“Yes, Mama.”
To Clarissa’s relief, the bedroom door opened again to admit Emily, which silenced her mother’s tirade. Her cousin was wearing a dark green gown that suited her beautifully. Clarissa could not help the smile that broke over her face as she bounded in and twirled on the spot to gain her approval. If only I could be so carefree and excited, she thought longingly.
Clarissa glanced at her mother, whose expression had soured.
“Emily, you are almost eighteen. You are not a child. Please desist with this cavorting immediately.”
Emily’s spinning ended, and she quickly came to a completestop, mimicking her aunt’s posture and flicking an uncertain glance at Clarissa. Lady Crompton swept out of the room without another word, and Clarissa reached for Emily hastily.
“You look lovely,” she said quickly.
“So do you. I have not seen this gown before,” Emily replied, her eyes looking enviously at the beading and lace across the bodice. It was an old dress that Clarissa had altered to suit the current fashions. It was much finer than anything she had worn of late.
“Thank you. Let us make haste before Mother musters her wrath upon us for our delay.”
Clarissa moved toward the door but was stopped by a gentle hand on her wrist.
“You really think I look alright?” Emily asked with concern.
“Of course. You look very beautiful.” Clarissa insisted as her cousin blushed prettily. “What has brought this on?”
“I just…” Emily sighed. “I want them to be proud of me. I want to make a good impression. If Papa were here, he would say the same.”
Clarissa walked back to her and took both her hands in her own.
“You could never make an ill impression, Emily. You are exquisite just as you are. Pay no heed to Mother; her concerns about the ball are borne of anxiety. Cast aside any uncertainties from your mind. We shall be together, and I assure you, we shall have a delightful evening. This ball heralds the commencement of something splendid. I can sense it.”
Emily gave her a brave smile and Clarissa was pleased to find her words had reassured her. She wished she believed them as fervently as she had spoken them.
As they emerged from their room, they joined Lord and Lady Crompton at the top of the long staircase.
Robert Crompton was devoid of emotion as he stood beside his wife. He had trimmed his sideburns for the occasion and looked very smart in a strict black evening coat. As Clarissa approached, she caught his eye, and he nodded briefly to his daughter.
Clarissa knew well the turmoil he had to be experiencing, for she felt just the same.
As they walked down the stairs, Clarissa felt like a gladiator in the days of Rome, descending into the pit to meet her fate.
Dozens of eyes turned toward them as they entered the ballroom. Lady Eleanor was at their side instantly as though to show the world they were welcome in her eyes. She had a warm smile on her face and Clarissa felt a wave of gratitude for this stoic woman who had welcomed them into her home.
There were a great many curious glances from the guests, some less discreet than others. Clarissa kept her head held high, clinging tightly to Emily’s hand.
She wished she could choose a different role from the one she had to play, but at least she knew this part well. Clarissa was very good at pretending nothing affected her and keeping her face as blank as possible. As the murmurs began, she followed her parents through the room as they greeted old acquaintances. It seemed an endless journey, but after an age, the stares appeared to die down somewhat.
After a few minutes, Emily went with Clarissa’s parents to the refreshments table and Clarissa headed straight to the corner of the room where Rosemary awaited her. Her friend had an easy smile on her pretty face, and as Clarissa came to stand beside her, some more of the tension she felt eased.
“I did tell my aunt not to invite quite so many people,” Rosemary said without preamble. “We do not have enough space for all of them; if they begin a cotillion, they might throw each other through the windows.”
Clarissa managed a smile, and Rosemary hooked her arm through hers and squeezed.
“It is so good to see you. I believe you have grown a full foot since I saw you last.”
That did make Clarissa laugh and she turned to her friend with a sceptical expression.
“What nonsense are you speaking? I last saw you at the charity auction last year.”
“Yes, and you were not taller than me then. You tower above me now.” Her eyes were twinkling, and Clarissa shook her head. There was an inch between them, at most.
“You are ridiculous,” she said affectionately.
