Logan sealed an envelope and handed it to Dougal. “I have taken the liberty of enclosing a cheque in the amount of thirty pounds. I can offer the lady a little more, but I hope this willsecure her interest in giving us the privilege of publishing her journals.”
“Thank you, Mr. Logan. I will convey this to her and ask her to reply.”
“You may wish to act as her adviser, since you have published with us yourself.”
“Small experience, but I would be glad to be of assistance.” Dougal slid the envelope and the little book into his pocket. “I admit, I took a risk in showing you her wee book.”
“You are a loyal friend, sir. Convince the lady that this is a golden opportunity. I hope her dreams equal your dreams for her.”
“Dreams?” Dougal stood. “I hope so, too.”
*
“Certainly, Mrs. Larrimore,if you think we need extra staff for the soiree, please hire them.” Meg stood in the drawing room with Angela Shaw and the housekeeper of the Charlotte Square townhouse.
“You will find willing maids of service at Matheson House,” Angela suggested. “It is newly established, and there are several young women there eager for work.”
“Huh,themlassies,” Mrs. Larrimore said dubiously.
“They are well-bred young women caught by unfortunate circumstance,” Meg said. “Many of them desire honest work. Hire a few as kitchen maids and upstairs maids for the evening, at least. We will need a couple of lady’s maids as well.”
“I suppose I could inquire,” the housekeeper said.
“Now, we shall have music and dancing that evening. I believe the drawing room will be large enough if some furniture is removed to the upstairs rooms. The carpet is large in that room and should do nicely for dancing.”
“Aye, and the musicians can sit in that corner, near the garden doors.” Mrs. Larrimore pointed to a roomy area beside the small conservatory. “We can set conservatory plants about in pots.”
“Lovely idea,” Meg said. “The roses in the conservatory are plentiful. Use some of those. Mrs. Shaw, have other flowers been ordered?”
“Yes, madam. Yellow and ivory roses and some others for variety and color. And the buffet table will have an arrangement of sugared fruits in a tower, very pretty. And I made some tiny nightingales out of silk and paper in the Japanese method to set among the flower arrangements, in honor of Miss Lind, since she is called the Swedish Nightingale.”
“Splendid idea! You have a delicate hand for craftwork.” Meg looked around the room. “We also need to designate two upstairs rooms as dressing rooms for the ladies and the gentlemen.”
“Aye, madam,” the housekeeper agreed. “The rooms will be heated and well lit, and there will be plenty of soap and water, towels, combs, pins, and so forth for the guests.”
“It will be a nice touch to provide rose and lavender water, and almond cream too.”
“I will see it done. The grooms will be told to reduce the hearth fires as the evening goes on. With so many guests, we do not want the place too warm!”
“Good. I will leave the details to you, Mrs. Larrimore, as you know what is needed. We will arrive in groups after the concert at the Music Hall. All must be in readiness by eight o’clock, I think. And we should designate a lady’s maid for Miss Lind, who will arrive after the others.”
“Katie will do. She’s a good lass. Did you look at the menu, madam?”
“It is perfect. I would not change a thing,” Meg said. “Mrs. Shaw?”
“Very nice. And I like the plan to provide fruit ices and lemonade early, with a light buffet supper served at midnight.”
“Very good, then,” Mrs. Larrimore said. “I’d best get back to work. Cook will start baking well before dawn that day, and we will be busy—meats to roast for cold slices later, dishes and punches to prepare, ice to be delivered and stored. And the entire house will be cleaned and polished beforehand. Do not fret about any of it.”
“Thank you. Oh, the dressmaker from Paris will arrive afternoon,” Meg said. The housekeeper bobbed her head and left the room.
“It promises to be a lovely event,” Angela said.
“This is not a large house for such a party,” Meg replied, glancing around. “I…I am feeling a bit nervous, Angela.”
“Strathlin Castle has more room, but it is too far. Your guests can quickly return to their homes and hotels from here. And it is convenient for Miss Lind, as well, since she is traveling.”
Meg nodded distractedly. “I know you and Mrs. Larrimore and the others will make this a wonderful party. It is…something else entirely.”
