“We’re not sure those flowers came from Lord Ludlow,” said Olivia, reminding her that all was not always what it seemed.
“Oh, look at the sunshine Olivia,” said Jocelyn, apparently not hearing a word of what Olivia had said. “It’s a perfect day for a carriage ride.”
If we are going to have many more of these afternoons of agitation and anxiety, I shall have to take up embroidery. I can’t just sit here while you stare out of the window.
Olivia called for Ellen to bring tea. “Earl grey, I think, with that citrus flavor to wake me up whilst we wait.”
“Jocelyn, I recall that Lady Leighton suggested the latest fashion plates from Paris were a little different. I think that puff sleeves might have made a return.”
Anything, anything to detract her from standing there for hours.
Soon Ellen joined them with the tea and together the three of them looked over the patterns.
“My sister says there are a lot of changes this season,” said Ellen, sorting through the plates with enthusiasm.
“I told you, Jocelyn,” said Olivia. “Look at the detail on this dress.”
Jocelyn was drawn into half an hour of fashion plates and planning. “I think this style will suit you Lady Jocelyn,” said Ellen. “The sleeves are shorter.”
“Thankfully I was wrong, the trend is not for puffed sleeves,” commented Olivia.
“Most seem to have a lower neckline. I like this one, with the lace edging. The color would suit you Olivia,” said Jocelyn.
“I don’t think Uncle Harold will allow me another gown this season. However, he has assured me we can buy whatever you need to shine at court, balls, and recitals,” Olivia replied.
“I believe, Lady Olivia, that it would be easy to convert that peacock-colored silk dress to this design. It always seemed a little plain to me,” said Ellen, who, knowing her mistress well, added another incentive. “It’s a difficult neckline for me to iron straight and a change would in fact make it easier.”
Olivia wasn’t fooled for one minute but went along with her maid’s kind plan. “Very well Ellen. Ask Madame Beauchamps, the seamstress, to make the changes. Now, Jocelyn, do you prefer this coral or this rosebud pink shade?”
“Rosebud,” said Jocelyn decisively, and Olivia knew the color would suit her complexion and brown locks.
“Coral would suit you. I think it is a color which would complement your skin tone,” Jocelyn added.
Olivia looked at the sample of coral silk and sighed.
Such a beautiful color. I love it and always seem to wear gray, restrained colors nowadays.
“It is beautiful. The crushed silk seems to shimmer in the light, but Uncle Harold is already scrutinizing our bills,” Olivia reminds Jocelyn
Jocelyn turned to Olivia with a look far older than her years. “Olivia, we need to have gumption and grit where our uncle is concerned. I have an inheritance still, even if we are all confused as to what has happened with regard to yours. Uncle has told you to marry, and yes, I do know, the whole household knows, because he does not have a quiet voice when he is berating you.”
“Josie, please,” Olivia replied, using the familiar childhood name Jocelyn’s parents had called her.
“He expects you to marry this season?” Jocelyn asked her.
Olivia nodded.
“Then he must pay for your gowns. This color and cloth are perfect for you,” Jocelyn said with certainty.
Olivia could see Ellen discreetly pretending to be busy with the color plates as the conversation took place.
Jocelyn squeezed her older cousin's hand. “Truly, Olivia, if you are to escape this house, then your only route is through marriage. Think of all the expense you will save the addle-pated miser in the long term. All those helpings of pot pie and chicken fricassee you won’t eat in the years ahead, because you are married and gone from Swanbourne Place.”
Olivia began to laugh. ‘You can’t call Uncle Harold an addle-pated miser. It isn’t appropriate,” she said, nodding at Ellen to remind Jocelyn they were not alone.
“Hmm. I will remove addle-pated, though I do consider him foolish. But can you tell me truthfully that he is not a miser?” She peered at her cousin. “I thought not.”
They collapsed in laughter. Ellen began to collect the fashion plates when Jocelyn spotted something different. “What’s this?” she asked curiously.
