drew out the little case. She opened it, took out the necklace lovingly, and held it up. All three women admired it. The modiste said, “Ah! Un beau rubis!”
“Indeed!” said Mrs. Arundell, taking the necklace in her hands and examining the blood-red jewel closely. “This is a fine gemstone, Frannie,” she said, “unless I am much mistaken.” She looked at the girl brightly. “From your mama, you said?”
Frannie nodded and allowed the lady to put it around her neck and clasp it from behind. “It was given her by my father.”
Mrs. Arundell turned her around by the arms and smiled up at her. “You see? Your father could afford such a gift only if he were a gentleman of means. ‘Tis just as I said!” She turned the girl around to face the looking glass. “Now take a look at yourself.”
Frannie peered at her reflection and had to give a little smile. She said honestly, “I feel like a princess!”
Mrs. Arundell chuckled. “I believe a princess could wear that gown or that necklace, but it looks splendid on you!”
The seamstress removed the matching plumed headdress from a bandbox with fingers adept at handling delicate fabrics and bonnets. She came and placed it securely on Frannie’s head, pinning it into place.
“My, but that is a regal look, is it not?” said Mrs. Arundell, beaming with pleasure. “I daresay I have transformed you. Even with your quiet manners, you will now draw eyes wherever you wear this.”
Frannie smiled weakly. “Thank you, ma’am, but it is never my ambition to do so.”
Mrs. Arundell leaned in confidentially. “I noticed that about you, dear. You are almost too retiring. Gentlemen aren’t enraptured by women who are too quiet.” She paused and gazed at Frannie affectionately. “And some are slow to appreciate what is before them and must be coaxed to take notice.” She stood back again and smiled. “Fortunately for our sex, we know ways in which to nudge such men! I warrant this gown, the way you look in it, will do the trick!”
Frannie’s heart sank. Perhaps now was the time to put an end to this. Surely Mrs. Arundell had Sir Hugo in mind, for, having failed to marry, was not his the character she described as “slow to appreciate” the opposite sex? “Ma’am,” she said, her large eyes troubled. “I must tell you—I have no wish for the match you have in mind.”
The lady’s face fell. “No wish? Why ever not? I wouldn’t put it forward for just anyone, dearest. You are really my idea of the wife he must have. You observe economy; you are not overly loud; you enjoy strengthening your mind with reading, and above all, you are amiable!”
Frannie’s distress grew. How could she explain it in terms the lady would accept? To cavil on account of her uncertain social standing or the jeopardy of her position was useless. Mrs. Arundell refused to believe Frannie could be anything except of good stock.
“Ma’am,” she said finally, “there is such an age difference, for one thing—”
“Oh, that is nothing! That is nothing, I assure you!” With pursed lips she said, “Frannie dear, I warrant you just need more time. Now be a good girl and get out of this dress—Madame will help you—”
“Oui, Madame!” said the Frenchwoman. Instantly she was at Frannie’s back to undo the fastenings of the bodice, but a knock at the door made her freeze, waiting.
“Since it distresses you, we’ll speak no more on it now,” continued the older woman with a kind smile. She lifted her little delicate nose up. “Every young woman is fearful of marriage to some degree, I suppose, though I was not.” She turned away. “Come in,” she said, in a tone meant to be heard outside the room.
A moment later the door opened to reveal Sebastian, bespectacled, with a note in his hands. He entered the room with barely a glance up from the note but saw Frannie and his head came up. He held the note out to his mother, all the while surveying Frannie. She gave him a shy little smile.
Mrs. Arundell took the note. “Thank you, dearest. Who is it from?”
“Sir Hugo.” He looked toward his mother. “He merely sends his hope that we are still coming as planned, and instructions as to where to stopover to bait the horses, and for meals.” Looking back at Frannie he came toward her. “This is the new gown?”
She nodded, watching for his reaction.
He circled her, while the modiste stood back,