The High Tea
Dearest Reader,
This month’s Monsters Ball has opened with quite the scandal. Miss Phillipa Willoughby—also known as the Duchess of Chelmsford—arrived at the Ball in the most scandalous manner. She came completely undone, not in a proper dress and most likely fresh from her beloved garden, not ready to be received by Countess Stalbridge or any of the finest monsters in the bête monde.
I have it on good authority that the countess was quite tempted to ask Phillipa to return home, but she would not defy the Queen’s choice.
Rumor has it that Her Majesty chose Miss Willoughby for the Ball for these precise reasons. After the mysterious disappearance of her husband, Wesley, Duke of Chelmsford, she was encouraged to return to society for another season in the marriage mart. She refused.
Of course, there is no refusing the Queen’s demand, but we will be watching with great interest to see how Miss Willoughby behaves at this most important social event, and what the implications of those actions may be.
Until next time, sip slowly, my friends.
Lady Grey
Chapter Five
Phillipa
“Well, that was absolutely dreadful.” Phillipa closed the door to her room and leaned against it, closing her eyes and wishing she had another chance to make a first impression on Countess Stalbridge. The hostess was putting on an impressive production for her benefit and she’d already disappointed her. She did not know what it would mean for the rest of her time here. Phillipa had wished to not garner too much attention during her stay, since her goal for the next three days differed greatly from the countess’s.
Master Bow, on the other hand, seemed pleased to have a blank slate to work with. Phillipa looked forward to having him dress her in the most stylish finery. How she wished she’d paid more attention to Bernadette when she prattled on about this Season’s latest styles. Again, she didn’t want to draw too much attention, but to pull off her plan, she needed to be alluring, discreet, and most importantly, fearless.
The latter would take some work.
“How could you possibly think anything here is dreadful? Look at this room! It’s gorgeous!” Ainslee’s wings sprayed shards of pink, teal, and purple light through the room as they fluttered. She was positively radiant—practically glowing like the flame of a candle.
The third floor room was small but spectacularly furnished, with heavy purple curtains framing the windows and flowering vines of roses papering the walls. The bed was larger than the one Phillipa shared with Bernadette at home, carved from rich wood, and she could get lost in the stack of decorative pillows. A single painting hung on the wall, just above the bed. A princely creature with horns and claws offered a glass slipper to his lady.
It was beautiful, slightly grotesque, and Phillipa couldn’t shake the feeling that this very scene had played out more than once on the grounds of Broadstone Hall.
Phillipa hardly dared to speak in more than a whisper. “My meeting was dreadful. I arrived with tangled hair and a filthy morning dress. It did not make a good first impression on Countess Stalbridge. Did you see the other ladies sitting in the front yard when we arrived? They’re gorgeous, perfect, and probably need no help from Master Bow.”
“They all failed their Seasons,” Ainslee crossed her arms in front of her chest, seemingly floating in the air in front of Phillipa. “Are you in the market for a monster, Duchess?”
Phillipa tipped up her chin. “Only the one I’ve come to kill.”
“Have you seen any of them yet?” Ainslee came closer, and her glow intensified. “Don’t you wonder if they’re handsome in person? Or if they’re perfectly horrible and disgusting?”
“No.” Ainslee laughed. “None have made my acquaintance of yet. But soon, I meet with Master Bow to be dressed and then there is simply no telling what will happen.”
Ainslee dipped down, reaching for Phillipa’s hand. “Please come see what the elders packed for you. It may not be everything you need, but you will be able to stand next to any lady or monster at that Ball and feel proud. No one will remember this initial indiscretion.”
Ainslee had taken the liberty of unpacking Phillipa’s bag while she met with Master Bow and the Countess. Several dresses she’d never seen before had been laid out: one green, one dusty purple, a beautiful red one with gold trim, and one an elegant white. All colors that would accentuate her red hair and green eyes. Rules were definitely different at Broadstone Hall than they had been in the ton, and she wasn’t sure what fashions were expected here, but she’d be proud to be seen in any of these dresses.
An intricate collection of crystals, stones, and dried flowers circled the frocks, infusing them with magic.
“Beautiful.” Emotion pricked Phillipa’s eyes. These dresses were so much nicer than her own. Her mother and her sister hadn’t offered to help her prepare for the Ball, because they had been much more interested in committing her. “Not one detail was forgotten.”
“I think you’re missing the most important detail, Duchess.” Ainslee landed next to the white dress, and dragged a silver chain closer to her body. “The elders provided you with an instrument to disarm the Wolven King.”
Phillipa picked up the necklace and examined the pendant. It was all silver and in the shape of a teardrop. She noticed a lever, which when moved revealed a razor fine point.
“Silver will kill a wolven, Duchess,” Ainslee added, her voice barely audible. “You may not get the chance at this Ball, but when you do, you should undoubtedly take it. The elders do not wish for you to bear our burden. But they will offer you support if you do carry out this mission.”
A knock on the door made Phillipa jump. Hurriedly, she put the chain around her neck, thankful that the cover was securely in place as the pendant fell between her breasts. She would have to get very close to the Wolven King to be able to implement her new weapon. Good thing she had plenty of monsters to practice her rusty charms on.
The attendant’s mouth dropped when he saw Phillipa. She was still in the same disheveled condition in which she had arrived. “My lady, Master Bow is ready to see you now.”
Phillipa managed a smile. “Please let him know I will be there momentarily.”
With a nod, the attendant left, and Phillipa closed the door. “The Ball is starting, and I’m a mess.”
She rushed to the mirror and smoothed her hair. Ainslee fluttered between her and the looking glass.
“My lady, that’s what I’m here for. Simply decide which dress you’d like to wear tonight, and I’ll choose the crystals that will best protect you to go with it. I’m sure our dresses are nothing compared to what Master Bow has in stock, but he will know that you are a lady of fine taste, and together, we will make you perfect.”
“You’re coming to the fitting with me?” Phillipa’s mouth dropped.
“Of course not. But I will admit that I do plan to watch over you at the Ball to make sure you stay safe.” Ainslee winked. “And enjoy the monsters and all the scandal that’s sure to happen at a party without chaperones.”
“I wish you could participate in the festivities with me,” Phillipa said. She chose the green dress for tonight. As soon as she pulled it over her head, Ainslee fluttered over to help her adjust it.