because they’ve known me for years and…’ – Livie hesitated, unsure of the proper way to express her realisation that most friends and relatives had accepted her as lost to dancing, socialising and independence – ‘…my circumstances have been far from the usual.’
‘Which makes your come-out all the more extraordinary and celebratory.’ Aunt Kate wrapped an arm around Livie’s shoulders and hugged her tight. ‘London may try to throw a rival affair to the gathering we’re planning, but it will only be on your special evening that others realise previous invitations were mundane practice for the event of the season.’
‘I’ve never seen you so devious and vehement,’ Livie answered through her laughter, although a thrilling spiral of anticipation wound its way around her heart.
‘Oh, you have no idea,’ Wilhelmina chimed in. ‘While I might pester you with decisions about flowers and decorations, Aunt Kate has overseen each choice, insisting on the best and, of course, I agree.’
‘You will be the crowning jewel of the season, a diamond of the first water.’
The mention of gems nudged Livie’s memory of the shoe clips and her daring move to wear the accessory before returning them to Lott’s Majestic Shoe Shop. The masquerade posed the perfect opportunity. If anyone were to notice the clips or question her, she’d be completely concealed by her mask and costume, able to spin a tale suited to the reply.
‘A masquerade will be great fun. The theme of Aesop’s Fables is intriguing. I’d like to be the Peacock, although the lesson of the fable will not favour me.’
‘Aah, yes. Fine feathers don’t make fine birds. You are indeed a fine bird.’ Wilhelmina laughed before she continued. ‘Dash and I have decided to depict the Dove and the Ant. The grateful heart will always find opportunities to show its gratitude.’
‘You don’t know every moral by heart, do you?’ Livie couldn’t resist the tease. Despite the long term she’d spent confined to bed, it was Wilhelmina who’d read endlessly and possessed vast knowledge of the works of notable poets and authors. She twisted on the cushion to face Aunt Kate. ‘What will you be?’
‘Something enchanting and bold.’ Aunt Kate’s face lit with a mischievous desire for adventure. ‘I don’t often have a chance to dress anonymously and steal a dance from a handsome suitor.’
Exactly.
‘What are you thinking?’ Wilhelmina leaned closer, as intrigued as Livie.
‘Perhaps I’ll become a beautiful shepherdess or bejewelled queen.’ Aunt Kate straightened her petite frame and notched her chin higher.
‘I don’t believe there’s a fable written about either, but I’ll dedicate myself to research before we prepare for the party,’ Wilhelmina assured her.
Livie hardly tended the conversation. The masquerade offered at least two opportunities for her to practise the waltz along with a number of other numbers once her dance card filled. Bravo to the Dabneys for their excellent timing. If Esme also received an invitation and Livie remained by her friend’s side, there would be an overflow of suitors who defaulted to claim a dance once Esme’s card was complete. No doubt, Esme would enchant in a costume that rivalled everyone else’s. Her friend possessed an unmatched allure and beauty. It did Livie well to watch Esme closely and polish her social graces now that she’d be attending formal functions.
‘You should be a darling little fox, Livie. Your sable pelisse would be the perfect addition to your amber gown. With your face hidden behind an elaborate mask and fur-trimmed combs in your hair, there won’t be another costume as lovely.’ Wilhelmina narrowed her eyes as if envisioning the costume.
‘I will have to conceal my spectacles under the mask. Do you think it will be difficult?’ The necessary eyewear threatened to dampen Livie’s previous excitement, and her enthusiasm faltered.
‘Not at all. We’ll be sure to measure the ribbons carefully so you’re not uncomfortable. You could never go without them.’ Wilhelmina adopted her mothering tone.
‘No, of course not. I’d truly miss my dance steps then.’ She adjusted the glasses on her nose as if to emphasise her point.
‘When is the party? Will we have enough time?’ Aunt Kate, forever intuitive, steered the conversation towards the particulars.
‘Tomorrow evening at nine o’clock. The affair was first planned for three days hence but Lord Dabney has been called away on important business and, in a drastic measure to salvage the preparations, Lady Dabney has amended the date.’ Wilhelmina stood, her fingers ticking off tasks as she moved to the door with a mutter. ‘Our masks and costumes top the list. I will enlist the help of several maids to organise our disguises.’ Then she was gone as suddenly as she’d arrived.
‘Sometimes I feel as though Whimsy hardly remembers being an unmarried miss.’ Livie’s comment held a wistful tone.
Aunt Kate softened her chuckle by taking Livie’s hand in her own. ‘She worries about you after all you’ve been through. You may wear the spectacles in this family, but it’s your older sister who needs to refocus her vision. You’re all grown now and she must allow you room to flourish. Especially as your debut draws near.’ Aunt Kate’s smile held the gentle gift of unconditional love.
‘I know. It comes from her feelings concerning the accident, but none of what happened on that horrible night is Wilhelmina’s fault. I wish she’d free herself from the guilt.’
‘It’s as ingrained as her sisterly love, but worth it all the same.’ Aunt Kate added a small nod of reassurance. ‘Do not worry of it. It will diminish in time.’
‘Give me the diamonds and don’t test my patience. My time is valuable and yours is borrowed.’
The cold directive sliced through the dense fog in the concealment of a cluster of pines at the south end of Hyde Park. The weather and late hour guaranteed their anonymity, yet if unlikely circumstances prevailed and anyone happened upon their circumspect conversation, the two men existed as distant spectres lost in the shadow of overgrown tree limbs.
‘There’s a slight problem.’ Hawkins despised delivering the news and accepting responsibility when Booth’s carelessness had caused the derelict mistake. ‘The package will be detained.’
‘You assured me this matter would be handled without complication. I’m on a schedule and your bloody mistake is set to ruin everything. Get me the diamonds or you’re not going to like the new rules.’
Barely controlled anger edged the words. Hawkins pressed his fingernails into clenched palms, unwilling to show weakness but equally unnerved by the result of the conversation thus far. No one would hear the echo of a pistol shot nor see the slice of a knife. He well understood the stakes of the game played. Yet he needed more time. Given that, he could deliver the diamonds as promised. ‘A minor oversight and no need for alarm.’ His voice cracked and he damned himself with a litany of silent curses.
‘Smuggling and thieving are hanging crimes.’ The rustle of fallen leaves and snapped
