Page 44 of Caroline Saves the Blacksmith
Despite her actions to the contrary, Caroline had always valued her connection to Miss Annabel and Mrs. Harris. She needed to express her love and appreciation for everything they had done to secure her current success. For leading Caroline to her dreams. For teaching her strength.
But how?
“Could I do something for you? Perhaps … make you something?” Caroline’s hand flew over her mouth once more, mortified at her own words. “I apologize. Of course, you are a duchess and anything I create would be far too inferior!”
The duchess frowned, twin furrows of disapproval appearing between her brows. “Do not disparage yourself. I would be honored to receive a gift from Chatternwell’s preeminent modiste.”
Modiste!
Until that very moment, Caroline had thought of herself as an audacious maid who had reinvented herself as a dressmaker in a small town. Now she swelled with pride as she considered herself as a fashionable modiste, offering one of her creations to a duchess of the realm. Her mind raced with possibilities as she finally accepted that she was now doing what she was always meant to do. That Her Grace had seen that potential in her as a girl and now visited her to verify her welfare was the revelation she had needed to shift her perspective and accept that this was her role now.
“I could”—Caroline glanced around, frantically searching for an idea fit for a duchess when her eyes landed on the door of the coach out on the road—“present you with a very fine walking dress embroidered with the Halmesbury coat of arms!”
The duchess’s eyes widened in surprise before lighting with happiness as she turned to peer out the window at her husband. Silence reigned for several seconds before the duchess turned back, and Caroline saw her dark lashes were glistening with unshed tears. The duke, who was watching from his position outside the window, frowned in inquisitive concern, straightening up to stare pensively into the shop. “That would be unique and highly valued.”
Tears of joy sprung into Caroline’s eyes, overcome by the dense emotion that filled the room. “I have worked on such a dress for months. I shall personally embroider it. It can be ready for you by tomorrow.”
“We are spending the night at Chatternwell House, so I shall speak with the duke about delaying our return until tomorrow afternoon.”
Her Grace walked back to the door, the footman springing forward to open it on her behalf. Out on the road, she spoke with her husband in hushed voices before returning.
“His Grace agrees. Shall I try the dress on? The footman will bring you a pillow from the carriage with the coat of arms to use as a template.”
“Yes. Thank you … Miss Annabel.”
The duchess grinned at this reminder of their shared youth. “My pleasure … Caroline.”
Caroline showed the duchess into the back where the gown hung. Gazing up at it, she felt a twinge of regret. Just a few days ago, she had thought about marrying in it, but she quickly pushed that aside. It would be so much more valuable as the key to unlock a future without the substantial burdens of guilt and shame she had carried these past two years. It was a symbol of how far she had come, of her regrets over her mistakes, and the key to a new beginning more profound than the opening of her shop.
“It is exquisite!” proclaimed the noblewoman, fingering it gently.
“The finest velvet I could find. I bought it from the port in London, directly from the merchant who shipped it in.”
Caroline took it down and held it out. The duchess divested her carriage dress to reveal an ivory linen gown beneath it, then raising her arms, she slipped them into the walking dress. Buttoning it up, Her Grace went to stand in front of the mirror, posing in different angles. “What do you think of the color? Do you think we suit—your dress and I?”
“You … are utterly beguiling in it. It is as if it was always intended for you.”
“And the coat of arms?”
“I shall embroider it with gilt floss onto the back.”
“That will be striking against the Prussian blue. This is your finest work.”
Caroline examined the garment, draping it around the duchess while she noted what work was needed. “It is, and it is only fitting that I made it for you. I shall let the cuffs out for your longer arms, and re-hem it because you are a little taller, but those appear to be the only adjustments needed. If I work through the night, I can have it ready for you early afternoon.”
“Perfect. That will give us time to return to Avonmead before sunset.”
Caroline helped Her Grace remove the garment. They returned to the front of the shop, and the duchess made to leave.
“Thank you for taking such trouble to come see me, Your Grace.”
“It sets my mind at ease to know you are succeeding. You must have put a lot of work into this.” Impulsively, the duchess embraced her. “I am so happy you found someone who appreciates you. Take care of him and do not be too angry with him for interfering.”
Caroline nodded, but her attention was on the dress. William would be a matter she dealt with once her work was done. She headed to the back as Annie returned, but she paid no mind, muttering that she had a deadline to see to. All she could think of was how she wanted every ounce of respect and love she felt for Miss Annabel to be reflected in her work. The gratitude she had for all of her years of encouragement. The care she had experienced when she was lost and alone as an orphaned young girl. The regret—Nay, I refuse to linger on the mistake.
Taking the gown over to the table by the window, she began working. Annie made tea, which she set on the table, but Caroline pored over the gown without noticing. She worked until her eyeballs were dried-out husks, and her eyelids could not glide over. She moistened them with silver water and then continued until her fingers bled from accumulated pinpricks when she grew too hasty. Dabbing them so as not to stain the cloth, she worked on.
This was about restoring her self-worth by presenting a gift that had her very soul woven into its creation to communicate her love for the best friend she had ever had. By remembering all the good times, the wonderful time spent with the young woman, Caroline energized her body to keep working.
