Colors of a Lady Read Online Free PDF Page B

of friends?”
    “I have not given it much thought. It is
really too sudden for me to even imagine. I have yet to even see
Lord Hartwell.” Emma turned her eyes to the clock along the far
wall. It was nearly one o’clock. Soon she would have to dress for
her outing.
    A knock sounded on the parlour door and Emma
let out a sigh. That was bound to be Mary, efficient as always. She
believed that Emma needed to look her absolute best, not just for
Lord Hartwell but for the ton as well. During the fashionable hour,
everyone of marriageable age would be out, hoping to catch the
fancy of a suitor.
    “Come in.”
    The door pushed open and Mary appeared in
the doorway. She dipped into a curtsy to the seated ladies.
    “Lady Emma, it is t--”
    “Oh, I know. It is time for me to being my
toilette for my fiancé to call upon me. Let me bid farewell to them
and then I shall meet you in my room.”
    Wordlessly, but with a small smile, Mary
curtsied again and backed out of the room.
    “I suppose it is that time. Will you be
riding in Hyde Park today?”
    Lettice and Helena looked at one another.
They normally did not visit Hyde Park often during the Fashionable
Hour. Yet, the scandal of this betrothal would set many tongues
wagging, which interested them. Ton gossip was ever entertaining
especially when it starred Emma.
    “I fear that I cannot,” Lettice apologized.
“I must attend a meeting at my church.” She did not miss the
furtive glance shared between Lettice and Emma. It was not uncommon
for a well-born lady to visit church. But the Devine clan belonged
to a church many would readily describe as fanatical. Lettice had
always been fervently religious. This church seemed to heighten it
in bizarre ways. Emma hoped daily that Lettice did not prescribe
any truth to the hate they spewed. There were moments when
Lettice's perfect lips pulled into a sneer at the sight of one she
deemed unmentionable.
    “Perhaps Lord Hedgeton can escort me? I will
get my footman to send him a note.” Helena considered this
thoughtfully, moving to stand. “He normally goes driving so it
should not be too much hassle.”
    “Wonderful! I hope to see you then, Helena.”
Emma followed her guests out to the main hall. “Do have fun at
church,” she said to Lydia. Upon bidding them goodbye, Lewis, the
butler, closed the door behind them. They left arm-in-arm
chattering quietly.
    Emma let out a breath and turned to the
staircase at her back. Her current greatest issue would be deciding
what to wear. What colour would suit her best on her drive? Perhaps
her Pomona green pelisse would be good on such a chilly day. But
where was her bonnet? She lost it ages ago.
    “Or the cerulean blue pelisse?” Emma mumbled
reaching the door to her chamber. “Yes, that will do well.” She
pushed open her door to find Mary busily running around her chamber
laying out the items into which she would be changing. The cerulean
blue pelisse was already draped across her bed, a pair of dark
brown boots tossed atop it.
    Emma nodded and steeled herself for this
ordeal. She was indulging in her dramatic nature. She had known
Thomas her entire life, but now he felt more akin to a stranger to
her.
     
    At exactly half past two, Lord Hartwell rang
the bell at the Earl of Sheridan's home. He had done this assorted
times before but for Caroline. Today and until they wed, he would
call upon Lady Emma Wren. He was sure this drive would be a bore.
They would not have to speak much. Such is the glory of the
Fashionable Hour. There were so many people and so many innocuous
conversations. One did not even need to speak with whom they
escorted.
    To his surprise and heartache, a freshly
washed Caroline answered the door. She had conspicuously donned one
of her best gowns. A gasp escaped her pink lips, her bright blue
eyes perfectly innocent and wide.
    Thomas felt his heart skip at the vision of
his dearest love. Her rich, musky scent floated over him,
enveloping his soul. He cleared his