The Last Eligible Bachelor - Ashtyn Newbold Page 0,20
my serviette, as that had been the first thing to slip my mind. After an uneventful but delicious four course dinner, I was quite proud of myself for not spilling any food or doing anything that might draw Mr. Hill’s attention toward me.
I had successfully avoided his gaze for the entire meal, in fact, only glancing up when I was spoken to by Mrs. Ollerton, who had seemed somewhat frustrated by my persistent silence throughout the meal. I had not been trying to be rude, but the concentration my manners required was all I could focus on. And the concentration required not to look up at Mr. Hill when I felt his gaze on the side of my face.
I had been seated next to Miss Benham at dinner, and she had proved to be much more amiable than I had previously expected. And now, sitting in the drawing room among just the other ladies, she seemed even more at ease while not in the company of Mr. Hill.
“And what is your favorite color combination in a ballgown?” Miss Benham raised one dark eyebrow in my direction. “Do you prefer one shade, or multiple hues and embellishments?”
I could certainly guess what Miss Benham preferred. She was always dressed in pleated, beaded, and lace-covered gowns with multiple layers of fabric in a great variety. Being so petite and short in frame, the gowns seemed to swallow her.
“I prefer a more simple sort of gown, usually with one shade.” I smiled as I answered, hoping she would not judge me too harshly. “Although, that is simply my own preference. There are many women like yourself who look lovely with embellishments.”
Miss Benham appeared satisfied with that response, glancing down at her bodice. “It took my modiste three weeks to complete the embroidery on the sleeves and bodice alone.” She raised her chin. “I would never have the patience for such work.”
“Nor would I.” It was what Sophia would have said, though I disagreed. In my time as Sophia’s maid, I had learned far more about sewing than I had ever thought would be necessary, and I found I actually enjoyed it. I had been taught to embroider before, but never to mend or even construct simple gowns. Sophia had given me several of her old dresses to wear when I had come to work as her maid, and I had learned to make minor alterations so they would fit me correctly.
Miss Downsfield sat forward in her chair, casting an inquisitive glance about the room. The height of her blonde curls only made her figure appear even more tall and slender. “Where do you suppose Mr. Hill will choose to sit when he returns from the dining room?”
The seat beside her was empty, as well as the seats on both sides of Miss Coppins and one to the right of Miss Taplow. Mrs. Ollerton sat on the other side of her. Miss Benham did not have a seat beside her, but I did. I swallowed. My seat was farthest from the door, thank the heavens, so I had nothing to worry about. I faced Miss Downsfield with a smile. “After the attention he paid you today in the village, I assume he would choose a seat beside you.” It was obviously the answer she had been hunting for, as it caused a sly smile to curl her lips.
“I think you might be correct, Miss Sedgwick.”
“No, I don’t think so.” Miss Taplow frowned, tapping her slipper on the rug. “Mr. Hill seems intent to distribute his time evenly between all of us until he is certain about his choice. If he already spent a great deal of time conversing with you today, Miss Downsfield, then I suspect he should like to choose a different lady to sit by this evening.”
“Perhaps he already has made his choice but is simply keeping it a secret.” Miss Downsfield rubbed her gloved fingers together nonchalantly, the twist of her lips persisting.
“How could he have already made his choice after two days?” Miss Coppins crossed her arms. “You and Miss Benham and Miss Taplow are all so beautiful.”
I ignored the sting that struck me as my name failed to be mentioned on that list. It was true, Miss Coppins and I were certainly less elegant and beautiful as the other three ladies, at least by the standard of beauty society upheld at the moment. Miss Coppins’s freckles and my tanned skin had much to do with it. I sat forward, debating