“I agree,” Lady Devon said. “We shall be here for a fortnight. Would that be enough time to make her a dress?”
“Oh yes, my lady. I can take Lady Kathryn’s measurements while you’re here and have my girls start on it right away. Would you care for any lace embellishments on the bodice or cuffs?”
Kathryn looked at her mother, who nodded her approval. “That would be lovely. May I see what patterns you have available?”
“Right this way, my lady.”
While Kathryn was looking over the patterns with her mother, Grace came out of the fitting room.
“Oh, dearest, you look so beautiful,” Audrey said. “That color suits you very well.”
“I do love it. Do you think Mr. Wallings will like it?”
“My dear, your husband-to-be will like anything you wear,” Lady Devon said. She and Audrey shared a conspiratorial look,knowing that Mr. Wallings would waste no time in taking the dress off his bride once they were alone.
“Lady Kathryn, what do you think?” Grace asked.
Kathryn looked up and smiled. “I think you’ll be the prettiest bride I’ve ever seen.”
“That’s most kind of you to say.”
“Not kindness, but the truth. Lady Fletcher is correct—that color makes your eyes appear even bluer, if that’s possible,” Kathryn said.
Mrs. Spencer looked Grace over with a critical eye. “Miss Parker, I do believe the bodice could use a bit of a tuck. I don’t like the way the wool falls.”
“Of course, Mrs. Spencer. Whatever you think is best,” Grace said.
“A minor adjustment,” the modiste said. “The dress will be ready tomorrow. Shall I have it delivered?”
“Yes, that would be most helpful,” Audrey said. “We have much to do to prepare for the wedding.”
Grace went back into the dressing room, where the shop girl helped her out of the dress. “Such a lovely dress,” the shop girl said.
“Thank you.”
After Kathryn had picked out a pattern and been measured, everyone walked down to the inn for a spot of tea.
“Kathryn, that green wool you picked out is stunning,” Audrey said.
“I do love it,” she said, squeezing her mother’s hand. “Thank you, Mama, for ordering it for me.”
“I’m glad to see a smile on your face, my darling.”
The waiter came over and took their order.
It wasn’t long before a pot of tea and an assortment of sandwiches were delivered. After they’d eaten their fill, Grace asked, “Do you mind if we stop at the bookshop? I’d like to seeif they have the novelSense and Sensibilityby A Lady in stock yet.”
“Not at all,” Audrey said before turning to Lady Devon. “My lady, would you care to sit here while they shop?”
“Yes. Perhaps you’d be so kind as to keep me company, Lady Fletcher?”
“Of course.”
Grace, Kathryn, and Mia took their leave and headed to the bookshop.
Audrey poured another cup for both herself and Lady Devon.
“Lady Fletcher, I knowmy daughter confides in you. What do you make of this Mr. Clifford? Do speak plainly, my dear. My daughter’s future happiness depends on it.”