Chapter Eleven

Sunday came quickly. Alice’s excitement had been promptly replaced by feelings of anxiousness and nerves when it came to eating a fine dinner and sitting at a fine table and conversing with fine people when half of the time she didn’t understand what English people were talking about. But mostly her nerves were surrounding James and the intimate kiss they nearly had shared.

She was proud of herself for turning away. Most women wouldn’t have if a handsome man was leaning in to kiss her but she wasn’t like most women. No matter how much his family disliked his fiancée, he was still betrothed to her and she would never, ever become a mistress.

Alice had received a short missive letting her know that a maid would be sent with the carriage to remain at the orphanage to keep watch over the sleeping children.

The day went like any other Sunday at it was hard for her to believe that she’d only known James a week and in it so much had changed. The children went to Sunday school lessons in the morning and she stayed in her bedroom for a while with her bible and rosary as she prayed for several things. She wanted those that she loved in heaven to be looked after and she hoped for guidance through her future endeavours. She prayed for families for the children she cared for and she prayed that she would one day have the courage to go to confession to seek forgiveness.

For the rest of the day she cooked and cleaned and made sure the children were presentable for the few families that were coming to visit with them that day. She was so grateful that one family had decided to take home one of the infants to raise as their own. As much as she got attached, she knew it was for the better.

She settled the children in their beds after an earlier dinner and left them to get ready in the short period of time she had before the carriage arrived and she had to leave to attend the dinner at Ethridge.

She had just descended the stairs when she heard a knock on the door. They were early! She was still wearing her plain, brown dress with a dirty apron. She hadn’t even combed her hair! Alice felt she had to make do with simply removing the apron and combing her hair with her fingers. The family knew she wasn’t a fine lady. She hoped they would forgive her informal attire. She opened the door slowly and was surprised to see Annie standing before her with an excited smile on her face. Annie looked beautifully dressed up for the evening which made Alice even more self-conscious knowing she would look horribly casual compared to the Alcott family. Annie’s gown was a deep, dark blue that was decorated with white lace around the sleeves, waist and train. Joseph and Amy were nowhere to be seen. Alice did notice, however, the church carriage waiting at the corner. Perhaps they were waiting for Annie in there.

“What are you doing ‘ere?” Alice asked curiously. It was then that she noticed that Annie held a large, white box in her arms, the kind of box she saw maids following fine ladies in town with after they’d visited their dressmakers. “And what is that?” she said pointing to the box in her hands.

Annie’s brown eyes warmed. “My dear Jacqueline, you may know me as a clergyman’s wife, but I will always be, first and foremost, an Earl’s daughter,” she said mysteriously as she invited herself inside. From behind Alice could see how intricately done up Annie’s hair was. Her golden locks were pulled tightly into a twist on the back of her head. A few random curls were loose down her back that softened the look. “I knew you would have only just settled the children so I took this as the right time to come and help you get ready.” Annie made her way into Alice’s small bedroom. Alice followed her and saw as she set the box down on the bed. She lifted the top and pulled a magnificent gown from the folds of tissue that protected it. “This was my coming out dress as a deb. So it’s a little out of date but it’s only been worn once.” The dress was a pale blue colour that appeared as though it had a tight bodice that cascaded down to the ground in yards of what appeared to be silk. “It’s Parisian silk so I thought it would remind you a little of home.”

Immediately her mind flashed back to the time she had spent shut in the crate of silk bolts on the dangerous voyage in which she had come to be in England. Her first thought when Jacques had placed in her in the crate was that she had wanted to own a dress made of such fine fabric. And then moments later her brother had been murdered before her eyes and her life.

“It … it is lovely,” Alice managed to say after a moment of shock. She was truly touched that Annie would think to do this for her. But of course Annie would, she thought of everybody.

“As soon as mama mentioned you were coming to dinner today I immediately knew you had to wear this. The shade of blue will highlight your eyes divinely.” Annie held the dress up next to Alice and smiled, satisfied. “I was right. Though you are quite small in comparison to my height to you may have to hold the hem when you walk. But we shall be seated for the most part of the evening.”

