A Heart Revealed Read Online Free Page B

ribbon, and feathers were appropriate so long as they did not distract from her natural beauty. She was partial to gold, white, and green accessories as they brought out the color of her eyes and hair.
    She had a diamond tiara she wore on occasion but not often as it was such a memorable piece. It was kept in her father’s safe and only Lord or Lady Marchent could retrieve it. Her other jewelry was stored in her mother’s room; Suzanne would need to coordinate with Nelson to procure whatever items best fit the event’s dress. The only piece she kept in her own room was the amber pendant she wore whenever an occasion warranted the unique and personal item.
    “Very well, Miss,” Suzanne said when Amber finished. “I shall do my best to meet your expectations.”
    “Be aware that if you do not, you shall not last a fortnight in this household,” Amber warned. There was no reason to be less than honest with the underling. “I was far too indulging of my former maid’s inadequacies, and I will not be so generous again.”
    “Yes, Miss,” Suzanne said again, bowing slightly in response.
    Convinced she’d made her point, Amber turned her back to the woman so Suzanne could help her out of her day dress and into the silver crepe evening gown she’d chosen for the night’s events. They would be attending two assemblies tonight: an evening party and a coming-out ball, though Amber felt it ridiculous that the girl’s parents were holding it so late in the season. She’d seen the girl at two different events and found it very bad ton to have a ball touted as a debut when the girl had already made appearances. Still, there promised to be a good turnout, several of Amber’s admirers would be in attendance, and Amber’s parents were well acquainted with the family.
    There was always a goal to be achieved regardless of the event, and she was prepared to make the most of it.

Chapter 3
    At ten minutes past the hour at which they were supposed to leave, Amber hurried into the closed carriage that had been waiting for far too long.
    “You have made all of us late,” her mother reprimanded as the footman closed the door.
    Amber put a hand to her chest. The high stays, pulled tight to accentuate her small waist and large bosom, made it particularly difficult for her to regain her breath. “It is not my fault,” she said between tight breaths. “The new abigail is hardly worthy of the recommendation she received.” The carriage lurched forward, and Amber reached out to brace herself against the side until the carriage had gained a rhythm on the cobblestones. Once she could draw a full breath, she continued her complaint. “It took her three attempts to arrange my hair in a style I am still only half pleased with.”
    She sat back against the cushions and crossed her arms, keeping to herself that in order to create the full topknot, Suzanne had rolled a pair of Amber’s stockings into her hair. The very idea was humiliating. Amber had never needed padding or props to give herself the appearance of a thick coiffure. She reflected on the complaints she’d had these last weeks about Helen’s styling. Now Amber had a new maid but was still unhappy with the results. What could be the cause?
    Feeling the anxiety of such thoughts far stronger than was comfortable, Amber cast her eyes upon her sister—younger by barely a year—pouting in the corner of the carriage as she looked out the window. At least her mother had convinced Darra of the importance of her attendance tonight. At least that.
    “I’ll have no patience for a case of the doldrums tonight, Darra,” Amber warned.
    Darra turned her eyes on Amber, matching her glare. “I do not feel well tonight. I should be abed.”
    “You should be at my side, exactly where you belong,” Amber countered. “You are simply put out that Mama did not order you a new gown.”
    “You have had three new gowns just this month,” Darra spat back, leaning forward in her seat a bit