CHAPTER 32

‘Stand still, for goodness’ sake,’ scolded Mrs Bodney as she put the finishing touches to Lily’s hair.

‘Sorry, Mrs Bodney, but I’m really nervous and it’s uncomfortable with all these pins in my hair.’

‘That style makes you look sophisticated and it shows off your shoulders to great effect. Men like that, Lily.’

‘Oh. Must I really wear gloves, though? It’s not winter yet,’ she asked, as Mrs Bodney placed a pair next to her dress.

‘A lady wears gloves regardless of the season. Now stop fussing. Rupert will be arriving any moment. Do you want him to see you in your under things?’

‘Goodness me, no,’ Lily gasped, shuddering at the thought.

‘Well, step into your dress and I’ll fasten it for you. Good, now for the gloves,’ Mrs Bodney said, slipping the silky material over her hands. ‘Right, hold the reticule and I’ll pop a touch of rouge on your lips.’

‘On my lips?’ Lily exclaimed.

‘Well, you certainly don’t need any on your cheeks now, do you? There, that’s better,’ Mrs Bodney finally pronounced, taking a step back to check her handiwork.

But Lily was too excited to stand still. Swishing the beautiful dress from side to side, she smiled, then caught sight of her boots. They were beautiful but the cherry-red stitching poking out from under the delicate material looked all wrong.

‘These are lovely but they don’t really go with the dress, do they?’ she asked, frowning.

‘You look charming, and if I’m not mistaken the carriage is pulling up at the door right this very minute. Have a good time and remember to look the squire right in the eyes as you are presented,’ Mrs Bodney instructed.

‘Presented?’ Lily squeaked, horrified.

‘Indeed you will be, but remember it’s all about perception. If you act like a lady, you’ll become one.’

‘Me? Become a lady?’ Lily laughed, but the other woman was already disappearing down the stairs. As she stood there gulping like the goldfish she’d once won at the travelling fair, there was a knock on the door.

‘Mr Mountsford is waiting for you in the parlour, Miss Rose,’ Tilda announced.

Taking a deep breath, Lily descended the stairs.

As she appeared in the doorway, Rupert rose to his feet. He seemed transfixed, staring at her for a full moment before moving towards her and shaking his head.

‘Lily, I can’t believe it’s really you. Why, you look wonderful, utterly charming. Not that you don’t always look beautiful,’ he added quickly, holding out a corsage of tiny rosebuds. Bewildered, she stared down at the yellow flowers. What was she supposed to do with them? Seeing the uncertainty in her eyes, Rupert gently took them from her.

‘May I?’ he asked, bending and pinning them to her dress; then gently taking her arm he led her outside. ‘My carriage awaits you, Cinderella,’ he announced.

‘As long as it doesn’t turn into a pumpkin before we get there,’ she laughed, feeling like a princess in the sapphire velveteen gown. If only she had glass slippers to wear instead of her boots, she thought settling back on the leather squabs and sniffing gently. There was that odd smell again.

Before she could dwell on it, Rupert had climbed in and called to the driver. As the carriage began to move, she sat watching the flickering lights from the candles in the cottages and the wood smoke pluming into the inky sky. The scenery looked sort of hazy mauve and very different from the last ride she’d taken in the carriage. Just then, Rupert rapped on the window and the coach drew to a halt.

‘What’s the matter?’ she asked, but he was busy retrieving something from under his seat and didn’t answer. Then, with a flourish he handed her a parcel tied with a red satin bow. Surprised, she sat looking down at it.

‘Well, don’t you want to see what’s inside?’ he asked.

Slowly, she pulled at the ribbon then, curiosity getting the better of her, flipped off the lid. Inside, nestling amongst the softest paper, was a pair of blue velvet dancing slippers. They were encrusted with diamond-like gems that twinkled in the twilight.

‘Why, they’re beautiful,’ she gasped.

‘Yes, they are rather,’ he said, smiling at her bemused look. ‘Aren’t you going to try them on?’

‘You mean they’re for me?’ she asked, her eyes widening in amazement.

‘Well, I rather think they’ll be a bit small for me,’ he teased. ‘Of course they are for you, Lily. When Mrs Bodney let slip what colour dress you’d be wearing, I took the liberty of having these made to match.’