The hem would definitely be a tripping hazard for Alice. She noticed a pair of matching silk slippers in the box as well but her feet were smaller than Annie’s so she would have to just wear her own practical shoes.

Before Alice could do anything, Annie was behind her and unbuttoning her calico dress. She pulled it down her body and allowed her to step out. She tightened Alice’s corset ever so slightly and then helped Alice into the silk gown. It was as if she were wearing a cloud. The silk caressed her skin. She’d never worn anything finer in her life. She didn’t care for many luxuries but she could get used to being draped in such beautiful material. It was a type of gown that one had to be laced into so Annie used her quick fingers to secure the gown around Alice.

Alice admired the silky sleeves. The puffy pieces hugged her upper arms, leaving the pale skin on her shoulder bare. She’d never worn anything so revealing in her life. It wasn’t inappropriate at all, it was only her shoulders and collar bones that were on show.

Annie pulled she shoes from the box and bit her lip. “They’re going to be a bit big, aren’t they?” she remarked. “Never mind. Now, hair.” She motioned for Alice to sit down on her bed as Annie picked up the comb that she kept on the shelf. With her maternal instincts, Annie combed Alice’s long, dark hair until it was smooth and shiny. Alice hadn’t seen them in the box, but she had several hairpins in there. “Chinese,” she explained. “My sister’s husband is in the navy and works closely with trading ships so he bought her a lovely set of Chinese hairpins. I admired them so much that Kitty let me have a few of them. And now they shall complete the vision that you are tonight.”

Alice knew what the word ‘vision’ meant but she did not know what it meant in context to how she looked. If ever she wasn’t so busy with the orphanage, she was going to make a real effort to make her English as fluent as possible.

Annie twisted her hair into a styled bun and held it in place with the decorated, black Chinese hairpins. Alice did not have a mirror in her small room but she felt beautiful, and she’d never felt so before. She’d always felt small and insignificant. But now she felt pretty and feminine.

She made sure her rosary was on the outside of her dress. Annie noticed her fussing with it and she smiled. “That was one of my favourite pieces in mama’s jewellery box. It’s ever so pretty, isn’t it?”

Alice immediately felt guilty for accepting the chain. It should have really gone to one of Emilia’s daughters, not someone who no doubt would have been an urchin on the street if Joseph and Annie had not given her English lessons and work. “I’m so sorry, Annie, did you want it?” Alice panicked.

Annie’s brown eyes widened as she shook her head. “Oh, no!” she said hurriedly. “No, it belongs to you. Mama would not have parted with it if she did not want you to have it. She told me she gave it to James. Jacqueline don’t fret. We’re not like the usual families in the ton. We come from farmers, dear. We’re humble.”

Alice wasn’t sure was Annie was ensuing but she hoped it meant that they would be kind to her. If her mother was anything to go by, she could tell that they would have welcoming hearts.

“It must be close to seven. The carriage should be here to collect you soon. I’m going to go to Joseph and Amy, they’ve been waiting for me.” Annie closed the box and sighed, smiling with satisfaction. “You look beautiful, Jacqueline. James will be happily surprised when he sees you arrive tonight. Be sure to ignore Kitty though. She’s bundles of fun but it takes time to get used to her.” Annie laughed to herself, not knowing that she’d just increased Alice’s anxiety incredibly. She’d now been forewarned about Kitty by two sources.

Sure enough, there was a knock on the door five minutes later. A woman wearing a black and white maid’s outfit stood before her. Her mousy brown hair was in a neat bun and she wore a lacy cap atop her head.

“Good evening, ma’am,” she said kindly. “I’m Bertha Kingsley. The children will be well taken care of by me. I mind the master’s grandchildren whenever they come to visit … except for tonight, of course.” The young woman was reassuring her, and Alice appreciated her confidence. “The carriage awaits you. You do look ever so pretty if I may be so bold.”

