Lady Winter and Laura excused themselves, retiring upstairs to prepare for their outing. It promised to be a bright sunny day with no chance of rain. The summer's heat had not been too bad for this time of year, but they knew they would need their parasols to protect their delicate skin. Freckles did not become a lady. And a suntan would never do.
The men were left to discuss matters of business and their horses while they awaited the ladies' return. Uncle Simon nonchalantly slipped his hand into his pocket to touch the silver box hidden there. Frowning to himself, he wondered once again why he needed to keep quiet about it and thought perhaps he might confide in Lord Stanton, who was more worldly than he. Since he was getting up in age he wasn't sure he was best suited for the task set before him.
An opportunity soon presented itself when Sir Harry got up abruptly, excused himself and left the room. Uncle Simon was unaware that Lord Stanton had made a head-jerking motion towards the door only seconds before. His decision made, Uncle Simon turned his worried eyes to the old family friend and said, "Sebastian, knowing you are a most loyal subject of the throne, I really must beg you to take this silver box to the Home Office in London." He placed the object onto the table separating the two men, his hand shaking slightly. "I am no longer the dashing blade I once was, and so I beseech you to keep the confidence passed on to me only an hour ago," he finished.
Reaching out his hand, Lord Stanton's long well tapered fingers closed around the box, dwarfing it in size when compared to his large hands. He examined it, then agreed they would sit down together later that afternoon to get all the facts straight before their leaving for London tomorrow. Uncle Simon looked relieved and smiled his thanks.
Lord Stanton was now in possession of a silver box, complete with secrets soon-to-be-disclosed. He wondered what Uncle Simon had gotten himself into but decided he would not draw conclusions before he understood the entire tale. He had noticed a stranger speaking to the elderly gentleman upon his arrival. Something about the man seemed familiar, but he wasn't sure because his back was to him and Sir Harry had been impatient to knock on the door and gain entry to the house. He was sure the boy had a tendre for his goddaughter.
Placing the box into his pocket just as Sir Harry returned, he smiled reassuringly at the elderly man. The ladies descended the stairs to join them by the doorway. "Shall we away?" Lady Winter asked. Sir Harry quickly offered his arm to Laura and Lord Stanton offered the same courtesy to Lady Winter. They bade the sweet old gentleman good-bye and left the house.
Alfred closed the door behind them then turning asked if Uncle Simon would be requiring his services. "Oh no but thank you Alfred. I shall rest a bit. You run along now," he said. Dismissed, Albert returned to the servants quarters to partake of his luncheon with the rest of the staff.
Uncle Simon settled down in the large comfortable chair already closing his eyes. He believed he had done the right thing, and exhaling a sigh took a leisurely nap.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Friday, August 24, 2007
-5- Morning Tea and Guests
Lady Laura let out a glad cry as she ran forward to greet the tall, broad shouldered gentleman, who upon seeing her stood and held out his arms. She literally flew into them and cried "Godfather, how good to see you." She let out a whoop as he lifted her up and smiled as he replied, "Indeed it is and my how you have grown." He planted a kiss on the top of her shining hair. He noticed she smelled faintly of lavender and became nostalgic for the little girl he had left behind when he had traveled to the Caribbean. Although they had exchanged a few letters during her school years it felt good to be home.
Setting her down, Lord Stanton released her and together they sat down on the sofa by the table, which was laid with morning tea and delicious muffins that Chef had sent down for their enjoyment. Her eyes shining, Laura turned expectantly toward Lady Winter and noticed a wistful look upon her face. "Aunt, isn't it perfect that Lord Stanton is finally come home," she demanded. Before looking over Laura's head to where the man in question sat, she schooled her features.
Lady Winter's eyes met those of Lord Stanton's and agreed "Yes, Laura it is. Here have some muffins. Chef makes them taste so good." She handed the plate to Laura, and turning to Sir Harry she drew him into the conversation by telling Laura their guests had come to take them for a drive. Her niece quickly agreed to the plan adding, "I shall need to have Sarah put my hair up and then give her some instructions about packing before we leave."
So for the next twenty minutes they talked and laughed at different stories they had to tell. Most of the time Sir Harry and Lady Winter sat by, while Laura and Lord Stanton talked nonstop. This gave her aunt time to inspect Lord Stanton unguardedly, to drink in his handsome countenance. She watched his mouth move in conversation, his lips curve into a smile and his otherwise reserved features light up with undisguised joy. Yes indeed, she too was glad he was home.
