time, the event does not start until eight.” Vivian pointed to the watch.
I do not see why they are panicking; there is more than enough time.
“Vivian, it is half past seven, not six.” Andrea took out a pocket watch and showed it to Vivian, who yelped.
“But there is so much to do!” Vivian squeaked as Cecily took her by the arm and dragged Vivian out of the ballroom.
“I will handle it; you get dressed,” Andrea called after her.
They took the stairs two at a time, and Vivan tried to calm her swiftly fraying nerves as Cecily barked instructions at the maids, helping Andrea change out of her plain day dress into her navy-blue ball gown.
It was a stunning silk dress, with a low-cut neckline and beautiful embroidery along the torso. The embroidery depicted books, little girls, and buildings—a reminder of why they were all gathered in the hall that day.
Her gloves were black with silver thread laced through them, and matched her shoes. She wore the matching necklace and earrings Thomas had bought her, feeling their weight around her neck.
“How do I look?” Vivian asked as Henrietta put on the final touches of her makeup.
“Look for yourself.” Cecily beamed, gesturing to the looking glass.
Vivian took a deep breath and slowly turned. She gasped when she saw her reflection. Standing before her was the most stunning woman she had ever seen.
Her hair was a work of art; the beadwork on her dress caught and shimmered in the light. But that was not what caught her attention. The thing that held her gaze was the fact that she finally looked like herself.
“Thomas’s jaw will be on the floor when he sees you.” Cecily squeezed Vivian’s arm. “I expect he might combust on sight.”
Vivian swallowed. “I will settle for the jaw drop. I would rather like my husband not on fire.”
Cecily laughed. “To each their own.”
“Where is Thomas? I thought he would be here by now.” Vivian bit her lip.
“I am sure he will be here. He knows how important this is to you.” Cecily looked toward the door. “Knowing him, there is every chance he is already waiting in the foyer for you.”
Vivian’s stomach was twisted and turned, and she placed a hand on it, breathing in deeply to soothe some of its movement. She linked arms with Cecily, and together they walked into the main foyer.
She could see no sign of Thomas.
“There is still time. It is not yet eight.” Cecily squeezed her hand.
Vivian nodded, but a prickle of unease stirred within her. She tried to shake it off.He will be here.In the distance, carriages started to arrive. With each one, she hoped to see the familiar crest of Thomas’s house.
