“Lady Whittemore?” There was a light knock on her door and Cordelia recognized Patricia’s voice. She closed the jewelry box and fanned her face as she turned around.
“Come in, Patricia.” The door opened and Patricia came in with an armload of roses.
“Mrs. Richmond said you were going to lie down. May I help you get undressed?” She took the roses to a large vase that was sitting on Cordelia’s dresser and put them inside it. They didn’t look like the ones in the garden and for a moment she wondered if they were from Victor as well. “I’ll bring you some water for them. They’re from Lord Whittemore.”
“Please inform my husband that they’re lovely but he needn’t have bothered,” Cordelia said icily. “I can’t believe he’d think something like this would make up for what he’s done.” It was a relief for someone else to know about Arthur’s affairs, especially someone she could talk to privately. “And I don’t need any help undressing, I’m not really lying down. I just wanted to be alone.”
“I understand,” Patricia said. “I’ll bring in some water for your flowers, then leave you alone.” She smiled. “I’ll be sure to tell everyone you’re sleeping.”
“Thank you.”
“Do you need me to take away this box on your bed? Oh my!” The dress had caught Patricia’s eye and Cordelia joined her beside the bed. “This is gorgeous, ma’am! Wherever did you get it?” She reached out as if to touch it, then pulled her hand away. “I’m sorry, it’s just so lovely.”
“It was a gift,” Cordelia said. “You may pick it up if you like. It will need to be hung up anyway.” Patricia nodded and held the dress up to see it better. She was a little hesitant to tell the girl where it had come from given her brief history with Victor but supposed she would find out anyway. “Mr. Pembroke sent it to me. I trust you will keep that in confidence?”
“Of course, ma’am. Are you going to wear it to a party?” Patricia’s fingers moved over the beadwork. If it bothered her at all that Victor had given the dress to Cordelia, she didn’t show it. She was either good at hiding her feelings or she hadn’t felt much for him to begin with.
“I hadn’t thought about it yet,” Cordelia said. “I don’t really have a party to wear it to. My sister is the one who gets invited to all sorts of parties. Most likely because she doesn’t live out in the woods.” It was hard to keep the bitterness out of her voice. When she’d first seen the Whittemore estate she’d thought it beautiful and peaceful. Now she felt isolated and alone, especially since she’d found out Arthur’s secret.
“You should have one,” Patricia said excitedly. “So many came to the last one, I’m sure that if you let everyone know you were playing again they’d come.” Her face lit up. “You could wear your beautiful necklace with it as well! They’d go nicely together.” She was almost more excited about the idea than Cordelia and her enthusiasm was infectious.
“You’re right. The dress may need alterations, though. It seems that it might be a bit long.”
“I’ll hang it up for the moment,” Patricia said, taking the dress to the closet. “I do hope you have your party, ma’am. It will be nice to not have to serve food and drink this time. I may even be able to enjoy a bit more of your music.”
“I’ll speak to my husband,” Cordelia said. It was the last thing she wanted to do at the moment but a party meant that she could see Victor again without anyone thinking she was doing anything improper. “I’m sure he’ll allow me to have it. Thank you for your suggestion, Patricia.”
“You’re quite welcome.” She hung the dress up. “I’m going to get you some water for your flowers. I’ll be back in a moment.”
“Leave the door open,” Cordelia said. “I’m going to go speak to my husband.” She waited until Patricia was gone, then smiled at herself in the mirror. What a wonderful idea, she thought. Such a smart girl. At the last party she had even been able to dance with Victor. Any excuse to see him was a good one, even if it meant dealing with Arthur.
She had no idea why finding him with another lover made her so much angrier this time than last time, but she was getting close to the end of her patience. As much as she didn’t want to end up destitute, she also didn’t want to have to worry about walking in on her husband making love to another man every time she came around the corner.
The door to Arthur’s office was closed and she knocked on it lightly. There was no answer from inside so she started back to her room, supposing she could ask him at dinner. Halfway down the hall she saw Arthur going toward her room as well and she narrowed her eyes. She’d made it explicitly clear that she didn’t want to speak to him but this time she was going to make an exception.
“Cordelia,” he said when he saw her. “I was coming to speak to you.”
“I can see that,” she said, keeping more than a hint of frost in her voice. She didn’t want Arthur to think she’d forgiven him. “There was something I wanted to speak to you about as well.”
“Oh really? Please go ahead.” Arthur looked relieved that she wasn’t going to start shouting again and Cordelia folded her arms over her chest.
“I would like to have another party,” she said. “I’m tired of being alone out here all the time. We could invite everyone from last time, and a few more people besides. I’d like to have a string quartet again as well so our guests can dance.”
“Yes, of course. That would be lovely,” he said, smiling at her. Cordelia kept her face impassive. “I was coming to tell you that I’m going to London for a couple of days. There are a couple of problems with Father’s accounts that I can only take care of by going to the main branch of the bank. Do you need anything while I’m there?”
“Not that I can think of. Thank you for letting me know.”
