Page 28 of A Well-Trained Lady

“As am I,” I whispered, surprised that the declaration didn’t feel false.

Chapter Eight

I picked at the toast from my breakfast tray as Leah finished pinning my hair into place.

“You rose early, miss.”

I stifled a yawn. “I have promised to aid Ruth in becoming a proper lady, and we will begin this very morning. I shall require your help.”

Leah gave a brief nod, sifting through the box of my jewelry. She selected a simple pearl necklace and placed it around my neck. “And how might I assist you?”

“Ruth will need her hair pinned in a more flattering style. Her forehead is far too wide for the arranged curls that are currently fashionable. A higher coiffure would be more pleasing, I believe, but I leave that to your discretion.”

“That would suit her well.”

A vigorous knock echoed through the room, and I waited for Leah to answer the door.

“Good morning.” Ruth smiled at Leah and bounced into the room. “I was so excited to begin my training, I could hardly sleep. Augi teased me tirelessly about taking a longer ride this morning, but in the end, he made certain we were back early.”

I spun toward her in my chair, cursing my oversight. “You told your cousin of our plans?”

She nodded, her expression turning hesitant when I did not mirror her excitement. “Was I not to do that?”

I took a calming breath. “It is no matter. I suppose I may require help along the way. But perhaps refrain from telling others.”

Ruth bit her lip sheepishly. “Outside of my family?”

Evidently, she had already told the others. “Yes … of course.” Had I known Ruth would so carelessly mention our plans, I would have first spoken with Mrs. Brundage to ensure she did not think I offered such a thing because of her negligence. I’d simply have to make the point to do so soon.

“Agreed.” Ruth offered a resolute nod. “Where shall we begin?”

I stood and ushered her into the chair where I had just been sitting. “With the simplest thing to change—your appearance. Leah will style your hair.”

“But I have already had it styled.” Ruth reached up to touch the ringlet curls piled around her face.

I pushed my lips together, choosing how to word my reasons kindly. “I believe a different arrangement will more fully compliment the beautiful shape of your face.” I considered the ringlets set on each side of her forehead, affirming how it only served to widen her already heart-shaped face at the top. “We want to elongate your lovely features.”

Though I was certain she didn’t comprehend my explanation, Ruth nodded her agreement. Leah set to work, removing pins and loosening curls. When Ruth’s thick hair hung undone, Leah separated it down the middle, twisting both sides and bringing them, and the remaining hair, to the back. With another twist upward and a few pins to hold it in place, Leah had managed a lovely coiffure. Freeing a few curls around her face, Leah took a step back.

I gave a nod of approval. “Much improved.”

Ruth moved to look at her appearance, but I stopped her.

“Not yet. Wait until we have finished.” I opened my container of powdered carmine, and a touch of red powder floated through the air.

Ruth eyed the powder dubiously. “What is that?”

“Rouge.” I dabbed a small amount onto my fingers and added some hair powder to it. “The trick is applying just enough that it adds rose to your cheeks without appearing as though you are wearing anything at all.” I dusted my fingers and touched the apple of Ruth’s cheeks lightly. “And some on the lips for a touch of color.”

I surveyed the subtle change and was pleased with the effect. “As for your dress …” I paused, and shook my head with a sigh. “I wish I could say I have one that would fit you, but I believe anything of mine would drown you, both in the chest as well as the hips. We shall simply need to commission a few fashionable dresses for you to wear.”

“But I already own so many dresses. I’m certain they are sufficient.”

I scanned the unembellished day dress she wore. “Sufficient is not what we are trying to achieve.” I examined the neckline and sleeves, wondering what could be done to improve upon them. “Leah, grab my golden spencer, the one with the lace trimming. It has always been a little snug on me, and I daresay it will look splendid with Ruth’s coloring.” Leah moved to do my bidding, and I set my gaze back on Ruth. “As for your other gowns, Leah can attempt to update them as well. She is quite handy with a needle.”

Ruth’s eyes flew to Leah. “I would not wish to trouble her.”

“I assure you, it is no trouble.”