Read Online Azalea by Brenda Hiatt - Free Book Online

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have in the world? I'm afraid Lady Beauforth might not understand.
After all, she recommended the modiste I visited today, so she must
not consider her prices outrageous. But I don't see how I can
possibly purchase one fourth of what my cousin seems to think
necessary for the coming Season on what my grandfather left
me."
    Junie fairly swelled with pride at this
evidence of Azalea's reliance on both her judgement and her
discretion. "Well, miss, I know there are stalls down in Soho where
there are bargains to be had, but it would never do for you to be
seen there. I could go for you, with your permission. We're much
the same size, and I'm handy enough with a needle to make what
changes might be necessary."
    "Oh, Junie, would you? That would be famous!
But... do you think Lady Beauforth would be angry if she found
out?" Azalea suddenly sobered. "I won't allow you to run that risk
on my account."
    Junie smiled with genuine affection for this
unique young lady who actually put concern for an abigail above her
own wants. "I'll just be certain she don't find out, that's all,"
she replied confidently. "You be thinking of a way to account for
the new clothes you'll be having shortly, and I'll leave this very
moment!"
    Impulsively, Azalea hugged the girl,
assuring her that she could come up with a plausible story.
    When Junie returned, less than an hour
before Azalea and Marilyn were to leave for the Park, she brought
with her four dresses that rivalled those ordered that morning at
Madame Clarisse's.
    "There were lots to choose from, miss, but I
thought you might need me to help you dress. I can go back
tomorrow, if you like." Junie was nearly breathless, making Azalea
wonder if she had run part of the way home in order to be back in
time to help her new mistress.
    Azalea was astonished and delighted when the
abigail revealed what the gowns had cost—a mere fraction of the
modiste's prices. Junie explained that most of the gowns at the
Soho markets had been worn only once or twice, since it was
considered bad ton to be seen twice in the same dress, particularly
a ball gown.
    "Then won't the ladies who originally had
these made up recognize them if I wear them in public?" asked
Azalea uneasily. That would be a snag in their ingenious plan.
    "Not if I make a few little changes —add a
ruffle here, remove some artificial flowers there. So many dresses
are nearly alike anyway, no one will notice," Junie reassured her.
"Now, what will you wear for your drive in the Park?"
    Half an hour later, Azalea descended wearing
one of the new gowns, hastily basted in at the waist. She felt
positively elegant. True, there was a small stain near the hem at
the back which there had not been time to remove, but if she
remained seated in the carriage, no one should notice it.
    Marilyn joined her a few moments later,
resplendent in jonquil silk. "We must hurry," she said as they
proceeded to the waiting barouche. "Lord Glaedon dislikes to keep
his horse standing in the Park." Azalea wondered why Lord Glaedon
had not come to fetch them, but refrained from voicing her
thoughts. The drive to Hyde Park was short and in the opposite
direction from Bond Street, affording her a look at more of
Mayfair's imposing homes. The atmosphere here was far quieter than
it had been in the shopping district, she noticed.
    When they turned into the Park, Azalea had
to stifle a gasp. So this was where everyone was! Lady Beauforth
had complained last night that London was thin of company, but it
seemed to Azalea that a veritable horde of fashionable people were
here to take advantage of the fine weather, walking, riding and
driving. How on earth did Marilyn intend to find her betrothed in
this throng?
    As if in answer, the girl at her side waved
as a tall man in a dark blue riding coat trotted up on an enormous
black gelding. "Lord Glaedon! I trust we have not kept you waiting
long?"
    "Not at all, my dear," he said smoothly, as
he bent over her extended hand. Marilyn