The Duchess Read Online Free PDF Page B

Charlotte is, and how she must begrudge this lovely child.”
    “Fortunately Arthur left monies in his will for both Sirena's season and her dowry. It is identical to that ofmy two elder daughters, and more than adequate,” Lady Abbott said proudly
    “And being in the company of her cousin won't hurt either,” the redoubtable lady replied. “I assume Septimius is giving them both a ball? What a house this is for entertaining! What a pity it is only used by Lord Morgan when he is in town managing his many affairs.”
    “My father does not cheesepare, madame,” Allegra spoke up boldly. “Of course he will give a ball for both of us. Sirena's will be at the beginning of May, and mine at the end of that month. If you wish to know the dates, I can call Mr. Trent. He keeps track of such matters for us.”
    “Allegra!” Lady Abbott's voice was anguished.
    “Bless me, the gel is hardly shy,” Lady Bellingham chuckled. “Don't scold her, Olympia. I like her. She is not the usual simpering miss I meet each season.” Her gaze swung about to Allegra. “Have Charles Trent check with me regarding the dates of your balls, my dear. You don't want to find out when it is too late that there is a more important event those nights. And you will want Prinny at your balls. Nothing adds the stamp of success to a gel's own ball than having Prinny there.”
    “Tea, m'lady?” Marker asked, prepared to pour from the silver pot.
    “Gracious, yes!” Lady Bellingham replied. “Septimius keeps the best store of tea in town, I am told.” She sniffed the steam arising from the cup that Marker had handed her. “Ohh, yes!” she approved and, spilling some into her deep saucer, sipped. “Ah, indeed!”
    Lady Abbott felt weak with relief. Clarice Bellingham had approved both of the girls despite Allegra's quick tongue. Their entry into society was therefore assured. She sipped her own tea, and once fortified said, “It is so nice of you to call on us, Clarice. I cannot take the girlsout until their new wardrobes are ready. We must not make a bad impression, or give rise to jealous gossip from the other mamas.”
    “Rightly so!” Lady Bellingham responded. “When Miss Allegra and Lady Sirena first appear, they must be seen as the height of fashion. I assume Madame Paul is doing the gowns.”
    “She sent her assistant down to Morgan Court to measure,” Lady Abbott divulged proudly. “A footman has already been sent to her shop to inform her we are here, and ready for fittings.”
    Lady Bellingham nodded. “Have you obtained a date for your gels to be presented at court yet?”
    “Clarice! We are just arrived several hours ago,” Lady Abbott protested, half laughing.
    “I will have Bellingham arrange it for them immediately. They should be presented in the first wave of young ladies. Make certain that Madame Paul has their court gowns ready first. I will send to you when a date has been obtained.”
    “Are court gowns different from the others, madame?” Allegra asked the older woman.
    “Indeed they are, my dear. Hooped skirts are still required at court, not to mention elaborate wigs with ridiculous decor atop them.”
    “I have never worn a wig,” Allegra told her.
    Lady Bellingham smiled. “And you are unlikely to after you have been presented at court. It is such a needless yet necessary expense, for it is required, although I do not know why.”
    “Gracious! I have forgotten the wig maker!” Lady Abbott cried.
    “Have Mr. Trent make an appointment with Monsieur Dupont, and say that I recommended you to him.Charles knows how to handle it,” Lady Bellingham replied with a smile.
    “Your faith in me is deeply appreciated,” Mr. Trent said as he came into the garden. Taking Lady Belling-ham's hand up, he kissed it, smiling. “You are as magnificent as ever, madame,” he told her.
    Lady Bellingham chuckled. It was a deep, rich sound. “What a pity you are the youngest, Charles,” she said. “You have the bearing of