Thalia plunged in, and Genova took shepherds, angels, and extra animals, ready to talk of what this meant to her.
“My parents bought thepresepein Naples just before I was born. My father always says that if I’d been a little speedier, I might have been called Napolia.”
“Genova is much prettier, dear.”
“Perhaps that’s why I waited. Then, when I was born, one of the sailors carved a little lamb to add to the Nativity scene. It started a tradition. Every year on Christmas Eve my father would add an animal.”
Just in time, she managed not to say that it was a birthday gift. The last thing she needed was the attention that might bring.
“Over time, they became stranger and stranger. How my mother laughed at the tiger! This one,” Genova said, holding up the gaudy Chinese dragon, “was the last before my mother died. A Chinese dragon is supposed to bring good fortune….”
Thalia patted her arm. “Your mother is happier in a higher place, dear, and watching over you.”
Genova smiled, but she couldn’t help wondering what Mary Smith thought. She pushed bitterness aside. She knew her mother would be delighted that her dear William had found new comfort.
Then all the animals were around the stable, and the shepherds, angels, and glorious kings stood ready at a distance. Thalia picked up the baby Jesus and moved to put him in the manger. Genova took the figure and tucked it out of sight behind the stable along with the Mother Mary figure, the slender one.
“Not until Christmas Eve,” she said, rememberingher mother doing and saying the same thing to her. Act and reaction had become a ritual along with so many other steps of this tradition.
Thalia peered into the box, clearly hoping for one more treat, but then closed it. “All done.” She stepped back and cocked her head. “It looks very well and is a delightful tradition. Now, dear, as you’re going downstairs again, you must dress.”
Genova had hoped she’d forgotten. “I’mtired, Thalia.”
“Nonsense. Ashart will be missing you!”
Genova tried to argue, but then noticed that her friend did look worn yet seemed unable to rest with company around. This shared room was going to create many problems, but she could solve this one by leaving for a while.
As if to settle the matter, Regeanne returned and took Thalia’s side. Genova allowed the two women to arrange her as if for a play. Regeanne went into the dressing room and returned with a bluegros de Naplesgown.
It was three years old, but Mrs. Rimshaw, the Trayce ladies’ mantua maker, had refurbished it quite magically with embroidery and seed pearls. It was open from the waist down to reveal a new petticoat of white figured silk.
Genova had four new shifts, as well, each with ruffles to show at the neckline and elbow. They were in addition to three entirely new gowns that were gifts from the Trayce ladies. Genova had protested, but they had insisted, saying that they were return for her kindness in agreeing to be their companion on this visit.
“The embroidered net ruffles tonight,” said Thalia, picking a shift. “Nothing too grand for a family evening, dear. But your hair must be redressed in a more relaxed style.”
Genova hadn’t known that Regeanne was a truly skilled lady’s maid until she went to work on her. Herhair was rearranged and paint delicately applied to her face.
Genova had never learned skill with maquillage, and she stared, impressed by the effect.
Regeanne smirked. “Me, I have not forgotten how to make a young lady look her best.”
“No, you haven’t. Thank you, Regeanne.”
The maid inclined her head. “Some young ladies use the heavy paint. It is folly. The old use the paint to look like the young!”
“Twenty-two is not so young as that,” said Genova, standing, “though perhaps I feel young at this moment.” She put her hand on her stomach, which felt full of flutters. “What do I do?”
“Don’t worry, dear. Good hosts take care of their guests, and I’m sure dear Beowulf and Diana are excellent hosts. And Ashart will take especial care of you.”
“Oh, Thalia…” Genova hated to live this lie.
“Now, now, dear, I doubt he’ll feel it a burden, and you cannot tell me you didn’t enjoy exchanging words with him! Your eyes sparkled, and your color was pretty without use of the rouge pot.”
Genova didn’t know what to say but tried to prepare Thalia for the future. “I do worry about our different stations in life. I’m not the sort to be a grand lady.”
“Oh, fie! Love doesn’t count such things. Beowulf and Diana seem quite as devoted as I would wish, and I want no less for Ashart.”
“Lady Arradale is rich and noble.”
