CHAPTER 4
Lady Meecham was garbed in deep sapphire blue with a matching turban. The ostrich feather that adorned her turban reached a good foot and half into the air.
Needless to say, Lady Meecham was resplendent in her evening attire, quite outshining Lord Meecham who was something of a lush at any rate.
Lillian tried to adjust her tiny cap sleeves. The hand sewn baby pink silk was beyond lovely. With tiny pearls inset in the pleats, it was a work of art.
“Stop fidgeting, Lilly,” Julianna admonished. “Keep watching the door. We need to see when Mr. Harris arrives.”
“What do you suppose the odds are that Lady Meecham’s feather stays all evening aloft?” Lilly wondered.
Juliana snorted softly, “Only you, Lilly. I suppose you are worried about the feather.”
Lilly looked guilty, “It never asked to be thrust up there. And I wonder where the ostrich is that is walking around half naked. Goodness, she is like a peacock flaunting her plumes.”
Juliana giggled, “Your imagination knows no bounds. Oh! Lilly! I see him. There is Mr. Harris now!”
“How are we going to get him alone? Mother watches us like a hawk?” Lilly glanced back to where their mother was speaking with the other matrons.
“Lady Genevieve is covering for us,” Juliana explained.
Lilly turned to Juliana in horror, “You told Lady Genevieve about the war office and becoming a spy. What is the matter with you?”
“Lady Gen is trustworthy, I promise you. We had to bring someone else in, Lilly, or this would never work.”
Lilly sighed, “All right then, but no one else, Juliana.”
“No one else, I promise,” Juliana smiled innocently.
“Is Lady Genevieve here yet?” Lilly looked around her.
“Yes, over there by Hetty and Miles,” Juliana replied.
“Let’s go tell mother we want to visit with Hetty. She won’t question that,” Lilly turned and walked over to where her mother was talking.
The Dowager waved the girls off happily, and Juliana and Lilly went to the ballroom to where Miles and Hetty were sitting with Lady Genevieve.
“Lilly and Jules! How beautiful you both look this evening!” Hetty gushed as she stood to embrace her friends.
Hetty was wearing a sophisticated cream satin gown. Married life seemed to agree with her. She was beaming from ear to ear.
“Hetty, how very lovely you look!” Juliana replied. “We are so happy to see you.”
“Hetty, you do look stunning in that gown,” Lilly added.
“Lady Genevieve, I was thrilled to hear that you have decided to extend your stay in London.”
Lady Genevieve twinkled at Juliana, “Let’s just say I had some interesting incentive to stay.”
Miles frowned, “Whatever could that have been, Godmomma?”
“Oh, nothing,” Lady Genevieve’s blue eyes crinkled as she smiled. “I suppose I just wanted to spend more time with you all.”
Hetty, who was Lady Genevieve’s great niece saw nothing amiss with her staying longer. After all, Lady Genevieve traveled all the way from Wales with her at the beginning of the season. It was more than likely that Aunt Gen didn’t want to make the long trip home, alone. This was Hetty’s guess, at least.
“Hetty, this is our waltz, please do excuse us, ladies,” Miles tenderly took his new bride's hand and guided her onto the dance floor.
Juliana watched with bated breath, “Was that not the most romantic thing?”
Lillian wasn’t sure. She knew that Hetty loved Miles and that they were genuinely happy together. But something about marriage scared her a little.
Instead of answering she just nodded, but she noticed that Lady Gen had witnessed her hesitation.
“Well girls, you have a few moments now, where is this gentleman? I want to be there for the conversation. I will not let either of you be compromised. Not on my watch.”
“His name is Mr. Harris,” Lilly explained, “He is that gentleman over by the large fern speaking with the new Duke of Bilkshore.”
“Do you suppose that Mr. Harris will try and enlist His Grace?” Juliana wondered.
Lilly shook her head, “No, he’s American, why would he put his life on the line for the English cause? It’s not like it’s in his blood. Besides he is the Duke.”
“I can see who inherited the intelligence in the family,” Lady Gen looked at Juliana with a sharp eye.
“Hey,” Juliana cried out, “I am intelligent! I just tend to speak before I think. I would have put that together on my own.”
“I meant no harm,” Lady Gen soothed, “But you are going to need to curb that impetuous nature of yours, Juliana, or you may come to real harm. This isn’t a childhood game.”
Suitably chastened Juliana nodded, “You are right, of course. I am very spontaneous.”
“That is a lovely part of who you are,” Lilly added. “We just need to be careful.”
Lady Gen nodded, “Indeed, very careful. Let’s get this party started, shall we?”
The girls were not sure what Lady Gen had in mind but followed the older woman as she arose from her chair.
Right before they reached Mr. Harris and the Duke, Lady Gen dropped her cane.
“Oh, I do beg your pardon, young man. Would you please fetch my cane? I am so clumsy.”
Lilly and Juliana were there in an instant.
“Are you alright, Lady Gen?” Juliana asked.
“How fortunate we are that you were here to help Mr. Harris,” Lilly added as he bent to pick up the older woman’s cane.
“I feel a trifle bit faint.”
The Duke instantly began to escort Lady Gen out of the ballroom to an antechamber.
Lilly and Juliana followed along behind, ignoring Mr. Harris who was holding the cane. And in consequence, forcing him to come along.
Once the Duke had Lady Gen settled she opened her blue eyes and asked, “Your Grace, I know that this is impertinent, but if you would please humor an old woman. Might I trouble you for a cup of punch?”
“Of course, milady. I will be back in a moment.”
As soon as he left the room, Juliana locked the door behind him.
Mr. Harris let out a sigh, “That was expertly done, I must say. Now that you have me alone, might I know what you plan to do with me?”