Tomorrow would be the night that would decide her future. Pamela could barely wait a moment longer. She had no idea how she was going to get through the day tomorrow in such a state of eager anticipation.
Chapter Nineteen
The morning dawned crisp and cold. Pamela sprang out of bed early, eager for a bath and an opportunity to go over her gowns for the day to ensure they were perfect.
She went into the nearest bathroom and lit the hot water heater. When the tub was full, she soaked in the scalding water until her fingers were wrinkled. She had scented the water with rose oil, and washed her hair thoroughly, so that anyone who came near would smell the light fragrance with her slightest movement. She smoothed rose-scented lotion all over her body, and put on her finest undergarments.
Then she donned a gown of white cotton eyelet with an embroidered border of gold and black fleur de lys used on the overskirt, and a matching gold and black twisted sash at the waist. Since the embroidered sleeves were quite short, she carried a white Indian shawl with gold threads woven into it, and topped the whole with a matching gold bonnet.
Her aunt tapped on the door and began to ask her about the concert, but Pamela managed to escape her more pressing questions as to whom she had seen and spoken to by saying she was famished.
"Well, you look very well, very fine indeed. What did you say your plans were again today?" Aunt Susan asked, narrowing her eyes suspiciously.
"My school friend Belinda Bassett. Do you recall?"
"Ah, yes, of course. Well, naturally you would want to look well. Why have we not seen her yet?"
"She came out last year, but it was a very quiet occasion, for she has been promised almost from birth to a distant cousin to whom the estate is entailed. They're now formally engaged, and they shall be marrying in June."
"Such a pity you shall be in London and not able to attend. But it will be the height of the season then."
Pamela nodded.
"What a shame you will not be the first of your set to marry. But it can't be helped. Not at this juncture."
Pamela smiled to herself. If all went well this evening, she might be able to pull it off yet. Not that her aunt would approve, but she didn't care, so long as she was happy. With Jonathan at her side, she was sure she would be.
"Not to worry, Aunt. Best to make a considered and reasoned choice, than do anything hasty one will live to regret."
The older woman nodded. "Quite right my dear. Just so long as you're not too particular. I own I had my chance in my day, but thought another would be forthcoming. I was wrong." She sighed bitterly.
Pamela paused before they entered the breakfast room. "And was there no one special?"
Her aunt sighed. "Oh, it was a long time ago. I did not follow my heart and my inclination. He was deemed a poor catch. Not a large enough fortune, you see. But when I looked into his eyes, well, the whole world seemed to just vanish into thin air."
She patted the older woman's arm. "I'm sorry to hear it, Aunt Susan."
"Ah, well, it's in the nature of things. I've been content. I'm not sure there is such a thing as perfect happiness. Or if there is, it has to be worked at."
"I shall do my best," Pamela promised, with a small smile.
Jonathan's stare as she entered the room spoke volumes. He stood up abruptly, nearly toppling the chair over backwards in his haste.
"Good morning, ladies. I trust you slept well?"
"Yes, thank you, Mr. Deveril."
"Do tell me about the concert, sir. I find my niece remarkably reticent about who attended."
"I'm still muzzy-headed with sleep, Aunt."
They had been near a pillar, but Jonathan's view of the company must have been unimpeded, for he was able to give the company a long list of who had been there.
"And the Earl of Ferncliffe, don't forget him," Sarah said.
"Yes, indeed. He asked me for the first dance tonight," Pamela said.
"Just think how wonderful-"
"Er, I didn't accept, Aunt. I had already pledged it to Jonathan."
This was of course not strictly true, and the use of his Christian name caused everyone in the room to stare.
"Yes, we're all practically family," the Duke said, with a fond smile at his sister, and a wink at Sarah.
"Yes, we most certainly are, Thomas," Sarah replied.
He aunt was now mollified. If the vicar's sister called the Duke by his given name, there could not be any harm in it, provided she did not forget herself in more discerning company.
"I shall be only too happy to take you to your friend's today, Miss Ashton. Sarah, you will accompany us?"