“That they do,” Isabella smiled, and they both turned back to the bloodbath on the stage.
Chapter 10
Duchess Sophie’s parents, the Sedgewicks, had gone to their Winchester estate for their mid-season respite, and all three of their daughters had joined them there. Lady Isabella, of course, couldn’t bear being unentertained, so she used the last fox hunt of the season as an excuse to put together a house party. The gentlemen would go hunting, the ladies would sketch, embroider, and walk the estate, and in the evenings they would all dance and play parlour games together.
Elizabeth had received letters from all three sisters and the mother inviting her to join them, and she immediately invited Lady Burnham for tea in order to ask her what one might expect from a four-night house party.
“I always feel more confident when I know what to expect, you know this of me by now,” she told her teacher nervously.
“I do,” the older woman smiled affectionately at her. “Let us start with what clothes you shall need.”
Elizabeth nodded, and Lady Burnham enumerated, “Informal dresses for morning, attire for receiving visitors, appropriategarments for outdoor activities and sports, formal dress for dinner, and dancing gowns. I can go over the contents of your trunks with your maid when she makes a selection of what to pack, if that would ease your nerves?“
“It would!” Elizabeth brought her entwined hands to her chest before she remembered herself and dropped them into her lap, hiding any trace of excitement from her face.
Lady Burnham nodded approvingly.
“Upon your arrival, you will be greeted by the hostess and shown to your chambers, where you can see to your needs, change your dress, arrange your hair and the like. Those who travel without a maid or valet are usually assigned someone from the household to assist them during their stay. Those servants need to be given tokens of appreciation for their troubles, so be certain to bring enough coins for that.”
Elizabeth marvelled at all this new information.
“Breakfast is typically eaten without a set schedule, so whenever a guest rises, they may go and help themselves. Some days, the men might be up very early and eat before they head out for some shooting or hunting, and some days they might not get up before ten, especially if a card game kept them awake until dawn. During the day, men and women are most likely to enjoy different aspects of the estate and only spend time together in the evenings. If your hostess schedules an excursion for all the guests to enjoy together, you will be notified of it beforehand.”
“So, while the men hunt and shoot, what will we be doing?”
“In the morning, you might read, write letters, play music, embroider, so any sort of needlework, really. If the weatheris agreeable, you might go for walks or rides, even play some outdoor games if the rest of them are so inclined.”
“I hope not,” Elizabeth said fearfully.
She didn’t know how to ride, and, although she was very good at most outdoor games, she often had trouble subduing her enthusiasm (and temper) as she played.
“If the weather prevents the men from hunting, they might play billiards, or everyone might play parlour games together. In my time, there was no midday meal, though now I hear that there is sometimes a small repast set out for those who wish to partake. Then there is, of course, tea, and a formal dinner.”
“Luckily, I already know how to behave at those,” Elizabeth smiled weakly.
She was both excited and apprehensive about the house party, and about all the people who might be there.
*
“That all sounds very expensive,” Mary mused that evening, as they sat in Elizabeth’s dressing room, selecting what to pack.
“Unbelievably so,” Elizabeth agreed. “The amount the Sedgewicks shall spend on food alone is probably more than enough to feed a person for a whole year. And still, the guests have to spend their coins as well!”
“Now that I’ve learned about these vails, I’m no longer opposed to house parties,” Mary grinned impishly, and Elizabeth laughed. “The York tan boots or the black ones?”
“Both,” Elizabeth responded without lifting her head, but she could feel Mary’s stare, so she eventually looked up.
“Two pairs of boots for four days? I shall be there to clean them if they get muddy, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“It’s not that.” Elizabeth suddenly felt strangely shy. “You and I know more than anyone how many expenses a Season carries with it. We used to rent an entire home for our two families for £25, and now I keep a carriage for £100. And I spend that money because my brother wishes it, and I want him to be happy. Meanwhile, Elinor, who will be attending the party as well, has very limited funds. She is only able to stay in London due to cousins who are kind enough to bear some of the cost, but I’ve seen her attire, and Iknowshe doesn’t have everything she will need at this party.”
Mary grabbed hold of her hand.
“You’ve always been so kind, Lizzie,” she said in a shaky voice. “Let’s just pack two of everything, and you can always use me as an excuse, say that I packed too much.”
“What, accuse you of being a poor lady’s maid?”
“I shall gladly be your sacrificial lamb,” Mary said theatrically. “Elinor has a bigger bosom than you do, and a different colouring, so we must keep that in mind as we choose.”
