Charlotte and Aurelia were poked and prodded, examined and measured, while the assistants took copious notes and ran around the room following Mme Auclair’s instructions. Charlotte had never seen her daughter glow with pure happiness as she had that afternoon, looking through books of fabric for the ball gown her father had promised her. Shaking her head at the indulgence, Charlotte relented, because who could resist a gift that brought her daughter so much joy?
“Now, my lady, I know just the fabrics to complement your beautiful coloring. This silk here will bring out the golden flecks in your eyes.” Reaching a hand to stroke the luxurious grassy green silk, Charlotte sighed at the sumptuous feel of it beneath herfingers. The shade reminded her of the verdant fields at Fermoy. It was comforting.
“This one will suit you as well. The deep blue will enhance the lovely color of your hair and the striking shade of your eyes.”
Charlotte flushed at the compliments. It warmed her to think someone appreciated her appearance besides herself.
“Ah, yes, I see it,” Louisa approved with a nod. “We need something very special for this ball, Mme Auclair. Charlotte has spent much time in the country, and we need her to be spectacular.”
“Oui, je comprends. Mario!Le ciel étoilé! Here, my lady, I have this very special fabric, it is stunning and would look beautiful with your warm complexion. We call itstarry sky.”
Charlotte eyed the navy silk woven with what seemed like a sea of stars, small sliver dots made that sparkled in the light. She had never seen anything so beautiful, so delicate. Imagining such a hue against her skin was a dream. How it would shimmer under the light of the glowing chandeliers. Her mouth curved into a smile, wondering if Perry would find her irresistible in such a dress.
“We will add a few lovely details to enhance your shape and draw attention to your most enticing features,” Mme Auclair said with a saucy wink and a wiggle of her shoulders.
“Oh, dear, my brother will faint dead away, of that, I am certain,” Louisa remarked with a laugh.
Aurelia’s eyes grew wide as saucers. “Then we mustn’t, Mama.” She tugged on her mother’s sleeve, staring at her with great concern.
“Not really, darling. Your aunt is merely jesting.” Charlotte laughed. “Perhaps it is time for your tea.”
Charlotte waved to Ann to take her daughter away before the girl’s aunt said anything else shocking. After a few protests from Aurelia, the women were left alone as the modiste continued waving sample after sample of gorgeous fabric before them.
“Yes. No. Yes. Yes. No. Yes. Absolutely yes,” Louisa said,pointing at the many options. “When did this fabric come in? Charlotte must have it.”
“It is far too much, Louisa.” Charlotte passed a hand over a shimmering white raw silk fabric dotted with inlaid flowers. It was stunning.
“You must be enchanting. Thetonwill have no choice but to accept you.” Louisa gave her a pointed look as she added several items to the list of clothing to be delivered to the home over the next few days.
“The ball gown is needed tomorrow. I want all your best people on it. Society will not wait for its newest member to be introduced. She must be enchanting and beguiling, while also maintaining a certain mysterious appeal.”
The women turned at the sound of a soft knock on the door. Perry stood, leaning in the doorway, his mouth quirked up into a half-smile. Charlotte wondered how much of their conversation he had overheard.
“Peregrine, how lovely to see you,” Louisa said, giving him a wave before turning back to the many silk samples.
“I trust Louisa is being helpful, Charlotte?” Perry asked, coming up and placing a soft kiss on his wife’s cheek.
Her heart raced at his sudden proximity, and she searched for the words to communicate. “Yes, she has been a godsend.”
“Good,” Perry said. “I have one small request. Would it be too late to add one more guest at our table tonight?”
Charlotte shook her head. “No, I can speak to the cook immediately. I would be delighted to welcome another guest. Who is it?”
“I have asked my friend to join us. He may have some helpful suggestions about our…investigation, I suppose you would call it. Beau recommended I consult with him. Louisa is already up to date on the latest happenings, so I have no qualms if she is present.”
She touched her lips, delighting in being considered a part of their “investigation.” She would rather not have someoneattempting to murder the earl, but knowing they had resources to help them discover the villain was reassuring.
“Who may I tell the servants is coming?”
“Lord Michael Talbot, the Viscount Witney.”
A clatter of samples sounded behind them. Perry and Charlotte turned to glance at Louisa, who was stacking the books and handing them to Mme Auclair.
“Clumsy me,” Louisa said with a cough. “Mme Auclair, I believe we are done here. Remember, this one is for tomorrow. I want it to be dazzling.” The marchioness pointed to the fabric they had chosen for the ball gown.
“Oui, Madame la marchionesse,bien sûr. We will begin immediately. My lady will beexquise,” the modiste replied, signaling to her assistants to collect their stock.
“Charlotte, I believe it is time for a drink, wouldn’t you agree? I am parched,” Louisa asked, eyeing her brother as he stood in the room with them. “Perry, we will see you at dinner?”