“When did you want to have your party? I’m leaving for London on Sunday. It’s leaving it a bit late to have it beforehand but I’m certain we could still have a good turnout. In fact, having it on the spur of the moment will make it more fun for some people.” He was still smiling and Cordelia gave him a small smile in return.
“All right,” she said. “I’d like to have it Saturday, then.”
“Very well,” Arthur said. “I shall go into town and have a rush put on some invitations. We shall spare no expense for this party, my darling. You won’t be disappointed.”
“Thank you,” Cordelia said. “And please send the seamstress up here. I have a dress I’d like to wear for the party and it likely needs alterations.”
“Of course.” He leaned forward to kiss her on the cheek and Cordelia moved away from him. Arthur cleared his throat. “Well. That’s all. I’ll be going into town now.”
“Take care.” She went back into her room and closed the door. Only when she was certain Arthur wasn’t going to try and talk to her further did she allow herself to break into a grin. She was going to have the most wonderful party, she was going to wear her beautiful dress and her grandmother’s necklace, and she was going to dance with Victor again.
She could hardly wait for Saturday.
Fourteen
True to Arthur’s word, the party was just as well-attended as the first had been, even on short notice. As Cordelia walked through the manor greeting her guests, it seemed they were all laughing and having a good time. Even the staff was in a good mood, with the hint of a smile appearing on Mrs. Richmond’s face for a fraction of a second.
“Lady Whittemore,” a woman called from a corner of the foyer. She waved Cordelia over with a smile. There was a glass of wine in her hand and it was already half gone. “This is a magnificent party. Thank you for inviting us.”
“You’re quite welcome,” Cordelia said graciously. She had no idea who the woman was but she seemed nice enough.
“It’s rather fun doing something like this spontaneously, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it is.” The door opened and Birdie came in with the General, wearing a bright red dress that lit up the room and her usual grin on her face. “If you’ll excuse me,”
she said to the lady, who nodded and stepped aside. “Birdie darling, I’m so glad you could make it.” She hugged her sister and looked to the General. “So good to see you again too, General.” He raised an eyebrow at her and she laughed. “Forgive me, Richard.”
“Old habits,” he sighed.
“Delia, that dress is incredible!” Birdie held her at arm’s length and looked her up and down. “It’s absolutely gorgeous. Is it French? It must be French.”
“I’m not sure,” Cordelia said. “The box said Ellery of London.”
“The box?” Birdie frowned as Cordelia led her and the General into the house to put away their coats. “What do you mean? You didn’t order it yourself?”
“No, it was sent to me anonymously,” Cordelia said, deciding a little fib between sisters was nothing to be ashamed of. There was a little knot of people near the door and Cordelia stepped aside so a young man could move past her.
“Excuse me,” he muttered without looking at her. He seemed to be in quite a hurry.
“Yes, of course.” Cordelia considered asking if he was leaving already but the majority of her attention was on Birdie and her compliments. “No card, nothing. It was simply delivered to the house a few days ago and I can’t say I’m upset about it.”
“I wouldn’t be either,” Birdie said. One of the housemen came forward to take her coat, which she shrugged off and handed to him, revealing a vibrant purple dress with a deep neck and an elegant sash. “You should have Arthur commission a painting of you in it. You look like royalty.”
“Where is Arthur? I want to speak to him about the work he’s having done on his stables,” the General said. Cordelia smiled up at him as he took off his coat.
“I’m not sure,” she said. “Probably talking business with one of the other guests. I’m sure if you walk around you’ll find him.” She pretended to think about it. “Perhaps try his study? He sometimes has brandy and cigars with the gentlemen there.”
“I’ll talk with him later,” the General said. “For now the main question on my mind is when we’re going to hear more of your magnificent piano playing? I do hope we haven’t missed it.” Cordelia laughed and shook her head.
“Of course not. I could never start playing without my darling sister. Birdie would never forgive me if I did.” She reached over and took her sister’s hand as if they were children. Birdie grinned and squeezed her hand tightly. “Now that you’re here I can start gathering the guests in the conservatory in a bit,” Cordelia said as they walked down the hall. “What do you think of grandmother’s necklace?”
“It looks perfect with your dress,” Birdie said. “It’s almost like they were made to go together. Whoever sent it to you must have some sort of intuition. Perhaps they know that blue is your color.” Behind them the door opened again and Cordelia looked over her shoulder. Her heart stopped when she saw Victor come in and she released Birdie’s hand.
“If you’ll excuse me, Birdie dear, I need to say hello to my guests.”
“Of course. I’ll meet you in the conservatory.”
“I’ve got a better idea,” Cordelia said with a smile. “Since Arthur doesn’t seem to be around, could you and Richard start moving guests toward the conservatory? The string quartet is scheduled to begin in the ballroom after my performance, the same as last time .” Birdie nodded and took her husband’s arm while Cordelia went to the door to see Victor.
“Good evening, Lady Whittemore,” he said, inclining his head politely. “You look quite beautiful this evening.”
“Thank you, Mr. Pembroke.” She looked around to see if anyone was listening, then lowered her voice for good measure. “I don’t know how to thank you. This dress is beautiful but far too extravagant. You really shouldn’t have.”
