Free Fenella J. Miller by Christmas At Hartford Hall Page B

not have blamed you in the slightest. But I am so thrilled you’re here as I was dreading having to arrange my hair for myself.”
    “Well, you sit down and Sally and I will do it for you. The dress is not to be peeped at, miss, not until you’re ready to leave.”
    After what seemed like an age, the girls declared themselves satisfied with the result. “You look like a princess, Miss Baverstock. There will be no one to match you at the ball, that’s for sure.”
    “Thank you, Sally, but I sincerely hope you’re exaggerating. I have no wish to be the centre of attention in any way. I wish to be able to dance just once and to know what it’s like to be held in the arms of a gentleman and whirled around the floor.”
    She was led to the centre of the room and told to close her eyes. She felt the slither of silk against her bare skin and shivered in excited anticipation. The three of them fiddled and fussed and then stepped back. A strange silence hung in the air. For an awful moment, she thought the dress might be a disaster. Then she opened eyes and saw all three staring as if they did not recognize her.
    “Miss Baverstock, I had no idea you were so…could look so beautiful.” Mary brushed tears from her cheeks and reached out to touch Elizabeth’s hair. “The gown looks like the palest gold. I’ve never seen the like.”
    There were carriages pulling up in the turning circle, which reminded Elizabeth the time had come for her to go. She ran forward and kissed each in turn. “I cannot thank you enough; I shall never forget tonight. I feel like a fairy princess with my hair arranged this way and such a beautiful ball gown. Do not attempt to come back tonight, I shall tell you all about it in the morning.”
    Sally laughed. “We shall find out long before then, miss. All the old staff will want to know what’s happening. You can’t believe how many have helped to sew this gown for you. You enjoy yourself and show them what a real lady looks like.”
    Elizabeth was tempted to creep down the back stairs and slip in to the ballroom unnoticed. However, tonight she would walk down the grand staircase as was her birthright. Her life here was all but over. What better way to end it than in a gesture of defiance?

    Dinner had been enjoyable, the food splendid, and tonight James had been seated next to Sarah and Louise Bloomfield. He had been admirably entertained by the two young ladies, but the occasion seemed sadly flat. Surely it could not be because Miss Baverstock had not attended?
    No one dallied over port this evening. Lord and Lady Hartford and their daughters were needed in the grand hall to greet the local guests who were attending the Christmas ball. He spent some time talking to Lord Bloomfield and Miss Culley, and then thought he might as well drift into the hall and watch the world go by. He might see someone he was acquainted with which would raise his spirits a little.
    The massive tree trunk was burning merrily, apple logs pushed in around it to make the air sweet smelling. With the candles glowing amongst the holly, ivy and fir, this was an enchanted scene. He smiled wryly; all it needed was a fairy-tale princess and a handsome Prince Charming to make the picture complete.
    The vast area was brimming with folk; they had discarded their outer garments in two anterooms set by for that purpose and were now enjoying the festive atmosphere. Bewigged and liveried footmen glided in and out of the crowd with trays of chilled champagne. He took one as it passed and sipped thoughtfully. He had little to celebrate this Christmas. He had thought to start the New Year with a bride who would bring laughter and happiness back to his empty home.
    He was staring morosely into the flames when he became aware the hall had fallen silent. He spun. His heart almost stopped. A vision of loveliness was floating down the stairs, her glorious pale golden hair threaded through with ribbons. Her gown drifted around her like spun