The Secret of Hollyfield House by Jude Bayton (first ebook reader TXT) 📕

cave. Such rich colours I had not seen before, and what fabrics! Her bed was adorned with vibrant orange and pink silks, and an abundance of satin pillows. Curtains floated at the open window, as sheer as clouds, adorned with tiny jewels, which twinkled as they caught the sunlight. Sheets of silks hung from the ceiling above the bed, and it was like stepping into an exotic land instead of the heart of the English countryside.

“Oh, Evergreen. This is the loveliest room I have ever seen.” I was spellbound. It was magical.

“Nonsense. ’Tis only India silks and such to remind me of when we lived there. I much prefer the eastern colours. The British are so dull, don’t you agree?”

I laughed. The girl had more English blood in her veins than I did. Her family probably went back to the Crusades. But I did not comment. I followed her to one part of the room where there stood a massive ornately carved wardrobe.

“Goodness me,” I said. “This is a wardrobe? I thought it another room.” I grinned and received a glare.

“Stop being silly. I want to show you the dress I have in mind for you to wear. It shall be the perfect complement to your hair.”

She swung open the doors to reveal a startling variety of ball gowns hanging inside. I could easily have been standing in a dress shop. Every conceivable colour and fabric greeted my eyes. Though I had not been excited at the prospect of borrowing a dress, now I saw the beauty before me, I was quite swept up in the moment. “Oh, these are stunning, Evergreen. You have such lovely things,” I said in admiration.

She all but purred under my flattery. “They are superb, are they not? I suppose that is one advantage to having a wealthy father. He does not complain about my dressmaker’s bill. Now—” She reached inside and plucked a garment from the centre. “See what you think. This is the one I selected. Do you like it?” She held out the gown, and I caught my breath.

The silk dress reminded me of a piece of dark jade I had once seen in a shop window. A shade so rich it was almost iridescent. “Evergreen, it is simply gorgeous.” I ran my fingers down the length of the fabric. It was soft and cool on my skin. I glanced up at her face, which radiated pleasure.

“I cannot possibly wear something as fine as this,” I said wistfully. “’Tis far too pretty for me.”

“Nonsense,” she snapped, guiding me to stand before a full-length mirror where she held the dress up against me. “Now look. I am right. With your dark hair, the green silk works perfectly, wouldn’t you say? We can braid your hair into a loose knot, and you will look wonderful. Well?”

I hesitated. I was torn. My vanity ran on full steam while my common sense hid out of sight. But the truth was, regardless of everything, I wanted to wear the dress. I could at least try it on—where was the harm in that?

Evergreen helped me out of my clothes, and I stood in my undergarments facing the mirror. I felt a little self-conscious as I had no maid and was not used to having another person see me so undressed. Evergreen had grown quiet. I turned to look at her. She stood staring at my reflection, her eyes upon my birthmark.

“Good lord, what on earth is that?” she asked.

I was embarrassed. “A birthmark. One I keep hidden. Do you think it ugly?” I automatically covered it with my hand.

She blinked. “Not especially, I was wondering if the neckline will be too low on the dress. But I think it will conceal it.”

“Good, I prefer no one sees it.”

She helped me into the gown. “I think that wise. It would only serve to distract.” She examined the bodice. “Ah, yes. The neckline is perfect.” She fastened the buttons at the back of the dress. “Now, let us take a look at you.”

I stepped before the mirror and though my mouth opened, no sound came out. The dress was magnificent. Tight in the bodice, the modest neck square and high. At the waistband, the material fell away in waves of deep green silk, so lustrous that the fabric looked wet. The sleeves were full at the top and narrowed to the wrist where they were secured with tiny pearl buttons.

“I think this suits?” Her voice had lost some enthusiasm.

“Yes, I like it very well.”

“Then it is yours to wear on Saturday. You must come here to dress and get ready. My maid, Peters, can do your hair. Then you may ride with us to Mountjoy House. It shall be such fun and we shall make a jolly night of it!”

There followed some hair arranging ideas and after that an enjoyable time of selecting accessories. In truth, I enjoyed myself immensely, and by the time I set off for home it was almost four o’clock in the afternoon. I walked back as though I floated on the air. My head spun with silly delight at the prospect of wearing the pretty dress.

It was only as I went up to my room and looked at the contrast of my bare, dull chamber to Evergreen’s sumptuous bedroom that I realised I had forgotten my quest. I had been so wrapped up in silliness and fashion, I had forgotten Evergreen’s cruelty to Billy. Was I so shallow that a fancy gown could sway me from my goal? I had failed in my task, and I was not happy.

Chapter Twenty-Four

DOMINIC HAD BEEN SCARCE ALL WEEK for he was busy with the farm. We had seen one another as frequently as possible but were restricted to meals together, and a stolen kiss here and there. Tonight, I looked forward to seeing him at the grand dinner party almost as eagerly as I anticipated meeting Mr Wilkie Collins. Uncle Jasper was invited and would escort Mrs Stackpoole