Chapter Twelve
The following day the seamstress arrived with a bevy of helpers to take measurements. It soon became clear to Sofia that they had no idea what she wanted and were determined to make her gowns in the Spanish-style.
'Señora, I have changed my mind. I should just like two cotton nightgowns without embellishment, four petticoats and half a dozen pairs of stockings. We are returning home and I shall replenish my gowns when I get there.'
The woman seemed unbothered that she no longer had a big order and promised to have what she wanted delivered later that day. Either she had dozens of girls sewing for her, or these items were already made.
Perry was being measured next door and she knocked and walked in without waiting for his permission. 'I don't want to stay here more than another day or two, I should like to set out as soon as possible for England. I am just having nightwear and underpinnings.'
He looked relieved and told the unfortunate tailor he didn't need jackets and breeches but two shirts and some more stockings. These were also going to be delivered that afternoon.
'I cannot tell you how relieved I am, sweetheart, not to have to remain here for several weeks. I would do so if that is what you want, but as you don't, I am delighted.' He held out his arms and she ran into them.
'Have I told you today how much I love you?'
'Once or twice, but I think your actions last night were enough to convince me of your devotion.'
His arms tightened and his eyes blazed. She was rather enjoying being a married lady after all. 'Do you think I could already be increasing? I would really like to be settled before that happens.'
His laugh was deep and sent her pulse skittering. 'It is quite possible, darling girl, that you were increasing before we were married. You must know when you had your last monthly courses.'
'This is a strange conversation to be having, but they have never been regular and I have no notion how long it is since the last one. They can be as far apart as two months sometimes.'
'In which case we are none the wiser. Shall we give Beau the good news? He has gone out to find someone who will deliver the letter to your mother that you wrote last night. He has also let the family know that I am well, married, and will be returning shortly.'
'I have one request to make, my love, and you will think it quite ridiculous.'
He raised an eyebrow and she giggled. 'I stand in fear and trepidation to hear what it might be.'
'I am going to wear my wedding dress tonight and I wish to dance with you in the ballroom, imagine that I am at a grand party. It is quite likely that by the time I am able to attend my first ball I might well be in an interesting condition and unable to do so.'
He kissed her and shook his head. 'That is a contradiction, sweetheart, but I know what you mean. I will certainly dance with you tonight. I shall ask them to serve dinner in the dining room with as much ceremony as they can muster.'
'Good heavens, please do not do that. Things are quite formal enough without asking them to fuss even more.'
The duke returned having been successful in his mission and was even more thrilled than Perry had been to hear they were to return almost immediately.
'Jenkins and Smith have yet to locate a carriage.'
'I am perfectly content to continue to ride, in fact I would prefer to do so. Now we are not to have a trunk full of new garments there is no necessity for the carriage, is there?'
He nodded solemnly and his expression was amused. 'I cannot argue with your logic, my dear. Are you happy to leave tomorrow?'
'I am indeed. I do hope you can get a refund on the rent…' She stopped and clapped her hands on her mouth as if she was trying to push the words back. She looked at her husband expecting him to be angry but he exchanged a look with his brother and they both started to laugh.
When they were finally silent she was able to speak without setting them off again. 'As you found my question so amusing, your grace, perhaps you would deign to answer it?'
'It is none of your business, young lady, but as you insist on knowing I shall tell you the arrangement is on a day-to-day basis. I will inform the major-domo we are leaving tomorrow and then settle the account.'
They ambled around the stunning city but she was relieved when they returned to the house shortly after midday. 'I am going to rest, gentlemen, I shall see you at dinner.'
Tonight she didn't care if her escorts had no evening rig, she intended to look as beautiful as she could. The two maids were delighted to be asked to arrange her hair in an elaborate style. She had no jewellery, but the gown was so elegant it required nothing further. There was a full-length glass in the dressing room and she admired herself from every angle.
The new petticoats and silk stockings had arrived earlier than expected and so she would not be obliged to go down in bare feet as she had the night before. She had thought Perry might disturb her nap but he had not come into her room. In fact, she had no idea what he had been doing with himself for the remainder of the day.
'There, my lady, you look like a princess. So beautiful with your English hair and eyes,' one of the maids said. As Sofia's hair was dark and her eyes hazel she hardly thought she was the typical English rose but did not bother to argue.
'Make sure that all my belongings are packed in the saddle bags ready for us to leave first thing.' She indicated what she would be wearing the next day and they were shocked that she would be wearing men's attire. 'I shall pack this ensemble myself when I retire. I shall not need you again and I thank you for your assistance these past two days.'
