A Taste of Honey by Lindsay Kiernan Read Free Book Online Page B

accessories such as slippers, gloves and a small matching reticule in the smaller packages.
    Winnie was equally less hesitant about opening one of Katherine's boxes which housed an identical dress to those that her sister had received but dyed the same shade of pale cornflower blue as her eyes.  “These aren't from your father,” Winnie told them as she compared the colors to Katherine's skin tone and eyes.  “Mother always buys her charges new dresses for the season.”  A thin strand of white pearls was pulled out from a small box and Winnie held them up to Katherine's throat to see if they were the right length.
    Katherine's checks turned pink from the embarrassment of taking such gifts from a woman who was mostly a stranger to them.  She had already offered them so much and purchasing new dresses seemed to go too far.  It finally made sense to her why Mrs. Brentley had not instructed them to pack all of their things as she had already planned on buying them new items.
    Mrs. Brentley smiled at the girl's reactions.  “I'm surprised t hat your mother didn't explain all of this to you.”  She seemed delighted at Katherine's humble acceptance of the gifts.
    Opening the second box with blue ribbons Winnie discovered a light pink dress and she cooed over the color.  “I wish that I could go to the ball with you,” she said as her hands slid over the soft silken fabric before holding the dress up to her own body.  It was comically short as Winnie was so much taller than her.  “Every year I sit at home and watch other girls attend parties and balls, it isn't quite fair.”
    “You'll have your turn next year,” Mrs. Brentley reminded her daughter.  Turning to Katherine and Robin who were still examining their new things Mrs. Brentley frowned.  “Don't just stare at them.” She urged with an authoritative voice.  “We're going to be late if you both aren't dressed soon.”  Mrs. Brentley gained the girls' attention, as she again began directing a chaos of servants to do her bidding.  “We'll need these bags unpacked, and send the maid up to help with the Wellings sisters' hair for the night.  And bring the red roses that I ordered for Robin's hair.  Winnie make sure to have the girl's things unpacked while we are gone, and if you see your brother tonight try to have him come by the Emerson's.” She sighed dramatically at the mention of her unwed son.  “It wouldn't hurt for him to attend some of this year's events himself,” she lectured before ascending the stairs to change with the others.
     
    “This is one of the best events for meeting eligible gentlemen,” Mrs. Brentley told them during the short ride between the two townhouses.  “The Emerson's hold their party every year on the first day of Parliament.  All of the serious marriageable men and women are in London by this time.  Later parties will include more married couples, and a few of the bachelors who are looking to fill up ladies' dance cards between drinks of whiskey and bourbon,” she said reprovingly.  “This party is the best one for finding out which men are really looking to marry this year and which are still out having a bit too much fun.”
    Exiting the carriage, Katherine marveled at the crowds of beautifully dressed men and women. She realized that with their new gowns and beautiful jewels, she and her sister fit in quite well with the large group of handsome people.  Few would have suspected that they were a pair of country girls visiting the city for their first time.  Winnie had helped Robin place a deep red rose into her hair to replace the common wildflowers that she was used to wearing.  The crimson color of the roses helped offset the dark green dress and amber jewelry.
    Katherine could see that her sister was already getting used to the idea of being dressed in fashionable clothes and could only assume that she dreamed of forever replacing the wildflowers for the more mature and refined roses that a rich