Free Caroline by Cynthia Wright Page B

year."
    "Last spring," Mrs. Van Der Pat continued, "he came to see us after a long absence and stayed a full week. Gretchen grew more serious about Sacha then, and I suspect that she actually believes she can win him!" Katrina paused momentarily, patting Caro's hand. "She has been on edge since he brought you here. Gretchen cannot see, or will not admit, that he has only the most casual interest in her—she provides him with female diversion while he is here, and nothing more. At any rate, I hope you will make allowances for her rudeness."
    Katrina continued to chatter on about their life at the manor, but Caro was still thinking about what she had been told about Gretchen—and Alec. Mrs. Van Der Pat's conversation seemed to be innocent, but Caro couldn't help wondering if a subtle warning was intended for her as well. What remained of her lunch lay cold on her plate when Katrina stood up to go. Her eyes were twinkling as she exclaimed:
    "How could I forget to tell you! Sacha has asked me to arrange for you to have a bath, after which you may join us downstairs if you feel strong enough. Would you enjoy that?"
    "Oh, yes! The only problem is that I have just one dress." Impulsively, Caro rose and went to the wardrobe where she saw her yellow gown, neatly pressed and hanging inside. She withdrew it and held it up against herself.
    "I know this must be very unfashionable. I do not have hoops or paniers like Gretchen... The sleeves are all wrong, and the bodice—"
    "My dear child, it is a lovely gown! You will look charming in it."
    "I can't help feeling drab next to Gretchen; her eyes are blue and she has a flawless complexion—"
    "Would it make you feel better if I related the flattering way Sacha described you to us the night he brought you here? He said that you had honey hair and caramel eyes with a nature equally as sweet. No one could ever use those words to describe my Gretchen!" Katrina gave Caro a reassuring hug. "You've been through a difficult time. I'll have a maid prepare a bath for you and let you know when to join us downstairs. I must assure you that you have nothing to be frightened of. You are among friends here!"
    * * *
    Caro napped, awakening later to find that a copper-lined bathtub on casters was being rolled into her room, followed by a procession of girls with steaming containers of water. Soon, she found herself soaking in scented water.
    A round-faced maid named Mary dried and dressed her hair after her bath. Caro refused to let her insert pads into her coiffure, insisting on a simple, elegant style with no powder. Mary was doubtful, but in the end she was so pleased with the results that she slipped fresh yellow and white flowers into some random curls.
    Her simple gown was the color of creamy butter, its only trimming handmade eyelet lace. Caro donned white stockings and shoes, then stood before the looking glass to appraise her appearance.
    There were roses in her cheeks from the hot bath and, Caro suspected, probably from nerves as well. Her dress was very simple, but she couldn't help believing that it flattered her. It nipped in at her waist and the lace-trimmed bodice demurely screened the first curves of her breasts. She gazed back into her own golden-brown eyes that shone with anticipation.
    It came to her that she was not so nervous about the other people as she was about seeing Alec. The memory of his parting words returned and the image of his harsh, compelling face appeared in her mind.
    "If I may say so, miss, you look just beautiful. Like one o' those fairies you hear tales of as a child!" Mary's face appeared behind her, pink-cheeked with pleasure in her accomplishment.
    "Thank you, Mary. What time did Mrs. Van Der Pat say I should join them?"
    "Seven o'clock, miss. It's five after the hour now."
    Caro was somehow surprised that Alec had not come to escort her to meet his friends. "Well, I suppose I'd better be going. Thank you for all your help, Mary."
    "'Twas my pleasure, miss!