Uncle Simon holding onto Alfred's arm entered the room and took a seat to join the party, the little silver box tucked securely in his coat pocket.
Setting her down, Lord Stanton released her and together they sat down on the sofa by the table, which was laid with morning tea and delicious muffins that Chef had sent down for their enjoyment. Her eyes shining, Laura turned expectantly toward Lady Winter and noticed a wistful look upon her face. "Aunt, isn't it perfect that Lord Stanton is finally come home," she demanded. Before looking over Laura's head to where the man in question sat, she schooled her features.
Lady Winter's eyes met those of Lord Stanton's and agreed "Yes, Laura it is. Here have some muffins. Chef makes them taste so good." She handed the plate to Laura, and turning to Sir Harry she drew him into the conversation by telling Laura their guests had come to take them for a drive. Her niece quickly agreed to the plan adding, "I shall need to have Sarah put my hair up and then give her some instructions about packing before we leave."
So for the next twenty minutes they talked and laughed at different stories they had to tell. Most of the time Sir Harry and Lady Winter sat by, while Laura and Lord Stanton talked nonstop. This gave her aunt time to inspect Lord Stanton unguardedly, to drink in his handsome countenance. She watched his mouth move in conversation, his lips curve into a smile and his otherwise reserved features light up with undisguised joy. Yes indeed, she too was glad he was home.
Uncle Simon holding onto Alfred's arm entered the room and took a seat to join the party, the little silver box tucked securely in his coat pocket.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
-4- Laura Becomes Suspicious
Laura whirled around to see Sarah approaching along the path, and if she was wondering why her mistress was lurking behind the tree she never let her expression convey this as she said, "Miss, Lady Winter would like you to join her and her guests in the drawing room."
Laura considered not going immediately but changed her mind. "Sarah," she asked, "Please let Uncle Simon know I will be joining her ladyship but will speak with him a bit later." Thoughtfully she added "See if you can find out who that gentleman is as I do not recall seeing him before." Laura walked back into the house and thought that she could find out who he was without showing any open interest on her part. Much to her chagrin she glanced back in time to see the man bowing to her uncle and striding off in the opposite direction from the garden. She turned the door handle and went inside.
Now why would he leave that way she mused. Along the shadowed hallway her thoughts continued in this manner. So deep in thought was she that she almost bumped into Alfred as he carried a brass bound trunk toward the staircase. "Oh, I do beg your pardon Alfred," she exclaimed. Alfred had already set the trunk down and was standing back so as to allow her to pass. "All is well miss." he nodded and then proceeded to lift the trunk once more and go upstairs.
Just as she was ready to enter the drawing room she began to wonder why her aunt wanted her to join her. She looked at the grandfather clock to see it was only ten o'clock. Very early for visitors. She pushed open the doors and smiled when she saw who was there.
Laura considered not going immediately but changed her mind. "Sarah," she asked, "Please let Uncle Simon know I will be joining her ladyship but will speak with him a bit later." Thoughtfully she added "See if you can find out who that gentleman is as I do not recall seeing him before." Laura walked back into the house and thought that she could find out who he was without showing any open interest on her part. Much to her chagrin she glanced back in time to see the man bowing to her uncle and striding off in the opposite direction from the garden. She turned the door handle and went inside.
Now why would he leave that way she mused. Along the shadowed hallway her thoughts continued in this manner. So deep in thought was she that she almost bumped into Alfred as he carried a brass bound trunk toward the staircase. "Oh, I do beg your pardon Alfred," she exclaimed. Alfred had already set the trunk down and was standing back so as to allow her to pass. "All is well miss." he nodded and then proceeded to lift the trunk once more and go upstairs.
Just as she was ready to enter the drawing room she began to wonder why her aunt wanted her to join her. She looked at the grandfather clock to see it was only ten o'clock. Very early for visitors. She pushed open the doors and smiled when she saw who was there.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
-3- Lady Winter Laughs
Lady Winter finished her breakfast and sipped her steaming cup of coffee, made from Jamaican beans that Chef Armand had personally roasted only that morning. She lifted a letter, her hand poised in midair, as sounds of heavy footfalls approached. Laying the unopened letter back down on the silver salver, she looked up to see who might be arriving. "Sir Harry Perkins and Lord Stanton my lady," Bentley, the butler announced and bowed as they entered.
They quickly crossed to the table as she stood up to greet her guests. "Lady Winter," they both murmured as they each, in turn, raised her fingers to their lips. "We didn't mean to disturb you coming by this early," stated Lord Stanton looking a bit uncomfortable at obviously interrupting Lady Winter's breakfast.
