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“But I would feel so guilty,” Emily said, pressing her hands to her stomach. “If I’m seen in this gown tonight, you’ll never be able to wear it, not without people calling it my castoff.”
It was true. Her gown was unique enough that once Emily was seen in it, Dinah couldn’t wear it. Well, she’d had enough fun designing this dress, she’d just have to design another one next time there was adequate cause.
Dinah took hold of her shoulders, turning her around yet again so that she might finish looping the ties. “Don’t feel guilty. This is my gift to you.”
“I don’t know why I’m arguing with you. I’m certain the dress won’t fit. You haven’t had three babies as I have.” Still, she allowed Dinah to return to her work.
“And how you’ve remained so thin regardless is nothing short of a miracle.” What Dinah didn’t add aloud was that she’d been raised with few enough means that she knew how to design a gown so it would fit a variety of sizes without needing to be let out. A bit of extra fabric here and a little bit there, and a gown could easily fit a person for many years, no matter if one’s size grew a bit.
“There,” Dinah said as she finished the fastenings. “And just like that, you are ready once more.” Dinah stood straight and looked over her sister.
Emily turned first one way and then the other, seeing that everything was in order by use of the tall mirror. Spinning around, she flung her arms around Dinah.
“This is the sweetest thing anyone’s ever done for me.”
Dinah hugged her back. “Don’t mention it.”
Emily pulled back. “And you’re certain this is all right?” Her gaze swept over Dinah. She hadn’t spoken it unkindly, but Emily would have been blind indeed to not notice that Dinah’s dress was a far cry from the elegant ballgown Emily now wore.
“I have worn far simpler dresses than this to balls before.” Of course, those hadn’t been true London balls, only simple country assemblies. But Dinah swept such thoughts away. “Think of it this way. With me looking bland, you will shine all the brighter.”
Emily hugged her again even as a knock sounded from the door.
“Emily, dear?” David said from the other side.
“Nearly ready,” Emily called back, turning toward the mirror again and patting her hair.
“Your parent’s carriage just pulled up.”
Emily stilled.
Dinah stepped toward her, placing a hand on her back in support.
“I can’t do this,” Emily whispered. “What shall I say? What shall I do?”
“You will go downstairs and greet them,” Dinah said. “You will hold yourself with poise and grace, as I’ve seen you do every day since I first met you. You will show them that though you married the second son, you are a woman of means and comfort, as they always wished you to be.”
Emily lifted her chin and nodded. “David has truly seen to every one of my needs all these years.”
“Exactly. And once they realize how much David dotes on you, they will come to love him too.”
Another knock. “Dearest?”
“Coming,” Emily called. She gave Dinah a firm nod, then hurried toward the door and pulled it open.
“Your par—” David stopped mid-word, his gaze traveling over the full length of Emily. “That’s not the dress...”
“You can blame your youngest for soiling the one I’d intended to wear. This was going to be Dinah’s dress, but she said I could have it instead.”
David looked past his wife, seeing Dinah for the first time. His expression went from surprise to clear gratitude. “Thank you.” Then, taking his wife’s hand, the two of them hurried down the corridor and out of sight.
Dinah didn’t follow closely behind. Emily would, no doubt, prefer to greet her parents after their long estrangement without every member of the household standing by to watch. After a few breaths, Dinah slipped from the now quiet room and made her way slowly down the corridor. Her dress would stand out as simple at tonight’s gathering, but it was the best she had. So she would do as she’d always done; she’d stand tall, keep her chin up, and press on.
