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The other woman, taller and gracefully middle-aged, murmured, “If you would, Ms. Quinn?” She set down a device that projected a privacy screen.
I stood and gazed at them, confused. “Would what?”
The chirp of laughter that emerged from behind Elise’s hand annoyed me.
“If you would put on the proto version of your gown, so we can finish fitting you?” The lilt and froth of the younger woman’s tone barely covered the harsher note of a vein of iron. “We’ve worked from the measurements we were given, but the Ball is tonight, and we need to make the final adjustments.”
I picked up the package with caution and walked behind the screen. The wrapping opened when I pressed it, and the contents resolved into a fall of fabric, dark red, close to black, with bits of gold lace stuck to it. I growled in annoyance. I hated wearing red. Also, not knowing what to do irritated me since there was no obvious way it stayed on.
There was no visible way to get it on, however.
“Ms. Quinn? May I join you?”
“Sure.”
The older woman stepped behind the screen. “You’ll need to disrobe,” she said, her voice neutral, and took the dress from me. It fell open at a few deft touches as I removed my t-shirt and pants, saving my gloves for last.
“This has support designed into it,” she said. “Foundation garments aren’t needed. Lift your arms, please.”
“I’m not three,” I said.
“Of course not, but I know where the fasteners are.” Her smile was quick and charming, and I found myself raising my arms.
Time spent in this house was turning me soft.
Even though I hated red, the color was close enough to black in this light to be tolerable. I’d never worn a dress like this one. Close fitted, it ended mid-thigh, with a strip around my neck just under my chin that matched the dress fabric. Transparent golden lace filled in the low-cut bodice and long sleeves, making my chest and arms look as if they were dusted with gold. The back, also filled with lace, dipped below my waist.
The rest of the dress gleamed with a subtle sheen as I moved.
“Would you come out?” Elise called.
If I was to wear it in public, I might as well start now. It should have little chits sewn into the lining flashing the price, to make sure everyone knew how expensive it was.
I unpowered the screen.
Elise nodded. “You’ll do.”
“And that means?” I snapped.
“You can carry this off.” Elise exchanged a glance with the younger couturier. “Jewelry and shoes?”
“Provided; the make-up artist will be by in a few hours when we deliver the finished dress.”
Elise glanced at me sidelong. At my expression, her faint smile lines deepened.
“I should start getting ready, too. My outfit was dropped off yesterday.” She sighed. “The season finale for Wind is tonight and I’m going to be at the Ball. The sacrifices I make…”
Getting ready for an event took Elise hours.
I eyed her. She’d never mentioned wanting to duck a social engagement before. The new rapport was uncomfortable, but I liked it.
Dove called through the door. “Walker asked if you could come to the sitting room.”
Unsealing the dress was quicker when I knew how it worked, and I was tugging my gloves back on as I opened the door.
TWO
Alys