She hurriedly assured them that she was about to get up to walk outside to the garden. "It might be better if we sit down in the drawing room if you wouldn't mind transferring there?" she asked. They agreed and she led the way down the hall to the front of the house. Once there she turned and asked "To what do I owe this visit?"
Sir Harry piped up eagerly, "We wanted to take you and Lady Laura for a drive as Lord Stanton has just purchased a new carriage and a set of perfectly matched grays." His excitement was amusing to behold. He brushed back his blond hair from sheer nervousness. His entreating look reminded her of a puppy's.
Lady Winter hid her smile and turned toward the very tall, dark haired, gorgeous man standing right next to her. She had to bend her neck back to look into his eyes. What she saw there made her tingle from the top of her head to her toes. My, she thought he is still so handsome, even after these ten years of not seeing him. Was it possible he was even more handsome, she wondered.
Lord Stanton had recently returned from Jamaica where he owned land planted in sugar cane, which was harvested slave free. He was as rich as Croesus and could easily afford to pay his employees handsomely. Something in his expression told her he knew what she was thinking and she hurriedly looked back at Sir Harry, smiling widely and said. "You might not know it but we will be busy packing to be ready to journey to London tomorrow. We will be there for the season and must prepare for our departure."
But upon seeing Lord Harry's happy expression fall she said "We might be able to go for a short ride as long as we are back by two o'clock." His face immediately looked hopeful again.
Lady Winter moved toward the bell-pull and reaching out gave it a light tug. Within thirty seconds, Mary bobbed a curtsy and Lady Winter asked her to bring Lady Laura to her at once. The maid left in search of her mistress. Lady Winter laughed and her guests looked at her with a little surprise. Inwardly she was feeling alive and very well, indeed. Recovering her dignified poise at once she bade them "Pray be seated."
Meanwhile, Lady Laura was looking with curiosity at the handsome stranger who was in deep conversation with Uncle Simon. Something about their hushed undertones made her stay hidden behind the large live oak tree. Only the hem of her dress was visible. Even Alice was quietly watching. Suddenly she felt she was being observed and Laura turned away, only to miss the stranger handing a small silver box to her uncle.
And as cats often do Alice soon lost interest, jumped down and sashayed towards the kitchen. Chef Armand always had a treat ready for her, no matter what time she appeared. Nose in the air she walked languidly, her attention fixed on the smell of food.
They quickly crossed to the table as she stood up to greet her guests. "Lady Winter," they both murmured as they each, in turn, raised her fingers to their lips. "We didn't mean to disturb you coming by this early," stated Lord Stanton looking a bit uncomfortable at obviously interrupting Lady Winter's breakfast.
She hurriedly assured them that she was about to get up to walk outside to the garden. "It might be better if we sit down in the drawing room if you wouldn't mind transferring there?" she asked. They agreed and she led the way down the hall to the front of the house. Once there she turned and asked "To what do I owe this visit?"
Sir Harry piped up eagerly, "We wanted to take you and Lady Laura for a drive as Lord Stanton has just purchased a new carriage and a set of perfectly matched grays." His excitement was amusing to behold. He brushed back his blond hair from sheer nervousness. His entreating look reminded her of a puppy's.
Lady Winter hid her smile and turned toward the very tall, dark haired, gorgeous man standing right next to her. She had to bend her neck back to look into his eyes. What she saw there made her tingle from the top of her head to her toes. My, she thought he is still so handsome, even after these ten years of not seeing him. Was it possible he was even more handsome, she wondered.
Lord Stanton had recently returned from Jamaica where he owned land planted in sugar cane, which was harvested slave free. He was as rich as Croesus and could easily afford to pay his employees handsomely. Something in his expression told her he knew what she was thinking and she hurriedly looked back at Sir Harry, smiling widely and said. "You might not know it but we will be busy packing to be ready to journey to London tomorrow. We will be there for the season and must prepare for our departure."
But upon seeing Lord Harry's happy expression fall she said "We might be able to go for a short ride as long as we are back by two o'clock." His face immediately looked hopeful again.
Lady Winter moved toward the bell-pull and reaching out gave it a light tug. Within thirty seconds, Mary bobbed a curtsy and Lady Winter asked her to bring Lady Laura to her at once. The maid left in search of her mistress. Lady Winter laughed and her guests looked at her with a little surprise. Inwardly she was feeling alive and very well, indeed. Recovering her dignified poise at once she bade them "Pray be seated."
