Page 12 of The Lady Needs a Rogue
“Even so, my father is not nearly so generous.”
“Generous?” Macie hiked a brow. “I’m not quite sure that’s the right word. Papa has a plan. And fortunately for me, that plan requires funds. Gowns to tempt Lord High-and-Mighty don’t come cheap, you know.”
“Like that atrocity you wore last night?”
Macie grinned. “I’ll have you know that gown was an original. Madame Lorette said she’d never created anything like it.”
“Original?” Nell scoffed. “I admire your way with language. I can only imagine the dressmaker has never before had such a request. I do wish I’d seen the impression you made with my own eyes.”
“You will have your chance soon enough. Madame Lorette is putting the finishing touches on another creation as we speak.”
Nell’s eyes went wide again. “Tell me it’s not the same style as the last one.”
“Not even close.”
“I suppose Jon will be relieved.”
“Perhaps.” She shrugged. “But does it really matter?”
A frown pulled at her friend’s mouth. “Macie, what have you done now? I wouldn’t be entirely shocked if you arrived at a ball dressed in a grain sack.”
“Now that would be quite brilliant.” Macie mulled the notion in her head. “Perhaps that will be my next commission.”
“Oh, dear, I’ve inspired you, haven’t I?”
“And for that, I must thank you,” Macie said with a grin. “The gown Madame Lorette’s seamstress is creating was inspired by the tales of Robin Hood.”
“Maid Marian?” Nell looked hopeful.
Macie gave a little shake of her head. “Friar Tuck.”
Nell’s brows hiked in unison. “If you keep this up, your brother’s hair will gray in no time.”
“You are rather concerned about him,” Macie observed. “Please don’t tell me you’ve gone sweet on that stick in the mud.”
“Of course not. Jon has always been... like a brother to me.” The rosy hue in Nell’s cheeks contradicted her words.
“In case you haven’t noticed yet, he’s still very much available.”
Her flush deepened. “I am quite content with the way things are. There’s so much of the world I want to see before I’m settled by the hearth with a husband and babe in arms.”
“Indeed.” Macie agreed. “We shall both enjoy this time.”
“Absolutely.” A thin smile crossed Nell’s face. “While we have it. We both know it cannot go on forever.”
Macie studied her friend’s pensive expression. Nell had relished this time in London, especially those rare moments when she considered casting her ever-practical nature to the wind. Over the years, Macie had grown to view Nell as her calm, rational sister-of-the-heart. Her even, level-headed nature had been the primary reason Macie’s father had agreed to Nell’s unofficial role as Macie’s companion. She could be counted on to rein in Macie’s impulsive ways far more effectively than some hired biddy. Or so Papa thought.
What Papa didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him. Or her, for that matter.
“My, what a gloomy Sue,” Macie said, even as she heard the truth in Nell’s voice. Sooner or later, their wings would be clipped. But dash it all, she intended to delay that moment as long as possible.
The squawk of the entry door opening and closing yanked Macie from her thoughts. The rhythmic beat of boot heels upon the floorboards in the entry hall confirmed they were no longer alone.
“Someone’s here.” Nell whispered. My, she seemed unduly susceptible to alarm. Perhaps the strings of cobwebs by the fireplace and the gloomy shadows in the corners of the room had rattled her nerves more than Macie had expected.
Oddly enough, Macie felt quite at home.
“It’s Jon, most likely. He was due this afternoon to assess the needed renovations and prioritize the improvements. I had not expected him so soon.” She sighed.Drat the luck.She’dhoped for more time to plan her photography exhibit without disruption.
