Today's Reading
"The post boy arrived nearly the same time as Lord Allington," Annie was saying as she worked the laces of Petra's half boots, each with blue tassels at the ankles. "You received three more invitations." She lifted clear hazel eyes briefly to Petra's, adding, "I brought them directly to your bedchamber."
"Away from the prying eyes of my uncle, and his like-minded valet," Petra said approvingly. "Well done. And were there no letters?"
Annie shook her head. "Were you expecting one from Lady Caroline?"
"No, not at all. Lady Caroline was only due back in London today from seeing her Captain Smythe off at Portsmouth. And as much as my dearest friend excels at accumulating new gossip and passing it on to me, I must allow her a modicum of time to apply it to paper."
Petra picked up her hat, which was small with a flat top and short brim, and matched her riding habit perfectly, down to a cobalt tassel at the crown's center. "I may guess that one of the invitations is from Lady Milford for a picnic at Strand Hill. When we had tea after Easter, she was a bit poorly, suffering with her nerves again, and said she wished to invite me for a meal out in the spring air when she felt better. As the days have been so grand and much warmer lately, with the daffodils coming up all over, I cannot help but think her spirits may be lifting."
"A picnic does sound lovely, but I'm afraid an invitation from Lady Milford has not yet arrived," replied Annie as she selected a boar-bristle hairbrush and began to gently work out a tangle in one of Petra's curls. "Of the three, one is from Lady Watson, and another is from Lady Wyncroft."
Petra, who had been frowning thoughtfully at hearing her friend Gwen had not yet written to set a day for her picnic, now lifted her eyes heavenward at hearing Lady Wyncroft's name. "It is likely another of my cousin Lynley's tedious teas. However, Lady Watson's is no doubt for her annual masque, which will make up for having to be in the company of Lady Wyncroft on some other date. And what of the third?"
"It bears the Duchess of Hillmorton's seal," replied Annie. "And I would wager it to be to her spring ball."
"How lovely," Petra said. "It was kind of Her Grace to send another invitation to me here at Buckfields after the first was sent to Forsyth House. And if I recall from Lady Caroline's last letter, the ball is to take place this week—on Thursday, I believe. Caroline said she would gladly accompany me if I arrive in London in time, for her Captain Smythe will be at sea for some months and she will be free to be my companion."
"Have you decided whether or not we will be returning to town for the remaining season?" asked Annie as she smoothed Petra's plait.
"Not yet, I fear," Petra replied. "Just this morning, the earl's ankle was pronounced properly mended, but his physician recommended Papa wait another fortnight before riding out with the string. I confess I have been rather enjoying riding in his stead and taking notes on how his horses go each morning. Continuing for another two weeks would be a great pleasure—and you know I do enjoy being in the countryside." Giving the tassel on her hat a flip, she added, "Of course, London is always a delight to me as well. I understand the British Museum will be displaying Titian's Diana and Actaeon, in fact, which I would quite like to see again."
"And you do enjoy a good ball, my lady," Annie said, working Petra's plait into an appropriately ladylike coiffure.
Petra, who had pulled off one riding glove, clapped her bare hand to her still-gloved other. "Oh, I do. I have not danced once since just after the New Year, before Papa became injured. I should love to dance again." She paused, glancing over her shoulder at Annie. "And I think you would enjoy seeing a certain footman in the halls of Forsyth House once more. Maybe have another early morning dance in the library, when no one else is about?"
"You mean to tease me, my lady, but I will not have it," Annie replied crisply, but her cheeks had a pretty flush to them. "Now sit still, if you please. The earl wishes you to help him entertain your uncle, and we are already late."
Dutifully, Petra sat still as Annie inserted the first hairpins, but held her tongue only briefly.
"Since I am dreading spending time with my uncle and have had no gossip from London for almost a month, you must tell me what you have learned as of late. Oh, come now, do not be silent in an attempt to persuade me I am mistaken. I saw you reading a letter with great interest yesterday. And I think I have done rather well to wait a full day before asking you what news."
"My lady, sometimes you are quiet as a cat and I could not say how you manage it."
Petra heard the familiar sound of Annie's good humor. She only had to display a bit of patience now. Annie would first need to act as if revealing such information was beneath the code of a proper lady's maid. It was the done thing. Yet anyone who claimed they did not need to unburden themselves to at least one other person could not be considered wholly in their right mind, in Petra's opinion. And Annie was as steady as any person Petra had ever known.
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