“Yes, thank you.” I nodded.
Josie offered the ones she held. “I thought you did not enjoy your riding lessons with Mr. Evergreen?”
“No,” I said. Then I dismissed it. “I mean yes, but no.”
“Yes but no?” she asked.
She was rightfully confused. I stepped away and went to the wardrobe to pick out a frock.
“Idoenjoy his company,” I said. “Lessons, I mean. I enjoy his lessons. And, one must admit, hedoesprovide some insight into life here in Chalke within them…” I found the modiste. “After all, he was the one that suggested I call for you. See?”
“I see,” the woman said. “I’ll have to thank Mr. Evergreen for the client, then.”
“Well,” I added. “Actually, thank His Highness; the Prince called you originally. I just meant about the lace I needed cleaned. Ahem. Mr. Evergreen suggested that if I had trouble with it, I should call an expert.”
“Of course,” she said. “Well, Iamgood with lace.”
“Anyway,” I went on, addressing Josie. “I thought I might wear the pink today.” I checked it, coercing the uncertainty of wearing something so embellished with life down my throat.
“The pink, miss?” Josie asked. “Did you not say it was too bright?”
“Must I think of somethingprofoundabout it being a new day, Miss Jocelyn? Or can I just wear the dress without the inquisition, please?” At her reaction, I caved. “Fine, if you must know, the comment was made that I tend to wear too light a palette for my complexion, and I thought, only because he dresses so well, that I might humble myself enough to experiment with colorsotherssee fit.”
“Ah,” she said. “It was a suggestion, then.”
I frowned, and the tailor coughed.
She said, “Your next gown will arrive Friday morning, ma’am, but the other dresses will be delivered after the start of next week.”
I nodded.
“If that’s all?” she asked.
“Yes,” I said. “And thank you for doing this on such short notice.” I waved politely, only to call for her right as she had met the door. “Oh! Wait!” I pointed to the end table. “The lace! Duh. As I said, I wasn’t able to remove the mud from it. Er, it isn’t mud. It’s some sort of clay if that helps.”
“Clay?” she asked.
“Aye,” I said. “It must have splashed on us while we were racing near the river. I hope it’s not too much. Mr. Evergreen said you would know how to mend it.”
She nodded, collecting it and folding it. “Yes, ma’am. He is correct. Iamgood with lace.”
“Oh! I’m sorry. One last piece?” I asked, digging out a handkerchief from a drawer. “Its emblem. It’s my house’s horse. Unfortunately, it’s seen better days. I’m not sure how you might revive it, but I figured I could ask.” I passed it over. “Josie, give her a piece of my stationary, would you? It has the crest I’m trying to match.”
“Of course,” Josie said.
“Is it too difficult?” I asked.
“No…” The tailor paused to touch it, then suddenly, came to life and smiled, shaking her head. Something felt off. “No, Your Highness. I can fix just about anything. It shouldn’t take long if I start now.” Her eyes lingered on me a moment longer, and then she went.
Josie stifled a look.
“What?”I muttered, retreating to the seat.
“While you were racing?” she asked.
“Mr. Evergreen,” I replied.
“I think I figured that,” she said.
