Approval aside, however reluctantly given, Mama looked as though she had sucked a lemon at the notion of Primrose taking tea at Gunter’s with Olympia.
“I trust you can be chaperoned by her maid. Goodness knows they have more staff than they require. Your sisters and I are venturing to Bond Street and we shall have need of Gertie.”
Of course Prim was not included in their shopping trip. Not even on her birthday, when Mama might make a special treat out of it for her.
“I am certain one of Olympia’s maids will accompany us,” Prim assured her mother, determined to keep her outing with her friend.
Papa lowered his paper with a scowl. He was no doubt alarmed at the mention of Bond Street, the location of the finest and most popular shops in London. If Mama required two servants, there would be quite a few packages to carry.
“Bond Street?” Papa’s tone conveyed his concern.
“Now, now. Do not look at me that way, my dear Mr. Ainsworth. You haven’t any notion of how difficult it is to keep two daughters properly outfitted for the height of the season.” She wagged two fingers in the air as though the gesture were necessary for emphasis. “Aster is yet unwed and in dire need of a suitor, and you know what a challenge she is. She never likes anything that is in vogue. I think she’d be happier wearing a burlap sack than one of Madame Brigitte’s splendid creations.”
Aster paused as she was delicately cracking at a soft-boiled egg with her spoon. “I am right here, Mama,” she pointed out wryly, her gaze lifting from beneath her arched eyebrows.
Mama continued addressing Papa as though she had not spoken. “However will she ensnare an eligible gentleman if she’s not adequately attired? Count your blessings Begonia is at least wed already.” She sighed heartily.
“I am betrothed, Mama,” Violet loftily reminded her as she nibbled at a piece of fruit. “You needn’t outfit me for much longer. In a fortnight, I shall have all the dresses I desire. Redding has accounts at all the very best shops in town. I shall never want for anything.” Reminder 541 this week. Prim and Aster locked eyes across the table and shared a knowing smirk.
Mama nodded and took another bite, speaking around a mouthful. “Indeed, my dear. You have far outshone Begonia. You are a credit to our family with the fine match you have made.”
Aster swung her spoon too hard then, loudly cracking her soft-boiled egg and sending shards of shell inside the tasty goodness.
Prim shook her head ruefully. Mama’s remarks had ceased to surprise.
“But, oh!” Mama sank back against her chair and fanned herself with her napkin. “A wedding in a fortnight. I’m all agitation.”
Primrose and Aster exchanged looks. Aster rolled her eyes in dramatic fashion.
“Aster,” Violet added, “You can have all my old dresses as I will have so many new ones. Of course, you shall have to let out all the stays to fit you.”
Aster’s eyes shot daggers. “Are you certain you want to give me all your dresses, Violet? You may need them. You know how the servants talk . . . I overheard that your clever Redding is all thumbs and cannot quite manage to undo his buttons. He’s constantly rending them and ruining his garments. You cannot be certain he won’t reduce your gowns to shreds on your wedding night.”
Violet slammed a hand on the table, rattling the dishes. “What rubbish! Redding can undo buttons! You’re trying to nettle me with these fabrications.”
Aster shrugged as though she could possibly be lying. She was expert at aggravating Violet, after all. Prim did not put it past her to fabricate something merely to irritate Violet.
“Aster, enough,” Mama chided and then reached for her smelling salts. “I vow, you girls will put me in an early grave.” She took a deep sniff, and then settled back in her chair, seemingly revived.
Papa harrumphed, rustling his paper. “You do understand we are expected to provide dowries for these gels?” Clearly, he was still stuck on the subject of their impending trip to Bond Street. “Dowries for the three we have left? Violet’s might have already been negotiated, but I haven’t had to pay it yet.” He swept a hand encompassing Aster, Violet, and Primrose. “Consider that as you are loading packages upon Gertie during your shopping expedition today.” With a rattle of his paper, he returned his attention to the day’s news.
As much as Papa disapproved of their shopping jaunt, Prim knew Gertie, a woman hired years ago to be the family governess, would not look forward to it more. Gertie’s governess days were over. At least in the Ainsworth household.
Gertie had ushered all four of them through lessons in Latin, French, literature, mathematics, science, history, geography, and basic comportment. Oh, and rudimentary dance, as Papa refused to pay for a dancing instructor.
That was, until two years ago. A few days prior to Prim’s fourteenth birthday, Gertie announced that she had reached the limits of her knowledge and could no longer properly instruct Primrose.
When she explained this to Prim’s parents, instead of acquiring a new governess to meet Prim’s needs, Mama declared her formal education at an end. After all, Prim had been successfully tutored in all matters of significance as far as Mama and Papa were concerned.
No one wants a wife too clever. Mama had been quick to offer that opinion then and several times since. Besides . . . she had such significant plans for Prim’s older sisters marrying well, she did not see the need to squander money on Prim.
“Mama?” Violet frowned as though suddenly struck with a thought. “Are you certain Gertie will be enough help?”
Mama had kept Gertie on to serve as a lady’s maid and companion among them. The former governess now helped with their hair and dress, served as a chaperone, and generally ran whatever errands Mama required.
“Perhaps we should drag Cook from the kitchens to carry packages, too?” Aster grumbled.
Violet glared at Aster across the table.
Aster smiled sweetly. “Is something amiss, Violent?”
Primrose lowered her head to hide her smile. Aster loved to warp Violet’s name, and Prim found it vastly entertaining.
“Aster,” Mama reprimanded, “Stop that. You know your sister’s name.” She held a finger aloft. “But you do pose a valid question. Is Gertie enough?” Her gaze narrowed in contemplation. “Perhaps we should bring a groom too.”
Primrose set her napkin on the table and pushed up to her feet. She wasn’t needed here. “If you’ll excuse me.”
Mama gave a distracted nod, her attention on Aster and Violet as she continued to strategize their shopping venture.
Prim had almost reached the doors when her mother’s voice stopped her. “Oh, and you can plan to dine with Gertie this evening. We will all be at Mrs. Simeon’s soirée and her affairs always run long. She hosts the most brilliant occasions though. No need to wait up for us.”
They would be out and Primrose left home alone. No surprise there.
“That old windbag?” Aster muttered.
“Aster!” Mama chided. “Mrs. Simeon has great influence. All the most eligible gentlemen attend her functions, and you should take heed of her. One word of endorsement from her can go very far for a young lady.”
Prim lingered. She could not help herself. Ton gossip did intrigue her. Anything that had to do with the world outside this house interested her. Naturally. She wasn’t immune to High Society’s gossip.