A Good Debutante's Guide to Ruin by Sophie Jordan Read Free Book Online Page A

“It’s always so.” Her voice dipped low to add, “No matter that Will’s pockets don’t run deep enough for such lavish treatment, one must keep appearances. She can’t have any of her friends see her calling on the dressmaker.”
    Rosalie nodded as though she understood the habits of the aristocracy.
    Evidently having enough of Aurelia, the fat tabby lurched at her, swatting her several times with a paw before plopping down to the floor and waddling away.
    â€œAurelia!” Lady Peregrine snapped. “Leave Lady Snuggles alone!”
    Aurelia shrugged and dropped the ribbon and sighed, looking bored.
    Mrs. Ashby was a large woman, elegantly dressed, with plump, swollen hands that moved and fluttered like overfed pigeons as she directed her staff with sharp commands.
    Rosalie sank down on the chaise, taking Lady Snuggles’s spot. “So . . . much . . . much,” she murmured as three of the assistants departed to fetch yet more.
    â€œOh, this shall be no small undertaking,” Aurelia remarked. “You require a full wardrobe. Brace yourself for day-­long misery.”
    â€œThis is going to cost a fortune,” she grumbled, feeling guilty. She did not like the idea of spending Dec’s money so recklessly. And all of this in addition to her dowry? It was far too much. When she thought back to her years at Harwich, and the many girls there who had so little—­Mrs. Heathstone herself wore the same frocks year after year after year—­it made her chest pinch with discomfort.
    She turned and caught Aurelia looking at her oddly. “What?”
    â€œYou’re quite the anomaly.”
    She frowned. “Why does that sound like an insult?”
    â€œI meant no offense. Any other female would gladly step into your shoes at this moment with no thought whatsoever to the expense. They would greedily take all that my cousin is giving without the slightest hesitation. Goodness knows Mama would accept such generosity if Will would allow it. My brother is too proud to take anything from Declan, and trust me, he has offered. Clearly you are more like my brother, for here you sit. Looking uncomfortable and faintly pale about the gills.”
    Rosalie watched with ever-­widening eyes as yards of glittering fabrics continued to pile upon the bed for Lady Peregrine’s examination. Dec’s aunt dove into the bolts of fabric with a feral glint to her eyes, sorting through them with expert care, already deep in conversation with the modiste over the various types of gowns Rosalie would need. Morning dresses. Walking dresses. Day dresses. Traveling dresses. Ball gowns. Nightgowns. Riding habits. Corsets. Stockings. Petticoats. Chemises . . .
    It made her dizzy. “This is quite out of my depth.”
    â€œYou are the daughter of a duchess,” Aurelia reminded her.
    A duchess who never had much use for her. Rosalie had been away at school for the last ten years, living a modest existence without even the smallest dose of extravagance. The greatest luxury she ever had at Harwich was, occasionally, mint jam with her toast.
    The last of the shop girls returned then. Her arms full of ermine-­trimmed cloaks of every conceivable shade.
    â€œClose your mouth,” Aurelia gently suggested.
    Blinking, she shut her mouth with a snap, but not before she silently vowed to send a trunk of clothing to Harwich at her first opportunity.
    The morning passed in a blur. She was pinched and prodded and pinned. She stood still for their ministrations until her feet ached. Several gowns were pulled over her head, measurements noted, and then two assistants went to work with needle and thread so that she would have something to wear when they left today. It would be several days before the bulk of her wardrobe was ready.
    â€œMama.” Aurelia fell back on the chaise, clutching her stomach. “We’re hungry. Can we not take a respite