Page 115 of Bond of a Bewitched Highlander

"Nay. He has feelings for you. 'Tis obvious. Do you have lovely dresses in your chamber?"

"Your mother has been kind enough to let me borrow clothing. Some of it is yours."

"Well, I brought some extra gowns, newer ones."

"So did I," Dani said. "You can wear any of them you wish."

Cat pulled a deep green gown of silky satin from her trunk. "Try this one."

Earlier, Elsea had removed the betrothal ring on the cord from around her neck so Cat wouldn't see it. She was observant and would no doubt notice it.

The two lady's maids present helped Elsea don the beautiful new dress Cat had offered.

When Elsea had it on, the amount of cleavage it revealed shocked her. The upper half of her breasts were on display. "'Tis far too low cut," Elsea protested. "I never wear things like this."

"Nonsense. 'Tis the new fashion." Cat sent her a devilish grin.

A knock sounded at the door. It opened, and Brodie's mother stepped in.

Mortified, Elsea covered her bare décolletage with both hands.

Taking in the scene, Agatha smiled. "Let me see, my dear."

Her face flaming, Elsea bit her lip and slowly lowered her hands.

"You are stunning, young lady. Brodie will not be able to take his eyes off you."

"Oh, saints," Elsea hissed and turned away, wishing she could crawl into the back of the attached dressing room and hide for the rest of the night. "'Twill give the wrong impression. I must wear something else."

"You have embarrassed her, Ma," Cat chided.

"Pray pardon. 'Twas not my intent. You are truly beautiful, Elsea. There is naught to be embarrassed about."

"I do nay wish Brodie to think I'm—" She couldn't say trying to seduce him. "He already mistrusts me."

"We could find a more modest dress," Dani said. "We don't want to drive Brodie away, do we? Or make him suspicious?"

Cat sighed. "You're right. My brother is the height of stubborn and ornery. He will think we're all trying to manipulate him."

"We should do the opposite of what he expects." Dani grinned slyly.

"Oh, you are a canny lady," Cat said.

The dark indigo blue velvet gown Cat pulled from her trunk next had a wide, high neckline, revealing a bit of shoulder. The bodice was lacy and fitted, molding to Elsea's curves without being scandalous. She loved it. The maid styled her hair in an elegant upsweep with ringlets and curls escaping.

"Oh, my dear, you look so demure and lovely," Agatha breathed. "That is the perfect dress for you."

"Gorgeous." Dani nodded with approval.

Cat beamed a wide smile. "Stunning."

Elsea's face warmed. "Nonsense. But I appreciate all your hard work to make me presentable."

Cat scoffed. "No hard work necessary. You would be beautiful in a marram grass sack."

Elsea had paid little attention to her appearance recently, but deep down inside, some echo from the past wanted Brodie to like the way she looked.

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