Mary Robinette Kowal - The Complete Glamourist Histories

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The Ellsworths of Long Parkmead had the regard of their neighbours in every respect. The Honourable Charles Ellsworth, though a second son, through the generosity of his father had been entrusted with an estate in the neighbourhood of Dorchester. It was well appointed and used only enough glamour to enhance its natural grace, without overlaying so much illusion as to be tasteless. His only regret, for the estate was a fine one, was that it was entailed, and as he had only two daughters, his elder brothers son stood next in line to inherit it. Knowing that, he took pains to set aside some of his income each annum for the provision of his daughters.

The sum was not so large as he wished it might be, but he hoped it would prove enough to attract appropriate husbands for his daughters. Of his younger daughter, Melody, he had no concerns, for she had a face made for fortune. His older daughter, Jane, made up for her deficit of beauty with rare taste and talent in the womanly arts. Her skill with glamour, music, and painting was surpassed by none in their neighbourhood and together lent their home the appearance of wealth far beyond their means. But he knew well how fickle young mens hearts were. His own wife, while young, had seemed all that was desirable, but as her beauty faded she had become a fretting invalid. He still cherished her from habit, but often he wished that she had somewhat more sense.

And so, Jane was his chief concern, and he was determined to see her settled before his passing. Surely some young man would see past her sallow complexion and flat hair of unappealing mousey brown. Her nose was overlong, though he fancied that in certain lights it served as an outward sign of her strength of character. Mr. Ellsworth fingered his own nose, wishing that he had something more to bequeath to Jane than such an appendage.

He slashed at the grass with his walking stick and turned to his elder daughter as they walked through the maze comprising the heart of the shrubbery on the south side of the house. Had you heard that Lady FitzCamerons nephew is to be stationed in our town?

No. Jane adjusted the shawl about her shoulders. They must be pleased to see him.

Indeed, I believe that Lady FitzCameron will extend her stay rather than returning to London as she had planned. He tugged at his waistcoat and attempted to speak idly. Young Livingston has been made a captain, I understand.

So young? He must have acquitted himself ably in His Majestys navy, then. Jane knelt by a rosebush and sniffed the glory of the soft pink petals. The sunlight reflected off of the plant, bringing a brief bloom to her cheeks.

I thought perhaps to invite the family for a strawberry-picking Thursday next.

Jane threw her head back and laughed. It was a lovely laugh, at odds with her severe countenance. Oh, Papa. Are you matchmaking again? I thought Lady FitzCameron had it set in her mind that the captain was to marry Miss FitzCameron.

He stabbed the ground with his walking stick. No. I am merely trying to be a good neighbour. If you have so little regard for the FitzCamerons as to shun their relations, then I have misjudged your character.

Janes eyes twinkled and she pecked him on the cheek. I think a strawberry-picking party sounds delightful. I am certain that the FitzCamerons will thank you for your courtesy to them.

The tall yew hedges hugged the path on either side of them, shielding them from view of the house. Overhead, the sky arched in a gentle shell of blue. Mr. Ellsworth walked in companionable silence beside his daughter, plotting ways to bring her together with Captain Livingston. They turned the last corner of the maze and went up the Long Walk to the house. On the steps, he paused. You know I only want the best for you, my dear.

Jane looked down. Of course, Papa.

Good. He squeezed her arm. I shall check on the strawberries, then, to make certain they will be suitably ripe for next week. He left her on the steps and went to the hill on the east side of the house, making plans for the party as he walked.

Jane folded her shawl over her arm, still thinking of her fathers thinly veiled plans. He meant well, but would surely tip his hand to Captain Livingston, who was, after all, several years her junior. She had first met Henry Livingston before the war broke out when he wintered with Lady FitzCameron while his parents were away on the continent. He had been an attractive boy, with large dark eyes and a thick crop of unruly black hair. Though a favourite of Lady FitzCameron, he had not been back to the estate since, and it was hard to imagine him as a grown man. She shook her head, settled the folds of her muslin frock, and entered the drawing room.

The smell of jasmine nearly overpowered her, burning her nose and making her eyes water. Her younger sister, Melody, who wove folds of glamour in the corner, was evidently the source of the overwhelming aroma.

Melody, what in heavens name are you doing?

Melody jumped and dropped the folds of glamour in her hands; they dissolved back into the ether from whence she had pulled them. Oh, Jane. When I visited Lady FitzCameron with Mama, she conjured the loveliest hint of jasmine in the air. It was so elegant and... I cannot understand how she managed such a subtle touch.

Jane shook her head and went to open the window so the jasmine fragrance could dissipate with more speed. My dear, Lady FitzCameron had the best tutors as a girl, including, I believe, the renowned German glamourist Herr Scholes. It is hardly surprising that she can manage such delicate folds. When Jane let her vision shift to the ether, so that the physical room faded from her view. The lingering remnants of glamour were far too bulky for the effect that Melody had been trying to attain. Jane took the folds between her fingers and thinned them to a gossamer weight which she could barely feel. When she stretched them out, they spanned the corner in a fine web. Once she anchored the folds to the corner, the glamour settled into the room, vanishing from view. The gentle scent of honeysuckle filled the air, as if from a sprig of flowers. It took so little effort that she barely felt light-headed.

Melody squinted at the corner where Jane had left the web, as if trying to see the invisible folds.

Please do not squint, dear. It is unbecoming. She ignored Melodys scowl and turned back to the web. Not for the first time, she wondered if Melody were nearsighted. She could never handle fine work, even with needlepoint, and her glamour seemed limited to only the broadest strokes.

What does it matter? Melody threw herself on the sofa. I have no hope of catching a husband. I am so abysmally poor at all of the arts.

Jane could not help herself. She laughed at her sister. You have nothing to fear. Had I half your beauty I would have more beaus than the largest dowry could settle upon me. She turned to straighten one of her watercolours on the north wall.

Mr. Dunkirk sends his regards.

Jane was thankful that her back was to her sister, for the sudden flush she felt would have given her away. She tried to hide the growing attachment she felt towards Mr. Dunkirk, particularly since he seemed to have a higher regard for Melody, but his gentle manner drew her to him. I hope he is well. She was pleased with the steadiness in her voice.

He asked if he could call this afternoon. Melody sighed. That is why I wanted to freshen the drawing room.