XXIII – Satin and Ermine

Grasping the doorframe for support, Yvonne felt the familiar pressure around her ribs as the ruddy-faced seamstress tightened her new corset laces.

It was a pretty corset, of pale cream-colored silk, fashioned about a whale-bone frame.

It was as pretty as the beautiful gown that followed – a dark green gown of smooth satin, with long black roped tassels hanging from her tiny waist and tied in a complicated knot, and a black chemise beneath. Gifts from Sir Percy and her husband, carefully created on short notice to their specifications. They were both so good to her, and she had no idea how to thank them for their kindness.

But it was afterwards, as she was gazing at herself in the small square mirror upon the wall while a young maid tied her hair back with a black velvet ribbon, that she received the most wonderful gift of all.

There was a gentle knock upon her door, and when it opened, Marguerite Blakeney was there, smiling brilliantly at her. Before the younger could speak, she breathed a sigh of relief, hurried forward, and hugged her friend tightly. Yvonne returned the affectionate gesture with a cry of happiness, and Marguerite beamed at her before turning to face the young servant boy who was standing nervously on the threshold.

"You may place it here," she directed cheerfully, indicating a chair bolted to the floor. "Thank you."

He did as he was told, then bowed and quickly departed. The little maid left the room as well, and once alone with Marguerite, Yvonne merely stared at the richly wrapped box. Then, after a couple of seconds, she slowly moved forward and opened it. But she wasn't quite prepared for what was inside, and she gasped when her fingers parted the wrappings to touch a beautiful, soft, floor-length fur cape.

"I am so thankful that you are safe, chéri," Marguerite confessed, her blue eyes revealing the worry she must have endured over the past few days. "I knew that Tony and Percy would see that you had new clothes in order to leave the Daydream, but this gift is from me alone. I do hope you like it. 'Tis dreadfully chilly out, and it would be terrible to catch cold after such a dreadful ordeal!"

And suddenly, Yvonne realized that she was Lady Dewhurst again. And furthermore, she felt like it. She was no longer a Kernogan, and in a way, this knowledge was an immense relief.

To Lady Blakeney's astonishment, she burst into thankful tears.