Snowflakes and Scandals

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

The following morning, Olivia glanced out the window of her mother’s bedchamber, wondering once again about the fate of the injured man. He’d disappeared by the time she returned, not even her cloak remaining to mark the spot.

How unfortunate that it was her only one.

“We will have to get you a new cloak next time we go to the village,” her mother said yet again.

Olivia had been chilled to the bone by the time she’d made it home, well aware of how worried the household would be because of her delay.

“There’s no hurry.” Olivia knew funds were tight as she was the one who kept the books.

While her father was a baron, he had little interest in the land and tenants. He preferred tinkering in his study where he enjoyed taking apart things, most recently a clock, a music box, and an automaton of a soldier that was supposed to march when wound up. Each time he declared he’d at last succeeded in putting one back together, something went awry, and it was back to the drawing board.

“You can wear a cloak of mine until we find another.” Her mother frowned as she looked out the window from her bed where she was resting.

Obviously, the missing cloak bothered her as she had raised the topic several times.

“Excellent idea.” Olivia gave her a bright smile, hoping to put aside the issue, and returned her attention to the mending she worked on while keeping her mother company.

Unfortunately, her mother had little need of a cloak since she rarely ventured out of doors, especially not this time of year. A chill was the last thing she needed.

With a quiet sigh, Olivia studied her mother, noting her limp brown hair, dull eyes, and sallow complexion. The nightrail she wore should’ve been put in the rag pile, but she insisted it was fine as she did with most things.

Olivia cleared her throat, trying to think of a new subject. “I saw Mrs. Johnson in the village. She is quite excited as her son and daughter are coming home for Christmas.”

Before she could share further details, the clatter of horses’ hooves on the cobblestones below caught their attention.

“I wonder who that could be.” Her mother straightened in the bed to better see out the window.

Curious, as they rarely had visitors other than the doctor, Olivia set aside the mending and rose to look. A fine coach sat out front that looked vaguely familiar.

“Who is it?” her mother asked.

“I’m not certain.” Olivia watched as the driver hopped down and opened the coach door.

A lady’s gloved hand extended from the interior for the driver to take. That only made Olivia more curious. Soon a clever black bonnet adorned with feathers came into view followed by a lady draped in a black cloak.

As if feeling the weight of Olivia’s regard, she glanced up at the window and smiled.

Excitement rushed through Olivia. “It’s Aunt Ester!”

“Ester? Truly?” Her mother’s eyes widened in surprise.

Her mother’s older sister was a force of nature. Having been a widow for the past twenty years, she had a strong will and a keen sense of adventure, much different than her younger sister.

“Why didn’t she tell us she was coming?” Mother asked.

Because you would’ve told her not to . Olivia clamped her lips tight to keep the response from escaping.

Instead, she turned to face her mother with a beaming smile. “Isn’t it wonderful? What a lovely surprise.”

“Yes. Yes, of course,” her mother agreed. Yet Olivia noted hesitation in the way her gaze darted about the room.

Olivia couldn’t help but think her aunt’s surprise visit would be good for the whole family. Her mother would have a reason to leave her bedchamber. Her father would be forced from his study. And Olivia would have a flicker of hope that not everyone had forgotten her. That life hadn’t completely passed her by.

She swallowed back the longing that rose inside her, only partially succeeding. Her aunt’s visit didn’t mean anything would change. But perhaps for a few days, she could pretend that a future caring for her parents wasn’t set in stone as her only path forward. That maybe, just maybe, she might one day have a family of her own.

Even as the thought crossed her mind, guilt filled her. She loved her parents dearly and wanted to be with them. Caring for them shouldn’t be considered a burden.

Yet still...

She shook off the protest, determined to be grateful. Her life was lovely, and she was content with her lot. But she couldn’t wait to speak with Aunt Ester. It had been well over a year since her last visit. Though they exchanged many letters, it wasn’t quite the same.

“I will greet her and return directly.”

“Yes, please do.” Her mother’s smile eased Olivia’s concern and some of her guilt.

She hurried from the room and down the steps, arriving just as the maid greeted their guest.

“Aunt Ester!” Olivia rushed forward, suddenly aware of how dowdy she must look. She hadn’t bothered with her appearance that morning as she’d been busy with numerous chores. “How wonderful to see you.”

