“Very clever, Mama,” Ariana said as they made a last survey before their guests arrived. “No one can mute the brilliance of flame, so it’s completely acceptable.”
The library was set up with card tables—hired—and the drawing room with extra chairs from around the house, for that was where the poetry and music would be performed. It contained a piano, a harp, and a harpsichord, and some other instruments lay to hand in case they were needed. She saw a violin, a flute, and a recorder. Not so grand a selection as in Lady Cawle’s house, but reasonable.
But there was no lute.
It was an unusual instrument, which made her wonder why Kynaston had taken it up. More evidence ofmadness, and from a young age? It couldn’t truly be seen as mad, however. There were clubs for the performance of early music. It simply wasn’t a normal choice for a young gentleman of the beau monde.
The dining room was ready for refreshments to be set out, but as the event wouldn’t run late, there’d be no supper, so no extra tables were needed. Thank heavens, for there was no room for them.
It would soon be time to dress, but something teased at Ariana’s mind and would not be ignored. It was a foolish thought, and even a dangerous one, but it wouldn’t go away. The servants were all busy, so she sent Ethel off to the music shop. Soon a hired lute lay alongside the other instruments in the drawing room.
Ariana hoped it would be used. She truly wished to hear Kynaston play and sing again.
Ethel would quote, “Music has charms to soothe,” and perhaps that was part of the plan. If he played, would it heal him? After a meaningless contemplation of the glossy instrument, she went to prepare.
She’d chosen to wear one of her new gowns. It was in mourning hue, but closer to deep lilac than to violet. The cut of the bodice was daringly low and wide, dipping between her breasts and exposing her shoulders. An almost transparent veil of pearly gauze was a nod to sobriety, but concealed nothing.
“Wicked, that is,” Ethel said, but in approval.
Ariana felt a slight tug toward changing into something else, but she wouldn’t be a coward. She was husband hunting, and for that, the gown was perfect. At least two possibilities would be here tonight. In addition to the daring bodice, the cut of the silken skirt seemed designed to cling, with the deep froth of gray-and-lilac lace at the hem enhancing that.
She considered that trimming with concern. The lace might draw attention to her feet. She could do nothing about that. Her dark gray silk slippers were as discreet as possible. She was as she was.
She wore her pearls, with the long string wound around the base of her neck so as to not interfere with the view below. More pearls at her ears, and a brooch between her breasts. She wore nothing on her arms and hands other than long gray silk gloves.
Many-headed hairpins gave the effect of tiny seed pearl flowers scattered throughout her curls, and there she allowed some sparkle. Each had a diamond chip at the heart.
Perhaps it was all a little light and bright for mourning, but she felt ready for the fray.
•••
To avoid overstretching the servants, they were dining before the gathering alone. As the dining room was unavailable, they were to eat a simple meal at a table set up in the library. When Ariana joined her brother and mother there, Norris goggled in a very satisfactory way.
“I say, Ariana...”
“You disapprove?”
“A fellow’s not used to seeing his sister—”
“Decked out for husband hunting? Are you worried that in this garb I’ll win?”
“No, no!” he said, but then babbled, “Mean to say... Look splendid. That’s what I meant.”
“Dear Norris,” their mother said, “have you only just realized that Ariana is a very handsome woman?”
Ariana smiled thanks at her mother, but was it foolish to wish that just once someone would substitute “beautiful” for “handsome?”
She worried that reminding Norris of the plan andhis fate would cast him into a bad mood, but he was behaving well. In fact, he was in high spirits.
As they ate a pear tart, Ariana said, “It’s almost as if you’re looking forward to this evening.”
“I am,” he said. “Good to see the house used for proper entertainment.”
“The contrast being ‘improper’?” she teased.
He even took that in good part, chuckling. “Aye, I’ve hosted a few gentlemanly parties here, Sis. But nothing beyond the line,” he assured his mother.
“I’m sure not,” their mother said. “You are looking as fine as Ariana, dear. That neckcloth is cunningly arranged.”