‘And she knew? No wonder she didn’t think my wearing these boots would be a problem,’ she said, eagerly pulling them off.

‘May I?’ he asked, taking the slippers from her, then bending down and gently placing one on each foot.

Speechless for probably the first time in her life, Lily could only gaze in wonderment at her new footwear.

‘They are simply exquisite,’ she said eventually.

‘Well, I do pride myself on knowing what ladies like,’ said Rupert, rather smugly.

‘I guess Albert must have remembered my size,’ she murmured.

‘Ah,’ he said smiling. ‘Whilst Albert is undoubtedly a skilled cordwainer, I don’t think he would have had the materials for these. I commissioned them to be made in London.’

‘But how did you manage that? You only knew what I’d be wearing a few days ago,’ she asked.

He tapped the side of his nose, the way Mrs Bodney did when she was being secretive.

‘As long as you are pleased, Lily, then that’s all that matters. May I say how delightful you look wearing them?’ he complimented, as she held her feet out in front of her.

‘Thank you,’ she murmured, still bemused at such a wonderful gift.

‘Now, it’s time we were on our way,’ he said, rapping on the window again, whereupon the carriage began to move. As she sat there admiring her new slippers, she heard her father’s voice in her ear.

Careful, Lily, you don’t get anything for nothing in this life.

‘Oh,’ she gasped.

‘Is something wrong?’ Rupert asked, looking concerned.

‘Well, nobody gives you things for nothing, so will you, erm, expect …?’ her voice stuttered to a halt and she felt her cheeks growing hot.

‘Lily, really,’ he spluttered, quickly staring out of the window. There was silence for a moment and then having recovered his composure, he added, ‘I enjoy your company, and am lucky to have the means to give you a present from time to time. Now stop fretting and enjoy the rest of the ride.’

She relaxed back, thinking what a really nice man he was. Then, as they continued their journey, her insides fizzed excitedly as she thought of the evening ahead. The image of Tom popped into her mind, but she pushed it away. Why should she worry about him when it was obvious he no longer cared for her?

Lamplight illuminated the courtyard as the driver drove up the gravelled carriage sweep, bringing the horses to a stop outside the imposing pillared portico of the manor house. Jumping down, Rupert helped her from the carriage then, keeping a light hold on her arm, led her inside. She gazed in wonder at the grandeur of the hallway, for of course, in the past, she’d always used the servants’ entrance.

‘Mr Rupert Mountsford and Miss Lily Rose,’ the butler announced, and before she knew it, she was standing before Squire and Lady Clinsden.

‘What in heaven’s name is the meaning …?’ spluttered the squire, his face growing redder by the moment.

‘Lily and Rupert, how kind of you to join us this evening,’ Lady Clinsden welcomed, cutting swiftly across her husband. ‘Please do go through. Dancing is about to commence and supper will be served in the dining hall later. I trust you have an enjoyable evening. Oh, and Lily, Rupert here dances a very good quadrille so if I were you I’d get him to teach you,’ she laughed. Before Lily could ask her what a quadrille was, she’d turned away and was greeting her next guests.

‘It seems my secret is out,’ Rupert said, beaming, and holding out his arm, he guided her through the thronging guests into the ballroom where a string quartet was playing.

Lily didn’t know what was affecting her most, the blatant stares of the other guests or the heat from Rupert’s arm. She could hear whispers of astonishment as they passed by, but if Rupert noticed he gave no sign. He stopped beside a table that was set back from the floor.

‘I think this will suit us well. We’ll be near enough to enjoy the music but far enough away to hear each other speak,’ he was saying, but she was aware of the sudden chill as he withdrew his arm. ‘Would you care for some refreshment?’ he asked as a servant hovered beside them.

Lily nodded. Words were beyond her at the moment, and she busied herself studying the glass of sparkling pink liquid that was placed before her. Should she or should she not remove her gloves before picking it up? As the bubbles rose and popped, she surreptitiously glanced around, trying to ascertain what the other ladies were doing.

‘It’s only mildly intoxicating, Lily. Take a sip; it might fortify you,’ Rupert urged, mistaking her hesitation.

Oh, what does it matter? she thought as, throwing caution to the wind, she did as he bid. She was pleasantly surprised to find it tasted of summer berries, and smiling, she took another sip.

