Page 60 of The Secret Sister

‘You are in your undergarments.’

Eliza laughed. ‘I doubt she will mind.’

The door opened and Haryo peered around, put her hand to her mouth, then rushed over and scooped her up in a huge embrace and squealed as she lifted her off her feet.

‘You were magnificent!’ she crowed. She pulled back to look at her, and Eliza couldn’t stop laughing.

‘I think it went well.’

‘Went well… Went well… the Queen spoke to you. She said you were pretty. That’s more than ‘it went well’.’

Eliza put her face in her hands as her cheeks burned. ‘It was rather good. Did I get everything right?’

Haryo smiled at her with such affection it made Elza’s chest hurt. ‘You were step perfect,’ she said. ‘Just as I told you.’ Haryo rubbed her hands together. ‘What are you planning on wearing next?’ she said. Eliza, with the help of Millie, showed her what they planned, and they all put their heads together, making sure she looked stunning.

They dressed her in a white ivory silk gown that skimmed her slender frame to perfection, falling in a beautiful drape from just under the bust, with tiny blue flowers and pearls in her hair. White slippers and gloves, and a small string of pearls that her mother had given her.

Millie looked at her, adjusted her ringlets, and smiled mistily.

‘You look lovely, miss.’

Eliza turned this way and that, and for the first time, truly felt lovely.

‘You will slay all the gentlemen, my love,’ Haryo said, giving her that affectionate smile again.

‘I will do my best,’ she promised, twirling back and forth.

A soft tap on the door heralded Hannah. She looked in and smiled when she saw her. When she noticed Haryo, she hesitated. ‘I’m sorry, I didn’t realise you had guests.’

‘Oh, please come in,’ Eliza said, going to take her hand. ‘You look so lovely.’ Hannah’s gown of deep rose with gold thread, and layers of ruffles at the hem, suited her colouring perfectly. Her dark hair and eyes meant bold colours looked exceptionally well on her.

She dipped a curtsey to Haryo, who nodded in return with a smile. ‘Lady Hannah. How lovely to see you.’

Hannah smiled awkwardly. ‘I brought you this.’ She held out a box. ‘Papa gave it to me for my come out. I thought you might like to borrow it. I know if he were here, he would have given you something, too.’

Tears immediately sprang to Eliza’s eyes. She accepted the box and opened it. Inside, lay a delicate bracelet of seed pearls and gold. It was utterly delightful.

‘Oh, Hannah, thank you. I remember you wearing it. It’s just perfect. Thank you so much.’ She showed the box to Haryo, who smiled softly when she saw it.