Melissa’s Cozy Teacup

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She stopped at the front door and waited as Maggie placed her cape about her shoulders. She looked down at her hands.

“Alice! Fetch my gloves!” she called out to her ladies’ maid standing on the stairs. Alice ran up the stairs as fast as she could. Fiona knew he would be there, as well as every eligible lady within 5 miles of the theatre. Her mother no longer left the house and her father was away on business. She’d had a devil of a time finding a chaperon at the last minute, but she was determined to be seen tonight. He was her last chance to escape the gloom of Foxglove Manor. Her last chance for marriage. Would he also be her chance at love?

Alice fairly flew down the stairs placing the gloves in her mistress’s hands. It had been a group effort getting her ready and out the door, barely in the nick of time, but it was worth it and they had all taken great pride in their effort. She looked stunning, ‘If I do think so myself,’ thought Alice. Fiona did look stunning. Her hair was swept up and held into place with gold combs accented with crystals that caught the light whenever she moved her head. Around her throat was her mother’s pearl choker tied at the back with peach ribbon. Her gown was peach silk with seed pearls sewn around the lace at the the neck line and arm holes. She was a vision of soft femininity. If Jasper Bowden didn’t notice her tonight, he was blind.