“I have no doubt you will win him over.” Natalie winked at her. “I believe it was your mother who said, with the right dress, any man will bow before a woman’s wishes.”
Emily laughed. “That sounds like something mother would say.”
“Well then, it is of even greater importance that we get ourselves the perfect gowns!” Natalie beamed at her and linked an arm through hers as they walked down the aisles of the modiste.
Emily teased, “Are you hoping to find yourself a husband too?”
“Blegh. You know I am not old enough for that. But it does not hurt to window shop a little.” Natalie winked and then added, “Besides, I am not selfless enough to let you be the only one to dazzle.”
“And I will never mind sharing the limelight.” Emily gave her friend a gentle squeeze.
“Well, there shall be no limelight if we do not pick a fabric.” Natalie gestured to the shop around them.
“That is true.” Emily surveyed her friend, taking in her sharp features, dark hair and eyes. “I think for you, something deep and rich will compliment your skin the best. Perhaps a forest green?”
She reached for a bolt of fabric, thinking that it reminded her of the colour of Natalie’s laughter, and held it up to her. It was velvet, and was a striking contrast to her friends pale skin.
“You do not think I should opt for something lighter?” Natalie bit her bottom lip. “Perhaps like this?”
She held up a light blue silk bolt that reminded Emily of the blue of the Duke’s eyes. Her heart skittered and she shook her head. She needed to focus.
“You do not seem convinced.” Natalie canted her head towards Emily.
“Do you want my honest opinion?” Emily asked.
“Always.” Natalie said, “Well, unless you are going to tell me you think I would be hideous in anything I wore – in which case, lie to me.”
Emily laughed and shook her head. “I would never tell you something like that, because it could not be further from the truth. But, well, I think this colour is not the best on you.”
Natalie’s face fell and Emily chided herself for not being kinder in her speech.
“A blue this pale is a difficult colour to wear well, and often can make one look even paler.” Emily gestured to the mirror so Natalie could see what she was talking about, while grabbing a bolt of midnight blue silk. “Now this on the other hand, shows off just how stunning you are.”
Natalie nodded, holding the fabric to her. “Thank you. And, I could add a little silver embroidery to it, to make it stand out even more. Well, I could if I was any good at such things.”
“I could do it for you.” Emily offered. “I probably could not do anything complicated, but I could definitely do something.”
“You will have your own gown to embroider. Let us work together, you can help me if I become stuck, and perhaps I can learn a trick or two from you.” Natalie held out a hand.
Emily shook it. “We have a deal.”
“Excellent. Now, what about you? I think the pale blue would not suit you either, and I am not sure that you wish to be in the same dress colour as me?” Natalie gestured to the fabric.
Emily took the fabric and let it slip between her fingers. “I would not mind matching you, though mother would say that I should try and match my dress to some favourite colour of Lord Baine’s.”
“Then we should have asked them before we left! I wonder what it is?” Natalie exclaimed.
“Well, it is too late now.” Emily shrugged. “We shall just have to muddle through.”
As she moved down the aisle, her eye caught on two volts of fabric. The first was a deep gold, with a reddish hue that made it closer to amber. She reached for it, the texture of it against her fingers soothing. It matched the texture of amber in her mind.
She could almost smell it, and smiled. Thinking of the way Luke’s voice matched his scent.
The second fabric was green, the same green that had been in the music he had played on the pianoforte. Together, they would complement each other. It would be a bold, ostentatious look.
Her chest constricted and she moved away.I have no wish to seem that vain.
“Oh my goodness, Emily, you would look amazing in these!” Natalie’s voice was full of excitement.
