章 42: ENLIGHTENMENT
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"What happened to my standing order, Cedric? I said absolutely no callers or visitors of any kind unless I came to you." Cedric was the current focus of Christopher's ire. Everyone in the estate could hear the heated conversation.
"Milord, I assure you the men did not let her in the estate. No one saw her enter, even those at the gates." Cedric was shaken that someone got past the guards so effortlessly.
The Lord raised his voice as he questioned the commander. "So, you're telling me a two-horse coach, driver, and Giselle just magically appeared out of nowhere? Is that what you expect me to believe?" Christopher crossed his legs and tapped his fingers on the desk, waiting for Cedric to explain the breach in security.
"I, with all honesty, cannot justify how they got past my men." Cedric shook his head and stood waiting patiently for The Lord to reply. He could tell Christopher's mind was working out the issue.
"I can tell you how she got in with no one noticing." Christopher had a smug smile on his face.
"Could you expound on your thoughts, Milord?" The investigative side of Cedric was dying to know what The Lord was thinking.
"Mind tricks. I think Giselle has a way of messing with one's mind. Similar to hypnosis. I genuinely suspect that is how this occurred this morning. It would not be the first time she had done it, either."
"Tell the security staff not to look anyone in the eyes approaching the gate. Have the guards tell them to stay back several yards until they can confirm their identity. You can go back to your duties, Cedric." Christopher finished his instructions and dismissed the commander. The older gentleman went on his way to give the new orders to his men.
~~~
Later in the evening, Christopher met Jackson in the dining room, and the young barrister laid out what he saw on the contracts to Lord Thorn.
"Essentially, the covenants are in good order and accommodate your request for priority docking in the ports. So I don't see any need to delay further. I would go ahead with the agreement and sign the documents." Jackson passed the papers to The Lord.
"I appreciate your help in this matter. I dreaded leaving the estate in this horrendous weather," said Christopher.
"It was no problem, Milord. This helps to keep my barrister's skills sharp. Not that I will ever step foot in a law court again." Jackson placed his dinner napkin in his lap as he spoke to Lord Thorn.
"I truly wish you would give it another try, Jackson, even if it isn't criminal law. Commercial law is where you can make good money. Instead of living in that dusty, straw-filled barn with horses. You make a great barrister and could have a title, home, and lands of your own." Christopher was constantly prodding Jackson to return to his law career.
Jackson was firm in his resolve not to work in the legal field ever again. He gave a heavy sigh as he expressed his feelings to The Lord. "I appreciate your sentiments, Milord. But nothing will ever make me return to being a full-time barrister. The only exception is illness or your death. And we both know that will not happen anytime soon." Jackson raised his eyebrows and grinned.
Christopher nodded and agreed with Jackson's words.
Justice was blind, and Jackson had experienced it. Lord Thorn understood his friend well enough. They had argued about this subject for years, and Jackson's answer never changed. The men finished dinner in relative silence and parted ways for the night.
***
The next few days were hectic for Rose. She had her evenings busy with crash courses in etiquette lessons when she wasn't working at Mr. Crowder's Greenhouse. The studies included traditional and psychological teachings, as some women could be downright malicious to each other at social gatherings. Lady Hilyard wanted to make sure that Rose was prepared for the social scene in London. Rose saw that Dante had been right about Ruth Hilyard. She was astute, knowing the secrets of making a girl savvy and capable of navigating the minefield of Victorian etiquette.
"The Count informs me tomorrow night will be your first social event. An informal dinner, if I'm correct. Do you feel you are ready?" Lady Hilyard asked Rose, taking a sip of the tea in front of her.
"I am ready as I ever will be. Although, I'm very nervous. I'm not a conversationalist, nor do I know how to start a discussion." Rose was clutching her skirt in anxiousness.
"Rose, I'm very proud of the progress you have made. I'm confident you know precisely what to do and when to act. These lessons have been mutually edifying." Lady Hilyard clasped Rose's hands in hers as they spoke. "I look forward to more of them over the next few weeks.
My biggest suggestion is to be yourself. Even if that means being a silent wallflower, sometimes it's better to remain reserved and thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt." Lady Hilyard smiled sweetly at Rose, convinced she would make a positive impression on the guests at the upcoming dinner party.
"Now, let's have a quiz. Since you are the daughter of a Count, if you were seated with an Earl, a knighted man's spouse, and a Royal Princess's third daughter, who would you address first?" Asked Lady Hilyard.
"In order would be The Royal Princess's third daughter, the earl, and the knight's wife last." Was Rose's reply to Ruth's first question?
"Perfect answer. Anyone from the Royal family will be the first you should acknowledge. Next, how do you know which utensil to use for the first course of a meal? I know you have this one for sure, Rose."
Rose replied to the next question without hesitation. "Start with the utensil on the right outside and work your way down through the courses." Rose beamed with pride as she answered Lady Hilyard.
"I knew you were a keen girl, so some last-minute advice. Rose, etiquette in this era is a basis for hiding your feelings and emotions. Never show irritation, sorrow, or even be overjoyed openly. We do not want to show weakness on the social and political stage."
"Think of composure as your armor against insults. If you can keep a fake expression of disinterest, you have tricked the person and won the game they were trying to play against you." Lady Hilyard was apprehensive about her shy student being taken advantage of by some of the catty socialities in London.
"Isn't the reverse true also? Depending on the viewpoints, weakness can be considered a strength in certain situations?" Rose inquired of her instructor.
"Yes, it can, but only in particular circumstances. Your depth of knowledge is far more than I expected from first meeting you. Your performance these past few nights has exceeded all my expectations. You are an enigma, Scarlette Rose. Keep your head up and posture straight tomorrow night. I know how timid you are. Come out of that little shell and shine. If you get caught up in an awkward exchange of words, quickly change the subject. Our lessons are over tonight. Have a good evening, and I know you will dazzle the guests, my dear." Rose saw her teacher to the door, and Ruth gave her a hug for encouragement.
~~~
Friday night had finally arrived, and the dinner party was a couple of hours from starting. The handmaid was assisting Rose in preparing for her first event at Dragonwood. Dahlia had picked out a dark red brocade satin gown with a black waist sash and high-heeled shoes. She helped Rose bathe, dress, and adjust the bustle in the back. Rose thought she might suffocate after Dahlia cinched up the corset. The maid helped her with light makeup and a small dash of perfume that Dante had brought over from his home in France. The fragrance was a divine floral scent.
"Contessa Rose, you look so exquisite. Stand here in the mirror and see for yourself. Any man in London would be proud to have you on their arm tonight." Dahlia complimented the graceful woman in front of her as Rose turned to see her reflection.
The person staring back at Rose was not what she expected. It was a living portrait of a chestnut-haired beauty. She noticed all the little touches of the evening gown, the soft lips of her mouth, and the way the corset hugged her body, forming her waist into a wasp-like shape. She reached her hand up to touch her chest. Rose didn't even recognize herself.
There was a loud knock at Rose's door. "Are you decent? I have something for you." It was Dante, her father. Rose could hear he was in a cheery mood this evening.
"Come in; I'm ready," Rose responded to her father through the door.
"You are not completely dressed without these." The Count handed his daughter a small, light pink velvet flocked box. Rose raised the hinged lid to discover a stunning pearl set inside. "Allow me, darling. Have a seat here while I help you complete your ensemble." Dante helped her don the necklace, bracelet, and earrings. "Now, you are ready."
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