“I thought these…mishaps were over,” Damaris nearly cried.
“They had disappeared with the passing of Father,” Bernice reminded her.
“There had been none until we came to London,” Damaris admitted. “But tonight was the worst of all.”
From what she had heard, their father, the former Reverend Franklin Simpson was firm and exacting in his demand for perfection from his obedient daughters, much like his older brother who had been Eldridge’s father. Such strictures could make anyone nervous and thus Damaris likely suffered from such a condition that caused her to be maladroit.
“You are making more out of this than necessary,” Miss Judith admonished.
“You are not the one causing people to catch fans on fire or tripping over the feet of gentlemen,” Damaris rebuked.
“That was Mr. Clark Summers and he tripped you on purpose. The incident was not your fault.”
The five women turned with wide-eyed astonishment at Penelope’s proclamation.
“Are you certain?” Miss Bernice asked.
“Yes,” Penelope answered and settled on a seat before them. “He is an arse!” she proclaimed then quickly apologized when she noted their wide-eyed, shocked stare. “Please excuse my description, but he is young, foolish and takes pleasure at the expense of others.”
“Why me?” Damaris asked.
“He is young and foolish,” Miss Chloe echoed the already answered question.
“I understand that this is the first Season for the five of you.” Penelope knew it to be a fact but would rather they enlightened her.
“Yes,” Miss Judith answered. “Our father died nearly eight months ago. His Grace is now our guardian…or their guardian since I am too old but I have no means in which to support myself.”
“And Eldridge agreed to give you a Season?” she asked. “And secure all the proper invitations.”
The sisters nodded.
“Has he provided any guidance?”
The five looked at each other as if not certain how to respond. They likely did not even know what kind of assistance they needed.
“What of seeing that you were outfitted properly?”
They pulled back and glanced at their gowns, concern and worry filling their eyes.
She certainly had not meant to insult. “Your gowns are lovely,” she quickly assured them. “I am simply wondering if His Grace has prepared you properly for London. Being outfitted is simply the first step to a successful Season.”
“He is very busy and we are grateful to him for taking us in and allowing us new purchases,” Judith responded.
It was likely Eldridge did not know what a miss would need for a Season, nor did the sisters.
They needed her.
“We have been very careful in our purchases because we did not want to take advantage of His Grace,” Bernice assured her. “Or what we thought would be necessary, though I am to understand that it has been noted that I have worn this same dress to five other balls.”
Penelope had noticed the same but would never be so rude to mention that fact to them or anyone else.
Jael leaned forward. “Is it really necessary to have so many ballgowns?” she asked quietly.
“How many do you have?” Penelope returned.
“Three for each of us,” Miss Chloe answered. “Just as we have two walking dresses, three morning gowns, two visiting gowns and two evening gowns.”
“The dresses we each have now is more than we have possessed in a lifetime, and the fabric is much finer than we have ever owned, but I do fear spilling, straining or tearing the cloth.” Damaris worried.
