‘But it did get a bit hard for Dominic,’ Miss Lockhart continued. ‘When he was sent off to boarding school, he got into so many scrapes because of people making fun of Father’s accent and his background. That’s why he’s so determined to move up in the world. He doesn’t want anyone else in the family to be looked down on. After his marriage to Lady Cecily our family will be reconnected with the aristocracy. And he’s hoping it will mean I’ll be able to marry a man with a title. This is my fourth Season, you know, and Dominic’s worried I might never marry anyone, but he particularly wants me to marry a titled man.’
She shrugged her shoulders as if this was no real concern of hers. ‘And next year one of my younger sisters, Violet, will come out. Dominic’s hoping she’ll be presented at court and that can only happen if someone who has already been presented at court arranges it, such as Lady Cecily.’
She shrugged again. ‘So, you see, his marriage to Lady Cecily will mean we might marry men with titles, then our children will have titles and the so-called shame of Father’s background will be erased.’
‘I see,’ Nellie said, failing to keep the note of disapproval out of her voice. It was starting to look as if Mr Dominic Lockhart was indeed a complete snob after all. It was just what she would have expected from a man in his position.
‘But I wish he wouldn’t think he has to sacrifice himself in order to achieve all that on our account,’ Miss Lockhart said and sighed lightly.
‘Sacrifice? How so?’ Despite her growing disapproval, Nellie was still interested in hearing all about Mr Lockhart. But just to confirm her belief that he was an insufferable snob, that was all.
‘Well, this marriage. Cecily Hardgrave is such a...well, she’s not for Dominic. Dominic has such a strong personality he needs someone intelligent who will challenge him, who’ll stand up to him, and I’m afraid that’s not Cecily Hardgrave. She’s nice enough, lovely really, but she’s not the woman for Dominic.’
‘And what does Lady Cecily think of this?’
‘Oh, she’ll do whatever her father tells her to do.’
‘So, is she in love with Mr Lockhart?’ Nellie knew she was getting far too familiar. How Lady Cecily felt about Mr Lockhart was hardly the business of the woman who had come to style Miss Lockhart’s hair. But Miss Lockhart gave no appearance that she was offended. She furrowed her brow as if giving the question serious consideration.
And Nellie was desperate to hear the answer. Lady Cecily had spoken to Nellie of love, that wonderful, devastating emotion that changed everything, so, despite her cool behaviour, she must be in love with Dominic.
‘I don’t know,’ Miss Lockhart finally said. ‘It’s hard to tell what she thinks, she’s so guarded. But her father arranged this marriage for her and she seems to be happy to go along with it.’
Nellie shook her head, not sure if it was the answer she wanted to hear or not. But it hardly mattered. They were engaged, they were to marry and there was no reason why Nellie should concern herself over whether they were in love or not. But the griping of her stomach and the burning in her throat suggested she did care, far too much.
‘It sounds like a very suitable marriage for all concerned,’ Nellie forced herself to say, trying to console herself that in one area she was more fortunate than Lady Cecily. Women from Nellie’s class could marry whoever they wanted. Well, she couldn’t marry a man like Mr Lockhart obviously, but within her own class she could marry for love. Whereas for the aristocracy and gentry it was all about jostling to achieve the best match possible for the family. As Mr Lockhart said, love and happiness had nothing to do with it.
Nellie stood back to admire her handiwork as Miss Lockhart smiled at herself in the mirror. ‘Oh, Miss Regan, that’s wonderful. My lady’s maid could never do such an intricate style. Dominic said you’re now running a very successful business in London and I can see why you’re doing so well. The women in London are so lucky they can use your services.’
‘Really, Dominic... I mean, Mr Lockhart said that?’
‘Yes, he was very impressed.’ Miss Lockhart moved her head from side to side to inspect her hair. ‘And so am I. And not just because you’re so good at what you do, but because you’re so independent. It must be wonderful to be an independent woman, to be able to do what you want when you want.’
Nellie smiled at Miss Lockhart’s reflection. ‘Yes, it is.’
‘You’ve got your own business, your own place to live, your own money. You must be so proud of what you’ve achieved.’
Nellie’s smile grew wide and she nodded. ‘I’ve been very lucky, and I’ve had lots of help, but, yes...’ She gave a slightly embarrassed laugh. ‘I am rather proud of how well the business has done and I’ve got lots of plans for the future. I’m training my two assistants and teaching them everything I know about hairdressing. Soon they’ll be able to take charge of their own hairdressing parlours. And who knows, maybe one day I’ll have parlours and training schools throughout England.’
‘Oh, that’s wonderful. I’m sure you’ll achieve your dream.’
‘Anyway, enough of that. Let’s see what you are going to wear for the ball.’
Miss Lockhart rushed to the wardrobe, removed a pale lemon dress and, smiling, held it up for Nellie’s inspection.
‘Are you sure you want to wear such a light colour? I think you’d suit something in a darker shade.’ Nellie looked in the wardrobe and saw that all the dresses were of a similar hue.
Miss Lockhart’s smile
