Page 31 of Romancing A Wallflower
I should have known something was amiss when Mama insisted on leaving so early. She was obviously up to her old tricks, hoping we are home in time to entertain Lord Harlow. Lilian was aware of a certain irritation but found it difficult to maintain. Her mother’s dream for her had become her own dream, but she would never admit to it. She could not take disappointment.
Her mother tapped the top of the carriage and it stopped in front of Madame Chandos’ shop. Their friendship had spanned the two ladies’ lifetime, and Mama always commissioned several dresses when they returned from London. Madame Chandos’ seamstresses turned out very elegant work, at a fraction of the price to be found in London. Mama could spend hours poring over patterns and fabrics, especially if a new shipment of lace had arrived.
Winston assisted Lilian into her wheel-chair, and then pushed her into the shop. Most of the shop’s light came from the large glass window at the front and two oil lamps at the rear, behind a long counter. Fabrics and laces covered large, flat, waist-high tables. Shelves lined the walls with hundreds of bolts of fabric standing side by side, arranged according to colour and texture. High tables flanked the counter on each side with tall stools, giving space for the patrons to examine large pattern books. The back wall opened to two small dressing rooms for the clients and a tiny office. Lilian looked around her, secretly hoping that Mama’s sense of urgency would aid them in leaving here quickly. The shop door tinkled when they entered, alerting the modiste to their presence, and she hurried to welcome them.
“Bienvenu, chères amies,” the shop owner gushed. “It is my pleasure to see you, my friend. How may I assist you?”
“Madame, it has been an age. We arrived home only yesterday, and I wanted to make this my first call.”
“I am so glad to see all of you, my lady. Did you have a good stay in London? I had planned to visit, but I have been very busy of late,” the modiste replied.
“My daughters and I need new morning and evening dresses. Perhaps two each. I have some colours in mind, but of course, the final selection will be theirs—unless their usual good taste deserts them.” A fabric near the corner of the table caught their mother’s eye, and she walked over to it.
“Your girls are so beautiful,” the proprietress flattered. “Lady Lydia adores the pinks, but perhaps a gown of cream and lavender would be pretty.”
“That is just what I had imagined,” oozed Mama. She turned to Lydia, who was fingering some lace.
“Ah, you have good taste, Lady Lydia. That has only just arrived. It is my latest shipment of Belgium lace; the finest from Brussels,” Madame Chandos added proudly. “It would make a beautiful overdress with this lovely lavender satin.” She held the fabrics together, the sheen catching the light from the window.
Lydia nodded her approval. “That would be lovely, Mama.” She had spotted a magenta velvet off to one side and directed their mother’s attention to it. “Might I have a new riding habit, Mama? This is beautiful.”
Mama put her finger to her lips. “I had a similar colour in mind for your sister, but if you have set your heart on it, and if Lilian has no objection, I see no reason to refuse. It would be most charming on you.”
All eyes turned towards Lilian. “I am happy with whatever you decide, Mama, truly.”
“Ah,chèrie, you will be happy. Wait and see.” Madame Chandos shepherded her mother and sister to view the pattern books.
Lilian did not feel any real need to choose. Her mother and Lydia knew her taste, and it was uncomfortable with the wheel-chair. Instead, she moved over to the counter where the ribbons and other fripperies were arranged, just as the door tinkled open. A blonde woman entered, wearing a yellow and black striped satin gown and a matching black hat with large black feathers. She turned, and Lilian recognized her immediately as Lady Poinz.What was the widow Poinz doing here?Lilian had never noticed her before the ball in London earlier in the month—but then, the woman had only come to her attention because of her flirtatious behaviour towards Lord Harlow. A cold tremor ran over her body.
“Good day.” The woman stepped in her direction.
At that moment, Madame Chandos hurried to the front of the shop. “Lady Poinz, may I be of assistance?” she asked nervously.
Mama and Lydia walked up from behind. “Madame, I believe that you have an understanding of our requirements. I shall await your pleasure in due course. We must away; I am expecting guests.”
Lady Poinz looked first towards Mama and then at Lilian. “There is no need to hurry away on my account, but if I might ask a tiny favour?” Pausing briefly, she continued, “Lady Lilian, when you next see Lord Harlow, please be sure to give him my sincerest regards.” A smile flickered on her lips.
Her mother drew herself up and stepped closer to Lilian, meeting Lady Poinz’s stare. “I am sure you can drop him a note, should you have a message to deliver, Catherine,” she said in hushed tones. Her eyes flashed with anger.
A moment of silence ensued as the women appeared to take measure of each other.
“Countess, I do not care for your tone,” the woman hissed.
“Indeed? Your sensibilities mean nothing to me. I do not care for your bonnet,” her mother said icily. Pointedly, she turned to her friend. “If you will excuse us, Madame Chandos? Thank you for your time and I will look for your best attentions, as usual. You will send word when the gowns are complete?”
“Yes, your ladyship, the moment they are ready.”
Chapter 14
Abright afternoon sun woke him. Glancing outside at the position of the golden orb, Harlow judged he had slept for several hours. He pulled out his pocket watch, hoping he had not overslept. Three hours had passed; while it was more than he had expected, they had both been bone weary. The nap had done him good. Once dressed, he walked next door and tapped on Max’s door.
“’Tis open, Harlow.”
Harlow pushed open the door to find Max pulling on his boots. “Do you allow anyone to enter?” He scoffed playfully at his friend.
“I knew it was you. I heard you stamping into your boots and knew you had finished dressing. I presumed you would be here to check on me.” Max covered his bed with the sheet and blanket provided and plumped up his pillows. Without turning, he spoke, “Military training, in case you are thinking of chiding me. It is nice to go to sleep in a bed that looks like no one has slept in it before you.”
“I want to laugh, I swear I do,” Harlow answered, “despite the fact I do the same thing.” He stared at the bed. “I wish that had been the only habit I had kept from the army,” he added bleakly.
