It was but a moment before another woman came through the door. She had a long face, straight nose, and black hair, and approached Harriet with her hands out wide. “Lady Bideford,” she greeted, kissing her on both cheeks. “What a pleasant surprise.”
“I have a favor to ask of you,” Harriet said.
“But, of course,” Madam Carre responded in a thick French accent. “I would do just about anything for my favorite customer.”
Harriet gestured towards Ellie. “Miss Bentley is in dire need of some gowns for the Season.”
“For this Season?” Madam Carre asked in surprise.
“Yes,” Harriet replied. “She just arrived from the countryside, and her wardrobe needs to be outfitted immediately.”
Madam Carre’s eyes perused the length of her. “You are a pretty little thing,” she commented. “I suppose I could create a few gowns for you, but it will require my seamstresses to work around the clock.”
“I would be more than happy to pay for the additional expense,” Harriet stated.
Madam Carre nodded her head in approval. “Miss Bentley will need gowns in white and pale colors, but I think a gold ball gown would suit her quite admirably.” She walked around her slowly. “You have excellent coloring, and I believe my gowns will look exquisite on you.”
Madam Carre stepped back and continued. “I shall have my seamstresses start working on Miss Bentley’s gowns immediately. With any luck, we shall start delivering them in a few days’ time.”
“Thank you,” Ellie said.
Leaning closer, Madam Carre remarked in a hushed voice, “You are indeed lucky to be friends with Lady Bideford.”
“I am well aware of my fortune,” Ellie replied.
Madam Carre leaned back and clapped her hands. “My assistant will take your measurements.”
The woman who had previously greeted them stepped back into the room. “If you will follow me to the back, we can begin.”
Emma whispered to her, “Good luck.”
After what felt like hours, Ellie emerged from the back room, having been thoroughly poked and prodded.
Lady Bideford and Emma rose from their chairs when they saw her. “You are done,” Harriet acknowledged.
“I am,” she replied.
“Shall we go look for hats and shawls?” Harriet asked.
Ellie nodded. “That sounds like a wonderful idea.”
As they left the modiste shop, Emma leaned closer to her. “How did it go?”
“I agree with you that it was quite invasive,” Ellie replied. “I believe the woman took great delight in poking me with her pins.”
Emma giggled. “That was my experience, as well.”
Harriet gave them both a knowing look. “If you didn’t move, then you wouldn’t get poked.”
They started walking down the street, but stopped when they were approached by a dark-haired man with sharp features.
He stopped in front of them and bowed. “Lady Bideford and Lady Emma,” he greeted cordially. “What a pleasant surprise to see you here.”
Harriet tipped her head. “It is a pleasure to see you, Lord Featherstone.” She gestured towards Ellie. “May I introduce you to Miss Bentley?”
Lord Featherstone turned his attention towards her, and his eyes roamed over her face, making her feel as if she were on display. “Enchanted,” he replied.
Ellie curtsied. “My lord,” she murmured.