Meanwhile, Lady Laura was looking with curiosity at the handsome stranger who was in deep conversation with Uncle Simon. Something about their hushed undertones made her stay hidden behind the large live oak tree. Only the hem of her dress was visible. Even Alice was quietly watching. Suddenly she felt she was being observed and Laura turned away, only to miss the stranger handing a small silver box to her uncle.
And as cats often do Alice soon lost interest, jumped down and sashayed towards the kitchen. Chef Armand always had a treat ready for her, no matter what time she appeared. Nose in the air she walked languidly, her attention fixed on the smell of food.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
- 2- Uncle Norman, Aunt Minerva and Alice
Lady Laura descended the main staircase holding onto the deep oak handrail as she went. The wood was polished to a high gloss and felt lovely under her hand as she followed the graceful curve of the slight downward spiral. When she reached the bottom of the steps she proceeded along the foyer and down the hallway, before turning into the breakfast salon which was situated at the back of the house. She paused before entering the room as something seemed amiss.
Her eyes searched the room from where there wafted the delicious smells of the breakfast foods for which Chef Armand was famous. She inhaled the aromas and stepped into the room.
Alfred, the footman was bending over and seemed to be assisting a small, rotund man with gray hair to arise from the chair he had been occupying.
"Uncle Simon you have arrived," said Lady Laura smiling widely as she ran toward him.
"Yes, I am finally arrived this morning and have enjoyed my breakfast. But I don't find it easy to get up after sitting for a time." He grunted as Alfred helped him to stand. "You look lovely my dearest. Come and give an old man a hug," he laughed gruffly.
Laura sprang into his arms and embraced him warmly. "Oh Uncle, it is so grand to see you again. Since I have returned from school and have enjoyed a few weeks here in Brighton, I was wondering when you would get here." She stepped back her face shining with delight.
He took in her beauty, her sincere happiness and returned the smile, a twinkle reaching his merry blue eyes. "Your parents would be so pleased by you Laura, indeed they would. You have quite grown into a pretty young thing," he replied. Her smile deepened.
"I was about to breakfast but I will hurry, and after you have walked about the garden I will come outside to join you," she said.
"No need to hurry my dear we have all the time in the world," he stated moving forward, his wrinkled hand upon the strong arm of Alfred. "Take your time Laura, Alfred will bring me up to date and then you and I will have ourselves some tea in the garden." He waved as Alfred helped him down the few steps beyond the door which led to the outside.
Laura sat down and helped herself to the plate of food just sent down from the kitchen. It was filled with golden scrambled eggs, lightly sprinkled with cheddar cheese. Thick slices of deep red tomatoes and crisply fried bacon were placed alongside. She reached for the bread, and tore off a portion, spread strawberry jam and before she knew it she had finished and was drinking the last of her tea, when she heard a rustling of skirts nearing the doorway. She glanced up in time to see a most elegantly clad woman enter the room, flourishing her beauty without a thought.
"Good morning dearest, did you sleep well?" she asked. Taking her seat she placed the linen napkin on her lap covering the blue of her damask morning dress. She brushed tendrils of deep auburn hair from her eyes and inspected the plate of food being set down before her by one of the serving maids. "Thank you Mary," she said, as the maid bobbed a curtsy. She looked at Laura with a smile.
"Good Morning Aunt Minerva. Yes. Surprisingly, I slept well and the ocean breeze is wonderfully invigorating, is it not?" she asked. Her aunt agreed and Laura continued "Uncle Simon is walking about the garden and I am so glad he has arrived. It is all coming true. We leave for London tomorrow."
"Yes Laura, your time has finally come to enter London society, and we will have but two months to prepare for your first ball," she stated. Taking a mouthful of food and raising her eyebrows she continued, "Chef has certainly added something different to the eggs. The flavor is so delicate." She rolled her eyes heavenward.
"Chef has not revealed any of his secrets to me but he did promise to show me how to prepare a menu. In fact he said it is imperative I learn these important matters," Laura revealed. Her aunt seemed a bit surprised that the chef would take her niece under his wing. Being French he was usually throwing people out of his kitchen, his domain as he put it. Laura must has won him over to have him volunteer his culinary supervision.
Lady Laura excused herself from the table and walked into the drawing room calling to Alice, her young cat. Alice had come to her while she was at Miss Kent's School for Young Ladies, in Bath. Just a tiny ball of fluff was the first image Laura had of the tiny kitten. She was starving, about five weeks old and mewling pathetically. Being fond of animals, Laura snatched her up and nursed her to health. The little cat loved her mistress and would follow her about devotedly.
