Page 98 of Shining Knight
Eugenia desperately wanted to know who had thought to circumvent her in what she wore. Most likely the culprit was one or more of her sisters, but they had seemed to give in about the gown. Part of her was tempted to order something outrageous; something more outrageous than anything she had ever worn before, but that was saying a lot. She actually did not know where to begin with designing bonnets. She simply knew when she saw one she liked. However, she had partially designed her dress, so why not her bonnet?
“I was thinking of something small. My gown is blue with embroidered white gauze and snowflakes,” she said. “It sparkles in the light when I walk.” she added, hoping to give the milliner some idea of what she wanted.
“Like an ice fairy?”
“I suppose so, but not too overdone.”
“Of course not, my lady,” the milliner replied, her solemn tone belied by the twinkle in her eye.
Eugenia left the milliner’s, feeling not a little disappointed. Mrs. Smith had not only done just as Eugenia had asked, but she had not hinted at any possible surprises. What was happening and how could Eugenia discover it?
Really, she ought to wear the fruit bowl bonnet that Graham had given her for Christmas. It would serve everyone right and be exactly what they expected of her.
Eugenia left the milliner’s establishment completely at a loss, but she did not know what else to do. She did not wish to return home yet, but there was little else she could do. When she went to fetch the carriage from the posting inn, Stevens was sitting on a bench, waiting for her.
“I should have expected you would be waiting here for me.”
“Of course, my lady,” she said, as though offended.
They called for the carriage and returned to The Grange. Eugenia waved Stevens ahead when they neared Primrose Cottage. “I wish to speak with my brother about the ceremony. I will expect you to wait on me in time to dress for dinner.”
Stevens went on to the house, Eugenia preferring to walk.
“Eugenia!” Edmund greeted her in surprise as one of the servants let her into the house and Edmund’s study. “What can I do for you?”
“I thought perhaps there might be some questions for the ceremony or…something.”
“‘Or something,’” Edmund repeated. “What is happening, Eugenia?”
“I have no idea! Someone is keeping secrets from me, and I will go mad if I do not find out what!”
“Who is keeping secrets from you?” He frowned and leaned against his desk.
“If I knew, I would ask him!”
“Start at the beginning.”
“I do not know the beginning, but I fear my sisters are plotting something to do with my wedding gown or bonnets.”
“Your wedding gown? Why ever would they do such a thing?”
She held up her hands. “All I know is that Stevens confessed there was a surprise, but I could discover nothing! The modiste pretended ignorance, as did the milliner.”
“Have you seen your dress?”
“Well, yes. I have just had my final fitting.”
“And what of your bonnet?”
“There was none. I asked her to make me one and she behaved as though everything were just as it should be.”
“Then perhaps it is.” He walked over and took her hands in his. “You are fretting needlessly, though it is quite normal. Most future brides are assailed by nerves.”
She pursed her lips and furrowed her brow to consider the question. “No. I am quite sure something secretive is afoot. Has your wife said nothing?” At least Edmund was the one brother who would be completely honest with her. The others would not deliberately lie, but might bend the truth if they thought it necessary.
“Has she said anything about what?” Edmund asked.
Eugenia let out a squeal of frustration. “Not you as well? I am going mad.” She paced a circle, then turned back to her brother. “Promise me, if you hear what they are about, you will not let them ruin what I have planned.”
