The truth is both more and less complex than Ellie imagines. Maybe someday teasing it out will prove necessary, but for now Yseult just muddies the waters by flashing her a wide, slender smile in answer to that delighted reaction, and then points a finger at her in the mirror as Ellie's expression dulls. "Good."
There are shawls and bags to gather up, a last check of the hairpiece that has shortcut the need for lengthy styling (she'd once spent two hours a day on it while posing as a lady's maid, Yseult told her earlier as she curled the pieces nearest Ellie's face with a hot iron) and a hired carriage to call round. The trip to the mansion is a short one, and they blend into the stream of arrivals without issue. There are introductions, and for Yseult there is small talk, wine, a dance or two, while Ellie is left to haunt the sidelines, watching the flow of people through the room, guests and servants both, observing the comings and goings from the hall to the east wing that is their next destination.
The unexpectedly busy hall to the east wing: as she watches, a servant posted before the doorway checks more than one guest's invitation before permitting him to pass deeper into the house, before refusing entry to a pair of well-dressed young men despite their blatant offer of a bribe.
A number ends and Yseult's partner returns her to the sidelines with a bow. She links her arm through Ellie's, snaps open her fan, and makes like they might head for the refreshments. "What do you see?"
no subject
There are shawls and bags to gather up, a last check of the hairpiece that has shortcut the need for lengthy styling (she'd once spent two hours a day on it while posing as a lady's maid, Yseult told her earlier as she curled the pieces nearest Ellie's face with a hot iron) and a hired carriage to call round. The trip to the mansion is a short one, and they blend into the stream of arrivals without issue. There are introductions, and for Yseult there is small talk, wine, a dance or two, while Ellie is left to haunt the sidelines, watching the flow of people through the room, guests and servants both, observing the comings and goings from the hall to the east wing that is their next destination.
The unexpectedly busy hall to the east wing: as she watches, a servant posted before the doorway checks more than one guest's invitation before permitting him to pass deeper into the house, before refusing entry to a pair of well-dressed young men despite their blatant offer of a bribe.
A number ends and Yseult's partner returns her to the sidelines with a bow. She links her arm through Ellie's, snaps open her fan, and makes like they might head for the refreshments. "What do you see?"