Lady Westerham was impatient to reach home. The evening had been a disaster. The musicale was a complete crush and she would have forgone the affair had it not been necessary to chaperone her sister. Lord Westerham escorted them to the Wilshire's elegant country home only minutes from London, then tipped his hat at the ladies and coldly announced, "As you have not spoken to me in several days, Madam, due to some imagined grievance, I shall leave you here. I have no desire to be snubbed in public." Carmella had bitten back a sharp retort. Then proceeded to have a thoroughly miserable evening. Imagined indeed! He had been seen in the company of that actress and.... The carriage swayed over the ruts, jolting Carmella into the present. They suddenly stopped amid a loud clatter and commotion in the road. Her sister peered through the side curtain. "A highwayman! We shall be killed!" Carmella shushed, "Nonsense, Silvie. These roads have been free of bandits for ages. And if you faint on me, I shall pack you off to Aunt Phoebe!" The carriage door swung open and a voice in the darkness beyond commanded, "If madam will alight, I will have a word." A ruby cravat pin glinted in the side lantern. At Silvie's gasp, Carmella shot her sister a warning glance, and stepped out into the night. As her feet touched the road, Carmella shrugged free of his hand. "Remove your mask Sir! I will put countenance to voice." His smile was white as he swept a deep bow. "A thousand pardons for my intrusion. But I would have a waltz." Carmella was in a high temper. Cheeks flushed and eyes bright, she countered, "What? Now, in the middle of the road? With someone who is a stranger to me? You must be mad Sir!" He moved near and whispered, "I have only recently become a stranger Madam." Carmella hissed, "This is beyond anything! You have terrified Sylvie, and frightened ten years out of James. And for what, pray?" As he drew her into his arms, he replied, "For a waltz and to ask your pardon for my small flirtations. They are of no importance. For you are a thief, and have stolen my heart." He gathered her closer, "Am I forgiven, my love?" Carmella gazed into his eyes and knew he was wrong. For it was he who had stolen hers. Again. She nestled against him and sighed, "I suppose we should return home my lord? I, for one, wish to thank Jenkins." His Lordship was bewildered, "Why ever would you wish to thank my valet?" Her Ladyship smiled, "For his choice of cravat pin of course."

With a sigh, Silvie let the curtain fall and hoped to someday find a romance such as theirs.

The "Victorian" Gown - black "Austrian" pleats over gold charmeuse skirt. Matching pleated gold bow and band treatment cascades over the bustle and train. The skirt is tucked and gathered with copper silk bows, handcrafted teal silk roses and gold lined clear glass beads. Black lace, silk teal roses, black glass beads and vintage faceted jet beads accent the fitted bodice. Tightly puffed gold organza sleeves are trimmed with tiny black lace. Tiny black bead "buttons" close the back bodice.

The "Worth" inspired "Bishop's Mantle" - this charming cape is an incredible, supple black velvet attached to a black silk yoke. The high collar is trimmed with black lace. The yoke front is beaded and delicately traced in black glitter and accented by teal silk roses. Though difficult to see, two nesting swags of black glass and jet beads fall from each side. The yoke back is traced with black glitter and accented with three bows. Two twisted and tassel trimmed cords tie to close the mantle at the neck. The cape is completely lined in teal china silk.

The Accessories - a hand painted teal, black and gold closed fan. Necklace and earrings of golden links, tiny Austrian crystal "diamonds" and tiny round "pearls" and "pearl" drops, matching earrings and bracelet. Her non- working reticule (lightly weighted to hang properly from the slender black cord strap), is of gold damask accented with black lace and beads. Copper silk bows, teal silk roses and teal ostrich plumes accent upswept red hair. She wears beautifully fitted long black gloves, black stockings, pantalets and ruffled petticoat. Her black shoes are accented with beads and gold glitter.

Carmella's eyes have been painted a soft gray green with soft russet shadows and feathered brows. Her lips are a soft bronze. She has been given human hair lashes, natural nails with white tips and a new wig. All paint has been carefully sealed.

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