“It will need to be high. Higher than usual fashion. It is—it is my sister’s preference.” Sadness pulled at her, to once again have to accommodate her disfigurement. And a pit of fear followed; it would be far harder to hide the scars once she married.
“Oh. Yes, very well. That will be simple. Though not entirely fashionable, I can manage it quite easily.” There was a question in her tone, but it was one she clearly was not willing to voice to the daughter of a duke.
“Thank you.” Amelia ignored the unspoken inquiry, standing up straighter.
The dressmaker blinked again, then beamed, her painted cheeks rising impressively.
“Very well. You are correct; itwillbe stunning. All my creations are. I will be back in two days’ time for a fitting!” And, gathering her assistant and samples, she fairly skipped from the room.
Before her sudden engagement, Amelia had been ignored at best. Mostly, she had been chided by her sisters or father for one thing or another. But in the few days leading up to her marriage to Lord Norwich, she was sought out far more than she had been her whole life. Her father’s summons and the dressmaker’s visit had only been the beginning. Whenever a maid came to clean or bring her a meal, they eyed her with interest. One young girl even went so far as to inquire if Amelia truly meant to marry the renowned rake. Mary had quickly informed the child that it was none of her concern and to continue about her day. After seeing the girl’s stricken expression, Amelia had ended up feeling rather guilty for not simply answering the question.
Lord Norwich called daily, though she would not see him. She could not. Her sisters tried to force their way into her chambers frequently, and if Amelia believed they would offer any sort of sympathy, she would have allowed them in. Her father had requested that Amelia join the family for dinner on the third night, and her sisters had pounced on her before the meat had even been served. Well before dessert, Amelia declared that she was not feeling well and determinedly stalked to her chambers. It was a poor decision—her current predicament might have been improved by a little dessert. Marginally.
When she was finally alone at night, it was only to fitfully toss and turn in bed.
On the day the dressmaker was to return, Amelia could no longer stand the sight of her bedchamber but did not trust the rest of the house. She was utterly disgusted with it all. Her final days as an unmarried woman and she had spent them sequestered away. There was no way she could continue in this vein.
“Mary.” Her voice was full of relief when the maid entered carrying a newly-pressed dress.
“Yes, my lady?”
“What would you say to a little excursion?”
“With you, my lady?”
“Yes, of course.”
The blonde woman watched her with disbelief, and Amelia laughed. It felt ridiculously good to laugh.
“Yes, I understand that asking for a proper companion is rather out of character for me, but will you please accompany me into town?” She was nearly begging but did not care.
Mary looked to the bedroom door. “Your father indicated you were not to leave the house...”
Amelia’s spirits fell. “Oh. I understand. I would not wish to get you in further trouble than I already have.”
“Oh no, my lady, you misunderstand me. I was simply determining how we could leave without recognition. Where is it you want to go?”
Amelia shot to her feet. “Truly? Oh, Mary, you are a godsend! Where do I want to go?” She paced to the window, peering out. “Perhaps the park—oh no, that did not go well for me last time. Maybe just a shop or two? Anything to get out of this place for a time. Do you think we can manage it?”
Mary studied her, her pretty face tilted to the side in consideration. “Yes. I believe we can. We will style your hair differently; you can wear one of your older dresses; and we’ll take the servants’ stairs. I have a bonnet you could borrow as well—if you are not averse to it. Your father will not be happy if he discovers us, not that I particularly care—he will not be my employer by week’s end! But are you sure you wish to do this?”
Amelia considered for only a moment. “I do. Thank you, Mary.”
Her maid smiled fondly. “Of course, Lady Amelia. I am happy to help. Now.” She clapped. “Let us get you a dress! This will be quite exciting. Don’t you think?”
An hour later, Amelia and Mary strolled down the far less fashionable shopping district of Cheapside, the area chosen simply because they were less likely to run into anyone who would recognize Amelia. Still, her hair was pulled into a tight bun covered with Mary’s inconspicuous bonnet, she wore her simplest gown, and she had unearthed an unadorned pelisse from the back of her wardrobe.
The freedom felt incredible. As did defying her father’s command. While her entire future was currently being dictated by the man who should love her but seemed to be acting out of his own interests, it was freeing to act for herself. It would not last—she knew that—but it still lifted her spirits far beyond where they had fallen since meeting Lord Norwich.
The pair stepped into a haberdashery—the third shop they’d visited thus far.
“Oh, what a fine ribbon!” Mary sighed, enjoying the window shopping nearly as much as Amelia enjoyed the freedom.
“It is beautiful. Do you think we should purchase it?”
Mary gazed longingly at the ribbon for a heartbeat before responding. “Oh, I cannot think what useIwould have for it, but if you wish for it, then you certainly should!”
Amelia nodded decisively. “I believe I shall make the purchase.”
