Standing at the window of Mrs. Trenchard’s dressing room, her breath fogging the pane, she strained to see the activity in the street below. The Countess, in an elegant plumed hat and carrying a parasol, was leaning forward to give instructions to her coachman. Next to her in the barouche, also protected from the warm sunshine by a delicate fringed parasol, was Lady Maria Grey. She wore a pale blue and white striped skirt, finished with a tight, military-style navy jacket. Her face was framed in a matching blue bonnet edged with cream lace. In short, Maria looked, as she had fully intended, ravishing. They did not climb down onto the pavement. Instead, one of the postilions advanced toward the door and rang the bell.Ellis knew they had come to collect her mistress, and so she headed for the stairs as quickly as she could manage, carrying everything she’d need. Mrs. Trenchard was already waiting in the hall.“Will you require me any further this morning, ma’am?” asked the maid, holding up a green pelisse.“I won’t, thank you.”“I expect you’re going somewhere nice, ma’am.”“Nice enough.”
