“Thomas, I think perhaps you should go on without us.” Charlotte moved to stand near Vivian. “I would like to spend a little time getting to know Vivian, unless you are busy?”
This last was clearly directed at her, and Vivian found herself shaking her head. “No. I… It will be nice to spend some time together.”
Perhaps they might tell me a little more about Thomas.
“Far be it from me to stop you.” Thomas inclined his head toward his two cousins before sweeping into a low bow to Vivian. “I shall leave you in the good hands of my cousins, Lady Vivian. I am sure you will have a delightful time together.”
Vivian thought she saw his eyes flick toward the box, but the movement was so quick she could not be sure.
If he saw it, surely he would say something?She breathed a sigh of relief as she watched Thomas leave. Perhaps she had gotten away with it.
“If you plan on wearing that dress to your wedding, I have no idea what you plan to wear on your wedding night.” Andrea’s voice murmured in Vivian’s ear, making her jump.
She flushed and looked between Charlotte and Andrea. “Do you think Lord Elington saw?”
Charlotte shrugged. “I could not say, though, if he did, it would not matter. I assume you plan on letting him see you in it before long, anyway. Though perhaps not on your wedding day.”
“Agatha may be eccentric, but even she has her limits. And I suspect the priest would have a fit.” Andrea laughed.
“Agatha?” Vivian frowned.
“Dowager Duchess Caverton to you,” Andrea explained.
“For now, at least.” Charlotte looped an arm through Andrea’s. “Though I am sure that in time, you will work your way into her good graces.”
Vivian was not so sure about that, but decided that it would be a rude thing to say.
“Now, please tell me that you were lying when you said that was your wedding dress.” Andrea gestured to the box.
“I was,” Vivian admitted.
“Good. Where did you have it made?”
“Madame Verdante’s Modiste. I was actually just on my way to try it on. I had hoped it would be ready before now, but things have taken longer than she expected.” Vivian caught sight of Andrea and Charlotte exchanging worried looks. “Is something the matter?”
“Madame Verdante is rather close friends with the Viscountess of Cork.” Charlotte bit her lip. “And the Viscountess has been trying to get Thomas to marry her daughter for years.”
“She was furious when she learned of your engagement.” Andrea shook her head. “I fear that your wedding dress will at best be truly hideous and at worst might never arrive.”
“But the wedding is in three days!” Vivian felt panic rise in her chest. “At this rate, I will have to wear this to the wedding!”
“We are not going to let that happen.” Andrea took hold of Vivian’s other arm, her voice firm but not unkind. “Three days is not a lot of time, but it is not impossible.”
“Especially not if you know the right people,” Charlotte added.
“But Madame Verdante is supposed to be making my entire bridal wardrobe.”
If she only makes me hideous clothes, I will never be able to win Thomas over.
“I will have one of my servants send word to her that the commission is canceled. And do not worry, I will not let the old bat charge you a penny.” Andrea’s eyes flashed. “She may be friends with a viscount, but I am a duchess, and she knows how difficult I could make her life if I chose.”
“But why would you? You do not even know me.” Vivian looked at the two women who were on either side of her.
“I do not like people who take advantage of others.” Andrea shrugged. “We women ought to look out for one another; the world is hard enough as it is.”
“Besides, we know what it is like to marry into this family, and you need to have people on your side.” Charlotte gave Vivian a kind smile that made a lump form in her throat. “And I meant what I said. I would like to get to know you.”
“So would I.” Andrea squeezed Vivian’s hand. “And I suspect that you want a dress that will make Thomas’s jaw end up on the floor.”
