Dedicated to stephcutie001 & bitterbluefirekatsa!! Thanks for reading.

Revised, Published Version

Jade marched into the house, spewing rancorous words that would make a pirate blush, while Abagail sprinted behind her. "Jade, slow down! You are playing right into Miriam's hands and drawing attention from the servants. This is the exact response she wished to gain from you!" Abagail stopped to catch her breath as they reached the grand staircase.

"I know, and you are right, as always, Abby. I shall save my fury for Lord Anson!" Jade took a deep breath and ascended the stairs with Abagail close on her heels.

Once standing at Jade's bedchamber, Abagail lingered. Jade needed Abagail but was too proud to ask for company. Abagail knew Jade too well, and once the anger faded, her true feelings would seep in, leaving Jade hurt and bereft. Jade was very emotional and always wore her heart on her sleeve, causing her a lot of heartache.

"Do you mind if I come in for a bit? I'm nervous about the opera, and I'm assuming I'm to be included as well. Do you think we can decide on gowns?" Abagail gave Jade a tight smile.

"Yes, that's a splendid idea. I need something to take my mind off that vicious girl and incorrigible man! The very thought of him escorting Miriam tonight, after kissing me like that! I feel much the fool for believing his rubbish," Jade said, fighting back tears.

"You are jumping to conclusions, Jade. I'm sure there is a reasonable explanation, and you shouldn't assume the worst. Besides, Lord Anson has made his intentions clear, and I, for one, think you owe him your trust." Abagail glared at Jade.

"Trust!" Jade placed her hands on her hips in astonishment, her mouth agape. "You want me to trust that rake?" She thrust her head back and laughed. "He must earn my trust, and I fear I've been a lovesick fool, but that all ends now!"

"I don't like the sound of that. And I have seen how Lord Anson looks at you. You must calm your temper and remember with whom you are dealing. Miriam might be lying. She's not above deceiving to gain the upper hand and throw you off balance!" Abagail fixed Jade with a knowing look.

"You could be right," Jade admitted as she chewed her bottom lip, appearing to ponder Abagail's words. "I refuse to think of it anymore, but I feel like a rotten friend. I am sorry. Listen, I know how much you love opera, Abby, and I am thrilled. Let us pick out our gowns to wear tonight. We must outshine Miriam!" Jade winked at Abagail and made for the wardrobe.

Jade insisted on picking out one of her gowns for Abagail. "Oh my, I could never wear this one, Jade. I know it is one of your favorites, and you've never worn it. Please choose one you have already worn. I shall not feel comfortable in one of your new gowns." Abagail shook her head, but reached out, fingering the silk of the stunning gown.

"Nonsense, 'tis no longer my gown." Jade offered the garment draped across her forearms with a smile and a decisive nod of her head.

Abagail's mouth dropped open in an O, as she relented and held out her arms to accept the gown. "I do hope Lord Freeman is in attendance tonight." She glanced up from the gown with twinkling eyes. "I would hate to wear such a beautiful gown without him seeing me in it." Abagail stared back at the garment, frowning. "Mayhap, I should save this gown for the ball?"

"We shall find out who will join us tonight from Aunt Mattie. I have something else in mind for you, for the ball..." Jade smirked and gave Abagail a coy wink.

"You are too kind, but let us find out if the marquess is attending the opera first." Abagail's childlike excitement rubbed off on Jade.

"Come, let's find Mattie, and we shall see if he's coming." Jade held her hand out for Abagail and couldn't help the smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

They discovered Bella and Matilda in the Morning room whispering over fresh scones and tea. Jade peeked around the door.

"Jade?" Bella questioned, raising a brow.

"Is this a private conversation, or may we join you?" Jade asked.

"Come in, my child, both of you. Mattie and I were discussing the opera and her matchmaking skills." Bella laughed and winked at Matilda.

Jade's face fell, thinking her mother was referring to Mattie, having a hand in Lord Anson escorting Miriam to the opera. Matilda must have noticed Jade's sudden change in demeanor and threw Bella a worried glance.

