She flawlessly followed his lead while the delicate strains of the waltz echoed dimly in her ears. He was pleasant enough, though obviously a fortune hunter. Most of them were. She still seethed inwardly at her new social station. It wasn't that she blamed poor dear Arthur exactly, but when the socially dictated period of mourning ended, someone quipped “The Mayfair Widow”. That, detestably, advertised her status to every Tom, Dick and Harry who wished to marry a fortune. She wished fervently he hadn’t left her in such a state. Knowing how eagerly these “near do wells” would pursue her, she dreaded this evening and almost wished she had been detained longer in the country. As it turned out, she was more than fashionably late and sailed into the room, still in a high temper from that disturbing encounter. Her near and dear knew that particular look boded ill for some luckless soul, but they also agreed she had never looked more lovely.

Smiling absently as her partner prattled on and on, her thoughts returned to that morning. She had suddenly remembered the matched greys and the day had begun badly. At her request for the team to take her calling, she was informed they were unavailable. The superior butler didn’t flinch at her sharp, “And WHY not?”. It developed they were not IN town, but rather at one of the county estates. After much discussion it also developed that her request for them to be brought to town had not yet been honored, and furthermore, it seemed His Grace (May He Rest In Peace) had wished them to REMAIN at Abbington as a courtesy to possible house guests. After a small silence, during which all those concerned held their collective breaths, Chloe Harrington, stated as calmly as her temper would allow, “I wish the coach at once. We will fetch them today.” Thus her arrival at the little estate was unexpected and the staff absent. Her temper unimproved, she approached the stables. A merry little whistle followed by a resounding curse indicated the presence of a groom at least. The hapless fellow stood knee deep in dirty straw and was so dumbstruck by her sudden appearance and request, he simply STOOD there. “My man, must I repeat myself?.” He straightened to a rather magnificent height and rested against the mucking fork. His soft, “And who might you be?” caused a most unseemly flutter and suddenly, he didn’t seem very groom like at all. Discomfort sharpened her reply, “I am the Duchess of Lembroke. The owner of this house, the stables, the horses and from the looks of you, your SOLE source of income. Now, I wish to return to town immediately, so prepare the greys at once!” Completely unimpressed by this little display, his deep baritone turned silky, “And why would I wish to do this for you?” As she was bereft of a proper response to this insolence, it was fortunate the housekeeper bustled into the stable. “Ah, Mrs. Groton.” Suddenly, Chloe had to escape those earthy, dim confines. She dragged the poor woman into the yard. “You will kindly dismiss that oaf and see that my greys are ready to travel. Immediately!” The housekeeper glanced over Chloe’s shoulder, “Of course, Your Grace, but His Lordship was hoping...” Chloe was at her wit’s end! “Has everyone gone daft? I do not wish to discuss the matter further.” And with that, she commanded her own groom to fetch the horses and she spent the entire return journey on the verge of frustrated tears tempered with something else, something unfamiliar.

The music ended and Chloe found herself beside her hostess. Lady Hortense was preening. “You know, my dear, the Duke of Moreland has just returned from the continent and we are so fortunate he accepted my invitation. I heard he has been staying in the country, and has just opened his townhouse today! But then you know this of course. He was acquainted with your late husband. In fact he was staying at your own Abbington, was he not my dear?” She paused for breath, “Though, perhaps you haven’t met. You were married such a short....” A silky, deep voice gently whispered in her ear. “You smell of fresh country hay.” Chloe slowly turned toward the familiar voice as her hostess chirped, “My dear, may I present Lucas...” Chloe’s gaze was captured by mahogany eyes in a tanned face but all she could see was a tall man mocking her in a dim stable.

Then he smiled and she saw something else.

The Costume - is a rich teal satin charmeuse and chiffon. The satin lined, deeply flounced chiffon underskirt is topped by a tufted and puffed satin over drape which is edged with artist created fringe, trim and tiny teal glass beads. The lined, satin bodice has matching chiffon puffs, trim and tiny custom teal sequins at the neckline. The little sleeves are chiffon caps, accented with beads and a sequin at each point. The same beads "button" up the back. Tiny teal glass beads with matching tassels drape the front of her gown. Tassels are also tucked into the over drape folds.

The gown appears blue in the photographs. It is actually a true blue/green teal.

The Accessories - Chloe's little bead and sequin bag matches her gown. Her "pearl" jewelry has an ornate golden filigree medallion, accented with tiny round "pearls", tiny pink crystals and "pearl" drops. The traditional leaf fan has been hand painted and tipped with teal feathers. Teal beads, "pearl" drops and teal feathers adorn her upswept red ringlets. Ivory stockings, lace trimmed pantalettes and petticoat and matching teal, period shoes with bead bows complete her costume.

Chloe has been completely re-painted. She now has blue green eyes with soft sable shadows and dark brows. Her delicately shadowed lips are natural shades of peach. Paint has been sealed. She has a natural manicure, new wig and applied silk lashes.

Album ~ Library ~ Tyler ~ Gene ~ Home