“Let me think on it. I also desire to see Kathryn happy. It was the reason I invited her to join us for the summer. I know she didn’t have a good experience on the marriage mart this Season.”
Neither Grace nor Audrey talked for the rest of the journey into Reading, each lost in their own thoughts about how to help Kathryn.
When the carriage stopped, the footman opened the door and handed them down.
“Thank you, Charles,” Audrey said.
“Lady Fletcher, Mrs. Greenleaf has given me a list of supplies she needs. If I might go make those purchases now, I shall return to the carriage shortly.”
“Of course,” Audrey said, nodding before she and Grace entered the modiste’s shop.
“Lady Fletcher, Miss Parker, good day to you,” Mrs. Spencer, the modiste, said.
“Good day, Mrs. Spencer.”
“Miss Parker, your dress is coming along splendidly. Are you ready for your fitting?”
Grace nodded, and Mrs. Spencer led her to the dressing room. Her blue wool dress was hanging on the hanger, and Grace walked over and felt the soft fabric. “It’s stunning. Mrs. Spencer, you and your seamstresses have done a wonderful job. So lightweight. I love it.”
“That pleases me, Miss Parker. The final lace around the bodice and cuffs will be added after the fitting today, and the dress will be ready soon.”
While Grace was being attended to by one of the seamstresses, Mrs. Spencer went out to the main room. “Lady Fletcher, may I help you with anything?”
Audrey held up a bolt of finely woven white cotton. “My sister will need petticoats and night dresses. Will you be able to complete them before the wedding?”
Mrs. Spencer took the bolt and nodded. “Yes. That can be done. How many?”
“Perhaps two of each, or at least one completed by the wedding.”
“Of course, Lady Fletcher. I’ll put my best girls on it.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Spencer. By the way, how is Camille doing?”
“I’m very grateful you brought her to my attention through your scholarship program. She’s a hard worker and a quick learner. I can see her becoming one of my regular seamstresses if that’s the path she’d like to take.”
“Excellent. I’m happy to hear that.”
“You’ve done a wonderful thing for the children, Lady Fletcher. With their schooling, they have a better future.”
“Yes, I hope so too. By the way, my sister and I will also need new gloves and stockings.”
“Of course, I’ve recently received a new shipment of gloves. Please come this way.”
After an hour in the shop, Audrey and Grace emerged carrying a number of packages. Charles quickly took them and secured them to the back of the carriage.
“One more stop at the milliner’s,” Grace said to Audrey.
“Of course, dearest, and perhaps some new ribbons to weave in your hair?”
“Audrey, I don’t need any new ribbons, but shall we pick some out for Mia? She’ll want to look her best for the wedding.”
“That’s a wonderful idea,” Audrey said, linking their arms as they walked down the street to the milliner’s shop.
By the time they arrived home, it was almost time for tea.
“Good day, ma’am. I trust your shopping trip was successful?” the butler said.
“It was indeed.