“You have plenty of ribbons,” Melody pointed out.
Elodie grinned. “Can a lady ever have too many ribbons?”
“In your case, perhaps,” Melody replied with a smile of her own.
Miles chuckled. “I would invite you along, my lady, but our purpose in going is for Lady Edwina to meet with Mr. Stanley.”
The grin disappeared from Elodie’s lips. “That does not sound the least bit enjoyable. I would rather stay here.”
Lady Dallington glided through the doorway and announced, “Good, because we are meeting with the dressmaker soon. You will require a whole new wardrobe for the Season.”
Elodie’s shoulders slumped as she groaned in response. “That sounds awful.”
Melody perked up. “I disagree. That sounds wonderful.”
“I do not wish to be poked and prodded,” Elodie complained.
With a slight shrug, Melody replied, “Then don’t movewhen the dressmaker is attempting to measure you. It is a simple process, really.”
Elodie sat back in her seat, clearly unhappy with the situation. “What is wrong with the gowns that I have now?”
“They are far too simple for London,” Lady Dallington replied matter-of-factly. “All eyes will be on you as you two make your debuts. You both must make quite the impression to set yourselves apart from the other debutantes.”
Miles ate his food as he listened intently to the conversation, grateful that he didn’t have to worry about such things. He had learned long ago that he cared little about what people thought about him. Except Edwina. Her opinion mattered greatly to him.
“What of Edwina?” Elodie asked. “Won’t she need an entire new wardrobe as well?”
Lady Dallington nodded. “She does, indeed. But her appointment is scheduled for next week.”
“Why not today, with us?” Elodie prodded.
Sitting down at the head of the table, Lady Dallington replied, “We shall discuss this later, Dear, since we are being terribly rude to our guest.” Her voice was gentle but firm.
Miles wiped the corners of his mouth with his napkin. “Not at all. I was just enjoying the conversation around me.”
Lady Dallington smiled warmly. “I do appreciate you taking Edwina into the village today.”
“It is my pleasure,” Miles responded. And it truly was. He found that he was greatly looking forward to spending time with Edwina again. He didn’t think he would ever tire of being in her presence.
As if on cue, Edwina entered the dining room and Miles promptly rose to his feet. She looked radiant in a dark blue gown and her hair was pinned up in a loose chignon, with a few tendrils delicately framing her face. The bright smile she wore on her lips made it nearly impossible for him to look away.
“Good morning, my lord,” Edwina greeted as she came to sit next to him.
Miles returned to his seat and said, “Good morning. I trust that you slept well.”
“I did,” Edwina replied. “And did you sleep well?”
He grinned. “I do not have any complaints.”
Their eyes met for a brief moment and Miles had to forcefully turn his attention elsewhere to avoid being caught staring.
“I am pleased that you are out of mourning,” Elodie said, addressing Edwina with curiosity in her voice.
Edwina placed her napkin on her lap. “I thought it was best, considering the Season is coming up shortly.”
“And you intend to make your debut?” Elodie prodded.
“I do,” Edwina replied. “Lord Hilgrove has graciously offered to help me.”
