And you are the kindest maid I could ever have wished for, Alice replied. How long have you been at Stanley Hall, Eleanor?
Oh, a lot of years, Miss. Let me see, you were born, twenty two years ago and I was here many years before that. I'm afraid to say I can remember Stanley Hall when your grandfather was alive.
So you must have been a lady's maid to my grandmother.
Yes, I was. I was very young and quite frightened of your grandmother. Your mother brought her own lady's maid when she married your father, and, after your poor grandmother died, I became a house maid. That is, until you came of age. I was so pleased your mother asked me to be your maid. You are turning into the most beautiful young lady in England.
Eleanor, you are very good at exaggerating, I must say. On the subject of beauty, I have a bet with Miss Georgina and Miss Sophia, this evening. We are going to see who can fill their dance cards the fastest. Who does, will become the undisputed beauty among us.
That sound like great fun, Miss. I am sure you will win. You are so much more beautiful than they are. Now let's get you out of the bath and into a gown fit for a Queen.
Eleanor held out an enormous towel and wrapped Alice in it as she stepped out of the water. Which gown do you want to wear this evening, Miss?
It is awful, but I can't decide. I suppose if I showed a little décolleté, I may have more of a chance of winning our little competition, but, on the other hand, I don't want to appear too vulgar.
How about this one? Eleanor said, holding up a white gown with hundreds of roses embroidered into it. It's a lovely color for a fresh young lady and I think it is daring enough, without being overly so.
Excellent choice, thank you.
After Alice dressed, Eleanor stood back and looked at her. I am proud of you, Miss Alice. You are tall and blonde and your features are finer than any porcelain money can buy. You have a lovely figure and enough bust to attract any gentleman's roving eye. You are a credit to your mother and father. Whoever marries you, will be the luckiest man in the world.
Alice, are you ready yet? Why does it always take an eternity for you ladies to get ready? Lord Ashmeer asked his daughter.
Because, father, we are gentle creatures that need nurturing, like flowers. You do want us to look our best don't you?
I suppose so, now where on earth is your mother? This eternal waiting is becoming quite intolerable.
Father, why are you so impatient. What's the matter? Alice asked.
I want to get the best seat at the card table. If she doesn't hurry up, I will be doomed to sit next to the door and have to listen to all that ridiculous music.
That ridiculous music, father, is modern. All young people like it.
Well, to me it's just a blessed din. Ah, here she is. Finally, woman, please do hurry yourself, he barked at his wife.
Jeremy are you talking to me? If so then kindly do not refer to me as 'woman'. Women work in factories. I am a lady and don't you forget it.
Lord Ashmeer felt himself suitably chastised and they left for the ball.
As soon as the Ashmeers arrived, Georgina came running up to Alice. I already have two dances in my card, only another six and you'll have to call me beautiful all your life, she said.
What are you girls up to, whispering like that, Lady Ashmeer inquired.
Nothing, mother, just a little friendly rivalry.
Well make sure you behave with a little decorum, we have a reputation to keep. Now please excuse me, I want to speak to Lady Hanley.
So, please tell me, who you have on your card? Alice asked.
Now that would be telling, Georgina said secretively.
Alice looked at Georgina. She wasn't as tall as Alice and she was dark. Her brown eyes often looked sad. Georgina had lost her mother in a dreadful riding accident and she had never really recovered from the loss. Her father was heartbroken, and almost never left the house. But Georgina was plucky, and Alice always enjoyed her practical jokes immensely. Georgina was also sought after by a number of extremely rich suitors, none of who appealed to her.
Here's Sophia, let's see how she is faring? Georgina said.
And how many of the dashing gentlemen have you managed to snare so far this evening? Georgina asked. Sophia had red hair and pale skin and was probably the least attractive of the three. Nonetheless, she wasn't plain and could quite easily hold her own in the evening’s competition.
Three, so far, Sophia replied enthusiastically
Alice felt quite dejected. Her father had been right, they had spent far too long getting ready, and now she was behind. Then, please excuse me, dear friends, for I shall have to make haste, Alice said as she walked away towards a group of handsome looking young men. One of whom she knew.
Charles, she whispered, can I talk to you. Charles Argyle was the twenty year old son of Lord and Lady Argyle, the Ashmeer's neighbors. Charles and Alice had often played together by the lake when Georgina and Sophia were not available. He was tall and had jet black hair. He had inherited his rugged looks from his father who was a renowned naval officer.