“Well, there are certain events that you will not be allowed to participate in,” her older sister reminded her. “Like balls and all sorts of engagements. Unless you have been Presented, you will not be able to join in them.”
“I know, but still—!”
“No buts, Beatrice, if you want to come along on this trip.” Claire looked at her sister sternly. “Your lessons will serve you well in due time, when it is your turn for your coming out. My, what would the grand ladies in London say if you cannot at least hold a proper conversation, or forget your etiquette?”
“I know,” Trixie muttered. “It is just that books are so dreadfully boring. Playing croquet, though, and going for walks are an absolute balm to my soul.”
Claire tucked a wayward lock of dark hair behind her ear. “You can do all that and more. You might even go on carriage rides, as long as you are properly accompanied.”
“Oh, all right,” the younger Rowley sister rolled her eyes in a very unladylike manner. “But you promise you will take me for a turn about the park, Claire?”
“I promise.”
“Very well, then. I shall put more effort into my studies.”
“Perfect.” Claire stood up and smoothed her skirts. “Now, I shall leave you to pack your things for this trip. And do inform Miss Ellis that she will be coming along with us,” she added, referring to the governess.
She left her sister to her business as she quickly began to plan what to bring with her on the trip. Lady Suzanna had reminded her not to bring too much as it would be quite cumbersome.
“Do not fret, dear heart, for I have written to Madame Woolworth so that we can have you fitted as soon as we arrive in London,” the duke’s sister had told Claire. “Clothing can play a huge role in your success so we mustn’t be so miserly in your wardrobe.”
From what Claire had gathered, Madame Woolworth was one of the most sought after in London in terms of clothing for ladies. She surmised that the services provided by such a reputable dressmaker would no doubt be costly but, as Lady Suzanna informed her, it would be much costlier if you were to embarrass yourself before your peers.
Unlike her younger sister, who found herself throwing gowns and undergarments into her valise, Claire was already quite certain on the things she would take with her on her journey to London. She was well-advised to bring only the basics with her.
Of course, she would take her sketchbook and maybe also a few books, although she was fairly certain that the Slade townhouse had a decent library.
Still, it would not hurt to bring a few books, she surmised.
After all, she did not plan to haul her entire wardrobe with her to London.
* * *
In the space of a few hours, the servants of Ranhold House were thrown in a tizzy as both Claire and Trixie prepared for their journey. Miss Ellis, too, had been thrown into the chaos of it all as she was to accompany Trixie as etiquette demanded, as well as to make sure that the younger Rowley sister attended to her studies.
It was well past luncheon when both sisters and the governess finally boarded the carriage loaded with their valises and set off for London, following after the carriage of the Duke and his sister.
As the roads had cleared, the journey towards the city was fairly uneventful and after all the excitement, both sisters were rather tired and Trixie nodded off to sleep. As Claire dreamed of witnessing such architectural splendor, she began to quietly doze off in her upholstered seat.
She was roused later when she heard Trixie exclaim in excitement. “Claire! We are finally in London!”
At the sound of her sister’s voice, Claire immediately shook the last vestiges of sleep from her eyes, eager to finally see the wonders of the city.
“Is my bonnet all right, Miss Ellis?” she asked the governess, the excitement clear in her voice.
“It looks perfect, Lady Claire,” Miss Ellis responded with her usual polite smile.
As soon as the approval was given, Claire peeked out beyond the curtains to the bustling city, her eyes widening as the pedestrians risked life and limb to trawl through the busy roads. It was a far cry from their country estate.
“It seems that London is always bustling, always moving,” she mused.
“With the roads opening and the Season coming, the city is indeed coming to life once more,” Miss Ellis agreed.
“I wonder what adventures we will have in this city,” Trixie breathed in awe. “It seems that there is just so much to see.”
The governess laughed. “It will be much more peaceful once we get to Mayfair.”
Claire nodded, quietly absorbing the information. From what she had garnered, the Duke’s townhouse, where they would be staying, was located in Mayfair.
