“It’s beautiful,” Joanna said, smiling. “And it’s so soft. I love it!”
“I believe it will look nice with a pale blue ribbon. Perhaps some embroidery on the bodice as well? I can show you a few options for embroidery designs.”
“That would be wonderful. Thank you!”
Joanna spent hours choosing different designs and options for her dresses, but he didn’t mind. He loved seeing how excited she was as she talked with the modiste.
There were a few sample dresses that she could try on, so she would have a better idea about how different styles and colors would look on her, even though she was ordering custom made dresses. Joanna disappeared into a changing room with the seamstress, and came out in a dark blue evening gown, embellished with beading and embroidery on the slightly low-cut bodice that accentuated her breasts.
The sight of her wearing it made Evan’s mind run wild with fantasies, as he imagined kissing his way down her neck, to the top of the bodice. “You look magnificent in that,” he told her.
Joanna blushed and looked down. “Thank you, Your Grace. But perhaps the bodice is a little too low cut. I think I might like a more modest neckline.”
He wanted to object, to insist at least one of her evening dresses had that neckline. But at the same time, he didn’t want any other man of the ton to see her with so much cleavage shown. “I hope you at least get a dress with embroidery like that on the bodice. It’s quite beautiful.”
Her blush was so pretty as she nodded. “I can do that, Your Grace.”
“I have a more modest dress that you can try on if you would like, my lady,” said the seamstress.
She nodded. “Please.”
They disappeared into the changing room again and Evan turned away, trying to think of anything other than the fact that Joanna was currently undressing with only a door between them.
When she next came out of the changing room, she wore a pale blue dress with a very modest neckline. There was little decoration on it, but there didn’t need to be. She smiled slightly as she twirled, watching the wide skirt fan out around her. “I really like this one,” she said. “What do you think, Your Grace?”
He swallowed, his mind going blank for a moment. Joanna always looked beautiful. But this dress made her look so innocent and vulnerable. Her arms were bare, showing just how delicate they were. The wide, blue sash tied just under her breasts illustrated how thin she was. She looked like a strong wind could break her. She certainly didn’t look like someone who belonged on the arm of someone nicknamed the Duke of Ice.
A wave of possessiveness filled him at the sight of her. He wanted to protect her and ensure that she was well cared for, for the rest of her life. All because of a damned dress.
“Your Grace?” She looked uncertain now. “What do you think?”
He turned away. “It’s beautiful.” His voice was slightly huskier than he meant it to be. “If you like it, then you’ll have a dress just like it.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.” Even though he wasn’t looking at her, he could hear the smile in her voice.
That dress reminded him that she was a lady, and a vulnerable one at that. He had no business thinking rakish thoughts about her, and he needed to work better at controlling himself. They simply had a business arrangement. She would get him out of dating every eligible lady of the ton and he would ensure she and her sister would have a chance at finding decent husbands.
When she was finished trying on dresses, she made an appointment to try on the new ball gown for alterations in a few days. Evan paid for the dresses, including a small bonus for making the ball gown in such a short time.
After they left the store, Joanna was giggling. “I haven’t ordered a dress since my first Season! I forgot how much fun that was!”
“I am glad,” he said softly. “Truly. It was a joy watching you.”
She blushed a little. “I suppose I am still entertaining for you, then?”
“You are always entertaining to me. I believe some jewelry and accessories are next. You will be needing some new gloves and shoes to go with the dresses, after all.”
“Oh, I can borrow those things from Penelope. It’s all right.”
He raised an eyebrow at her. “I insist. You must look the part of a future duchess.”
“Why would you go through all of this trouble for me?” Her brow furrowed as she looked up at him. “Especially considering that this isn’t a real courtship,” she whispered the last part so quietly, he doubted even her maid had heard.
Because you deserve all of this and more. I cannot give you my heart, but I can at least make you comfortable.He smirked at her, hoping his thoughts and emotions were not playing out on his face as he spoke. “It’s because I want to. And I am used to getting what I want, Miss Thorne.”
She scoffed and rolled her eyes, but grinned anyway. “Of course, Your Grace. How could I have forgotten?”
They stopped at more stores, where he bought her several pairs of new gloves and new shoes, all in the latest styles.
