For now though, I will turn my thoughts to the ball, for Charlotte’s sake, and for Freddie’s. He has waited such a long time to emerge from the gloom of mourning. I must not spoil it for him with my own preoccupations. I sit on the stool of my dressing table and browse through my jewelry box. I have promised Mama I will not allow my appearance to be in any way brash, though after so many months of somber dressing, the ivory chiffon I am wearing feels shocking even without jewels. I admit to feeling wonderful in it. The corset Charlotte insisted I buy is barely worthy of the name, it is so light. It cleverly gives me the shape to suit the slim silhouette of my gown without in the least restricting my movement. Such freedom feels a little wicked. The dress itself is from Paris, absolutely the latest thing, Mrs. Morell assured me, designed to make the most of careful draping of the fabric. The waist is high, so that the skirts fall elegantly, the sheer silk underskirts a mere whisper against my body. Charlotte notices what I am doing and tuts loudly.

“Lilith, put those baubles away. There is only one necklace you should wear tonight, and you know it.”

“Oh, Charlotte, no, I couldn’t possibly…”

“But you must!” She steps forward in such agitation that Alice is forced to let go of the corset she had been lacing for her. “This is the first ball since you came out of mourning. It is an important occasion. You have to show that you are back in society for good and proper now.”

“But, Charlotte … such flamboyance…”

“I swear, if you do not wear the Montgomery diamonds I will accompany you as I stand!” She draws herself up proudly. “What do you think Lady Annabel would make of your party including a woman in her underclothes? How would that sit with her notion of what is proper?”

I begin to laugh. “Well, they are very expensive, very pretty underclothes…”

“I mean it, Lilith. Put those diamonds on this minute.”

I feel a small thrill run through me.

Alice is smiling. “Shall I fetch the key, my lady?” she asks.

I nod. “Thank you, Alice.”