A Country Mouse by Fenella Miller Page A

two hours for her toilette. Her elaborate hair style took so long she had barely ten minutes to put on her first real evening gown.
    Lady Althea had wanted her to have all three made up in pastel shades and white for these were the expected colours for a debutante. Emily had refused. This, as far as she could see, was the only advantage that being betrothed to Viscount Yardley presented. An engaged young lady was allowed more flexibility in her choice of colour.
     She had selected emerald green silk for the under skirt and a filmy silver gauze for the over dress. The bodice, cut low as fashion demanded, curved prettily over her bosom. Her mother had lent her necklace of square cut emeralds, set in silver, which complemented her outfit perfectly.
    'There, miss, you're ready. I haven't pulled you in too tight, there's no need, you're still so slender.' Jenny stepped back to admire her mistress. 'You look a picture, Miss Emily. And no one could possibly mistake you for a boy tonight.'
    Emily glanced down and grinned. 'I do appear to have blossomed in that area, do I not?' She ran the silk through her fingers. 'I feel like a fairytale princess. It's a pity I don't have a Prince Charming to accompany me.'
    Jenny handed Emily the ribbon attached to her demi-train, her matching reticule, and fan. 'I hope I don't trip myself up, Jenny. I can't imagine how I shall manage to dance with so many bits and pieces to hold.'
    'You give your reticule and fan to Lady Althea whilst you dance, miss.'
    'I'm delighted to hear it. I wish you were coming too; it seems unfair only one abigail is allowed to accompany us.'
    A tap on the door reminded Emily she was late. Jenny opened the door and a footman announced that the carriage was waiting outside. In a swirl of green silk Emily followed him along passageways and downstairs. Halfway down she risked a glance over the banisters. She stopped dead.
     'Mama, you look ravisante ! I hardly recognized you in that fabulous gown.'
    Lady Althea smiled up at her daughter, poised like a green angel, on the stairs. 'And so do you, my love. What a spectacular pair we shall be. You will be surrounded by eligible young men, just you wait and see.'
    Emily continued her descent and her gurgling laughter echoed round the entrance hall. 'I hope not, Mama. I do not wish Sebastian to feel obliged to call anyone out.' Her humorous reply was sufficient reminder of her status.
    'I really meant you will not lack for partners, my love. Even an engaged lady is permitted to dance with suitable young gentlemen. But no more than once, but I am sure you already understand that rule.'
    'I do indeed. I'm only permitted to stand up more than once with my fiancé.'
    A footman handed them into the carriage. Its candle lamps bobbed and dipped in the darkness, the two horses stamped, their breath swirling in clouds around their handsome heads. Edwards checked that Emily's silver-lined evening cloak was safely inside the coach and that Lady Althea's ruby-red creation was resting smoothly on the seat, then they were ready to leave.
    'This is the first time I have been out in a city in the dark, Mama. It's a thrilling experience.' Emily peered out of the window, catching glimpses of street vendor's and late shoppers on the overcrowded pavements. As expected it was an hour before the carriage finally pulled up at the steps of Galveston House. Blazing flambeaux illuminated the illustrious company attempting to gain access. The steps were already full of ladies of various ages dressed in their finest, and gentleman in black tailcoats and knee-breeches or pantaloons.
    Emily stared at the jostling people on the steps with horror. She hated crowds. 'I think I shall go home again, Mama. I have a headache.'
    Lady Althea stared hard at her daughter. 'You shall do no such thing, Emily. We are here now, and whether you like it or not, in we will go.'
    Emily's shoulders drooped and her mother's expression softened. 'You do not have to remain long if