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The mere thought of all these designs being surveyed by the ton tonight made her hands tremble. Those hands fidgeted in front of her. Chloe hoped the clamminess beneath her white gloves would soon fade.
When they reached the ballroom, the seamstresses stepped inside. They oohed and ahh-ed appropriately, at the beauty around them, with the summer boughs laid across chandeliers and candelabras, and blooms placed in golden vases.
Chloe could not look at any of it though. Her eyes shot to the nearest door through which Maeve stepped. The Duchess had indeed worn the gown Chloe had made for her, and it was a beautiful thing, making Maeve seem every bit the grand lady she now was.
“Well, Chloe,” Maeve said, stepping toward her with a buoyant tone. “I hope you are as excited as I am?”
“I think Rosaline is more so, which is saying something.” As Chloe spoke, Rosaline reached their side, bouncing up and down on her toes so much that Maeve laughed heartily.
Chapter 7
Chloe
“You like my gown? Oh, then I must introduce you to the designer. Quick, this way.” Lady Shrewsbury’s words reached Chloe’s ears.
Already, Chloe was turning around, ready for the impending meeting.
So far, Chloe had not left her place standing by the entrance to the ballroom. She had stood near the Duke and Maeve as they welcomed all of their guests. It was a grand event to introduce the Duke and Duchess to their new positions, but Maeve kept returning conversation to Chloe. Each time someone admired Maeve’s gown, Maeve or the Duke would place a hand on Chloe’s shoulder, introducing her as the designer. Clearly, Maeve was not the only person desirous to push her new business forward.
“Ah, Chloe, let me introduce you to someone.” Lady Shrewsbury appeared at her side. Quite the social butterfly, Chloe had met Lady Shrewsbury at her first event in the ton, and the two had become fast friends.
Sometimes I think there is not a soul in London who Lady Shrewsbury does not know!
“This is the Earl of Gloucester,” Lady Shrewsbury said and gestured to the gentleman before her. The young man bowed deeply in Chloe’s direction.
“Bingley! When did you get here? You crept in very stealthily.” The Duke stepped forward and shook the Earl’s hand.
“Well, I could see you had many people to welcome to your party. It is good to see you again, your Grace.” He addressed his latter comment to Maeve as he bowed. In answer, Maeve curtsied, then stepped firmly behind Chloe, beginning a conversation with Rosaline who stood nearby.
Chloe tried to hide her smile, though it was difficult. She could remember Maeve having spoken of the Earl of Gloucester once. He only knew her in her guise as Mr. Nathan Buckley.
Indeed, Maeve will have to avoid looking him in the eye as much as possible. Hopefully, he would soon forget what Mr. Buckley looked like.
“Lord Gloucester was just admiring your designs, Chloe,” Lady Shrewsbury said excitedly. “Not just my own, but this young lady’s here.” She gestured toward Rosaline.
Chloe turned to catch Rosaline’s eye. Though Rosaline was being drawn into conversation with Maeve, it was very clear where Rosaline’s own eyes were. They were on the Earl of Gloucester.
Oh dear, perhaps I should have told Rosaline about not making it so obvious when a lady is fond of a gentleman’s appearance?
Chloe took a quick sip from the sparkling wine in her hand, hoping to hide her temptation to laugh.
Most ladies do not look at diamonds in jewelry shops with so much desire!
“I thank you for the compliments, my lord,” Chloe said as Lady Shrewsbury urged her to speak with a subtle elbow to her ribs. “Would you like to be introduced to my friend here?” She gestured to Rosaline.
“I would be delighted.” The Earl of Gloucester seemed quite eager to make Rosaline’s acquaintance, pushing his dark hair back from his forehead.
Well, perhaps the attraction is a mutual thing!
“Rosaline?” Chloe called to Rosaline. It wasn’t difficult for Rosaline to make her excuses to Maeve and step forward. Her eyes shot quickly between Chloe and the Earl of Gloucester. “May I introduce the Earl of Gloucester to you. He has been admiring your gown.” Chloe urged Rosaline to curtsy, but when the widening of her eyes was not enough, she took Rosaline’s wrist, and subtly pulled her into that curtsy.
Rosaline took the hint then, curtsying a little more deeply than was needed. Chloe kept her laughter in by chewing the inside of her mouth.
“Lord Gloucester, this is my good friend Miss Rosaline Baker. She is a seamstress here at the estate and helps me with the Duchess’ gowns.”
“You helped make these creations?” Lord Gloucester seemed instantly impressed as he bowed to Rosaline.
My, my, that was a rather formal bow for an earl to give to a seamstress.
