Jocelyn blushed and giggled.
“I see that I am right,” said Madame Beauchamps, “and so we must make you even more beautiful.”
“Is Lady Leighton joining you?” asked Ellen. “I think that’s her carriage arriving.
“Yes, she insisted as Jocelyn’s sponsor for the season,” confirmed Olivia.
Lady Leighton came into the room, followed by her maid, carrying a pile of bonnets.
“I found these old things,” she told them. “I thought Madame that they could be refreshed for Lady Olivia or Lady Jocelyn.”
Jocelyn clapped her hands in delight. “Oh, look at this color. It matches that feather which Lord Hatfield rescued for you from that dandy.”
“That’s news to me,” said Marianne. “You’ll have to tell me the story Jocelyn.”
Jocelyn recounted the events in the park.
“Hmm…” Marianne said to Olivia “Have you made a conquest my friend?”
“Absolutely not,” spluttered Olivia in protest.
“I have noticed he watches you a lot of the time,” commented Marianne looking at Olivia curiously. “Very interesting. He ran off, jumped on his horse and pursued the ruffian. I always miss the exciting things.”
Marianne turned her attention to the dressmaker. “Well Madame, I’d like you to make a stunning ballgown for my friend here. Do you think crushed apricot silk or forest green velvet? I think Olivia can get away with a stronger, more striking color.”
“But Marianne. I’ve already ordered one new dress,” protested Olivia.
“And you need several more. If necessary, I shall speak to Lord Sherwyn. He wants you to find a husband, and that won’t happen if you look like a dowdy frump.”
“I don’t look like...” Olivia started to object.
“Well, no, but your uncle’s knowledge of fashion is non-existent, and he is insisting you have this season. If I should pull a little wool over his eyes, then so be it. I shall brook no opposition on this Olivia, so there is no point arguing with me.”
Olivia recognized the glint in her feisty friend’s eyes and decided it would be easiest to just agree.
An hour later the ball gowns were arranged, and Olivia admitted that she did feel excited at the color and design. There were also several day dresses and the bonnets to remodel. Olivia’s wardrobe of dove gray cambric and bombazine was about to change considerably.
Countess Allegra would approve,she thought to herself.
Jocelyn went to have her hair wanded into ringlets by Ellen, a process which could often take longer than half an hour.
“Marianne,” began Olivia tentatively. “Can we go for a walk around the square? There is a matter on which I very much need your advice.”
“Of course. Is it about the earl?”
Olivia blushed brightly, exclaiming, “No!”
“I’m not convinced Olivia. I’ve never seen you blush like that before. I suspect I am right.”
“Oh no Marianne, you are quite wrong.”
As they left the house a warm, southerly breeze greeted them, and they walked towards the central park. Marguerite trotted happily alongside Olivia.
When they reached the central circle, it was covered with tiny blue forget-me-nots, purple heartsease and violas. Olivia suggested they sit on a bench, and once seated she handed Marianne a letter.
“This looks formal,” said Marianne, taking out the contents. “Ah, I see.” An expression of rare irritation clouding her face.
Olivia watched the clouds drift past in the sky, feeling the warm breeze on her face.