Her aunt grinned, her gaze looking over Olivia from head to toe. “Darling, it has been too long.” She embraced her in a long hug that warmed Olivia to her toes before she leaned back. “How are you faring?”

“We are well. Thank you.” Oliva sighed with envy at the smart bonnet and lovely lilac-colored silk gown visible beneath her cloak. Her aunt always took care with her appearance and was the picture of good health. “We weren’t expecting you.”

“I thought it might be a fun surprise.”

“It certainly is.” Olivia clenched a fist to keep from smoothing her hair and gown. “How lovely of you to come. You look wonderful.”

“How is your mother?” Aunt Ester’s brow crinkled with worry.

“Come see for yourself,” Olivia declared, not wanting to paint a picture for her aunt when she was here to form her own opinion.

A maid stood behind her aunt, looking amazingly efficient and ready for any assigned task.

“Freda, will you see to our unpacking, please?” Aunt Ester asked.

“Of course, madam.” She reached to take Aunt Ester’s cloak.

Olivia glanced over her shoulder. “Sarah, please lend your assistance.”

Sarah bobbed a quick curtsy, seeming excited to have company.

Aunt Ester started toward the parlor only to glance about the empty room. “Wherever is your mother?”

“In her bedchamber.” Olivia forced a smile, offering no excuse. “She will be so pleased to see you.”

Her aunt’s eyes widened in response.

Olivia led the way up the stairs, pausing several times to listen to her aunt’s recounting of the journey. Aunt Ester had the ability to make the mundane sound fascinating. Of course, it had been some time since Olivia had enjoyed a journey farther than the walk to the village. Anything more sounded like an adventure.

They reached her mother’s door and Olivia stepped back to allow the sisters a chance to greet one another. The moment brought tears to her eyes.

“Darling, how good to see you.” Aunt Ester was clearly taken aback to find her younger sister in bed at this hour. Much like she had with Olivia, Aunt Ester drew back from their embrace to look her over, her gaze holding on to her sister’s pale face.

Her mother seemed almost embarrassed at her current state of health, yet lifted her chin and greeted her sister with every ounce of warmth and vigor she could find.

Olivia often wished her mother would fight the illness that had plagued her for the last few years but also knew the battle wearied her. Her weak lungs along with a lingering cough seemed to have spread to the rest of her body. She often took one step forward and two steps back with her health.

Olivia had no doubt the visit from her sister would rally her flagging spirits, something Olivia no longer seemed able to do.

The two sisters conversed, picking up where they’d left off during their last visit.

“Your travels have been so exciting to read about,” Olivia’s mother shared. “We have enjoyed your letters. Haven’t we Olivia?”

“Absolutely.” They had read them again and again to absorb every nuance of news.

Her mother cleared her throat, handkerchief in hand as she briefly covered her mouth. “Your last letter mentioned you hoped to return for the holidays, but I didn’t realize you would journey this far north before Christmas.”

“I wasn’t certain how long the trip would take so couldn’t make any promises. Of course, I had to come and see you.” Aunt Ester’s gaze took in them both. “I intend to continue north to Lord and Lady Ballard’s estate.”

“Oh?” Her mother’s expression fell, clearly hurt that she wasn’t the sole reason for her sister’s visit. “How nice.”

“You may remember that Lady Ballard and I have been dear friends since before we were married.”

“Oh, yes.” Her mother’s hand fluttered before resting on the bed linens. “I had quite forgotten.”

Olivia had met Lord and Lady Ballard but had never been to their home, an hour or so to the north. From what a villager had told her, the estate was grand.

“They are hosting a house party for a few days.” Her aunt smiled, seemingly unaware of her sister’s hurt. “I have the best news.” She glanced at Olivia. “Olivia is invited as well.”

Her mother’s eyes widened even as her mouth dropped open. She glanced between Aunt Ester and Olivia, clearly at a loss for words.

Olivia’s heart pinched as a pang of longing stole her breath. Of course, she couldn’t go. Leaving her mother was impossible to consider, even for a few days.

“Why don’t I leave my maid here to lend aid?” Aunt Ester glanced at Olivia. “The two of us can share one of Lady Ballard’s maids, don’t you think?”

“I...suppose.” Olivia blinked, unable to believe she might go.

“When is it?” her mother asked, a hint of panic in her voice.

