“Tonight? We’ve never received an invitation,” Daphne said.
“Yes, we did. He gave it to me, and I forgot to bring it home and left it on my desk.”
Daphne shook her head and laughed. “Kowing you, I’m sure you told him we’d be in attendance and wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“Yes, something like that.” He glanced at Harriet. “You’re coming along as well, Harriet. You were in the invitation as well.”
“Drats,” Harriet replied, putting her needle work to her side.
“Lucien will be there as well. I saw him as I was leaving Parliament. This ball in particular is attended by a lot of businessmen, who are important for his business.”
“Is he accompanying us or will we meet him there?”
“We’ll catch up with him at the ball,” Arthur replied.
It was all Harriet could do to keep herself in control. “If the two of you will excuse me, I need to choose a gown and have my maid ready it.”
“I need to do the same,” Daphne added.
“Again, I apologize for this, ladies,” Arthur said.
“Don’t let it happen again,” Daphne said amusedly.
“Bloody hell, Arthur bad,” Sam, Daphne’s macaw said.
All three of them burst into laughter as Sam walked back and forth on his perch. Harriet took this as a perfect time to take her leave and choose her gown for this evening.
She found her maid in the dressing area of her rooms. “I need a gown for tonight. I’ve just been informed we’re going to a ball.”
“Tonight?”
“Tonight, I’m afraid,” Harriet replied and she began to look at each gown. “What about the periwinkle and purple?”
“I think that’s a good choice. Let me bring it out so we can check it over.”
Moments later the gown lay across the bed. She hadn’t worn it before. It had been one of the first gowns she had commissioned when Daphne took her to her modiste. Harriet thought this particular gown would be perfect to wear. Lucien would be attending and she wanted to make his head spin.
“I’ll take it downstairs to press it.”
“Excellent. While you’re doing that, I’m going to take a bath.”
“Is Lord Lucien going to be attending this evening?” the young girl asked as she lifted the gown off the bed.
“Yes, he is,” Harriet replied.
“Excellent.”
Removing her boots, Harriet made her way to the bathing chamber. First thing she did was crack open the water to let the tub fill. She gathered everything she needed. Soap, perfume to add to the water, sponges, and towels. Once she disrobed, Harriet dipped one foot into the water. It was quite warm, just the way she liked it. Knowing there wasn’t time to wash and dry her hair, she tied it up on top of her head and submerged the rest of her body into the scented water. It was heavenly and she vowed she’d just take a minute to enjoy before washing herself.
By the time Harriet joined Daphne and Arthur in the drawing room, she looked nothing like the young woman who went to ready herself for a gala social event. She was breathtaking. At least, that’s what Arthur and Daphne told her as she twirled around in a circle in the drawing room.
“I take it you approve?” Harriet asked.
“Approve? Harriet you’re going to take Lucien’s breath away. Don’t you think, Arthur?” Daphne said with a smile.
“Yes, I do,” Arthur replied.
Minutes later they were in the carriage and on their way to the ball. The curtains were closed making it impossible to see what was going on outside. But that was the point when one rode in a carriage at night.
