~From the diary of Lady Fiona MacKintosh—Apr 1893
––––––––
“Allow me, my lady,”Hobbes said, holding her frock coat so Fiona could slip her arms in.While it was cut in the simple, smooth lines she preferred with the wide cuff of the modest leg-o-mutton sleeve ending just above her elbows, the femininity of the pink and yellow rose print and dangling greenery against the ecru silk moiré background somehow suited her mood that day.
The narrowed lapels of the frock coat framed a deep V down to the two jeweled frogs clasping at the narrowest part of her waist, partially revealing Fiona’s white silk blouse and tight, corset-style ecru satin vest beneath.Below the frog closures, the thigh-length frock coat parted again in a mirrored V to show off the front panel of her ecru lace skirt.The skirt was hemmed with a wide lace ruffle, and an underskirt of mossy green, brushed cotton peeked from beneath the scalloped hem.
At her neck, she wore a cameo broach that had been her mother’s.From the bottom of it, yellow diamonds and peridot dangled from a series of delicate chains.
The entire ensemble was uncommonly feminine considering Fiona’s usual tastes, for once displaying outwardly what was normally hidden beneath, but she was feeling uncommonly girlish that day.Nearly giddy, in fact, as she accepted her hat from the butler and turned to pin it on.The satin dome was surrounded by pale pink gathered gauze with silk roses to match her frock coat and surrounded by a starched lace brim.
Her ivory gloves with embroidered trim came next.She pulled the fingers into place with a merry whistle and reached for the matching parasol.
Through the open door, a lovely breeze beckoned her to enjoy the late spring day.Their waiting line of broughams sat with their tops down in anticipation of the fine weather and her brothers laughing in tandem to the birdsong drifting on the breeze.
“There you are, my lady,” Hobbes continued, handing it over.“You look as fresh as a summer morning.”
She beamed at the butler, ignoring the blush she knew must be adding a rosy hue to her cheeks.“Thank you, Hobbes.That is so sweet!”
Hobbes winced and added more gravely.“I hope you enjoy the spectacle.”
“You don’t approve?”she asked with a grin.The entire family was going to the opening of the Empire of India Exhibit on the grounds of the Earl’s Court.“Is it the unsavory crowds or the foreign displays you find unseemly?”
“All of it, my lady.”
“What doesn’t he approve of?”Ilona asked, joining Fiona in the foyer.The butler turned away and snapped his fingers to call up Ilona’s accessories.
Fiona grinned, sure she had seen the older man’s ears redden.“I believe Hobbes considers our outing to be inappropriate.”
“Really?”Ilona asked with wide-eyed innocence as Hobbes returned with all the accessories to match her light ivory linen and tape lace dress.“It’s a cultural exhibit, you know, Hobbes?”
“It is a carnival, madam.”
The two women traded a laugh.“Have you been that you know this for certain?”Fiona asked playfully.
“I know everything, my lady.”
“Everything?”she teased, but the butler only lifted a brow, and at that moment, she would almost have sworn that hedidknow everything.It was impossible, of course, but Fiona felt her blush recommence anyway.“Don’t feel you need to wait on me, Ilona.My new maid forgot to bring down my reticule.I’ll be out in a moment.”
“I don’t mind at all,” Ilona told her, lowering her voice as Hobbes stepped away to await their other sisters-in-law, who had yet to appear.“I’m glad to see you in such a fine mood.I wager I know the reason for it.”
Fiona’s cheeks burned yet again.“I’ll wager you do not.”
“Oh, is it not Lord Aylesbury then?There is a fire in your eyes when you look at him,” Ilona pointed out.“The same fire that is lacking with Lord Ramsay.”
“Please, Ilona,” Fiona begged.“How can you think I care for Lord Aylesbury when I invited Lord Harrowby to join us today?”
Admittedly, she had considered Aylesbury first, but their undeniably rapturous encounter had left her feeling more vulnerable than usual.While she liked Lord Temple very much, she had instead asked Harrowby to attend her.Though she didn’t know him well, she gathered that she was less likely to wound the feelings of such a resolved bachelor and rake if her interest wasn’t engaged.
“Yes, you did.Why is that?”
“Oh no, please do not say another word!”
“He looks at you the same way, you know,” Ilona added.“All that wonderful heat and desire.That is how a man should look at a woman.There, I said it, and I will speak no more of it.”
Fiona groaned inwardly.“You’d be the only one.Go to your husband!Colin looks so very lonely without you.”
Both ladies turned and looked out the door where all the MacKintosh men were talking and laughing with an occasional backslap between them.“He does appear heartbroken, doesn’t he?Poor dear.”Ilona grinned at her husband with open adoration.As if he could feel her gaze, Colin’s eyes drifted to hers and held before he winked roguishly.
