The Rake's Unveiling of Lady Belle (3 page)

‘Oh
yes.
' Clarissa entered the room just to hear the last remark. ‘Incognito. Dressed by Belle.'

‘I expect I'll need to go somewhere unassuming like Leamington Spa, or Bath where the tabbies are,' Belinda said, with less enthusiasm than she had for the idea in general.

Lady L looked thoughtful. ‘You could do that,' she said slowly. ‘But you know if you are going to hide, 'tis best to hide in full sight. Here in London I think. Oh yes indeed, we can manage that with ease. Dressed by Belle is the perfect designation for the way your clothes will be known to all and sundry. A label to aspire to acquire.' She smiled delightedly. ‘All is coming together now. Clarissa, ring for the Madeira and then please inform the staff we leave for Sinton in the morning. It is time for us to put our heads together and plot. Belinda—no—henceforth you will be called Belle. Belle, how is your French?'

* * *

Six months later, Belinda hummed as she put the last stitches into a frilly and very feminine evening cloak to be used as a teaser to draw ladies' attention to her work. Clarissa, who had arrived unexpectedly a few hours earlier, looked up from the book of sketches she was studying closely.

‘These are marvellous you know, Bel. Your talent holds no bounds. This chemise? The one with the scalloped hem? It is outstanding. Sexy hinting of all things arousing but demure and innocent. I love it.'

‘Good.' Belinda snipped off her thread and held the cloak in the air to see it better. ‘I designed it with you in mind.'

Clarissa blinked and went into peals of laugher. ‘To drink my chocolate and talk to the cat in? That's the only picture I can foresee. And happy I am with it. Men are nothing but trouble.'

‘Hmm.' Belinda decided that one day soon Clarissa would receive a rude awakening. Her father was too prominent in the ton to be allowed to keep the status quo, surely? ‘I'm sure the cat will appreciate it. But if not, well one day maybe someone else will.'

‘Put it in your portfolio,' Clarissa advised. ‘That way it will see the light of day. Or should I say light of the candle?'

Belinda laughed and shook her head. ‘Incorrigible.'

‘Oh yes. Oh and I meant to say, Lady L should be here soon.'

‘Lady L is here,' the lady in question retorted as she erupted—there was no other word for it—through the doorway from the hall, and discarded her pelisse by throwing it over a chair back. ‘Did she forget to tell you?' she asked Belinda in French.

Belinda grinned and answered in the same tongue. ‘We got carried away with flounces and scalloped hems.'

‘Slow down when you talk, you two,' Clarissa pleaded. ‘I'm a novice in French compared to you both. I didn't forget so much as I got distracted. Well, Godmama, so would you be, with this.' She held the chemise up. ‘Isn't it perfect?'

‘Perfect,' Lady L agreed with satisfaction. ‘Which brings me to the reason for my visit. I think you've achieved everything necessary. I believe it is time for Belinda to return to the capital, with the new persona of Madame Belle. Your French, ma p'tite, has improved beyond all recognition.'

It was true. Belinda and Lady L spoke in that language constantly. Even Clarissa now professed herself to be proficient, and she had, as she cheerfully admitted, no aptitude for languages other than her mother tongue.

During those happy months spent at Lady L's country house, Belinda had hardly had time to think. Most of the time, either Clarissa, Lady L or both of them were there with Belinda and provided willing bodies to be dressed. Every time one of them appeared, they brought with them bolts of silk and lace and anything else they or Belinda thought might be useful.

‘The shoes are ready?' Lady L asked. ‘You have enough pairs to begin with? Do you need more? She had sought the help of the local shoemaker who was now contracted to make footwear for Belle, and the comfortable but fashionable boots and shoes she wore were testimony to the fact that his work was well above average. To be able to offer that extra service was ideal.

‘Certainly enough for now, and Jones has the templates ready for whichever are needed next. We're as ready as we can be. I have a book of sketches, enough silks, satins and whatever to create several wardrobes.' She thought for a moment. ‘All I need now is customers and somewhere for a salon and workshop.' That was the one thing that gave her sleepless nights. Where would her customers find her?

