“Yes, well, if we are going to build a live and move on from old memories, this seems like a rather poetic way to do it, don’t you think?”
Veronica smiled at him. “Yes, I think I agree.”
“If we are going to do this, you will need a new gown.”
“Is something wrong with the ones I have?”
“Of course not. They look lovely on you, but you are a duchess now. I want to make sure you have a wardrobe that suits your status. We can’t have anyone say I won’t let uou order new gowns.”
“Do you think any one would say something like that?”
He sighed. “I’ve been away from society for so long it is anyone’s guess what they just be saying about me.”
“I’m not worried about that,” she smiled. “I knwo the second they see you, they will realize exactly the kind of person you are and any rumors there may be will vanish into thin air.”
“It sounds like you have rather a lot of faith in me.”
“Of course I do, but you forget, I will be there with you. Between the both of us, we don’t have anything to worry about.”
He gave a wry smile. “Then its a good thing we will both be going together, isn’t it? Do you have any idea what you will want your dress to look like?”
She hesitated at the change in subject. Still, if he didn’t want to talk about it any more, she could hardly make him.
So after a moment, she relented. “I don’t know. I supposed I should go with something in a more mature color now that we’re married.”
“You should wear what makes you happy.”
“I need to think about what will give them a good impression of us and me as a duchess.”
“Whatever you wear, you will look lovely.”
She smiled. “That’s kind of you to say, but you are my husband.”
“Your point?”
“My point is, as my husband of course you will think I look nice, but that doesn’t mean I do.”
“And as my wife, I thought you were supposed to trust my judgment.”
“On matters of many things, I would, but never in matters of fashion.”
He chuckled. “I suppose I think that would be fair. Perhaps you could ask your sisters—or Daisy if you don’t think the letters would get to them and back in time.”
“I will definitely write to them, but I think it will take far too long. Given how soon the ball is, I need to see a dress maker by the end of the week. I’m sure Daisy will be more than enough help.”
“Are you sute? It might not hurt to make a trip[ to london. I’m sure you would hve access to better dressmakers there and you could see your sisters.”
“I’m sure. I’d like to use a local dress maker from the town here. Besides, I’m sure I will have plenty of time to see them when we get to the ball.”
“Are you sure? I know they had to cut their vist short before.”
“I said I am. You don’t need to ask me again. I want to stay here and spend time with you before our first ball as a married couple.”
He smiled. “Very well, if you are sure, I won’t push it.”
Veronica lit up. “Perhaps you could join me when I go to the dress makers? We could go into town together? Do a few things?”
He hesitated then took a deep breath. “If you’d like, then I’m willing to try.”
