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“Yes.” She moved a step even closer. Her hand reached out to his hair. “They need a tutor, and Sarah a governess.”
Dear God, she was mesmerizing him. And the worst part was, he was certain she knew the affect she had on him. “I don’t think they really need a tutor for the few months we will be here.”
Her green eyes clouded. Slowly, her full lips tipped upwards into a seductive smile, and all he could think about was tasting her.
He moved his head closer…closer, until he was a breath away. Would her lips taste as sweet as he anticipated? Her mouth parted slightly as if readying herself for his kiss. He stared into her emerald eyes. He suddenly wanted so much more than a kiss. He inclined his head to kiss her.
A loud crash from upstairs broke them apart. They stared at each other as if unable to fathom what had almost happened. The sound of shouting sent him toward the stairs. He stopped at the banister and looked back at her.
“Hire the damned tutor and governess. Obviously, I can’t control them.”
And once again, she managed to get her way. While he should feel angry with her attempts to flirt with him, he didn’t. He understood her reasons far too clearly. Survival. Nothing more. Unfortunately for him, his body only wanted her closer.
He raced up the steps before one of his brothers killed the other.
She was a wicked woman. To use her wiles to get what she wanted had to be the worst thing she’d ever done. She had almost let him kiss her. The idea only stirred more sinful thoughts in her. Still, a little smile of satisfaction tugged at her lips.
Slowly, she walked up the stairs to his sisters’ room. After opening the door, she sat on the bed next to Sarah. “Did you get fitted yet?” Elizabeth asked.
“Yes! It was so much fun. Madame Beaulieu said she would make me dresses. Lots of dresses. I asked her if she would make one for my doll, but she said no.” Sarah’s legs kicked the side of the bed.
“I shall help you make a dress for your doll,” Elizabeth replied.
Sarah smiled and leaned on Elizabeth. “Thank you, Lady Elizabeth.”
The warmth of the little girl’s appreciation went straight to Elizabeth’s heart. She looked over at Ellie, who appeared overwhelmed with the choices she had to make. “I think I need to help your sister,” Elizabeth said to Sarah.
“I don’t know which fabrics to choose,” Ellie whimpered.
“The white silk and pale blue muslin to start,” Elizabeth said as she reached the table where Madame Beaulieu had laid out the fabrics. “The light fabrics will look wonderful on you.”
Ellie clasped Elizabeth’s hand. “Thank you. I could never pick all this fabric without your help.”
Elizabeth smiled. “We will have you all set with clothing in no time.” She turned to the dressmaker and added, “The white silk is for her bow. It must befit the sister of a duke.”
“Yes, my lady,” Madame Beaulieu replied. “I believe sapphires would be just the thing to set off the blue in her eyes.”
“Sapphires?” Ellie murmured.
“That is a perfect choice, Madame. Nothing too ostentatious. I believe my mother had a beautiful sapphire pendant and earring set that should go perfectly with the gown.”
Elizabeth prayed William wouldn’t be too upset over the costs, but a court gown had to be the most beautiful gown a young woman would wear for some time. And it must conform to the queen’s demands of what it should look like, no simple task.
Once they had all the fabrics chosen for Ellie, Lucy stood with a frown as Lady Beaulieu took her measurements. Madame Beaulieu and Elizabeth conferred for a few minutes on just the right fabrics for Lucy. With her darker coloring, the pastels that suited Ellie would look washed out on her.
“We cannot go too dark while she’s so young,” Madame Beaulieu said.
“I agree, but the pastels just aren’t right on her.” Elizabeth stared and wondered what Jennette did at this age and then remembered. “Ivory for her bow and light jewel tones for the rest.”
“Are you certain?” the dressmaker asked.
“Yes. Lady Jennette did the same at Lucy’s age.”
Madame Be
aulieu nodded. “I remember! I will do some of the same colors.”
“Who is Lady Jennette?” Lucy asked impatiently.
