She rose and followed Madame behind the black curtain where she was made to stand on a raised platform to have her measurements taken. Then, based on the ones she’d sent earlier, Madame brought out several gowns, spencers, and pelisses for her to look over. They were lovely. Grace hadn’t had such beautiful gowns since she’d last been in London. After all, there was no reason she should not dress fashionably. Even bluestockings, such as Lady Thornhill and the Misses Berry, dressed well. Bolton was right. A new gown was just the thing to make one feel better. “I shall take them all, including the ones in your drawings.”
After Madame showed Phoebe some designs and remeasured her, they were ready to leave. Grace put on her hat, being careful to tuck her hair up. It had always been her most recognizable feature. They left armed with samples and descriptions.
When they reached the pavement, Phoebe was hailed by a very pretty matron with chestnut curls. Accompanying her were two other ladies, one older with blond hair and a young lady with striking, sable-brown hair, who for some reason reminded her very much of Worthington. “Phoebe, we will meet you at the milliner’s down the street.” Grace grabbed Charlotte’s arm and whisked her away before the others reached them.
Phoebe nodded in acknowledgment. “I shan’t be long.” She turned to the ladies walking toward them. “Anna, my dear . . .”
Charlotte, despite casting Grace a confused look, had not demurred. Grace’s bosom heaved with relief. If she was a gambling woman, she wouldn’t have wagered a groat against the chance that the younger woman was Worthington’s sister. Her heart pounded. She finally managed a shaky breath. “Do you have the samples?”
Charlotte narrowed her eyes. “Yes. Grace, what was that all about?”
“What about? Why nothing. We mustn’t let the day catch up with us. We’re expected back in Grosvenor Square for luncheon.”
“Aunt Almeria said we’d be alone for luncheon.”
“Did she? I daresay I’ve forgotten.” Grace cast desperately around for another topic of conversation. “Here is the clerk wishing to help us.”
She gave Charlotte a small push. “We will need bonnets for the Season.”
Phoebe entered a few minutes later while Charlotte was with the clerk. “That was a good escape you made.”
Glancing out the window, Grace pressed her lips together. “I knew it. Worthington’s sister. She is so much like him.”
“She is indeed.”
Charlotte turned to her. “Grace, what do you think about this one?”
It was a satin straw bonnet decorated with ribbons and artificial flowers. The hat would be perfect with some of her walking gowns. “Excellent, my love.” Grace glanced at Phoebe. “You know so much more of what is in fashion. Will you help her?”
Phoebe grinned. “Of course, but Madame has had a partnership of sorts with this shop, and trusts them to enhance her fashions.” She leaned closer. “Calm yourself. The others will be at Madame’s for a while yet.”
Grace bit her lip and tried to focus on the bonnets. “How wonderful that she can offer such a convenience to her customers.”
Phoebe nodded. “I quite agree. It saves a great deal of time.”
The rest of the day was spent in buying the other articles of clothing and accessories that a lady of fashion needed. They had luncheon with Phoebe before sallying out again that afternoon.
Concerned about Phoebe’s condition and the pace she was keeping taking them around, Grace insisted her friend rest. “My dear, you’ll soon be knocked up.”
Phoebe just chuckled lightly. “I have a great deal of energy. Though I am told my last three months will be a little dreary and I shall tire more easily.”
“I suppose you know best. You won’t overdo it, will you?” Grace drew her brows together before she knew what she was doing. Good Lord, she was getting as bad as the older ladies, mothering other people.
Phoebe grinned. “You have become quite the mother hen.”
Grace smiled wryly. “I was just thinking the same thing. I suppose it comes with the territory.”
Once back at Herndon House she took the one package she’d decided to keep with her to her chamber. Opening the box, she drew out a straw bonnet with a high crown, which made her look taller, and a brim trimmed in gathered straw silk that hid her face from a side view.
Grace donned it and studied her reflection in the mirror. Unless one came upon her from the front, they would not be able to recognize her. The only problem was that she could only see what was directly in front of her.
It would have to do. At least now, she could shop without fear of being taken unawares.
Bolton came out of the dressing room and stopped. “I take it that’s the newest style?”
Grace met her dresser’s gaze in the mirror and lied. “Yes, do you like it? I think it very fashionable.”
“If you don’t want to see what’s around you.” Bolton shook her head. “Several of your gowns have arrived. Now those I like. As I’ve said anytime during the past four years, there is no reason you can’t dress like a fashionable lady even if you are in the country.”
