“First new clothing, then dancing lessons and now hairstyles,” Bernice exclaimed. “Thank you, Cousin Henry.”
“You are welcome,” he murmured even though he had done nothing more than open his purse and allow Lady Penelope to proceed with her plans.
“Braids even.” Damaris’ neck grew red as she ran a finger over the hair from her temple to the back of her hair.
Women often added braids to their hair and he could not understand why it was important now.
“We had only been allowed to braid our hair for sleep so that it did not tangle. Never for the purpose of style or to make it more attractive,” Judith explained.
Henry lifted a questioning eyebrow to Lady Penelope and Petrucio and hoped one of them would explain.
“Verses in First Timothy and First Peter advise women against braided hair because it draws attention to their appearance when they should remain modest,” Petrucio answered the unasked question.
“Braids are a sin,” Henry concluded with a sigh. His uncle had truly taken everything in the literal sense. No wonder his cousins were so eager to escape their former lives.
“Well, if that will be all, I do need to attend a rehearsal,” Petrucio said. “I expect each of you to call on me next time you need your hair styled or trimmed.”
“Oh, we will,” Chloe assured him.
Petrucio nodded to Lady Penelope and then Henry before he departed.
“Lady Penelope, would it be possible to shop for combs and pins for our hair. We did not purchase any because we did not think it necessary, but if we are to be fashionable, should we not have some?” Bernice asked then slid a glance at Henry, silently asking his approval.
“Of course,” Lady Penelope answered. “Run along and prepare for an outing while I speak with His Grace on another matter.”
Henry nearly groaned at what else Lady Penelope might want. What else could his cousins possibly need now?
“Are you aware that no lady’s maid has been assigned to your cousins?”
He blinked. The mansion was full of servants. “We have maids.”
“You have a housekeeper, kitchen maids, housemaids, and scullery maids, but not a lady’s maid.”
“There is a difference?” he asked slowly and realized that this was something he probably should know.
“A lady’s maid is needed to style their hair, help them dress and keep their wardrobe clean. They also see to the chamber…much like your valet. Would you expect a footman to see to the tasks you expect of your valet?”
“No, I…um…I suppose not.” Bloody hell! “Why did they not ask for one if they are necessary?”
“Because they never had one before and helped each other, but I can assure you that when the remainder of their clothing arrives and now that there is more detailed styling of their hair, a lady’s maid is necessary.”
How was it that he was always being ordered about or chastised by Lady Penelope? Just once he would like to have already done something right that she could not fault.
“I suppose I must hire five—one for each of them.”
“No. Two or three should do for now.”
“Where might I find them? Do I request applicants from a service and interview?”
Penelope frowned. “When is the last time you hired a servant, Your Grace?”
Bloody hell, she was judging him again and Henry did not like it one bit. “I have never employed a servant,” he finally admitted. “My valet was promoted from the staff when I was in need of one.”
“Then I shall see to the task,” Lady Penelope announced.
“You will not hire servants for my household!” If he did not step in right now, she would take over his life.
“I will first inquire of the housekeeper if any of the maids have the training and skills to be a lady’s maid. If so, your cousins will employ their talents. If it works out to their benefit, then your housekeeper will see to hiring servants to replace them, thus you will not need to do anything.”