She spoke quickly and Alice got a little lost. She found it difficult understanding people when their English was too quick. She translated what she could into French in her head and made do with bits and pieces of sentences. But Bertha kept a friendly smile on her face as she spoke so Alice decided she should thank her for taking care of the children. “Thank you,” she said appreciatively. Alice picked up her cloak from the hook at the door and put it on, ready to travel. “The children are asleep. They should not bother you.”

Bertha simply smiled and nodded. “I think I’ll make myself a spot of tea, if you don’t mind. Have a good evening, ma’am.” She curtseyed and walked down the hall, peering into each door before she found the dining room and the adjoining kitchen. Alice was slightly alarmed, she’d never had anyone curtsey to her before.

Gathering up the exceptionally long skirts, Alice made her way out into the street where the fine carriage was waiting. The carriage was nothing like the plain, black carriages that were available for hire on the busy streets, this carriage was made from wood that appeared as though it came from a cherry tree and was tastefully decorated with golden filigree by way of the paint.

“Good evening, Miss,” the driver said, tipping his hat from atop the driver’s seat.

“Allow me, Miss,” said another man who was dressed in black livery. He had climbed down from the back ledge of the carriage. He was some sort of servant but Alice was not familiar with their roles. He opened the carriage door for her and let out a set of steps up into the carriage. He offered her his hand and she timidly accepted it.

Once inside, the man closed the door behind her and Alice settled onto the plush, red velvet seats. She ran her fingers over the luxurious material and smiled. Never in her wildest dreams could she ever have imagined that she would be sitting in a carriage that most likely cost more than what most of the poor families in France would ever see in a lifetime. Thinking of that made her feel immensely guilty. As a child she would have no doubt been told to spit on the occupants of such a carriage.

How could she enjoy such a thing when her head was telling her otherwise? Why could life not be simple? What wrong had she done? Just asking herself that, she knew. She’d taken part in something deadly. Her grandparents had endorsed genocide and had such raised their children that way.

One night. She would allow herself one night. She would give these aristocrats one night to prove to her that their way of life was not an insult to the poor.

The journey to Ethridge Manor did not take long, twenty minutes at most. The driver expertly manoeuvred around the London cobble streets with ease. Her nerves refused to settle as the carriage pulled to a stop.

The door was opened moments later and she was helped to the ground by the same man who had helped her into the carriage. Her eyes widened at the grand house before her. Never had she seen anything so fine. The house was quite wide which was unusual for London. Illuminated windows lined the walls of the house and it rose three floors from the ground. The front gardens were small and dominated by a curved, cobble sector for carriages to arrive and depart with their passengers but the sides of the house hinted of a wide green behind the house. The gates surrounding the manor were iron and made her feel as though to be permitted meant one was important.

Never had she felt more out of place then where she was standing at that moment.

She held up her pale blue skirts with her small hands and walked up the few stairs to reach the front door. The door itself was a piece of art. It was made of dark oak and was artistically carved. The knocker on the front of it was in the shape of a lion with the ring hanging from its mouth. As she reached for it, the door was opened by the same man who had brought her the letter from James earlier in the week.

Her smiled at her warmly and invited her inside. “You are very welcome, mademoiselle,” he said kindly. She smiled nervously as she crossed the threshold into the beautiful house. Mr Carter offered to take her cloak and she gratefully accepted, allowing him to take the thin, brown cape from her shoulders.

The foyer was decorated marvellously. The key piece was the grand staircase that sat to the right of the foyer. It wrapped around the walls and led to the upper floor. The floor was black and white marble and she was sure she would slip on it at some point as the wax made it practically transparent. The walls were decorated with priceless paintings of prestigious people and the doors leading off the foyer no doubt held more wonders inside.

“Oh, Jacqueline, you came!” exclaimed a female voice from above stairs. Looking up, she saw Emilia standing on the first floor landing looking as exquisite as ever in a golden gown that was highlighted with unusual black satin folds in the skirt. Emilia floated down the stairs and received Alice with a warm hug, making her feel truly welcome. The action quelled her nerves slightly.

