“I’m simply heartbroken that I won’t be able to attend this year because of my lying-in. I had the most exquisite gown embroidered with gold thread and a diamond tiara specially created for the occasion. Fetch my tiara, Prudence,” she said to one of the maidservants in attendance.
“I’m certain you shall be resplendent at next year’s event,” Sandrine assured her. The duchess was a very attractive woman with abundant brown hair and high cheekbones, though there was no warmth in her cobalt blue eyes. “I’d also like to thank you for your family’s generous donations to our historical society. Your and your late husband’s philanthropy is legendary.”
“Roman did love his charities. I’m not familiar with yours.”
“I’m from a seaside village called Squalton-on-Sea. Our historical society raises funds for the renovation of the manor house to be used as a museum and assembly rooms for the benefit of the villagers, and the—”
“Yes, yes, I’m sure it’s all very worthy andbenevolent and all of that, but let’s go back to the ball. Are the decorations at the ready? The theme is to be fairyland. I did consider dressing the footmen as fawns, but they balked at the idea of wearing hooves.”
“Ah... yes, that might have posed problems.”
“I did have a dozen pair of gossamer wings sewn for the maidservants, however. They shall flit about hither and thither.”
“I hear that you hired a famous soprano for the occasion?”
“That was Roman’s idea. He did like his opera singers.” The sour way she said it made Sandrine think she was referring to infidelity on the part of her late husband.
“And there is to be an auction of donated items. From the pamphlet that Cleveland gave me, there are some magnificent contributions.”
“My charity ball is the place to see and be seen in London. No other event surpasses it for the opportunity to display one’s wealth and consequence,” the duchess said proudly.
“And of course it raises urgently needed funds for the worthy recipients.”
The duchess gave a dismissive little shrug. “Of course, there is that.”
The maid returned with a glittering tiara on a velvet cushion. “Oh, there you are, you gorgeous thing,” cooed the duchess, caressing the tiara. “Put it on my head, Prudence.” The woman arranged the tiara in her hair. “Ouch, have a care. You’re so clumsy. Well? Isn’t it the most stunning tiara you’ve ever beheld?”
Having never beheld a tiara before, Sandrine had to agree. “It’s lovely.” She couldn’t help wondering how much a diamond tiara cost and whether it was the right choice to wear to a ball whose purpose was to raise funds for the poor and destitute.
“The ball is meant to be presided over by the Duke and Duchess of Rydell. Not my rakish brother-in-law who is merely heir presumptive and soon to be replaced by my darling boy.” She patted her belly. “And some elderly ladies and a young lady from the seaside. No one knows you in London. I should have asked one of my titled friends to host in my stead, but it’s all been such chaos with Roman getting himself killed and my lying-in being such a trial. This boy I carry is very active, and I can hardly leave my bed.”
Sandrine decided to ignore the fact that she’d just been insulted. “Might I ask you some questions about the particulars of the ball?”
“Couldn’t you speak with Cleveland?”
“You’re the expert, your grace. Spare me a few moments of your time.”
“Oh, very well. Ask me your questions.”
“The donations are collected at the event?”
“Cleveland oversees all that.”
“About the proceeds from the ball. You see, last year it was recorded that donations in the amount of three hundred pounds were given to our historical society, but we never saw the funds.”
“Perhaps your treasurer absconded with them, for all I know.”
“And the Duchess of Osborne’s scholarshipfund for promising young women artists hasn’t received their monies as of yet.”
“That’s no concern of mine. Talk to Cleveland.”
“I was studying the pamphlet, and I wonder if you’ve personally visited the Society for the Charitable Relief of Poor, Misused, Infirm, Aged Widows and Single Women of Impeccable Character Who Have Fallen On Difficult Times in East Edston.”
“I haven’t personally visited them.” She yawned. “I really don’t care about them, do you? Roman loved to shower them with money. Simply piles of it. They’re probably rolling around in it, those old crones. Are you finished? I’m rather tired. The charity ball is so dear to my heart, but I’m afraid this lying-in has been such a trial for me. I can’t seem to muster the enthusiasm for all the charities like I usually do. It’s more of a chance to see and be seen, do you understand? I hope you have an appropriate gown to wear? That one you’re wearing is pretty, but certainly not grand enough for such an illustrious occasion.”
“I’ll be sure to make an effort with my appearance.”
“See that you do. If you’re representing me, you must be presentable. Now, I really must have my beauty rest. Go on about your business, Miss Oliver.”