“Today, I will get to teach you something.”
Twenty-Nine
After Elsie finished fastening Glory’s ballgown, Glory saw the maid’s eyes widen.
“What is it?” Glory asked. “Does something look wrong?”
“Not at all, my lady.” Elsie busied herself gathering things. “Why don’t you show the other ladies? I will collect your accessories.”
The maid darted from behind the dressing screen, and Glory followed. Fi, Livy, and Pippa were lounging in her bedchamber, keeping her company while she got ready for the ball. They’d also thrown her a surprise celebration which included champagne, cakes from Gunter’s, and other thoughtful gifts: a book about China from Livy, a garnet-studded comb from Fi, and a miniature of FF II that Pippa had painted herself.
Charlie, who’d left town again, had also sent a present. It was an exquisite filigree compass with an emerald marking north. The inscription read, “May you always follow your heart.”
Glory went over to the full-length looking glass, turning to look at all angles. “Um, Fiona?”
Fi paused in her perusal of the iced cakes. “Yes, dear?”
“Where is the rest of my dress?”
“What do you mean?” Fi asked innocently. “It is all there.”
The vee at the front of the ivory organza gown was more daring than usual, but it was the plunging dip on the other side that made Glory blink.
“What about the back?” she asked. “It appears to be missing.”
Rolling her eyes, Fi selected a lemon cream cake with a pair of silver tongs. “Mrs. Q and I agreed that your frock needed a little something to make it unforgettable. Trust me, this silhouette is the latest rage in Paris. Ladies, do tell Glory how delightful she looks.”
“You look a treat, dear,” Pippa said absentmindedly.
Reclining on the chaise, she didn’t seem to be paying attention since she was enjoying a foot rub from Livy.
She made a sound of pleasure. “Goodness, that feels divine. My feet have been killing me.”
“I remember what it was like at this stage,” Livy said.
“I cannot wait for this little one to make his or her appearance.” Grimacing, Pippa patted her extended belly.
Concerned, Glory went over. “Are you certain you are well enough to be here?”
“I shan’t be staying for the dancing.” Pippa reached out to give Glory’s hand a squeeze. “But I did not want to miss wishing you many happy returns, dearest. By the by…where is the rest of your dress?”
“I knew it was too scanty!” Glory exclaimed.
Pippa chuckled. “I am only teasing. You look stunning, dear. Mr. Chen won’t be able to keep his eyes off you.”
“Not just his eyes,” Fi quipped.
Chuckling, Livy said, “Are you and Mr. Chen still waiting to speak to your parents?”
“Yes, even though I wish we didn’t have to.” Glory sighed. “But I cannot risk the damage a scandal would do to Papa’s bill. Especially not now, when Papa is under such scrutiny.”
“If your marriage to Mr. Chen affects His Grace’s campaign, the fault lies with close-minded gossips, not you,” Livy said firmly. “Your papa would not blame you for it.”
“He probably wouldn’t.”
But can I live with myself if I am the cause of Papa’s failure? If I jeopardize his attempt to right a horrendous injustice by creating a scandal or distracting him?
“How do you think your parents will take the news when you tell them?” Fi asked.
