The Muse Read Free Page B

Court and her own home growing up was starkly dissimilar.  Her four cousins were a definite distraction from the harsh reality of grief though, and that was something at least.
    She remembered back to her sister’s wedding.  Just a year ago, they had celebrated Philippa’s joy with not a hint of what was to come.  Imogene supposed time would ease her melancholy, but for now it still wrapped around her like a cloak.
    The usual disorder greeted her.  “Alexander!  Take that muddy dog outside at once.  And, Bettina, look at you!  You have as much mud on you as the dog.”  Aunt Wilton scolded them both.
    “Sorry, Mamma.”  The twins deferred to their mother before hurrying away to do her bidding.
    Imogene could not hold back her grin.  “Bettina reminds me of…me at that age.”
    “Imogene.  We were beginning to worry, dear.  You are past your time,” she admonished.
    “Yes, Aunt, I am sorry.  Terra came up lame and I found an orphaned lamb and brought it to Kenilbrooke.  They’ve loaned me a horse to get back.”
    “Always an easy mark for the creatures.”  She put her hand up to Imogene’s face.  “But you are a sweet girl with a gentle heart who cannot help it, can you?”
    “No, Aunt.  I cannot help it.”  She shrugged helplessly.
    “Be an angel and go up and help Cariss prepare for the ball tonight.  I heard from Mrs. Charleston today that Mr. Everley’s cousins have arrived at Kenilbrooke for the wedding.  I daresay there will be new introductions this evening, my dear, so wear your finest and, Imogene, do try to enjoy yourself tonight.”  Aunt Wilton took Imogene’s chin gently in her hand.  “You are young and beautiful and worthy.  You deserve to be happy, my darling.  Your mamma and papa would have wanted it.”  At the mention of her parents, Imogene’s countenance fell, and her aunt saw, but carried on.  “Now, dear heart, please do not let the mention of them sadden you.  They are together in heaven and at peace.  I know their fondest wish is for their beloved child to find happiness and to be settled into a life of her own as your sister is.  This is a time for amusement and diversion, for you to be carefree and to meet new people. You will catch the eye of some gentleman soon. I know it.  How could you not?  So, a happy face then?  You will try?”
    “Yes, Aunt, I will try.”  Imogene gave her aunt a gentle embrace.
    Aunt Wilton kissed her forehead.  “That’s my brave girl.  Off you go now to make yourself beautiful.”
    Hours later, Imogene had taken her aunt’s advice to heart and was determined to make an effort to find some enjoyment in the evening.  The gown she chose was blush, chiffon silk, short-sleeved and high-waisted, with an intricate, golden brocade-embellished belt.  She left off the requisite long white gloves.  Her adornment was her mother’s pearl and diamond choker.  The choker was very old and contained four horizontal ropes of pearls, with the middle being secured with a diamond and pearl encrusted oval.  Wearing it made her feel close in spirit to her mother.  Imogene arranged her dark blonde hair so most was gathered up, but a few long curls were allowed to hang down on one side.
    Her cousin, Cariss, wore a similar concoction, but in pale blue.  Cariss was Imogene’s closest friend, save her own sister, but younger by two years.  In the carriage en-route to Kenilbrooke she held Imogene’s hand, chatting about the different dances, what the ladies might wear, wondering who their dance partners might be.  Pulling up the drive, the glow cast from the blazing torches lit up the courtyard steps.  Imogene was instantly taken back to her earlier encounter just today, right here upon this spot. She felt a peculiar sensation sweep over her—odd, with a strangeness of feeling—unaware it was an omen that things were about to change.
     

     
    SIR Oliver and Lady Wilton were announced first, then Timothy, Cariss, and finally