"Please do sit and share some tea and scones with us. Mattie has something she wishes to share with you, Jade." Bella smiled at her daughter and turned to Matilda. "Mattie, tell Jade what you've been up to lately."

"You never could keep a secret, Bella!" Matilda laughed and shook her head. "Some things will never change."

Matilda outright admitted to noticing the instant attraction between Jade and Lord Anson and explained everything, starting with changing the place settings at the dinner party and Miriam's wrath afterward. Jade sat silent and stunned as she listened to her aunt's tale.

"Aunt Mattie, that was indeed unnecessary. I was under the assumption that you and Uncle supported the match between Lord Anson and Miriam." Jade peered at the floor to hide her embarrassment and discomfort.

"No, my dear. I'm afraid Miriam is incapable of love, yet your uncle is very blind concerning his daughter. Now, please tell me how you feel about Lord Anson?" Matilda asked with bluntness.

Jade looked up and leveled an uncomfortable gaze at her aunt. A wild blush crept from her neck, covering her face, and before she could find the words, Matilda giggled. "Never mind that answers my question, and I was correct!" Matilda clasped her hands together over her heart.

"'Tis useless, Aunt Mattie. Miriam was kind enough to inform me that Lord Anson was escorting her to the opera tonight." Jade's voice sounded just above a whisper, and she stared back down at the floor.

"That is the first I've heard of it. I know Lord Darnley has asked us all to join him, including Lord Anson and Lord Freeman." Matilda shrugged.

Upon hearing Lord Freeman's name, Jade saw Abagail blush, and it did not appear to go unnoticed by Bella or Matilda.

"See, Bella. I was right about Abagail as well!" Matilda laughed but gave Abagail a sympathetic smile. "Pray, forgive me, but it was even more obvious than Jade's affections for the earl." Matilda wiped away her tears of mirth as the entire room erupted in girlish laughter. "Now, let's see how this night turns out. It could be my meddling husband, or perhaps a trick on Miriam's part. Do not fret... We will find out." Matilda's fierce tone eased Jade's mind.

"Thank you, Aunt Mattie. Now I think a nap is in order before preparing for the opera. Let us take our leave, Abby." Jade and Abagail rushed back to the bedchamber, both mortified by the scrutiny they had endured. ​

***

Jade Summoned Suzanna, hours before time, to prepare for the opera. She wanted Suzanna to recognize her beauty and insisted they have some fashionable fun. Jade picked several gowns for her to try on, and although reluctant, Suzanna appeared mesmerized. She had worn nothing fancy before and seemed in awe of the silk against her skin.

"For the first time in my life, I feel like a woman." It didn't take long before Suzanna was twirling in circles, pretending to dance with an imaginary partner, causing more laughter to erupt.

For now, Jade felt happy not having a pang in her heart from missing New York and cherished these special moments with her friends. She pulled out another beautiful gown that would match Suzanna's golden locks while also bringing out the gold specks in her honey-brown eyes. Jade held out the dress for Suzanna. "Try this one, 'tis perfect for you!" Genuine excitement and joy shone in Suzanna's eyes.

The golden gown was exquisite, made of silk and tulle. Delicate vines, leaves, and flowers embroidered in silver adorned the waist of the off-the-shoulder dress. Suzanna looked breathtaking, as if someone had made the garment just for her. Oh, how Jade wished things were different. She hated thinking Suzanna might never wear such a dress, but an idea formed in her mind. "What if Suzanna was to attend the opera tonight as well?" Jade asked, to no one in particular.

"I think that is a lovely idea, Jade!" Abagail said, nodding.

"Jade, how would that be possible?" Suzanna asked, frowning, but hope shone in her eyes.

"Anyone can attend the opera, Suzanna, and you have the night off and a gown... I can't think of a reason for you not to attend. Abby and I will fix your hair and get you ready once you have worked your magic on us!" Jade shot Suzanna a brilliant smile. "Besides, I owe you for all of your help, and I want to do this for you, Suzanna, so please allow me this small thrill. I will take care of all the details." With that said, Jade ran from the room, leaving behind a bewildered Abagail and Suzanna.

