He bowed his head. “Elizabeth. May I enter?”
She rose to her feet. “Yes, of course, sir.”
“I wished to discover whether there is anything you require.”
She paused in thought. “The water for my bath is being heated. Sir, perhaps you might assist me with my buttons.”
“Buttons?”
“Yes.” She partially turned so he might see the row of buttons running down her back.
“Ah. Yes, of course.”
He entered and shut the door.
“Do you find this too awkward, sir? I am accustomed to having four sisters at my disposal. We assist one another when we dress.”
He approached her, and she turned her back to him. “Not awkward in the least. I am happy to attend you, Mrs. Darcy.” He was grinning.
As he began working on the upper buttons, he asked, “Have you conducted interviews for a maid?”
“No, sir. Lady Helen’s personal maid was meant to oversee the matter, but I never learned whether it was done. To speak plainly, I do not believe I should feel comfortable with anyone Miss Dunn deemed suitable.”
“Ah, I see.”
“Sir, if you would be so good as to take me to Madame Clairemont’s shop, there is a seamstress there with an excellent eye for color and style. I like her very much. We spent a great deal of time together assembling my trousseau. Her name is Gibbs. Perhaps she might agree to become my personal maid.”
“Yes, perhaps.” He continued working on her buttons.
“Mr. Darcy, if you accompany me, you shall know how such matters ought to be managed. Would I need permission from Madame Clairemont, or does the arrangement rest entirely between Miss Gibbs and ourselves?”
“You need not concern yourself with any of that, Elizabeth. My solicitor will arrange everything. I shall dispatch him tomorrow.”
She twisted a little way to face him. “Thank you, sir. I had not realized how inconvenient it would prove to live in a grand house such as this without a maid.”
“Where is Ruby? I sent her to attend you.”
“Yes. I asked her to press my gown for dinner. She also ordered the bath water before she left. I feel a burden, sir. Your servants have assumed extra duties to assist me.”
He straightened. “There, I have finished with your buttons. May I fetch your wrap?”
She stood holding her bodice in place. “To speak truthfully, sir, I do not know where it could be.” She glanced about the room. “Perhaps in one of those drawers.” She gestured toward a heavy mahogany dresser standing against the wall.
He crossed to it and, after opening several drawers, withdrew a garment and held it aloft.
“Is this it?”
“No, sir, that is a petticoat, though I imagine my wrap shall lie somewhere nearby.”
She moved toward him, but her skirts slipped to the floor in a crumpled heap about her ankles. Her petticoat remained in place.
He grinned. “I should not like you to trip, darling. Allow me.”
He offered his hand, and she accepted it as she stepped carefully over the pool of fabric, anxious not to damage her expensive gown.
He bent and lifted the fallen skirt. “This is a lovely gown, Elizabeth. You looked exceedingly fetching in it.”
His gaze traveled slowly down her form.
