Shadows

XII

As soon as the carriage pulled up to the front portico, I leaped out and raced to my third-floor bedroom. Stripping off the chartreuse bridesmaid gown, I kicked it across the room and then stomped on it. Beneath my feet, the fabric tore. Furious, I continued to pound my shoes into the dreadful garment until it shredded. When I completed my rage, I turned to find Miss Young glaring at me.

"I don't care," I shouted, my face scarlet with fury. "I never want to see that ugly dress again as long as I live."

Storming toward my wardrobe, I pulled out an azure-colored ballgown and held it against my body. Spreading it out on the bed, I asked Miss Young to tighten my corset and donned my hoop skirts. The off-the-shoulder dress displayed my small breasts and tiny waist, and the full skirt billowed to my ankles. I twirled in front of the cheval glass.

"Much better!" I exclaimed, fluffing the lace at the neckline. The governess continued to stare at me, speechless.

"Here you are," Grayson stated, leaning in the door frame. "I wondered why you ran off." He whistled through his teeth as his eyes took in my costume change. "I hadn't realized you'd grown up so quickly." He extended his arm, and I placed my hand in the crook of his elbow.

Sedately, we entered the ballroom and paused momentarily in the doorway. All eyes turned in our direction as we made a grand entry. I swooped past Joel and Charlotte with all the confidence I could muster. Lottie's eyes caught mine and narrowed suspiciously. Smiling, I twinkled my fingers at her and sailed onto the dance floor in my middle brother's arms.

"May I cut in?" a deep, sonorous voice asked as a waltz began.

Grayson immediately stepped aside, and I found myself in the arms of a handsome stranger. His hand on the small of my back felt instantly comfortable. I looked into his soft hazel eyes and smiled demurely. He smiled in return, his pale lips turning up at the corners charmingly. Two rows of gold buttons glittered against the red of his army uniform.

"You're a lieutenant, I gather," I remarked as we swooped around the ballroom floor.

"Indeed I am," the tall, handsome man responded. "Allow me to introduce myself. Lieutenant Meriweather Spencer Wilkes-Porter at your service." He stepped back momentarily and bowed deeply. "Spence to my friends."

"Pleased to meet you, I'm sure," I muttered graciously. We continued to dance, closely entwined in each other arms until the waltz ended.

"May I escort you into the supper room?" my new companion inquired, offering his elbow.

"If you please." I placed my gloved hand on his arm.

Charlotte glared at us as we passed through the open French doors into the next room. Three long white-clothed tables stretched across the far wall, containing chafing dishes full of delectable offerings. Behind each table, several servants stood at attention, waiting to serve morsels to each guest. Spence led me to a small round table for two and entered the buffet line. Before he could return, my new sister-in-law plopped onto the seat across from me.

"What happened to your bridesmaid dress?" Lottie hissed, leaning ominously toward me.

"It met with an unfortunate accident," I responded coolly. "I had to change my dress to make myself presentable."

"No one else met with an unfortunate accident," she continued, her heavily made-up face leering at me. "My sisters are still wearing their dresses."

Together, we shifted our eyes toward Bertha and Despina. They stood, partnerless, with their backs against the supper room wall. No one approached them or asked them to dance.