Excerpt from The Governess -- Chapter 15:
Carly was led to a room she had never seen before. It was tucked away upstairs for privacy. On their way to this room, Millesant explained to Carly that this was where the seamstresses came to prepare new wardrobes. The seamstress had everything she needed supplied for her here in this room. Privacy curtains and dividing screens would be set up for fittings, she explained. Outside the door, Millesant said excitedly, “Now you go in and enjoy yourself, milady. I cannot wait to see you in your pretty new things. We will have so much fun, will we not?” Clapping her hands together eagerly, she then gave her a hug and was off on her way. Carly was catching Millesant’s excitement as she entered the room and shut the door behind her.
Mrs. Thompson, the housekeeper, came over to the door where Carly shyly stood and locked the door behind her, “So nice to see you today, my lady,” and taking her motheringly by the arm, led her over to a young girl. “This lovely young lady is Lady Blakemore, Deborah, for whom your services have been requested.” Mrs. Thompson introduced Carly to the seamstress, “Lady Blakemore, this is my granddaughter, Miss Deborah Thompson, my eldest son’s daughter.”
Carly could hardly believe that Lord Huntington would go to so much trouble, and expense, for her alone. As guilty as she felt, Carly was strangely eager, too.
Miss Thompson bobbed a curtsey and said, “How do you do, Lady Blakemore?”
“I am fine, thank you,” curtseying herself. Carly suddenly realized that this young girl was the very one she had seen giggling with Lord Huntington in the salon. So, he does dally with servants.
Carly scolded herself for thinking so ill of either of them.
Mrs. Thompson again proudly chimed in, “I highly recommend Miss Thompson’s services and skills.”
I’m sure you do. Again, unkind thoughts. I must be better.
Beaming a pleased smile towards her granddaughter, Mrs. Thompson announced, “She has been sewing for many ladies in the area, as well as Lord Huntington’s late wife, for,” she looked at her granddaughter for help, “how long dear?”
“I would say, at least five years, grandmamma.”
“Yes, at least. We are both so excited about this wardrobe, are we not Deborah?” Deborah nodded vigorously, beaming from ear to ear. “Deborah is a magical seamstress, my dear, and she will have you outfitted in no time at all. Most importantly, we will have you well prepared for the Dowager Lady Elisabeth Huntington’s arrival and the inevitable balls and parties that will accompany her stay.”
“Balls…and parties?” Carly forgot all else. In fact, she had completely forgotten anything about such matters.
“Why, yes, my dear, and we have been instructed to make several ball gowns for you as your presence will be required at those special events.”
Have you ever wished you could go clothes shopping but couldn't? Well, I've figured it out...Just write about it. :) This way, you can have the biggest wardrobe ever!
Thanks for reading with me today. Join me on Friday for more.
Ellise
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