Page 38 of A Duke for Stealing
“You four go on,” Rose replied, keeping her eyes to the floor. “I have decided that I will not be shopping today.”
All of her friends turned to look at her with a questioning glance.
“It is just another ball,” she said with a shrug. “I am sure I have something that will suffice within my closet.”
“Rose, what is the matter?” Theo asked, taking a step toward her.
“Did we say something to upset you?” Seraphina questioned.
It was not their words that upset her, but her own thoughts. Still, when Rose tried to open her mouth and say such a thing, she found herself unable to state the words.
“I simply do not feel up to shopping today,” she said instead.
Her friends, even Ophelia, were looking on at her with worry when the Modiste came out with a cheery smile.
“Ah! My favorite customers!” Mrs. Tate, the Modiste, greeted happily. “It has been too long since I have seen you all in my shop! And I hear congratulations are in order for the new Duchess of Stapleton!”
Rose forced a smile and thanked Mrs. Tate for her warm wishes.
“I received the specifications for your new gown this morning,” Mrs. Tate added, waving them all toward the back. “I just finished putting the pieces together. Would you like to try it on while your friends shop for their fabrics?”
Rose looked on at Mrs. Tate in confusion, then at her friends. They only answered with equally confused looks and shrugs.
“Apologies. What specifications do you speak of?” She asked.
“For your new gown!” Mrs. Tate replied excitedly. “It was quite different from your usual modest taste, but I believe it will be a beautiful piece. Come back, if you please. I cannot wait to see it on you!”
“Mrs. Tate,” Rose began, taking a step toward the modiste, “I did not send any specifications this morning. In fact, I have decided against a new gown altogether.”
“You did not,” Mrs. Tate agreed, glancing back at her, “But your husband certainly did. Along with strict instructions that I was not to allow you to leave empty-handed. If you do not like this gown, I am to make another for you.”
Rose’s mood darkened as she heard this.Must Everett always have a hand in her choices?
"I have some premade day gowns and undergarments ready for you to leave with as well,” Mrs. Tate went on, “His Grace mentioned that you are updating your entire wardrobe? Something about the fabric making you itchy?”
Rose felt as if her cheeks were truly on fire as a sudden heat flushed through them.
“You are very itchy lately,” Ophelia murmured, giving her a curious look.
Rose frowned deeply, wishing she could disappear.
“It really is not an issue,” she grit out.
“Come, come,” Mrs. Tate urged, beckoning them toward the back of her shop, “It would be an honor if you would simply take a look at the ball gown I have begun to design for you. If you truly do not prefer it, I shall be happy to tear it down and start anew.”
Though still reluctant, Rose felt herself moving toward the modiste, and she and her friends continued to follow Mrs. Tate to the dressing room. When they saw the gown on the bust, they all gasped. Even Rose. She had wanted to hate whatever design Everett had sent. She truly did. Now, as she looked at the gown with nothing but awe, her frustration for Everett only grew.
Must he be so good at everything???
“Oh, Rose,” Seraphina breathed, “Youmusttry it on.”
“I would love this design as well,” Amelia stated, “But perhaps in deep purple instead of pink?”
“Oh, me as well, please,” Theo added, “But in an emerald green.”
“It is rather gorgeous, Rose,” Ophelia said, even though she sounded begrudged to admit it.
Rose looked longingly at the gown. It was indeed the most beautiful dress she’d ever seen. The deep pink silk reminded her of gooseberry jam, vibrant and warm. It featured a corsetedwaist and short, off-the-shoulder sleeves that dipped down into a V-shaped neckline. What truly set it apart, though, was the white floral, lace cut into a diamond shape that started just under the breasts and ended at the waist, just above the flared out skirts.
