Page 33 of Drowned in the Pleasure of a Devilish Baron
“Yes, indeed,” he said in his refined noblemen’s voice. “What genius the two of you have on your hands.”
“I have an idea that this new venture may help Whitfield Wines edge out some of our competition,” Leonard said with a smile. “The Davis family’s wines—you know Lord Ashton, don’t you Charles?” he said aside, and Charles nodded that he did. “Have always remained neck and neck with our wines. Perhaps diversifying our flavors, adding something new, will help us to get ahead of them. I must confess, I got a bit ahead of myself,” he added with a flush. “I have already begun to paint ideas for our labels.”
When the other two did not respond, being too focused on shooting dark looks at each other, he prompted, “Labels for the beer and mead bottles?”
Felix shook himself out of it. “Of course! Wonderful. Please, let us see it.”
“There’s no one with a talent like yours,” Charles added smoothly.
Felix no longer cared about Charles, now that he was seeing Leonard’s excitement. “Show us, then!” he said with a laugh.
With an even fiercer flush, he slowly turned around the canvas to show the other two.
Felix’s eyes widened as he took in the image, the style, and mostly… the name. He looked at his brother-in-law, a gentleman with whom his relationship had begun so poorly. “Leonard…” he said. “Are you sure?”
Leonard beamed. “Very sure.”
Chapter Sixteen
Friday morning dawned cloudy and rainy, and her mother had announced that it was time to inspect Sarah’s work on the fabric. The fabric Lady Marlow had chosen was a rich muslin of a deep blue, a color Sarah knew was chosen to set off her eyes. She had started her work at the hem, designed and embroidering a dreamy spring scape, with delicate flowers twining around decorative swirls.
It would be turned into a formal gown, though Sarah still had no clue what event it was being prepared for. It wasn’t a wedding gown, which gave her hope that her family’s plans were not moving too quickly. Perhaps it was for some ball to meet potential suitors. As long as it was in the future, giving her and Felix long enough to work out their own plans, she was determined not to overly concern herself about it.
And besides, maybe I can wear it one day for Felix, and watch him appreciate it.
It was a dreamy thought, and one she was holding tight to her chest. At night, when she put her head down on her pillow, she had begun to imagine a scene where she drifted down the stairs of some elegant estate, draped in jewels she did not own and dressed in her exquisite blue gown.
At the bottom of the stairs, Felix would be waiting, and when he saw her in this gown, he would be unable to take her eyes off of her. This vision never failed to put her to sleep, and she often dreamed of him.
“This is good work,” her mother said. “You have a steady hand and a good eye when you apply yourself.”
“Thank you, Mother.”
“What will you do now that you have completed the hem?”
“I thought I might add some decoration to the sleeves. Do you have any suggestions?”
Her mother looked at her above the muslin. “I do not. I trust your judgment. Bring it to me when you have decided on the design.”
Sarah nodded.
“And what will you be needed for at Lady Juliet’s today?” her mother asked with an arch smile. At Sarah’s look of surprise, she continued, “Come now, Sarah, I’m not a fool. You’ve been there every day. What is the reason today?”
“Oh. She-she would like to practice the musical number we were working on. She says it is much easier to play her piano when I’m there to sing as well.”
Lady Marlow nodded approvingly. “She’s right about that. You do have a strong voice. Still, she needs you so often lately. I’m glad to see you have not let it get in the way of your responsibilities.” She gestured to the carefully embroidered fabric. “I had thought I might have to forbid your visits if your work on the gown was not getting done, but you have surprised me.”
Sarah was not surprised to learn this, and in truth, it was partly why she had been so careful to give the task her all. She had long since learned that when it came to her mother, it was always best to give her tasks her all.
“Once you put it safely away, you may go to Juliet’s.”
Sarah nodded and moved toward the hall.
“But I would like you to bring Rebecca today.”
Sarah froze in her tracks.
“Bring Rebecca?” she asked. “To Juliet’s? Why?”