“We would need to leave tomorrow but should only be gone for a few days. They are hosting a ball on the last evening of the gathering. When we return, I will stay through Christmas. Won’t that be lovely?” The hint of steel in her tone suggested she wouldn’t take no for an answer.

Yet as the image of joining a house party complete with a ball filled Olivia’s mind, she realized she couldn’t go. “I don’t have anything suitable to wear to such a gathering.”

Aunt Ester frowned as she studied Olivia’s faded gown, which had been mended in more places than she could count. “You won’t need anything too special except for the ball.” She looked at her sister. “Surely something could be done.”

“I am not certain what...” her mother said. She still seemed to be reeling from the idea of Olivia leaving for even a short time.

“What of the gown from your betrothal party?” Aunt Ester asked. “You remember the one. It was white. So pretty. Do you still have it?”

Olivia shook her head, having never seen the gown, only to halt in surprise when her mother slowly nodded.

“Yes, it’s in the attic.” Her mother bit her lip, making Olivia certain the gown must be in poor condition.

“I have been up there numerous times and never noticed it,” Olivia countered.

“It’s in the old trunk. You know the one.”

Aunt Ester clapped her hands, eyes lit with excitement. “Let us have a look. Why don’t you find it, Olivia, and bring it down here? We will see what can be done.”

Her mother gave Olivia the smallest nod, sending a thrill through her. That was all it took for her to hurry out and climb up the stairs to the attic where all manner of old items were stored. She remembered the trunk her mother referred to but realized she had never looked inside.

The musty space with its bent walls had been a wonderful place to play as a child, though it had been some time since she’d done more than look in it.

She entered the attic, heart pounding as she moved around the cobwebs, making a mental note to do some cleaning with Sarah soon. After kneeling before the large trunk, she drew a breath to calm herself then undid the latches and slowly opened the lid.

Even if the gown was in there, chances were it would be yellowed with age and full of holes. No doubt it was beyond repair. She retrieved a wrapped parcel tied with string and set it on a crate before looking through the rest of the trunk. Nothing else could be the gown, so she closed the lid and carried the package down the stairs, not wanting to open it in the dusty attic.

“Is this it, Mother?” she asked when she returned to the bedchamber.

“Yes, it is.” A smile curved her lips, suggesting memories of better days filled her. “It might fit you. I was of a similar size in those days.”

She wasn’t so different in size now from Olivia, though Olivia remembered her being plumper years ago.

Olivia set it on the end of the bed and untied the string, carefully unfolding the fabric wrapped around it. A beautiful white gown with tiny seed pearls sewn over the bodice in a swirling pattern caught her breath.

“It’s so beautiful.” Olivia held it up by the shoulders, stunned by how pretty it was, hardly able to imagine her mother in the gown.

“Isn’t it?” Aunt Ester came to stand beside Olivia. “Just as I remember.” She looked at her sister. “You looked so beautiful in it.”

Her mother’s smile grew broader. “How I loved that gown. It was a wonderful evening. Let us see if it fits you.”

Olivia lifted it before her. Though a little short, otherwise it looked as if it might work.

“There is a large hem if I remember correctly.” Her mother pointed to the bottom.

Aunt Ester bent down and turned over the hem. “Plenty of fabric to lengthen it if needed. There’s no yellowing at all.”

“I felt like a princess in that gown,” her mother said softly, a distant look in her eye.

“You looked like one as well,” Aunt Ester agreed. “How fitting that Olivia wears it again. The ball will be the perfect occasion.”

“Are you sure?” Olivia looked between the two ladies, uncertainty filling her. “If mother or father should need me?—”

“Nonsense.” Aunt Ester rose and waved a hand of dismissal. “We will only be gone a few days and not far away. With Freda here to lend a hand, there will be no need for concern.”

Olivia watched her mother, something tight inside her chest unfurling when she nodded, her previously dull brown eyes now shining with light.

“You should go, Olivia. It will be fun, and it’s been a long time since you enjoyed anything of the sort.”

With that, the matter was settled as Olivia knew her father wouldn’t argue as long as someone was at the house to care for her mother.

Feeling rather like Cinderella must have when her fairy godmother arrived, Olivia took the gown to her bedchamber with Aunt Ester, Sarah, and Freda in tow to see what modifications needed to be made.

She couldn’t remember being this excited. It was almost enough to make her believe in Christmas miracles once again.