The increased worry most likely led to more accidents, and while their gowns were nice, they were not as fine as wards of a duke should be wearing, but Penelope would not mention that fact as she did not want them to become even more self-conscious than they might already be.
“Our father believed in one Sunday dress and three simple dresses for the remaining days of the week and only to be discarded as rags and replaced when it was too frayed or faded for public,” Judith explained.
Penelope had difficulty hiding her shock. Had the reverend been so poor that he could not afford to outfit his daughters?
“These are the first dresses that we did not sew ourselves. Not that any of us have the talent as the dressmakers in London,” Chloe explained.
Penelope blinked as she began to understand more about the sisters. “You have only worn clothing you sewed yourself?”
Miss Chloe nodded. “She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.”
Miss Judith groaned.
“That is familiar. Where is it from? I cannot place it,” Penelope admitted.
“Proverbs 31:19,” Judith answered with a sigh. “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.”
“Yes, now I remember. It is a warning from a mother to her son, a king, I believe.”
“King Lemuel,” Bernice answered. “Verses ten to thirty-one were taken to heart by our father who expected us to be a virtuous woman.”
“Including making your own clothing?” Penelope asked.
“Yes, though not so far as spinning,” Judith chuckled. “Even though we are no longer in Biblical times, these lessons are easily translated into today and it is what our father expected of us.”
“And why no gentleman was worthy enough to court us,” Bernice added.
“Why is that?” Penelope asked.
“They needed to be as devout as father or we would be led to sin.”
Penelope blinked again.
“We are just thankful that Father never found one he approved,” Damaris quickly assured her. “Now, we can…”
“What?” Penelope asked when Damaris said nothing further.
“I suppose, enjoy life. See what we have missed,” Bernice answered.
“We are just not certain how to go about doing so,” Judith offered quietly. “For all my maturity and being the eldest, I am honest enough to admit that we are quite lost in London.”
“How often do you attend balls and other entertainments?” Penelope asked.
“Practically every evening,” Jael answered. “In the day, we sometimes walk in Hyde Park, but we have not called on anyone, nor has anyone called on us.”
That was because they had not been noticed nor had they made friends. Except, she was surprised that dozens of mothers and daughters hadn’t called on them simply to extend a friendship in hopes of gaining Eldridge’s notice.
“Has your cousin offered no guidance whatsoever.”
“He has been so good to welcome us into his home, provide us with a generous wardrobe, and included us in entertainments. We do not want to be bothersome or seen as unappreciative.”
The wardrobe was not generous, nor did she believe Eldridge even noticed what his cousins wore, but he may be concerned if Society started whispering about him being tightfisted.
It was likely that he had no idea how to present or chaperone five misses and since they were no trouble…well…other than Damaris and her mishaps…had thus let them be. “Are the five of you ready to shake off your wallflower status and enjoy what is left of the Season?”
She thought they would be excited by the prospect but they appeared more worried.
“What is wrong?”
