The hooped petticoat was more of a problem. “How do you sit down in this?” he asked Mrs. Ferrers, the house keeper. “You’ve nothing but small side panniers,” she observed. “Now those of twenty years ago were something terrible, they were. This will do little more than give you a woman’s shape.”Finchley glanced down at the bodice of his sky-blue gown and snorted. “My hips aren’t the only part in need of padding, Mrs. Ferrers.”“It would be much easier if you’d allow one of the house maids to do it for you,” she said. “Betty, now. She has a properly dramatic way with her.”He shook his head. “The duke would never forgive me for allowing a woman to see him in his current state. Never.”Mrs. Ferrers pursed her lips. “Betty can’t afford to lose her place. She’s got those three sisters of hers.”“There you are, then.”“Your arms look terribly hairy, Mr. Finchley, if you don’t mind my saying so.”“Perhaps a shawl? I tried to get into that red gown with the long sleeves, but it didn’t fit.”“Well, you look as best a man can look in a woman’s costume.
What do You think about An Affair Before Christmas?
