trappings, a new little boy doll was found seated in a high-backed chair by one of the hearths upon opening on Christmas morning. This led to hours of playtime as Betsy introduced her new doll to the old, played house with them, and even married them in a grand ceremony.
Due to its size, the magnificent toy had found a home in the library instead of in Betsy’s rom. It suited Bridget as it allowed her to keep one eye on Betsy while also utilising her favourite room in the house.
It was astonishing to Bridget how much had changed over the past few months in her and Betsy’s lives. Though she could never say she was glad of the Smeltings’ death, she did have a sense that things were going on wonderfully in their new life.
“Uncle John said there is a big party tonight,” Betsy announced as she mimicked her dolls dancing.
Bridget closed her book and set it aside to give her attention to the little girl.
“I don’t know if it's exactly big, but yes, there will a ball here tonight.”
“Is that why everyone is so busy?” Betsy asked.
Bridget let her eyes trace the noise rushing back and forth on the other side of the closed library door. Bridget had shut them in the library this morning, hoping that they would be out of the way. Along with the regular servants, several people had been hired temporarily to help prepare the large parlour at the back of the house.
Up until this point, that parlour had been closed off and mostly used for storage. Now it was opened and made to resemble a small dance hall. Between these preparations and the feast preparations in the kitchen, there hadn’t been a moment since sunrise that someone wasn't rushing up or down the townhouse's halls.
“Yes, they must make sure it’s all perfect.”
“Mrs. Smith seemed very serious today. I wanted to help, but she said that I shouldn’t,” Betsy added.
Betsy had grown to love Mrs. Smith dearly, and Bridget was sure the feeling was mutual. Through the Christmas season, Mrs. Smith had included Betsy in one type of festive activity or another. It was easy to see, by Betsy’s tone, that she was a little sorry that Mrs. Smith hadn’t found time for her so far today.
Bridget slipped from her perch in the window to come and sit by her ward. Taking Betsy up on her lap, she hugged the child close to her.
“I think there are many fine families coming to the party tonight. It is a lot of pressure for Mrs. Smith to get everything right.”
“I wouldn’t mess anything up,” Betsy grumbled quietly.
“She knows that,” Bridget assured her. “But there are a lot of very grown-up type things that must be done. Don’t be sad,” Bridget added, gently brushing the child’s cheek. “You will be spending all evening with Mrs. Smith.”
“I will?”
“Yes, she will stay with you as you’re not quite old enough for the party.”
“Awe,” Betsy moaned.
“Trust me,” Bridget said with a smile, “this is not a fun party for little girls. It is all talking grown-up talk and dancing and grown-up games like cards.”
“Can we move my doll’s house upstairs to play with if I can’t come to the party?”
“I am sure we can do our best to find a place for it in your room.”
“And will you stay with me and Mrs. Smith?”
“No,” Bridget did her best to sound nonchalant. “I will be at the ball with your uncle.”
Bridget still hadn’t decided how she felt about attending a ball. She had never attended a party before in her life. She very well couldn’t decline to participate as Lord John had suggested that the whole idea was concocted as a gift to her.
However, Lord John and his family had many high connections. She was sure that, though a small private gathering, it was to host some of the most influential members of the Ton. A simple governess with no family to speak of didn’t seem to warrant attendance at such an occasion.
There was also something else that was eating away at her insides. Something she hadn’t even realised until Mr. Higgins had come to call on his friend a few days prior. Mr. Higgins had mentioned the possibility of Bridget seeking a match at the event.
Of course, she had no desire to use Lord John’s connections to find a place for her above her station. If anything, she felt like that idea was an abuse of the kindness he'd shown her