She changed into one of her simple muslin gowns, added a dark blue spencer and tied a blue ribbon around the e topknot in her hair. She would not be able to create an entirely new wardrobe. When the holiday house party was in full swing, her richly colored gowns would have to suffice for the evenings. She entered the drawing room. Stealing in unnoticed was not a possibility with the footman opening the door. At home, the servants had dwindled to nonexistent before the family had moved into the cottage. Even without renters the upkeep of the hall was too much without servants. She nodded her thanks, swallowed hard, then glided into the room, a small smile pasted on her mouth. Now was the time for her to perform as if her very life depended upon it. Her stomach churned and her knees threatened to give out on her. So much rode on her ability to sway one of the guests into becoming her means of founding her future and the future of her family. The Duchess of Trent introduced her to Sir William Breedon and Lady Breedon.
