I jutted back in pain as my lady pulled my corset tightly. My hand pressed softly against my abdomen, sucking in I panted calmly. The cool air leaving my mouth in short breaths. The crisp morn leaving a ghostly wisp behind with each breathe I took.
"Lady Ford your uncle wishes to speak with you" announced Gregson.
"Send him forward, tell him I am not yet properly clothed. He shall have to speak to me through my screen. Thank you Gregson" I ordered.
"Yes, My Lady. As you wish" he replied.
"Mildred your suffocating me. Steady with the fastenings. I don't want to faint in front of Lord Hasting today. Oh the humiliation would sure to cause my death" I uttered worriedly.
With a voice as dull as a haystack, Mildred replied "Yes mam, sorry mam"
A hard yet comforting voice interrupted us as my uncle entered "Lydia, my dearest niece. Where are you?"
"I'll be with you in a moment uncle. I'm being fitted for the ball tonight. At Duke Howard's country house in Wall-Creake." I whistled giddily.
"Yes I'm Familiar with, Duke Howard. I stayed with him and his sons whilst I was in London. A kind man, his eldest son however frolics about with whom ever he pleases. A real embarrassment to the family name" disgraced my uncle.
"What a foul boy!" I retched.
I waltzed out from behind my screen and there before me stood my uncle. I twirled my lilac dress swaying behind me, the lace falling softly at my collarbones. The satin trim grazing the oak floors.
"Dearest, Lydia! Oh how sweet you do look. All the boys in Wall-Creake shall fall before you tonight. None worthy of you though may I add" he smiled.
"Thank you, uncle. May I inquire as to why you have visited at such an ungodly hour? We don't normally concur until at least the mid afternoon, just before your parliament meetings" I queried.
"Can an uncle not visit his favourite niece just because he feels like it? After all you are staying in my house. I have free reign" he questioned back.
"Please sweet uncle take no offence, it is just not the usual comings that is all." I hastened out.
"Child do not be so concerned I was merely coming to tell you I am going on a trip. I'll be staying up at Granette house by the coast for a few weeks. I'm unsure as to my return as the business is rather unforeseeable and I have no idea of when it shall be over. Things are to stay as normal whilst I'm gone, your personal allowance shall stay the same. I wish for you to write me letters if there are any necessary update to me made" barked my uncle.
"Of course, Uncle Hall. No gallivanting whilst your away. I shall be on my best behaviour" I promised, making eye contact in the mirror as I examined my dress.
"Very good,I leave the day after tomorrow.
Now I must bid you good day. A lot of work to attend to at present" said Uncle in a more relaxed tone.
"Yes dear uncle of course. You must be terrible busy" I replied in haste, wishing him away so I could admire my dress more privately.
After a brief scan of me he turned in a sharp twist and left the room in a march. Skipping childishly to the mirror I watched myself. The stay brown hairs framing my delicate bone structure. The purse of my pale lips as dry as a bone. The deep green of my eyes, darker then a murky lake. I spun ever so slightly to the side. Gazing at the creases in my dress as it glided gorgeously around my figure. The glimmering bodice laying flat against my stomach and chest. The lace nibbling at my collarbone, jutting out at a sharp angle. In a few hours I would have to leave. The carriage was booked and I had never so anticipated the eventide before. Most of my life I had pondered on how fast a day went by. Now I wished it would move faster. Letting out a string breathe I hurried to my dressing table in small, willed steps. Sitting down I called for Mildred. I must look exquisite tonight.
A few hours had past. Now late afternoon the sun had begun to sunk. The orange tones fading with the soft pink of the sky, the blue appearing in sharp flicks through out.
"Lady Ford, I have had word that your carriage is waiting for you" announced Gregson.
"Thank you, Gregson. I shall be out in just a moment" I called.
Staring at my reflection I couldn't help but obsess at the minor flaws of my look. My hair had fallen slightly flat, the curls laying loosely around the crown of my head. The dress had loss some spark that it had first had. Perhaps wearing it all day allowed me to get too comfortable. A heavy sigh left my chest as I made my way to the doors.
It took and hour and a half to reach Wall-Creake and another 15 minutes to find Lord Howard's house. Upon arriving I existed the coach in haste. Already late I felt uneasy. A sticky feeling rising in my chest. I hooped up the steps entering through the front door. Greeting me was a small women, a ladies maid perhaps. Behind her was a rather official man in a uniform. I heard the chatter of guests and the clang of glass as I walked through the door. The ball was in full swing the music blaring.
"Madam, may I take your shall." Squeaked the small women politely.
With out an answer I began to remove my shall handing it into her old, worn hands.
A small gesture from her told me to continue on behind her. The man stopped me and spoke.
"Name please"
"Lady Louise Ford of Rothen House" I answered.
"Thank you, my lady" he smiled.
In a booming voice he shouted. "Lady Louise Ford of Rothen House"
The music slowed down to a hum, the rusting of long coats and voluptuous gowns could be heard as many turned to look at me. I gave a brief smile before entering the room, heading straight for a table full of beverages.
As I took a sip of the drink, the sweetness overwhelming my senses in a foul way. I pursued my lips. Gazing around the room I saw many dancing or chatting mindlessly. I searched for my friend, Lord Hasting. Yet it seemed he was not here or hadn't arrived yet.
"Your the niece of that Snollygoster, Lord Hall." Inquired the nasal voice of young man behind me.
A fierce look welled in my eyes. "He is not a Snollygoster. How dare you cause such offensive when you have not even yet introduced yourself, Sir" I fired.
"I am James Howard, nephew of Duke Howard who's house you are currently in. I meant no offensive but please do answer my question" he said with such disdain and vileness.
"I beg your pardon, Sir. I have no reason to answer such an outrageous question. I wish you a well evening" I turned on my heel moving away with haste. I went straight out of the closest door which happened to lead to a garden. I took a deep breath. Such a villain he was. James Howard. Never again would I trust such a name. I steamed. Taking breathes I stared into the dark night. The glittering stars shining down on the small pond amidst the over grown grass.
I heard a small cough behind me. I whirled my head around. Before me stood a man of tall stature. He had broad shoulder and long, dark hair. A sharp point for a chin, a thick crease in his forehead and eyes that shone even in the dark.
"Sorry I was just taking in some air, I'll return inside now" I rushed.
"No, no don't leave of my account. I just overheard what that fellow in there, James Howard was saying to you. I thought you should know it's utter mullock. He's a blithering idiot and knows nothing of politics believe me" his smooth voice made the words whilst informal sound so soothing.
Stuttering I spoke.
"Well thank you. I know my uncle is not a bad man. He has morales and principles. I don't listen to fools. This James Howard knows nothing of my uncles politics, or of any of the bills and laws he has tried to have passed. Very uneducated for the nephew of a duke."I glanced at him before turning back to the garden. He wandered closer.
"Your very well spoken and educated for a women you know" he laughed.
"Being a women doesn't mean I can't be taught the same as a man" I replied.
"Very much a thought for the future." He said.
Curiosity seeped through my voice.
" I hope you don't mind me asking but you know who I am because of my uncle. I have no idea who you are" I looked into his eyes.
"I'm Duke William Moore, mam. Best friend of the so called fool." He laughed.
I turned red.
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