Free A Country Mouse by Fenella Miller Page B

chaise-longue . 'Shall there be dresses for me as well, Mama?'
    'Of course, my love. Your grandfather said we are to have whatever we wish. He has placed no restrictions on expenditure.'
    It was only then that Emily realized her mother and sisters were ignorant of either her scandalous behaviour or her precipitate engagement.
     'Mama, I have to speak with you first. Millie, take Serena into Madame and tell her that we shall be along in a few minutes.'
    'Can we start choosing material for our dresses and pinafores?'
    Lady Althea answered. 'Yes you can, my dears. Madame will direct your attention to those most suitable for girls of your age.'
    Mary led her charges away leaving Emily and her mother alone. 'You have not heard what happened yesterday, have you Mama?'
    'I heard that you and Papa fell out but were reconciled immediately. I also heard that Viscount Yardley and you were at daggers drawn. Surely there can not be anything else?'
    'I'm afraid there is. You had better sit down whilst I tell you.'
    When Emily finished her story her mother was shocked speechless, but only for a moment.
    'Am I to understand that you are now engaged to be married to Viscount Yardley and he has departed for Town without bothering to speak to me?'
    Emily nodded. 'He asked grandfather's permission to address me. I suppose he felt that was sufficient.'
    Lady Althea was incensed. She knew she had been slighted and did not take it kindly. 'I think it is the outside of enough. I have known of his existence scarcely a day and already I cordially dislike him. You shall not marry him, Emily, I will not have it.'
    'But if I do not, both of us will lose our reputations. The scandal will also reflect on both you and the girls. I cannot allow that to happen.'
    Her mother pursed her lips then her eyes lit up. 'I have it, Emily. When we have replenished our wardrobes, we shall go to Town. Although it is not high Season there will still be plenty going on. We can be ready in a month or less. I shall write at once to all my old acquaintances and get invitations for us to the most prestigious dances and soirees. As Viscount Yardley's fiancé, and my daughter, you will be accepted everywhere.'
    Emily interrupted her mother's excited plans. 'But why? How will that help?'
    'It is as plain as the nose on your face, my love. You will be considered a success, your reputation will be restored and then you can break the engagement and no one will think twice about it.'
    'What reason shall I give for doing so? I don't wish to be called a jilt on top of everything else.'
    'We shall just say you do not suit after all. I will think of something. Papa has promised to make all of you a generous settlement. You are now an heiress. There will be no shortage of eligible suitors, I can assure you.'
    Emily did not point out that she really had no desire to be married to anyone. It seemed a shame to dampen her mother's enthusiasm. It was so long since she had seen her taking an interest in anything.
    'Is there no way that Viscount Yardley could cry off without damaging his name?'
    'No, my love. The man is honour bound to keep his promise, but society understands that it is a woman's privilege to change her mind.' Lady Althea rose. 'Come, Madame will think us discourteous if we do not appear.'
    * * * *
    Emily's sitting-room had been transformed into an Indian bazaar. Silks, satins, sarcenet and muslins exploded over chair backs and sofas, cascading into pools of liquid colour on the polished boards. Upon the occasional tables were spread pages from, La Belle Assemblée , with the latest fashion plates for adults and children alike.
    The petite Frenchwoman, her brindled hair scraped back into an unflattering bun, fluttered forward, her tiny hands waving theatrically. 'Oh, Lady Althea, Miss Gibson, we are so 'appy to see you 'ere. I 'ave some lovely gowns made up for you to wear whilst I am constructing your new choices.'
    Madame ushered her clients to the one uncluttered sofa. 'If