A Victorian Lady's Memoirs Part Six

Albert and William had gone for a ride in the gardeners pony and trap. The twins had been most excited making their way around to the stables to check out the horses before their great adventure. William said he wanted horses of his own, I told him it would be impossible to even think about one horse, leave alone many, while we were living near the city.

However my mind was on the ball which was to start at 6pm. It was nearing 4.30pm by the time we'd finished a light supper of chicken and vegetable broth, bread rolls and a piece of Nelly's homemade fruit cake.

Leaving Mary to clear the table, Julia took me up to her bedroom on the second floor, which was just below my room. It was certainly bigger and fitted with shelves of books, that looked as if they'd not been cleaned in a long time, giving rise to dust that lingered as late afternoon sun shone in from her west facing window.

“Does your maid not clean in here?” I inquired, feeling as if a sneeze was coming.

“I don't allow anyone to come into my space Em. They would only go rummaging through my private things.” Julia then smiled. “You should feel privileged to be entering my boudoir.” Julia pranced around the room with head held high, trying to act all french. “Ooh! La, la,” she sang, waving her fan above her head.

Skipping over to her wardrobe, Julia opened the mirrored door and showed me what she'd be wearing this evening. It was a bright apple green silk dress, with off the shoulder frills, adorned with multiple ruffles. “What do you think Em? Isn't this dress just divine?”

“It certainly is fine, and very much a dress of the moment,” I declared with a sigh of wonder.

Julia then produced some long silk gloves to match her dress and proceeded to twirl, while beaming with pride.

I couldn't wait to show her my one and only gown I'd bought with me for evening wear. You must come and see my dress, tell me if you think it's suitable for tonight.” I was so worried it might be over the top, or not good enough. But after seeing Julia's, I wasn't too concerned.

We hurried down the landing, then sprinted up the staircase, with myself trying hard to keep pace. I had to admire Julia's energy that never seemed to cease, even when she was sitting she'd be constantly fidgeting.

We entered my bedroom and I felt embarrassed that I hadn't even unpacked my trunk, which was still sat on the floor at the bottom of my bed. We both lifted the trunk up onto the eiderdown. Thankfully my gown wasn't creased. Hanging the dress up, I began removing other clothes and filling the chest of drawers.

“I love your dress Em's, it's such a pretty colour.”

“Mama made it for me. The trimmings of elaborate lace took her ages to sow on to the red satin. Even the flounces were difficult to layer, but mama never gives up on anything she puts her mind too.”

“Well, I think it looks elegant and aesthetically pleasing with your long white evening gloves. Em's your mama should feel very proud of herself.”

Julia's compliment had me excited. Now I couldn't wait to get dressed up and attend the esteemed ball.

It was nearing 6pm when we stepped into the carriage. Uncle Hugo had arrived home late. His virtuous demeanour hadn't changed since I last saw him six years ago, as he welcomed me with open arms.

“My dear Emily, it's good to see you. I hear you're off to the local ball with Julia; and of course your governess. You're both wearing such beautiful gowns, I think the stars will shine for you tonight.” He smiled and I found his welcoming words good spirited and of great comfort.

“Have a good time, I'll see you on the morrow.” He uttered waving us off.

I couldn't help but wonder if Uncle Hugo would actually be around to see us, but didn't voice my thoughts. Smiling I declared to Julia that so far it was good to be holidaying with her.

The journey into Wezley village was filled with giggles and much enthusiasm for the evening ahead, which we did think annoyed Miss Violet by her expression, but thankfully she never vocalized her thoughts.

To be continued...A Victorian Lady's Memoirs Part Seven | ABCtales

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