10th August | Colchester House | @halestcrm
Lydia was positively bereft of breath. The warmth in her cheeks continued to rise as she dashed into Colchester House from the gardens. Despite having just been sopping wet and freezing not fifteen minutes ago, a sheen of sweat appeared at her temple. The brunette hadn’t any true direction as she swept through the ballroom, careful not bump any fellow guests.
Finally, the door to the ladies’ lounge appeared in front of her and she slipped inside. The flowery scent of perfume and glow of candlelight met greeted her. Her hands trembled as she maneuvered the water pump, splashing cold water onto her face. Feeling much more in control, Lydia all but collapsed on the settee by the far wall and focused on her breathing. The woman had been in such a hurry to separate herself from her paramour that she had not taken stock of the lounge’s other occupant.
Lady Victoria, Countess Effingham, and her pseudo-sponsor for the evening’s soiree sat comfortably to Lydia’s right. Her feet were propped upon a footstool and her eyes were closed, but it was clear she was not sleeping. There was a moment where Lydia pondered if she could get away without any need for explanation. However, this was Lady Victoria, so the odds were not kind.
Lydia huffed a sigh and gave the woman a sidelong glance. “Lady Victoria,” she whispered. “I promise that if you extend me the grace and courtesy of two minutes to gather my wits, I shall give you quite the story.”
