My Lady Mischief by Kathy Carmichael Page B

Aunt, to the squire's son at Steyne. And," she paused to take a deep gulping breath, "I am here to find a husband. Quickly."
    The older woman raised her brows at this comment. "Quickly, Thea? Do you not feel it is best to take one's time on these matters?"
    "Yes, Aunt." It wouldn't do to have her aunt thinking there was any reason for undue haste. She hurriedly explained, "I merely meant that I eagerly anticipate the moment when I may bestow my esteem and affection on the gentleman of my choice."
    "Very well, Thea." Lady Prunella silently stared at her for a moment as if considering the veracity of her statement. "Now girls, we must make our plans accordingly.
    "There are three areas that must be covered. Appearances, experiences, and strategies. Appearances are the simplest. For both of your objectives, dressing all the crack is essential. I have already made an appointment for you with my modiste, Madame Brandt." She eyed their attire. "You will need morning gowns, evening gowns, full evening gowns, walking dresses, promenade gowns, just to name a few. And you, Thea, will require a court dress for your presentation to Her Majesty, the Queen."
    She turned to Emma. "I am sorry, dear, but for this one occasion only, you need be excluded. Otherwise, you will accompany each other everywhere. Luckily your coloring is such that you truly complement the other."
    "But the expense!" gasped Emma. Thea opened her mouth to offer financial assistance but Lady Prunella spoke first.
    "This will be at my expense, of course. I cannot have it said that I would, in any way, stint my niece and her lovely friend." Her voice took on a stubborn tone. "Therefore, there will be no argument on this point."
    "Thank you, Lady Prunella," said Emma, awed by her generosity.
    "No more of that." Lady Prunella rapped the girl's knuckles with her fan. "We already determined that I shall be your Aunt as well, Emma.
    "I corresponded with Lady Sefton, and received vouchers to Almack's for each of you. Maria was such a dear to send them right over." Lady Prunella waved the packet at them. "After your presentation at court, Thea, as you know, we shall have a ball to present both of you to society. I am planning a majestic event, I am already conjuring up some splendid ideas. Well, that can come later."
    Thea's enthusiasm rose. Everything the older woman said created a richer sense of excitement. What fun they would have!
    "I have also arranged for my hair dresser to attend you. Wouldn't you each like to have one of the modish short styles, your heads all in curls?"
    "I would love it above all things," replied Emma. But Thea had her doubts.
    "Would it be possible to make it more fashionable without cutting it all off, Aunt? Papa adores my long tresses."
    "Certainly, dear. Henri will strive to give you whatever look you desire. I may as well tell you now, I have hired a dancing master. You will both wish to be au courant with the latest dances. Thea, have you had the opportunity to waltz?"
    Thea tried to speak but couldn't utter a word. She, instead, reddened miserably, having recalled just how that dance had ended.
    "I can see you have. How about you, Emma? No? Well, let me warn you, no waltzing here in London without the approval of one of the patronesses of Al-mack's first.
    "I think that's enough to begin with. Have you any questions or particular wishes?"
    Thea spoke up, "Yes, Aunt. Papa has given me this billet for you." She handed her the thick packet.
    Lady Prunella opened it as Thea timidly continued, "Since I am hoping to quickly fall in love and wed, would you be able to give me a list of the more eligible bachelors? I would not wish to waste my time, you see, with fortune hunters and the like."
    Aunt Prunella's eyes flashed with approval at this evidence of practicality. "I will provide you with plenty of paper. I suggest you begin a listing of the eligibles whose names I provide you. We must proceed scientifically, with method and intellect."
    She opened