“I am hoping you’ll be able to take a look at some of my gowns before you become too lost to the world.”
“Oh dear, did Her Grace help with your trousseau?”
“Help is a word… Not the one I would use.”
“That unfortunate?” The girl asked.
Before Katherine responded, I heard a knock at the library door and the clatter of one of the maids and footmen with a tray followed by the rustle of fabric. The gowns?
“Oh my, that is unfortunate.”
“Aunt Prudence has never met a lace or a ribbon she found wanting,” Katherine explained.
“So, it would seem…” The knock of wooden hangers against each other interrupted the rustle of lace and ribbon. “I could add a bit behind this lace, here, to make it more comfortable. To remove it entirely… I don’t believe there is enough fabric in the bodice. The skirt would end up attached in the middle of your bosom.”
“Flattering…” Katherine’s tone was dry and sharp and brand new to me.
“Indeed. This nightgown, I may be able to work with this one…” A nightgown? Intriguing.
“Turn it over.”
“Oh dear. Why only on the back?”
“I’ve no idea.”
“And your aunt thought this would… entice? I do not know much about the desires of men but that seems like a lot of frippery. How, exactly, did she manage to marry off her daughter?”
“Impeccable breeding, a massive dowry, and the face of an angel.”
“I suppose that would do it. Kate, you said they were unfortunate, but I had no idea. Why did you not say anything?”
“You were caring for Aunt Sophie, and then you were in mourning. Besides, they were not all this unfortunate. My engagement seemed to bring out her worst taste.”
“Perhaps some of Sophie’s gowns?”
“Absolutely not. I can have new gowns made. But I know those are your only options.”
I had never heard that tone out of my wife, sharp and insistent. It was strangely… erotic.
“But they would certainly suit your figure more than mine. And these cannot possibly be comfortable.”
“I did inherit the family bust… Still, I have faith in your efforts. You absolutely must take a look at the embroidery thread and sewing notions I brought with me. Take whatever you need.”
“I could not possibly.”
“You will leave here with at least one book and as many sewing notions as you can carry,” Katherine insisted.
“Kate…”
“Jules… Please? Let me help. I had Aunt Prudence, flawed though her efforts may be, her intentions were pure. You’re to navigate the Season with no one to guide you.”
“If you are certain…”
“I am, now drink your tea and stop trying to give me things you need.”
Her friend offered a put upon sigh that I was almost certain was false. Katherine’s answering chuckle confirmed it.
“How is marriage treating you?” Instead of the elations and raptures I expected, my wife sighed. “Kate?”