Belinda had practised her designs on both Lady Lakenby and Clarissa, as well as creating new work clothes for the servants and the best clothes Lady L gave them as part of their Christmas box. Belinda was relieved when all were received with pleasure. Belinda waited with bated breath as Clarissa and Lady L wore her designs to one event or another in London and then reported back to her how much they had been admired. Gradually she'd learned how to add her own special touch to clothes so they would be recognisable as a gown, or pelisse or whatever, made by Belle.

Belinda hadn't missed the city at all, working diligently to increase her basic stock—the gowns and undergarments to show prospective clients her work—and accepted Lady L knew best. Each item of clothing had footwear to go with it, and Lady L said forcibly that anyone who balked at buying that as well as the garment didn't deserve to be accommodated again.

‘Well 'tis but three weeks to the start of the season and I have news,' Lady L said triumphantly. ‘I've found your premises.'

Belinda jumped as her heart missed a beat. ‘Pardon?'

‘The perfect spot for your salon. And I've taken the liberty of arranging the paperwork to buy it.'

‘But…' Belinda began to speak as Lady L held her hand in the air in an imperious manner. ‘No more—don't argue, child, it's so wearying. It's done and it is in your name. Saves me trying to explain why I've left half my fortune to you.' Lady Lakenby held her hand up again, as Belinda knew her jaw dropped.

‘You…t…' she stuttered as her mind became blank. ‘You can't.'

‘Don't be stupid, of course I can. There are only three people who matter to me. Phillip, who wants for nothing and whose fortune is more than enough, Clarissa and you. Phillip has long known he'll get the long case clock and all the books in the study, and he is satisfied with that. Clarissa agrees with me that you should get half of the rest and everything is tied up tighter than a gnat's cravat.'

Clarissa nodded enthusiastically. ‘Although I do wonder at your turn of phrase, Godmama. A gnat's cravat indeed.'

‘Better than a duck's arse or some such thing. Now that
is
vulgar,' the lady replied with a smirk. ‘Right, so listen well, both of you. No one will be able to get their hands on what is yours. If you try to pass it to anyone, other than a child of your own or failing that the offspring of one of the others, it will all go to a home for cats. In your case, Belinda, so will your cottage.'

‘What?' Belinda blinked and held on to the elbow-height cabinet for support. Where did Lady L find her expressions? However, that was the least of her thoughts—she was more concerned with the majority of Lady L's statement. ‘I what?'

‘You need a bolthole. As much as I love having you here, I know you would adore somewhere to call your own. Honeysuckle Cottage is that somewhere.'

Belinda sat down with a thump. ‘That's not a cottage, it's a house.' It was also gorgeous. And it was hers? Tears gathered at the corners of her eyes. This unconditional love was something she would never take for granted.

‘Don't quibble. It is also yours. Now, hold fast, don't go dashing off to look at it—not yet.'

Belinda's vision was blurry, and she had bitten her lip so hard, to stop herself crying with joy, that she had punctured the skin, but nevertheless she smiled. She hadn't moved.

‘Hear me out,' Lady L said. ‘Then you can dash off, dance around the rose bush or whatever, but do not jump into the fountain naked. It's bloody cold, the bottom is slimy and the servants do look askance when you do.'

‘Lady L.' Belinda giggled until tears rolled down her cheeks. ‘You haven't.'

Lady L winked. ‘No? Ah well you youngsters are so staid compared to me and my compatriots. Now where were we? Ah yes. Belle's salon will be in Bruton Street, where only the best will survive. You are the best. And as I know full well what a worrywart you are, it's a big enough building for you to live very comfortably over the shop so to speak. Don't you dare cry, Belle, or I will and that will ruin my rouge.'

She patted Belinda's shoulder. ‘There now. I must get used to calling you Belle, eh? Just pour three glasses of Madeira, so we can celebrate, and then we'll see how soon we can get back to London and start the next phase of your journey to become the best shared secret in the ton.' She smiled mischievously. ‘Oh after you've decided what furnishings in Honeysuckle Cottage are not to your liking, of course. I know you youngsters, your ideas are probably much too outré for me.' Lady L gave a barking laugh, as she contradicted herself. ‘In furnishings anyway.' The cat, which had been snoozing on the hearthrug, opened one eye and closed it again. He was well used to his mistress's ways.

