“I cannot believe that,” Lupita protested, “but it is kind of you to say so.”
She was blushing a little as she spoke and the Dowager Countess thought that it was very touching.
When they had finished, the Dowager Countess retired to the boudoir that opened out from her bedroom.
She said that she had some letters to write and a book to finish.
Lupita ran downstairs wondering how soon the Earl would be back.
The saleswoman had arranged with Mrs. Fielding to leave the gowns ‘on approval’ until his Lordship had inspected them.
She added that she was quite sure that he would approve of everything they had chosen.
When Lupita reached the hall, Dawkins, the butler, came towards her with a silver salver in his hand.
“A number of letters have arrived here for you, my Lady,” he said, “but I
