Cavendon Hall Read Online Free PDF Page B

bafflement.
    “I’ll replace the panels of lace, taffeta, and tulle. It’ll be hard to find white lace to match the ball gown. You might have to go to London.”
    In spite of her initial skepticism, Alice suddenly understood exactly what Cecily meant to do. She also realized that her daughter might have the solution. “It sounds like a good plan, Cecily, very clever. Unfortunately, you’re right about the lace, it will be difficult to match. I probably will have to go up to London. To Harrods.”
    Alice now paused, shook her head. “There are several other things we must consider. First, a panel of lace that’s different from the rest of the overskirt would be extremely noticeable. Secondly, there would be seams down the front. They’d be obvious.”
    “I’ve thought of that,” Cecily answered swiftly. “I can hide the seams with narrow ribbon lace, and sew the ribbon lace around the waist as a finishing touch.” She bit her lip, before adding, “Or we can make a new skirt out of new lace.”
    “I understand,” Alice said. “But the new lace wouldn’t match the bodice. And don’t even think of trying to remake the bodice, Cecily; that would be far too difficult for both of us.”
    “We don’t have to touch the bodice, Mam.”
    “I think Cecily is right, Mrs. Swann,” Daphne said. “Her ideas are brilliant.” She gave Cecily a huge smile. “I believe you will be a dress designer yourself one day, like Lucille of Hanover Square.”
    “Perhaps,” Alice said quietly. “I’ve always known Cecily had talent, a flair with clothes. And such a good eye.” Alice suddenly smiled, for the first time since entering the room.
    Pragmatic by nature, and wishing to continue talking about the ball gown, Cecily now said, “The lace will cost a lot, won’t it?”
    She had addressed Alice, but before her mother could answer, Daphne said, “Oh, you mustn’t worry about that, Ceci. I am quite certain you will be able to rescue the gown, and I know Papa will be happy to pay for the lace, and the other fabrics you require.”
    Alice carried the ball gown over to Cecily, and gave it to her. She said, “We’ll go up to the sewing room now and put this on the mannequin, so that we can examine the stains properly. I’ll bring the beaded gown. It’s heavy.” Glancing across at Daphne, she said, “Will you join us, your ladyship? I think you should try on both of the dresses, so we can see how they fit.”
    “I’ll be happy to, I’ll just go to my room and change into a dressing gown.” Turning to her sister, Daphne added, “I shall ring for Peggy, and once she arrives to clean up the ink, you can join us in the sewing room. She can, can’t she, Mrs. Alice?”
    “Of course she can, m’lady,” Alice replied with a friendly smile, and then she and her daughter left DeLacy’s bedroom.
    *   *   *
    Cecily was relieved her mother was no longer angry with her. How foolish she had been, not trying harder to stop DeLacy, and DeLacy had been irresponsible, dancing around with the gown the way she had. They should’ve both known better. After all, they were grown-up.
    “I think I’d better get the platform out,” Alice announced, walking over to the huge storage cupboard in the sewing room, opening the door. “It’ll make it easier for me to see the hemline when Lady Daphne stands on it.”
    “I’ll help, Mam.”
    Alice shook her head. “I have it, love, don’t worry.” She now upended the square white box she had pulled out, and pushed it across the room to the cheval mirror. Several years ago, Walter Swann had attached two small wheels on one side of the platform so that it was easy for his wife to move around.
    At this moment, the door flew open and Lady Daphne came in wearing a blue silk dressing gown; DeLacy was immediately behind her older sister, creeping in, stealthily, almost as if she did not want to be noticed.
    Cecily’s eyes flew to her friend, and she nodded.
    DeLacy offered a smile in