An Inconvenient Trilogy Read Online Free PDF Page A

lives, all of which I will struggle with. Let me enjoy the parties, and then go to Yorkshire at the end of the season, and save your matchmaking for your brother.” Elizabeth teased.
    “Humph, he is another one who seems determined on the single state.” Violet grumbled.
    Violet introduced her young guest to a number of ladies who had daughters around the same age. She realised that it would be better to have friends her own age, as relying on Michael and herself would restrict Elizabeth too much. She was surprised to find that the usually confident and outgoing Elizabeth was more reserved when in company, and questioned Elizabeth about it on the third day of visits.
    “I’m trying not to frighten them off!” Elizabeth said in her usual candid way.
    “Why on earth would you frighten them, my dear?” Violet asked, shocked.
    “I don’t think Miss Platt, Miss Fishwick or Miss Brodie would appreciate my interest in farming, animal rearing, and horse racing across the countryside, do you?”
    “Oh dear, I suppose not,” Violet said with a smile and a shake of the head. “What are we going to do with you?”
    “I’m trying to be good, and lull them into thinking I am a lady. If that fails, I am doomed to go through the season without any friends!” Elizabeth laughed, but she had felt already how different her life was from that of the young girls that she had met. It did concern her a little that her world was so removed from this new one. She wasn’t sure that the new world was for her, as it felt strange and a little uncomfortable.
    Elizabeth was determined to give it a chance though; she would repay her guardian’s efforts by trying to enjoy the Season. He was putting in a lot of time and effort on her behalf, and it had created feelings she was not familiar with. It was more than gratitude. No one had ever made any effort purely for her comfort, and she felt a glow of pleasure every time she thought of the trouble Michael was going to, no matter how much he denied that it was any trouble.  
    They did not see Michael until the Thursday, when he came to collect them to go to the Thornley’s ball. He had received the bills from the shopping that had been carried out, so knew full well how his sister had been keeping his ward entertained. He had decided that his only input into the activity was to keep as far away as possible. He approached Violet’s home with a little trepidation; he hoped that Violet had managed to dress Elizabeth in something appropriate.
    Violet was already in the hall waiting for her brother, who greeted her with a smile and a kiss. “Is Edward joining us?” he asked.
    “Yes, and Elizabeth is on her way now.”
    Elizabeth met Edward at the top of the stairs. He offered her his arm, she took it with a smile and they walked downstairs chatting together. Michael looked up at their voices and almost had to look twice, the difference in Elizabeth was so marked. She had been dressed more appropriately when they had gone for their ride, but she had been wearing a borrowed dress of Violet’s. Tonight she was in her own clothes and the effect was stunning.
    Her dress was of the fashionable empire line design, of a pale cream silk that skimmed her frame as she moved. The silk shimmered as it caught the candle light. Her long gloves emphasised the creamy white of the skin of her arms, the small puff sleeves giving a delicate addition to the outfit. Her hair was tied high on her head with tight curls framing her face. Small cream flowers were the only ornament that adorned her hair. She wore no jewellery, which normally he would have thought gauche, but in this instance, it seemed to add to her elegance.
    “Well done Vi.” he whispered.
    “It wasn’t my doing; I just went along for the entertainment. Believe me, she has exquisite taste and knows which materials and accessories complement each other. All she needed was a little encouragement, and then I stood back and watched,” Violet