Chapter 6 ,  continued

April 6, 1816

"Aunt Serena is absolutely correct. This evening gown is a work of art," Marleigh murmured to herself.

The willow green satin was the over-skirt, sleeves and bodice. It was softly gathered in the empire fashion falling into long scallops edged with rich dark green and golden amber threads. The underskirt was eight inches of fine soft cream-colored Belgium lace. The edging around the deep neckline and bodice was a repeat of the dark green and golden amber threads, matching Marleigh's hazel green eyes perfectly. A translucent silk organdy of amber, slightly gathered, turned the revealing daring plunge to a modestly enveloped damsel. The sleeves ended in a slender single row of cream-colored lace just peeking out below the dark green and amber gold edging.

Marleigh wore a simple dark green velvet ribbon with a stunning cameo brooch in cream and amber at her throat. Her mother had given her the cameo. It was her favorite piece of jewelry. She felt very well dressed this evening. She had to admit, it was fun having a steamy hot bath, oiling her entire body, having her nails attended, while another maid lightly dusted her face and shoulders, gave a bit of shaping to her eyebrows and the barest hint of color on her cheeks and lips. Her new personal maid, Babette, coiffed her hair in a huge twist with wisps of curls around her face and neck. The maid adjusted the mirror so she could see her entire reflection. She hardly recognized herself. The dress was gorgeous. She looked stunning in it . The maids were excited to see her reaction.                                                               

"My Heavens! I look wonderful!"

Looking over each shoulder, turning and twisting, she was suddenly filled with energy. Thanking her maids, she stepped carefully down the stairs. Confident she had never looked as radiant, she breezed into the front parlor.

*****

This was Marleigh's third evening event. Standing to the side of a large potted palm Marleigh overheard two men talking about the possibility of her cousin bringing charges against her father for treason.

She walked around the palm and joined the conversation, asking questions and making comments about Robert Mandeville having tried to get a title through rumor once before, "Didn't he?"  

"Didn't you just arrive in England? How do you know so much about Mandeville?"

"He is my third cousin. Normally, I would rally around a relative, but -"

"But your Father is the one he is saying committed treason!"

"Yes. I am Marleigh Barrett. I know our shipping company has paid all British taxes that are due. The tax people know exactly what we do and whom we do it for and they have never complained. And we have constantly moved men and supplies up and down the coast for the British navy, when needed. You will note that Mandeville has never spent any effort increasing the British tax revenue, nor soldiering for the Kingdom. He has done nothing for our nation yet HE, not the war office, not Parliament, brings these vicious accusations against my father. His motivation is clear: He will do or say anything to acquire money and a title he didn’t earn or come by through rightful inheritance."

She leaned in conspiratorially and whispered, "In fact, it is my understanding that Mandeville was there at the Christmas dinner with my two uncles, who surprisingly were both poisoned, according to the coroner. But not Mandeville. No.  I was told that he expressed his concern about James to Allen at breakfast. Mandeville advised against calling the doctor but Allen thought he should. Allen got up from the breakfast table and fell on the floor himself, unconscious. I was told Mandeville argued with the butler over calling for medical help. Once a footman was sent to fetch the local doctor, Mandeville left immediately.  Yes, he was fine. Ate the same food as they did, but wasn't sick for even a minute."                                                       

Their eyes got bigger and the older gentleman asked, "You're saying he poi -"

"I am saying - for optimum health, do not dine or break a fast with Robert Mandeville!"

She excused herself, feeling confident that Robert Mandeville was not the only one who could influence people through rumor and gossip.

 Gossip! It wasn't really gossip. I have all my facts straight. This is News- facts, figures, time and place. Maybe I should make regular rounds behind each of the palms!

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