A few moments later, Jade returned with a smile so wide that all three girls squealed with glee. "It is all arranged, and Suzanna will attend the opera tonight," Jade said with a wink. "Suzanna, you have never mentioned being interested in anyone, nor do you speak of family. Do you have someone who could escort you?"

"I have a twin brother, but how would I get word to him?" Suzanna questioned with a frown.

"Pen a note, and I will have the footman deliver it and wait for the reply. Then I will send enough coin for a hired hack, and the footman will purchase your tickets and bring them to you. Your brother can pick you up in the hackney, and you will have the tickets," Jade answered, standing proud and smiling.

"Jade, I can't find the words to thank you!" Suzanna began to tear up as she flung her arms around Jade's neck.

"Nonsense, 'tis my pleasure to see you so happy. Now we shall need to get ready, so we are not late."

Somehow, Abagail and Jade were ready and in the drawing room first. Lord and Lady Lennox were next to join them. "Well, you ladies look almost as beautiful as my lovely wife." The duke smiled and placed a gentle kiss on Matilda's cheek. "Where are Bella and Miriam? I fear Lord Darnley will be here soon, as well as the others." Lord Lennox scoffed in annoyance.

"They will be down momentarily. Relax, there is plenty of time. How many carriages will we be taking?" Matilda asked with an air of innocence.

"Well, two should suffice. You and I will take Lord Anson and Miriam with us, while Jade, Bella, and Abagail can ride with Lord Darnley or Lord Freeman. We will let the gentleman decide when they arrive." The duke shrugged at his wife.

"I see, but Lord Anson and Lord Freeman will most likely show up together," Matilda replied. Jade realized Matilda wanted to determine if her husband was behind Lord Anson escorting Miriam without coming right out and asking him. Miriam and Bella entered the drawing room and Matilda said no more.

Moments later, the butler showed Lord Darnley into the drawing room, followed by the earl and marquess. After exchanging pleasantries, everyone made their way outside. "Anson, you and Miriam will ride with me and the duchess," Lord Lennox commanded in a ducal tone. "The rest of you should be able to fit in one carriage."

Jade did not miss the confused look on Lord Anson's face as Miriam rushed to take her place beside him. She locked her arm in his, and a radiant smile lit up her devious eyes. Miriam turned and threw Jade an arrogant and confident glance.

Jade beamed at the wench clutching onto Lord Anson's arm, trying to appear unaffected. After seeing the bewildered, concerned look on William's face, it filled Jade with relief. It seemed clear Lord Anson did not request to escort Miriam. Trickery was involved, but the earl was a gentleman and dared not cross Lord Lennox by refusing.

"Very well, it may be tight, but the rest of us can ride in my carriage, and we shall see you there," Lord Darnley announced.

"If 'tis too tight, I can take my carriage," Lord Richard Freeman replied.

***

However, no one noticed Alexander Winferd watching from across the busy street. He was most baffled to see a light-haired chit clinging to Lord William Anson, the Earl of Lichfield. It hadn't taken long to gain the man's identity. This is most interesting, Alexander mused as he headed back to the hackney. He needed to make haste and follow to see where the lot of them were going. Alexander also wondered what was going on with the earl and the beautiful lady clasping his arm. What game are you playing, Jade? Alexander pondered as he jumped in the hired hack.

Alexander knew he needed more information on this mysterious girl and Lord Anson, and he vowed to get it. Something told him the light-haired chit could be an essential pawn in his plans. He must befriend her.

***

Updated October 2023 REVISED

Jade, Abagail, and Suzanna's gowns.

Alexander and Miriam seem a perfect match, but that is a frightening thought! Let's see what kind of Mischief ensues at the Opera! Please remember to vote and comment. Much LOVE 💜💜💜💜
Lisa