T

he carriage ride to the party was not as delightful as it might have been, because Dulena accompanied us as Miss Jane's chaperone. For some reason Alaina did not join her sister - to my knowledge the only time they have ever been parted from each other's company. I suppose I should at least be grateful for the respite from their incessant sniggering and whispering. However, Dulena made up for it by regaling us with her observations on the events of the day. She seemed to fancy herself something of a wit and kept up a running monologue during the blessedly brief trip. Jane was not able to get a word in edge-wise and I would swear that Dulena was deliberately preventing us from conversing together.

"The recent elections was quite interesting, doon-cha think?" asked Dulena in her unpleasantly nasal voice. Then without waiting for my reply she continued: "Oh aye, 'tis a corn-you-cope-ee-ah of fascinating events. Doncha think so? An' one o'the candidates was old and bald, so he couldna relate to us young folk. Hah hah hah." And she grinned broadly, her upper gums entirely visible along with her odd little teeth. She seemed very pleased with herself, not to say smug for her attempt at cleverness, but it was well that she laughed after this 'joke' as otherwise I could not have discerned the humor myself. In a misguided attempt at politeness, I chuckled and endeavoured to hold up my end of the conversation.

"Yes indeed Dulena - "

"Ooh, but seriously, ye know, ye can call me Daweesa like aw me friends do, Master Acton. It's me pet name" and she howled with laughter at this, for some reason.

"Yes, uh, Miss Whitlander, I will remember that."

Thankfully we pulled up to Betsy's place just then. I assisted both Miss Whitlander and Miss Jane out of the carriage, and as I did so, Betsy's servants rushed up to attend to us. They bade us follow them into the garden.

I must say, our preparations bore wonderful results. The place was enchanting in the early evening twilight, with gas lamps lit along a path and all around the green-house. We were a bit early but already there were many guests in attendance. I grimaced to myself - so many were neighbors and old friends of my parents, and I could see that I would be spending much time in conversation with them, and that I would have very little time alone with Jane. Ah, but of course once we were married, this would no longer be an impediment, and I am a patient man, when necessary.

And then finally the moment I truly dreaded - there was Betsy. She had made an especial effort to look attractive, no doubt for my benefit, and I admit she did well, especially as her bosom was prominently displayed. Jane and Miss Whitlander noticed her first - I saw them exchange looks and whispers and then realized the object of their attention was Betsy. Just as I looked at Betsy she saw me. Her face filled with radiant joy.

"Oliver!" she called and headed towards me, but as she came on she was brought up short by the sight of Jane and her chaperone. I had expected she would turn colors, but I rather thought green, with envy. I did not expect her to turn ghostly white - so white it was noticeable even with her pale complexion in the gas light.

"Mrs. Corning, so delightful to finally meet you." said Jane, with perfect composure, completely ignoring Betsy's obvious distress. Betsy struggled to regain her composure, but alas for her, if there is one thing of which Betsy is most sorely deficient, it is the ability to hide her feelings.

"Indeed, welcome." Betsy replied, in a strained voice, and then rather weakly: "please excuse me, I have some things to attend to." And she all but ran away from us. Whitlander and Jane laughed about it heartily together.

"Ooch, Miss Jane, I think ye made a mighty big impression oon her" said Whitlander.

(To be continued...)