‘Gently does it, Lily. We’ve yet to partake of supper,’ Rupert chided gently. Much to her embarrassment, her stomach rumbled, reminding her she’d been too excited to eat anything since breaking her fast that morning. If Rupert heard, he showed no sign as he sat there gently tapping his fingers on the table in time to the music. There was a sudden flurry of activity around them, as guests began making their way onto the dance floor. Smiling, he rose and held out his hand.

‘They’re forming squares for dancing. Come on, let’s have some fun.’ And before she could answer, she found herself being led onto the floor. Her movements were hesitant at first, but she followed his lead and was soon caught up in the rhythm of the music. Curious stares were cast in their direction but, following Rupert’s example, she ignored them. He was clearly enjoying himself and she intended to as well. By the time the quadrille was announced she had forgotten her nerves and was having fun herself.

‘You dance well, Lily,’ Rupert said, breathlessly, as they finally left the floor to take a break.

‘I just followed you, really,’ she said, sinking onto her seat, then remembering where she was, sat up straight again.

‘Then you are obviously a natural,’ he said, smiling at her so engagingly she found herself responding. Heedless of the others around them, he continued gazing into her eyes until she felt quite light-headed and that tingle began creeping up her spine again.

The dinner gong sounded, shattering the moment and bringing them rudely back to the present.

‘Ladies and gentlemen, please make your way to the dining hall where supper will be served,’ the butler announced.

Rupert grinned at her ruefully. ‘I have to admit I could eat the proverbial horse. What about you, Lily?’

‘Oh, I could only manage a pony, I’m afraid,’ she quipped, sending them both into fits of laughter, bringing more disapproving looks their way.

‘Lily, we must behave ourselves or I fear we shall be cast out on the streets, cold and hungry,’ murmured Rupert gravely. Then with a wicked smile, he jumped to his feet, holding out his arm for her to take.

The dining hall was lit by myriad candles and, as they were shown to their table, Lily couldn’t get over how splendid the chandeliers looked, casting their flickering glow around the room. Of course, she’d never had time to look around and appreciate the grandeur when she’d been serving at the tables. A guffaw of raucous laughter caught her attention and she shivered as she saw the squire sitting close by. Quickly, she looked down, hoping he wouldn’t notice her.

‘Is anything wrong, Lily?’ Rupert asked, leaning towards her. Again, she felt that tingling sensation. Seeing the tender concern in his eyes, she thought again what a nice man he was.

‘No, everything is fine, thank you, Rupert,’ she answered, trying not to squirm as the squire turned and shot her a look of loathing. Remembering Mrs Bodney’s advice, she coolly returned his stare but it made her feel uncomfortable. Then his attention was diverted as his first course was served and she could relax. Saved by the soup, she thought, trying not to giggle.

‘Will there be more dancing after the meal?’ she asked, racking her brains for something to say as she turned her attention back to Rupert. Before he could answer, there was a ripple of anticipation as their soup was brought to the table. As a delicious aroma wafted her way, she looked up eagerly and then froze. The maid serving this table was Molly, and the look she was shooting Lily was one of pure venom. She slapped the bowl of soup before her, deliberately placing it right on the edge of the table, where it wobbled precariously. Before Lily could reach out, it toppled over, tipping its entire contents into her lap. She heard a collective gasp from the guests seated around her and, looking up, she saw a malicious grin splitting Molly’s face.

‘Oh dearie me, I seem to have missed the table,’ she cackled as Rupert sprang to his feet and began dabbing at Lily’s dress with his napkin.

‘And you will find yourself missing from all my tables in future,’ said Lady Clinsden, appearing at Lily’s side. ‘Remove your presence from my establishment this instant,’ she continued, her voice so sharp it could have carved through the joint of ham on the salver on the sideboard. Silence hung heavy in the air as the sulking Molly slunk out of the room.

Turning to Lily, Lady Clinsden put her hand on her arm. ‘Come with me and we’ll attend to your dress,’ she said softly.

Rupert made to follow, but Lady Clinsden shook her head. ‘Thank you, Rupert, but there’s no need for you to miss your supper. Don’t worry, I’ll bring her back safely,’ she added, and Lily followed her from the room, trying to ignore the stares of the other guests. If she’d had any doubt at all that it had been an accident, the gloating smirk on the squire’s face told her it had been anything but.