Eliza was giddy as Lucy prepared her for her tea outing. Her secret neckingfest in the hidden room replayed in Eliza's mind all morning. A dreamy expression covered her face as Lucy tucked pearls into her bun and she couldn't wait to meet him again this evening.
"Just keep your wits about you, my lady," Lucy warns. "Nothing in this house stays a secret it seems. Not even a secret room." This comment piques Eliza's interest so she asks, "What else is floating around the gossip circles this morning?" Lucy forcefully secures the last pin into Eliza's hair which causes Eliza's hand to fly to her head, "Do not take whatever it is that flustered you out on my head."
"My apologies, my lady!" Lucy replies in horror and Eliza spins around on her vanity chair to face her flustered maid.
"Make haste! Spit it out!"
Lucy takes a step backward, while her gaze shifts to the woven rug beneath her black polished shoes.
"Someone said they saw me giving the eyes to Brandon after supper last night. Mrs. Davies felt the need to remind me there is to be no fraternization between the help this morning," Lucy says bashfully. She suddenly flicks her angry brown eyes to Eliza and adds, "It was that damn Violet! She's had it out for me since we arrived! The nerve of her to accuse me of such a thing." The way Lucy's freckled face blushes has Eliza wondering if there is a hint of truth to the accusation.
"My dear Lucy, did you give eyes to Brandon last night?" Eliza casually asks. "I do know you shared the journey to Kent as well as the long train ride here together. It will not offend me if you say he's caught your eye." Lucy stares back at Eliza, wondering what the correct response should be. Eliza trusts Lucy with all of her secrets, she hopes the young maid feels the same.
"It matters not if I find him a wee bit cute," Lucy admits. "Mrs. Davies won't stand for flirtation of any kind."
"Well, until the duke arrives, Colin is in charge. So if you need a bit of support, please do not hesitate to ask," Eliza offers and Lucy tries to smother her grin.
"Thank you, my lady. If I find myself in hot water with Mrs. Davies again, I shall let you know at once," Lucy says as she spins around to go fetch Eliza's jewelry. As she stands over the wooden box she asks, "As a future marchioness, should I be pulling out the family stones? Or am I going for simple pearls or a ribbon for Lady Eliza Winter?" Eliza wonders what impression she should be giving off today and decides to land somewhere in the middle.
"My pearl drop earrings with the diamond and pearl choker. I shall only wear my engagement ring on my finger," Eliza decides and Lucy nods in agreement.
"I believe I brought your matching lilac gloves if you wish to match your frock," Lucy adds and she's glad how her hair pairs well with the lilac linen gown with the box collar.
Once Eliza is prepared, she meets Lady Henry in the foyer but doesn't see Colin waiting to send her off. Margaret spots her hesitation and says, "He had a meeting in town this morning. He won't be back until supper." Eliza nods to her and they are led out to the waiting motorcar.
******
The Whitman's garden was a fraction of the one at Elsick House, but Lady Whitman had a linen tent set up near the rose bushes to block the six women from the bright sunshine. Eliza was glad for the shade since her porcelain skin did not mix well with prolonged sun exposure.
When they first approached the modest estate, Margaret assured Eliza that it was going to be a more intimate tea, to keep her from worrying about being overwhelmed with new faces. Eliza had always felt more comfortable outside of London and occasionally accepted tea invitations in Scarborough. However here, she wanted to come across as confident in taking on her new role and become less of a mute who hides behind her fan and champagne glasses.