“Bonsoir, Comtesse,” Alice replied shyly. Emilia secured Alice’s hand in her gloved one and pulled her towards one of the closed doors off the foyer. “We’re all in the drawing room. Mr Carter will inform us when dinner is served. James will be so happy you’re here.” Emilia opened the door and revealed a beautifully decorated drawing room. Unlike the foyer, this colour scheme of this room were whites and pale blues. The family sat around the room casually conversing and all stopped and stared as she entered the room. Alice felt immediately self-conscious.

The men all immediately rose from their seats. James sat beside an older gentleman whom she assumed to be his father. James was the image of him and in twenty or so years that was what he would look like. James’ sisters all smiled at her kindly, Annie being the only one she knew. She wondered which one was Kitty. There was a blonde woman beside a man with light brown hair and a dark haired woman beside a man with dark blonde hair. The brunette sister held onto a baby girl who looked to be about fifteen or so months old. The man carried their son who looked a little older.

“Everyone, this is Jacqueline … I’m sorry, dear, what is your surname?” Emilia asked.

Alice had never revealed a surname to go along with her pseudonym, and at that moment an imaginary one alluded her. She decided to use her real surname. “Devereaux,” she replied.

“Jacqueline Devereaux,” Emilia introduced her. “Jacqueline, this is my husband, Sebastian,” she said gesturing to the man standing beside James. “You know James, of course. Uh, Kitty, this is Kitty and her husband William.” Kitty was the brunette, it turned out. She didn’t seem so boisterous. She offered Alice a kind smile and then went back to tending her young daughter. “My beautiful grandchildren Will and Millie there.” They were cute children, Alice had to admit. “My middle daughter Little J, she’s the doctor in the family,” Emilia said proudly, pointing to the blonde sister who waved. Alice could recall hearing Annie talking about going to see Little J for a social reason rather than a medicinal reason. A woman doctor? How strange. “And her husband, Doctor Harrison Gray,” Emilia continued. “You know Annie and Joseph. And then there’s my baby boy, Henry.” The youngest of the Alcott children rolled his eyes, embarrassed at his mother’s remarks. “Jacqueline runs Joseph’s orphanage and we’re very offended you haven’t introduced us to her sooner, Joseph,” Emilia scolded playfully.

Joseph smirked. “My apologies, Emilia,” he replied, pretending to be deeply remorseful.

“Darling, sit down,” Emilia instructed, pointing to an empty space on the settee net to Annie and Amy. Alice timidly took a seat next to her friend and smoothed out the long skirt on the gown.

“Relax, they can smell fear,” Annie whispered to her. It took a moment for Alice to realise that she was joking.

Alice caught a reassuring look from James who had moved from where he was standing next to his father to behind the settee where Kitty, William, Little J and Harrison were all sitting. He looked happy to see her and she was glad of that. She didn’t want there to be any awkwardness between them after their almost kiss the other night. “It is a pleasure to meet you all,” Alice said, attempting to speak clearly so that her accent did not hinder their understanding of her words. Just like English troubled her, her accented English troubled those who listened to her.

“The pleasure is ours, Jacqueline,” Sebastian said welcomingly. He had an air of dominance about him, as any Lord would. One could tell he was wealthy but feeling that alluring confidence radiating about him but he did not seem arrogant. He seemed humble. They all did. “We make it our business to support as many charities as possible and the orphanage is a favourite of ours. You are doing a spectacular job for one so you. Pray, what is your age?”

An Earl had just complimented her. Alice was more than alarmed. She was sure she looked like a stunned rabbit to them all. “Eighteen,” she managed to say after a moment of silence.

“Just a child, isn’t she?” Emilia said to her husband.

“And just the age to start a season. You should not be a stranger, Jacqueline. We’ve been known to throw many a soiree in our time. Your attendance is welcomed.”

Alice did not know the first thing about English parties. She’d never danced in her life nor had she any experience in conversing to rich people. Talking with the Alcotts was completely new territory. “That is very kind of you, mon Seigneur, but I do not think that people like me belong at such soirees.”

“Nonsense,” Sebastian scoffed. “Had I had such an opinion as a young man I should not have attended any parties at all myself. Emilia can attest to that.”