“It didn’t look nearly as good in the shop as it does on you,” Victor said. “It’s as if you complete the dress.” His words made Cordelia blush deeply and he smiled. “Thank you for inviting me tonight, I’m looking forward to hearing you play again.”
“I hope I live up to your expectations,” Cordelia said, motioning to the house. “Please come in. My sister Birdie is gathering people into the conservatory for my performance. I’m a bit nervous, to be honest. Monsieur DuVerne is here and I hope he won’t judge me too harshly.”
“I highly doubt that,” Victor said. “He seems like a nice young man.”
“Whom you really shouldn’t have paid on my behalf,” Cordelia said quietly. “My goodness, Mr. Pembroke, if anyone found out about the lessons and the dress---“
“No one will find out unless you tell them,” Victor said with a sly smile. He looked around the hallway and, finding it empty, reached out to brush Cordelia’s lips with his thumb. “Besides, it’s more exciting when it’s a secret isn’t it?” Just this hint of contact was enough to set Cordelia on fire and she wanted him to keep touching her, but he nodded toward the hall that led to the conservatory instead. “Your audience awaits, madame.”
When she stepped into the conservatory, Cordelia was surprised to see that it was even fuller than it had been at the previous party. It seemed that everyone who had attended then was there now, and more besides. Maurice was there and the members of the string quartet were there as well, but Arthur was nowhere in sight. Deciding she didn’t care one way or the other if he showed his face, she went to her piano and faced the room.
“Thank you for coming tonight,” she said. “I’m not certain where my husband is but I’m sure he’ll join us momentarily. I’m going to go ahead and start so as not to hold up our very lovely performers, and I hope you enjoy these pieces I’m about to play.” There was a round of polite applause and Cordelia sat down on the piano bench.
Where is Arthur, anyway? She couldn’t help being a little annoyed. He was the one concerned about keeping up appearances for the time being, and as much as she liked being able to focus on Victor’s attention she could only imagine what people were thinking. Cordelia shoved this out of her mind as she put her fingers on the keys and began to play.
Just as it had been every other time she played the piano, all her worries vanished in an instant. There was nothing in her mind but the music, and this time it was a lively piece that spoke of joy. Her fingers raced over the keys, painting the notes out of thin air and though she wasn’t looking at them she could feel every eye in the room on her. She thought about Maurice and how he was going to teach her to write down her own pieces, the music she felt bubbling up inside her, and her playing became faster and brighter. It was as if she was fanning a flame and couldn’t think of anything she would like more than for it to light the entire room so everyone could feel and see what she felt.
When she finished, the applause that followed was the exact opposite of polite. It was loud, uncontrolled, and just as joyous as she felt. Someone shouted “bravo!” and Cordelia realized that she was breathing hard. She stood up from the piano and bowed, a little embarrassed but satisfied. She looked toward the bookshelves where Birdie, the General, and Victor were all standing, and was pleased to see that Birdie’s face was shining with pride. Victor was grinning twice as widely as her sister, and she realized that it had been he who had shouted.
“Thank you,” she said to the room in general as her eyes met Victor’s. “You’re all too kind. Thank you for indulging me and I do hope you enjoy the rest of your evening. There will be dancing in the ballroom in just a few minutes, and please help yourself to refreshments and drinks.” There was another, smaller round of applause and she bowed again before everyone started to move around the room. Maurice came over to her immediately.
“Madame, you are even more talented than I first thought,” he said. “At first I was confused because I did not recognize the piece you were playing but when I realized you were improvising on a baroque piece I was very impressed.”
“Was I?” Cordelia blinked at him. “I honestly had no idea. I just played what was in my head.”
“It was a magnificent performance,” Victor
said from just behind her and Cordelia turned in surprise. “I can scarcely believe you’re the same woman I heard playing so tentatively the first time I visited.”
“My goodness, gentlemen, you’re going to give me quite the ego,” Cordelia laughed. “I’m just happy to be able to play. Monsieur DuVerne, thank you so much for coming.”
“Of course, madame, of course. Now if you do not mind, I am going to the ballroom to hear this string quartet. Perhaps there will be a lady who would want to dance with me.” Just as he said this, Patricia came back into the room. She was dressed very differently than she had been at the first party, wearing a pretty pink and white dress rather than a maid’s uniform. Her position as a lady’s maid gave her slightly higher status and the luxury of her choice of clothing for the night, putting her almost on Mrs. Richmond’s level. Cordelia knew that it was giving the old woman fits but at that moment she didn’t much care. As far as she was concerned, Patricia was a guest and she dared anyone to say differently.
“Lady Whittemore, I wasn’t able to---“
“Patricia, you’re just in time.” Cordelia motioned for her to come over. When Patricia saw Victor, her face turned red and she looked away quickly. “I know you’ve heard me talk about Monsieur DuVerne. He’s looking for a dance partner.”
“Oh, I don’t think that would be proper,” Patricia said. Cordelia shook her head and folded her arms over her chest in a perfect imitation of Mrs. Richmond. She couldn’t help but think that Birdie would be proud.
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