“Quite a little adventure,” she said in a comfortable Northern accent. “I’m happy to help out here for a while. Take me to your room, Mrs. Cateril, and we’ll see what we have.”
That sounded like an inspection!
Kitty had already laid out the blue stripe gown on the bed, with the bonnet and gloves alongside. The aired-out clothing was piled around the room, and the two trunks stood open and empty.
“I’ll see to all this and to its delivery to the Abbey, ma’am,” Miss Oldswick said. “Don’t you worry about anything.” She spoke as if Kitty were a helpless child.
Kitty said, “Thank you,” but she’d hire a simpler servant in due course. She had no need of someone else to intimidate her. On the other hand, the confident Miss Oldswick could prove a big battalion in the war. “My gowns are mostly out-of-date,” Kitty apologized. “I’ve been in mourning for most of the past three years. First my parents, then my husband.”
“And then your husband’s mother didn’t like you to put off your blacks, ma’am. Yes, he said. Kind of you to comfort her.”
Kitty hadn’t thought of it like that. It was too generous, but she wouldn’t argue.
“You’ll have much to learn, ma’am, and I’ll be able to assist you there. And, of course, I’m to report to Lady Sophonisbe.”
“Who?”
“Didn’t he say?” She tutted, but indulgently, as if Lord Dauntry, too, were a feeble child. “His grandmother, ma’am, Lady Sophonisbe Ecclestall. She’d have liked to attend his lordship’s wedding, but she doesn’t travel much these days and she’s sensible of not intruding. Just thought I’d let you know I’ll be a spy in the camp, but I’ll be your ally in the wars.”
“Thank you,” Kitty said, not at all sure what to make of all this.
LadySophonisbe must be the daughter of a duke, marquess, or earl. Miss Oldswick was clearly on comfortable terms with the great lady, but that raised the maid rather than diminishing the lady. Thank heavens Lady Sophonisbe hadn’t come. One tricky dowager at a time.
All the same, Kitty could see how Miss Oldswick’s comfortable assurance would enhance her own situation at the Abbey. Dropping names such as Lady Sophonisbe’s wouldn’t hurt, either.Excellent strategy, my lord.
Then Kitty recalled that Andrew had mentioned Lord Dauntry was distantly connected to a duke. Distantly! Quite possibly he was the great-grandson of one.
“Is there anything else, ma’am?” Miss Oldswick asked.
“How do you wish to be addressed?”
“Henry’ll do between us, ma’am. That’s what Miss Ecclestall calls me. I don’t care for this calling female servants by their surname. Mannish, that’s what it is, and there’s nothing amiss with being womanish. Your hair is well arranged, ma’am.”
Kitty had surrendered to Ruth’s insistence that she not wear a cap today.
“My friend Mrs. Lulworth is quite skilled.”
“So I see.” She looked at the bed. “This is your wedding gown?”
“Will it do?”
“As you say, ma’am, not in the latest style, but there’s no shame in that, especially for a widow. In general, I’d say you’re better suited by strong colors, but not for your wedding. Let’s get you ready.”
Henry Oldswick set to work, dressing Kitty like a child.
“Your jewels, ma’am?” Henry asked at last.
Embarrassed, Kitty unlocked her trinket box and let the maid choose from the limited selection. Henry took a simple silver cross and chain.
“Not the pearls?” Kitty asked.
“I hope I don’t offend, ma’am, but they’re small and contrast unfavorably with the ring. I believe you should move the ring to your right hand for the ceremony.”
Kitty hadn’t thought of that and did so, then rubbed at the mark beneath. Perhaps it would never entirely fade, but it did come from eight years of her life.
She turned to assess herself in the mirror. She didn’t look her best, but her appearance was quiet and simple, which would be a good impression to start with. Would the Russian mantle spoil that? The deep blue, fur-lined cloak was hanging on a hook. Kitty took it down and draped it around her shoulders, then considered her appearance again. Her chin and nose were still too strong and her hair was red, but it was neatly arranged for now, and the blue cloak with the tawny fur did suit her.
“Is it too grand?” she asked. “In appearance, at least?” She was sure Henry knew the fur was cheap stuff.
