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The trip to the modiste that the Dowager had chosen was a fairly short one, with no time to share anything more than a few polite words. When Nora saw the name on the shop they’d pulled up in front of, she felt faint again.
Madame Devy was a well-known and highly exclusive name among the fashion community. A single one of her dresses cost more than a maid of Nora’s station might make in several months, if not years.
The Dowager didn’t seem to notice. She simply alighted from the carriage and made her way to the ornate doors, expecting the other two to follow. Scarlett and Nora shared a look, then followed.
Inside, everything was tastefully and artfully arranged to show the full range of the modiste’s wares. One side of the shop held bonnets and gloves and other accouterments. The back wall displayed styles of dresses, so customers could see what the finished designs might look like. And the other side of the shop held fine fabrics of linen, muslin, silk, and other quality materials.
Even when she’d still been a member of the Beaumont family, she might have only glanced into this shop once or twice. If she’d made averygood match, her father might have permitted her to buy one of their simpler designs as a wedding dress.
No sooner had the shop bell chimed then an older woman in a fashionable working dress emerged from the back of the shop, a smile on her face. “Oh my, Dowager Russell. How wonderful to see you here today. I had no idea you were coming, or I would have made arrangements.”
“It was a rather impulsive decision, Elizabeth.” The Dowager waved the concern off. “Do not mind me, nor those two young ladies. We are simply out for a spot of shopping for an event tomorrow.”
“Of course, of course. Well, do let me know if you require any assistance.” The lady moved away.
“Nora darling, I am in need of a new bonnet, so I shall start there. Can you manage the rest?”
“Yes, I think so.” She might not have ever shopped at Madame Devy’s, but she was familiar with the process of purchasing specially made or tailored clothes. She hooked Scarlett’s arm again and drew her toward the wall of fabrics.
Scarlett joined her readily enough, nodding approvingly. “They do have quite a nice selection of fabrics and colors here. There’s quite a good selection to choose from.” She joined Nora in looking at the blue fabrics. “Now then, what is all this about news? What could have happened since you left this morning?”
“You recall that my errand was to inform the Duke that I was accepting his proposal.” Nora kept her voice low. “And so I did. I intended to return, but Abigail suggested that I learn to dance, so I can accompany the Duke to some sort of gathering next week.”
“There’s little enough harm in that. You’re graceful enough, I’ll wager the lessons were easy.”
“They were. I learned to dance when I was young, so it was more a reminder than anything. And the Duke... he was very kind. Very gentle with me.”
“There’s nothing wrong nor of note in that, though I am happy for you.” Scarlett watched her with a speculative gaze. “Ah, but that isn’t your news, is it?”
“No.” Nora felt her cheeks heat, and Scarlett smirked. “It was... we were dancing, and then we somehow began arguing. And then…” She flushed harder. “I happened to tease him about giving me an incentive to stay.”
“Oh? Bold of you.”
“Not so bold as he was. The Duke... he kissed me.”
“And not badly, by the look of it.” Scarlett’s voice was as amused as her expression.
“No, It was not a bad kiss at all. In fact, it was... I do not think I have words for what it was like, but it was like the world disappeared for a moment, as if nothing else mattered.”
“That impressive? Well, that is good news. If the man can give you such a passionate kiss now, I suppose this marriage will not be the convenient one you feared before.” Scarlett smiled.
“And that is exactly what I fear.” Nora hissed the words back. “Do you not see what a problem this represents?” She felt a fine shiver go through her. “It was easy to marry him when it was only to be a formality, but if I become truly involved... how can it end in any fate other than heartbreak?”
“His or yours?”
“Mine. I... if I come to have feelings for him... then I am like to have my heart broken again. And I do not think I can deal with such a thing, especially if I am married to him.”
“Well, in that case, I shall help you manage the matter, but that is a thing to think of later.” Scarlett pointed at two bolts of fabric, both in a light blue like the summer sky, though with a few shades of difference between them. One was linen, the other a very fine cotton, nearly as soft as silk. “What do you think of these?”
Nora examined them both. “The cotton is lighter, but the linen is…”
“Excuse me.” A quiet, stern voice interrupted her. The two of them turned to find the seamstress who had greeted them standing in front of them, her hands folded and a prim expression on her face. “If you are looking at fabrics for the Lady Russell, then it might serve you well to know that she wears darker colors and is partial to muslin or silk.” Her sharp gaze flickered between them with a calculating expression. “If you need, I can assist you in making some selections.”
Nora swallowed hard but couldn’t afford to shrink into herself if she was going to be the Duchess of Bedford. If she was truly going to marry Arthur, she would need to play the part, regardless of how she looked at the moment.
She straightened her back and settled herself into the posture she’d learned to use years ago when she’d been a member of Society instead of a maid. “I fear you are mistaken. I am here to make some purchases for myself, not Lady Russell.”
A pinched expression transformed the seamstress’s face, head tipping, and spine straightening until she was looking haughtily down her nose at them. “I do not understand.”
