Fiction: set in either WWI or WWII. About an unwilling lady or a duchess and her maid. Set in England. I only remember the first bit of the first chapter and it was describing her getting ready for a party

[Shelley]

The book I am looking for was about a young lady who became a duchess (maybe?) when her husbands brother died in the war. I don't remember much because I had only read the first couple chapters, but the first couple pages of the book described her getting ready for a party in a new, elaborate dress. I believe her maid was musing about the dress and her job because luxary was scarce at the time and working there afforded her some protection against the harsh realities of the "real world".

Thanks in advance!

[Shelley]

I remember a bit more. I believe later in the book a man comes into the picture and changes the lives and views of the women in town.

[``Laurie]

Following

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Shelley, are you still looking for this or did you find it?