Page 97 of Shining Knight
Chapter Twenty-Two
Decisions, decisions. Eugeniawas quite torn between wearing a dress she wanted to wear and what was considered proper. She had vacillated with her sisters-in-law the first time they had come to help her decide on a dress, and while she knew they had better taste, she could not help but reflect that it was her wedding day and she should be able to wear what she wanted. Yet, she had seen her sisters whispering, always stopping when she entered the room. There was definitely something going on.
It was difficult not to think about some of the mishaps which had occurred with her favorite bonnets, and part of her wondered if perhaps it was not nature’s way of trying to give her hints. How often had she heard nature described as cruel? For Christmas, Graham had given her a replica of the fruit bowl bonnet, as he called it, and she had given him a new watch, on the back of which she had had the image of a monkey etched into the gold. The farther away from the incident she stood, the more humor she could see in it.
In the end, for her wedding, she decided to wear a gown of cerulean blue to match her eyes. It was difficult to find fault with that. She did not wish to compete with the greenery everything was festooned in for Christmas, and red was simply too bold—even for her—for a wedding.
Today was her final fitting, and then she hoped to find Graham a special gift for their wedding. He had sent more gifts to her, as if the posies and biscuits had not been pleasing enough. Every day since then, he had continued to send her flowers and treats, ranging from cakes and chocolates to more biscuits. Her lips twitched. At this rate, she would not fit into her gown, which was quite tasteful. She had not added any of the garish flounces or fripperies she had been so fond of her first Season. She was quite certain she chanted “less is more” in her sleep, from Emma saying it to her so many times.
When Eugenia slipped the gown on, it felt magical. The white gauze overdress had snowflakes embroidered all over it, with spangles at the center. She twirled around and laughed as her reflection sparkled.
“Now, if only it will snow for the wedding, it will be perfect!”
“What will you wear on your head, my lady?” the seamstress asked as she tucked and pinned the gown in a few places.
The question reminded Eugenia of a curiosity. Emma, Cecilia and Isabella had been dropping hints about how she should wear her hair, and asking if she had chosen a bonnet or wreath of flowers. It was all very odd, but she could not discern what lay behind their heightened interest.
“Something is afoot with my headdress.” Eugenia turned to her maid, who was feigning ignorance. “Do you mean to tell me you are playing a part in my sisters’ scheme?”
“Me, my lady? No, not at all. I was asked for a sample of the fabric, but I have seen or heard nothing.”
“I will get to the bottom of it,” Eugenia said with determination.
She did not miss the look that passed between the modiste and her maid. If she found out Stevens was conspiring with Emma and the others, Eugenia would have her head.
“There had better not be any unapproved changes to my gown,” Eugenia warned without heat before they left.
“Where are we going, my lady?” Stevens asked.
“To call on the milliner. I wish to see my headdress.”
“Oh, but my lady, please do not question everyone. There is a surprise.”
“From whom?” Eugenia turned and eyed her long-time abigail.
“I can say no more. I am sworn to secrecy. Do not ask me, I beg. I will be in terrible trouble if I let the cat out of the bag.”
“Very well. Go home, Stevens.”
“But my lady!”
“If you wish to keep your position, you will leave me.”
“But the duke will dismiss me on the instant,” she protested.
“I will explain you were following my orders. I am most displeased with you.”
The maid gave her a look of hurt, but turned on her heel and left in a huff. Eugenia was not worried about Stevens.
Once she saw the maid turn the corner down the street, she entered the hatmaker’s.
“How may I help you, my lady?” Mrs. Smith asked when she saw Eugenia.
“I would like to order something for my wedding.”
She saw the slight flicker of hesitation in the milliner’s eyes. “Mrs. Sharpe said she had sent you some samples.
“Of course, my lady. What did you have in mind?”