She was found in the drawing room napping and upon seeing Laura she yawned, stretched and stood up. As soon as Laura was about a foot away, Alice gracefully leaped up and into a laughing Laura's arms. "Oh my pet," she said giving Alice a hug and a quick kiss. "You are the most beautiful kitty in the world and you are mine. Come with me to the garden and I shall introduce you to your Great Uncle Simon. Alice nuzzled Laura under her chin, settling comfortably within the arms which so lovingly held her.
As soon as Lady Laura and Alice emerged onto the garden path she froze when she spotted the tall handsome man sitting next to Uncle Simon.
Her eyes searched the room from where there wafted the delicious smells of the breakfast foods for which Chef Armand was famous. She inhaled the aromas and stepped into the room.
Alfred, the footman was bending over and seemed to be assisting a small, rotund man with gray hair to arise from the chair he had been occupying.
"Uncle Simon you have arrived," said Lady Laura smiling widely as she ran toward him.
"Yes, I am finally arrived this morning and have enjoyed my breakfast. But I don't find it easy to get up after sitting for a time." He grunted as Alfred helped him to stand. "You look lovely my dearest. Come and give an old man a hug," he laughed gruffly.
Laura sprang into his arms and embraced him warmly. "Oh Uncle, it is so grand to see you again. Since I have returned from school and have enjoyed a few weeks here in Brighton, I was wondering when you would get here." She stepped back her face shining with delight.
He took in her beauty, her sincere happiness and returned the smile, a twinkle reaching his merry blue eyes. "Your parents would be so pleased by you Laura, indeed they would. You have quite grown into a pretty young thing," he replied. Her smile deepened.
"I was about to breakfast but I will hurry, and after you have walked about the garden I will come outside to join you," she said.
"No need to hurry my dear we have all the time in the world," he stated moving forward, his wrinkled hand upon the strong arm of Alfred. "Take your time Laura, Alfred will bring me up to date and then you and I will have ourselves some tea in the garden." He waved as Alfred helped him down the few steps beyond the door which led to the outside.
Laura sat down and helped herself to the plate of food just sent down from the kitchen. It was filled with golden scrambled eggs, lightly sprinkled with cheddar cheese. Thick slices of deep red tomatoes and crisply fried bacon were placed alongside. She reached for the bread, and tore off a portion, spread strawberry jam and before she knew it she had finished and was drinking the last of her tea, when she heard a rustling of skirts nearing the doorway. She glanced up in time to see a most elegantly clad woman enter the room, flourishing her beauty without a thought.
"Good morning dearest, did you sleep well?" she asked. Taking her seat she placed the linen napkin on her lap covering the blue of her damask morning dress. She brushed tendrils of deep auburn hair from her eyes and inspected the plate of food being set down before her by one of the serving maids. "Thank you Mary," she said, as the maid bobbed a curtsy. She looked at Laura with a smile.
"Good Morning Aunt Minerva. Yes. Surprisingly, I slept well and the ocean breeze is wonderfully invigorating, is it not?" she asked. Her aunt agreed and Laura continued "Uncle Simon is walking about the garden and I am so glad he has arrived. It is all coming true. We leave for London tomorrow."
"Yes Laura, your time has finally come to enter London society, and we will have but two months to prepare for your first ball," she stated. Taking a mouthful of food and raising her eyebrows she continued, "Chef has certainly added something different to the eggs. The flavor is so delicate." She rolled her eyes heavenward.
"Chef has not revealed any of his secrets to me but he did promise to show me how to prepare a menu. In fact he said it is imperative I learn these important matters," Laura revealed. Her aunt seemed a bit surprised that the chef would take her niece under his wing. Being French he was usually throwing people out of his kitchen, his domain as he put it. Laura must has won him over to have him volunteer his culinary supervision.
Lady Laura excused herself from the table and walked into the drawing room calling to Alice, her young cat. Alice had come to her while she was at Miss Kent's School for Young Ladies, in Bath. Just a tiny ball of fluff was the first image Laura had of the tiny kitten. She was starving, about five weeks old and mewling pathetically. Being fond of animals, Laura snatched her up and nursed her to health. The little cat loved her mistress and would follow her about devotedly.
