Page 41

“Let us do this one,” Lark said, smoothing her hand along the modest pink dress.

Penelope didn’t respond. Instead she nodded her head and turned away. The young woman had been a constant companion over the ten years she had worked for Lark—when Lark was sixteen and Penelope fourteen. Over those years, their kinship had grown so they could both read each other rather well. As such, Lark knew there was something Penelope was not saying.

“You disapprove?” Lark asked, curious.

Penelope hesitated. “Not disapprove, per say. I was only hopin’ to try out a certain hairstyle I saw on a fashion plate last week at Campell’s. I believe it will look best with the blue gown, though.”

Lark pulled in her lips, eying the blue ribbon around the bodice and lower neckline, though still modest. It was finer than anything she’d worn thus far on the trip, and the sapphire jewelry Mother insisted she bring along would pair nicely with it.

“The other women dress fine, as well, so you wouldn’t be out o’ place.”

Penelope had a point. Mrs. Shepherd and Mrs. Chumley were very finely dressed each evening. If anything, wearing the gown would help them to know that Lark was at their level in Society—if not technically above it.

She looked at the dress once again. The color did wonders for her complexion, and the cut and style accentuated her figure perfectly. The green in her hazel eyes was brought out, as well. She always noticed a number of gentlemen’s eyes turning when she wore it.

Would Mr. Branok’s do the same?

She started at the thought. Heavens above. There was no chance of Lark wearing the gown now. That pathway of seeking a gentleman’s approval led only to misery.

“Thank you, Penelope. But the pink dress will suit fine enough.”

Penelope accepted the decision at once. “That’s fine, miss. I’ve many other hairstyles to choose from that are just as lovely.”

“Thank you,” Lark returned. “At any rate, it is better this way. I would not wish to attract any attention, even positive. I’ve no idea what Mr. Chumley takes as disruption, so I’d rather not risk it.”

Penelope opened her mouth, looked at Lark, then paused. “Yes, miss.”

Lark had told Penelope of Mr. Chumley’s stipulations even before Aunt and Uncle—and Lark had sworn her to secrecy about the hefty price she’d paid as well. Was there something Penelope wished to discuss further in regard to either of these topics?

If there was, she remained silent, helping Lark dress down to her stays and chemise before Lark sat in front of the looking glass as Penelope started her hair.

Throughout it all, Penelope remained uncharacteristically quiet until Lark could bear it no longer. “Have you something on your mind, Penelope?”

Penelope blinked. “I s’pose.”

“Would you care to share?”

Penelope didn’t look up. “I don’t wish to gossip, miss.”

Nor did Lark wish to encourage her to do so. And yet, her curiosity always seemed to speak louder than her conscience.

“Is it gossip if it does not leave these four walls?” Lark asked.

Penelope smiled knowingly. “I suppose not, miss. I was only goin’ to say, if you are worried about what Mr. Chumley could do to you…I wouldn’t be worried about it any longer.”

Lark stared. “What do you mean by that?”

“Only, I’ve heard the chatter downstairs, miss. Talks of allowin’ a single female on the excursion. It’s unheard of for Mr. Chumley. But apparently, after marryin’ Mrs. Chumley two years back, it’s she who rules the house now. She heard word of your desire to come and fought for your presence.” Penelope paused, looking up at Lark with a mischievous smile. “So if you’re worried abou’ him sendin’ you home, you oughtn’t be, for Mrs. Chumley wouldn’t allow it even if he tried.”

Lark stared, dumbfounded. Mrs. Chumley was the reason Lark was there? Did the woman know of Lark’s promise to remain unseen and what she had to pay to join? Lark had the sneaking suspicion that Mrs. Chumley was none the wiser.

“You’re certain your source is reliable?” Lark asked. “Forgive me, but Mrs. Chumley hardly seems the forceful type.”

“I know, miss. Mrs. Chumley is quite reserved when it comes to new people and large gatherin’s. She prefers the company of just a few close friends. I shan’t tell you who I heard this from, but I know the person to be a reputable sort. And Mrs. Chumley is quite known at their house for standin’ up to her husband.”

Interesting. Very interesting.

Mrs. Chumley hadn’t spoken more than a few sentences to Lark the entire excursion. Lark had assumed the woman was merely distracted with Mrs. Shepherd, but did she truly stay away from new faces out of insecurities? It seemed more than plausible. As did the knowledge that Mrs. Chumley ruled her home above Mr. Chumley.