Page 55 of Tempted By the English Marquis
Gideon shook his head, chuckling at the moment of frivolity. There would be plenty of time for tears, but today he was content to simply enjoy the morning out with his two favorite young women, away from the never-ending battle with his mother.
Rome in Spring was warm, and sunny during the day. So very different from home. He could understand why people came to this enchanting city and never left.
Inside the gentlemen’s tailors they were met by a well-dressed older man who frowned at the two women. Serafina spoke calmly to him. The de Luca family name slipped from her tongue. The demeanor of the tailor instantly changed. He bowed low to Serafina.
She then turned and introduced Gideon. He didn’t understand much of what she said, but he too received a deep bow.
“I have asked that they measure you for some shirts,” she said.
The tailor stepped up to Gideon, his gaze roaming over the marquis’s attire. Several more, brief exchanges, all in Italian, were made between the man and Serafina. She nodded. The man nodded. Whatever had been discussed, they had come to some sort of agreement.
“We have also decided that you could do with two suits for wearing during the day. I suggested one dark blue, the other black. A new coat. And something formal for evening. What do you think?”
That will set me back a pretty penny. But I will feel better if I am dressed well.
Thank heavens his father had sent him with plenty of money for the journey. In his travel trunk were several bankers’ notes, one of which Nico had kindly arranged to have cashed by the de Luca private bank.
“That sounds perfect,” said Gideon.
He glanced around the small shop; the woolen fabrics looked to be of high quality.
Just because I am here on the service of my family doesn’t mean I can’t treat myself.
“Could you please ask him to also make me a dark gray suit. And some waistcoats.” He pointed to a rack of silk samples. “I would particularly like one in gold, but I’m not fussy about other colors, so would you like to help me choose?”
Serafina’s eyes lit up. Stepping past Gideon, she moved over to a nearby table where some other fabric samples lay. She quickly returned bearing several swatches. One was a deep green with a silver-striped pattern. The second was a red paisley. And the third, a rather daring pale gray with pink and yellow embroidered flowers.
“What do you think of these? A bit of color never goes astray,” she said.
Gideon would normally have hesitated at the bold choice of waistcoat fabric, but he found himself wanting to please Serafina. To agree with her offerings.
Then again, who says we have to hurry with our selection?
The temptation to spend just a moment with her, discussing the fabrics, was too much. Gideon took the green and silver swatch and handed it to the tailor. “Could you please tell him this is a yes, but I am not so sure about the other two. Perhaps you and I can take a second look.”
Social dictates would suggest that his sister should step in at this moment and offer to assist. Augusta had magically disappeared behind a rack of linen shirts, for which Gideon was most grateful.
“I would be more than happy to help. You are the one who will be wearing the waistcoats, so you need to be comfortable with the patterns,” replied Serafina.
They moved over to the pile of swatches, spending the next few minutes sorting through the fabrics before finally settling on the red paisley that Serafina had originally suggested, along with a more sedate dark blue with pale blue roses. Gideon’s attempt at a plain pale blue fabric was met with a firmassolutamente no.
While Gideon was still considering whether he could actually pull those particular patterns off, Serafina handed the swatches over to the tailor who snatched them up and immediately began calling out orders to his assistants. Gideon pretended not to see the gold silk swatch when Serafina added it at the last minute.
Augusta suddenly appeared from out of her hiding place. She gave a nod of approval to the waistcoat fabrics. “Good choices, brother dear.”
Gideon narrowed his eyes, unsure as to what she was referring to—the waistcoats or his choice of personal shopping assistant.
She gave him a cheery grin. “While you get measured for your new clothes, Serafina and I are going to visit the drapers a few doors up the street. She wants to look at ribbons and bonnets. We won’t be too long. After we come back, we can go and find some food. I, for one, am starving.”
As the two women headed for the door and the heavily armed guards who had remained out in the street, Serafina stopped and glanced back at Gideon.
He raised his hand, intending to wave her a polite goodbye. As he did, their gazes met. The gentle, knowing smile on her lips went straight to his heart.
He mouthed,“Thank you.”
The simple act of helping him select the fabric for his new clothes meant more to him than she could likely imagine. It was not just her excellent taste in making sure that he dressed well that he appreciated; it was that she cared. Serafina could have easily left him to handle things on his own or allowed the highly experienced tailor to create his client’s new wardrobe, but she had been determined to offer her advice.
How I dress actually matters to you. And your opinion matters to me.
