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Julianna joined them in the dining room for lunch. After asking about Val’s day and being amazed by Val’s description, Julianna said, “Val, we don’t have time to have a gown commissioned for your wedding, so I’ve a dressmaker coming tomorrow morning with a few ready-made samples for you to consider.”
Val froze with her spoon between her bowl of gumbo and her mouth. The look on Julianna’s face was pleasant but also firm, which meant the subject was not up for discussion. “Yes, ma’am.”
“I also need you and Drake to be seen together in the Quarter. As we said, if your father decides to investigate the legitimacy of the marriage, we want people to relate the gossip they’ve heard about how much in love you two are.”
The still-frozen Val glanced at Drake whose eyes told her nothing, but she still wondered if mother and son had formed a conspiracy pact. Seeing no way out, Val took the bait and asked, “And how do you propose to accomplish this?”
“I thought we’d start with a shopping trip to supplement your wardrobe.”
“My clothes are fine, Julianna.”
“No offense, dear, but you’re wearing borrowed brogans that once belonged to Phillipe when he was small.”
Val cringed at the tart yet gentle rejoinder. A few weeks ago, when her already well-worn slippers became candidates for the trash bin, Julianna offered to buy her a new pair but Val’s pride wouldn’t allow it. So, she was presented with a pair of barely worn, sturdy brogans Phillipe had outgrown. They fit well and she’d been wearing them since.
“I’ll give you the names of a few of the shops Sable and I patronize.”
“And what am I purchasing?”
“Blouses, skirts, stockings, shifts. Whatever catches your eye and enough to fill your armoire. Also, keep in mind that as a teacher you’ll want to look the part. The students will be expecting it.”
Val didn’t know if she agreed with that. Her students were coming to soak up what she had to offer their minds. She doubted they’d care what she wore during the process, but arguing with Julianna was always an exercise in futility, so she replied, “Yes, ma’am. When do you want this shopping trip to take place?”
“Didn’t you say you’d planned to drive to the Quarter this afternoon to ask about the young teacher you want to employ?”
“I did.”
“Then unless Drake has something pressing?” She looked to him and Val prayed he did.
“I don’t.”
She sighed inwardly.
“Then that settles it,” Julianna said happily.
But Val had one more very important question. “How am I to pay for the items?”
“They will be my gift to you,” she replied.
Drake shook his head. “No, Mama. I’ll take care of the bills. She’ll be my wife after all.”
Val would rather not be beholden to him for what sounded like an expensive undertaking, but before Valinda could argue the point, Julianna said, “Thank you, son.”
With that, she pushed back from the table and stood. “Now, I’m going to have Mr. Doolittle run me and Henri to the docks for a meeting with some carpetbaggers who believe this poor, ignorant Colored female is going to say yes to their appallingly low bid for one of our warehouses. Have a good time in the shops.”
After her exit, Val sighed loudly and looked to Drake who said, “I almost feel sorry for the carpetbaggers.”
“Do you enjoy shopping?”
“No.”
“Neither do I.”
“Then this should be an interesting adventure.”
Val had never owned anything store-bought before. “I know absolutely nothing about purchasing clothing. My seamstress grandmother Rose made every piece of clothing my sister and I wore until we were old enough to sew for ourselves.”
“You sew?”