Lady L winked. ‘In all seriousness, Belinda, if you don't like the way I furnished it, it is of no consequence. However, I thought that if you want to retire there at any time you can. Mrs Perris will keep an eye on it for you, and Violet and young Bessie are to be available whenever you want them. All are very happy with that arrangement. But mind, no stealing my housekeeper.'

Belinda giggled, sniffed and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, before she poured Madeira into crystal goblets. ‘As if I would, or could for that matter. All your staff are incredibly loyal, which is how it should be. Ah, Lady L, I do love you so. But are you sure?'

‘That you mustn't steal Mrs Perris away? Very sure. As for the rest. Of course I am. Just you be the best of the best.'

‘Oh I intend to.'

‘Then that is my reward. Now, Clarissa has decided to return to town early from her father's house and be your first customer.'

Clarissa nodded enthusiastically. ‘I'm going to be the one who is in the know and prepared reluctantly to share my knowledge with a select few.'

‘As you know, there's a lot want to see you and use your work, and few who deserve to,' Lady L said. ‘Clarissa will sort out those who she deems worthy. It is up to you to accept them or not. Don't forget exclusivity will bring you more cachet, and you must decide who you wish to have the honour of wearing your garments.'

‘True, and it damned well will be an honour. There's just one thing…' Belinda hesitated. How could she phrase it without sounding ungrateful? ‘Are you certain that I'm not about to be unmasked? I do not want any scandal or difficulties attached to you. And…well…' She stopped talking as Lady L fixed her with a gimlet-eyed stare. ‘Oh, Lady L, I'm scared.' There she'd been honest.

‘You'd be a fool not to be. However, once we've got you settled and sorted I declare no one will recognise you, not even your fool of a father. Look at you. Do you see any resemblance to the girl you were six months ago?'

Put like that, Belinda could only agree with all Lady Lakenby had said. Helped by lemon juice and careful cutting and styling, her hair was now a soft blonde instead of a dirty straw colour, and it framed her face in tiny elegant curls instead of hanging long and lank down her back. Her skin was clear, bright and blemish free, and she'd lost almost two stones in weight due to eating sensibly and not on leftovers or food that filled her grumbling tummy but did not nourish her. Her clothes suited her, fit her, and there was not a darn in sight.

In short she was nothing like the girl who had defied her father, except in temperament. That was no different.

‘I'm no longer that person.'

‘Exactly. So take this new you off to your new home and let Jessop or Mrs Perris know if anything needs changing. I'm going to rest before dinner.' Lady L walked to the door, and then turned around with a swish of travelling gown. ‘Should I ask your maid to start to pack?'

Belinda laughed. The butterflies in her tummy were ones of excitement not worry, and she was happy that the next phase of her life was about to begin. ‘If she needs to. Just tell me when to be ready to leave.'

Chapter Two

London 1815

‘Madame Belle, I've a request for a consultation here.' Tippen, her assistant, seemed somewhat perturbed. ‘I'm not sure as you'll want to say yes, but, well…' She glanced at Belle and coloured delicately. ‘It's not someone who you've associated with before, well not here anyway. Not exactly someone…' Tippen wrinkled her nose. ‘Well, it's a man who has requested the appointment. And it's not as if you need any more clients—not really.'

‘You know I've had men request appointments on more than one occasion.' Belle was now intrigued and wondered why Tippen seemed so agitated. They'd worked together from even before the business had launched. Lady L had suggested the daughter of her dresser, a skilled seamstress, would be an ideal companion and help to Belinda, now no longer Lady Belinda Howells, but Belle the modiste to the chosen few. As Lady Lakenby and Clarissa had predicted, the Dressed by Belle label was much sought after, especially as it had been made known to the ton by those two ladies just how particular Belle was and how exclusive her clothes.

Now several years of hard work later, there was an air of mystery about Madame Belle, which those whom she chose to dress did nothing to dispel. No one wanted to incur Belle's displeasure for fear of being told they were no longer welcome at her salon. That would be tantamount to disaster and lost credibility, which would probably never be recovered. If anyone did recognise her as the former Lady Belinda Howells they were careful not to mention it.