She was found in the drawing room napping and upon seeing Laura she yawned, stretched and stood up. As soon as Laura was about a foot away, Alice gracefully leaped up and into a laughing Laura's arms. "Oh my pet," she said giving Alice a hug and a quick kiss. "You are the most beautiful kitty in the world and you are mine. Come with me to the garden and I shall introduce you to your Great Uncle Simon. Alice nuzzled Laura under her chin, settling comfortably within the arms which so lovingly held her.
As soon as Lady Laura and Alice emerged onto the garden path she froze when she spotted the tall handsome man sitting next to Uncle Simon.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
- 1 - Getting Ready To Travel North
Sarah Derby had been personal maid to Lady Laura for five weeks now. She jumped as she heard the tinkling of the bell, summoning her to climb the stairs, to the upper floors where the bedrooms were housed. Upon reaching the bedroom door, she tapped lightly and waited until she heard Lady Laura command her to enter. She bobbed a curtsy then stood quietly to hear what her young mistress would say.
"Good morning Sarah, did you sleep well?" she inquired pleasantly. Sarah replied she had, and was smiling inside because she had such a lovely person to work for. Nothing was boring when young miss was about, and as they were to travel to London on the morrow, she knew she would be very busy today. "What would you have me do first milady?" She asked.
"Oh, please help me get dressed, then I shall go downstairs for a light breakfast." She turned to Sarah and asked, "Have you eaten yet?" "Oh yes miss, a few hours ago." Sarah replied. "Well that is good then." Lady Laura said. "Perhaps you will begin by ordering up the trunks, and make sure that one of the footmen carry them upstairs for you. By the time I have eaten, we can decide what is best to pack."
Sarah assisted her to dress, and helped button all of the tiny buttons on the back of the dress. Her mistress had the purest and creamiest skin, with a light blush of color upon her cheeks. Her eyes were very large, colored a sweet sherry brown, and she was fortunate to have long dark lashes to enhance them. Now dressed in a light caramel shaded gown, she turned as Sarah handed her a pale golden shawl, which had no fringe.
Sarah dressed Lady Laura's hair by tying a coppery colored satin ribbon around her long, wavy amber hair, to keep it away from her face. "You won't be able to wear your hair down whilst you're in London, miss." Sarah reminded her. "Oh yes, I shall wear my hair up, and turn into a grand lady." Lady Laura smiled, showing perfect white teeth and then, whirling in a circle, she hugged Sarah and continued "I am so happy finally to be going to London!"
A surprised Sarah watched as her young miss hurried away downstairs. She smiled again for she, too, would be traveling to the great city. This would be an adventure for them both.
"Good morning Sarah, did you sleep well?" she inquired pleasantly. Sarah replied she had, and was smiling inside because she had such a lovely person to work for. Nothing was boring when young miss was about, and as they were to travel to London on the morrow, she knew she would be very busy today. "What would you have me do first milady?" She asked.
"Oh, please help me get dressed, then I shall go downstairs for a light breakfast." She turned to Sarah and asked, "Have you eaten yet?" "Oh yes miss, a few hours ago." Sarah replied. "Well that is good then." Lady Laura said. "Perhaps you will begin by ordering up the trunks, and make sure that one of the footmen carry them upstairs for you. By the time I have eaten, we can decide what is best to pack."
Sarah assisted her to dress, and helped button all of the tiny buttons on the back of the dress. Her mistress had the purest and creamiest skin, with a light blush of color upon her cheeks. Her eyes were very large, colored a sweet sherry brown, and she was fortunate to have long dark lashes to enhance them. Now dressed in a light caramel shaded gown, she turned as Sarah handed her a pale golden shawl, which had no fringe.
Sarah dressed Lady Laura's hair by tying a coppery colored satin ribbon around her long, wavy amber hair, to keep it away from her face. "You won't be able to wear your hair down whilst you're in London, miss." Sarah reminded her. "Oh yes, I shall wear my hair up, and turn into a grand lady." Lady Laura smiled, showing perfect white teeth and then, whirling in a circle, she hugged Sarah and continued "I am so happy finally to be going to London!"
A surprised Sarah watched as her young miss hurried away downstairs. She smiled again for she, too, would be traveling to the great city. This would be an adventure for them both.
Prologue ... Brighton 1814
Lady Laura stretched her arms above her head and extended the morning yawn down to the tips of her toes. She slowly opened her eyes and looked at the small clock on the mantle above the now unlit fireplace. At night the fire was always lit to keep out the chill, to keep her comfortable. Now, she remembered her plans for the day and commenced to get out of the bed. She washed her hands and face, brushed her teeth and rang the bell-pull for her maid.
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