'If you appear wearing that coal scuttle on your head, I'll disown you,' James retorted.
'I bow to your superior knowledge, my lord, and shall of course do everything you wish me to.' She got to her feet in order to thank the poor woman who'd endured the most unpleasant hour. 'Thank you for your patience. My lord, might I suggest that Madam Duchey and her team go across to Lady Charlotte next. My sister can wait until last after her performance earlier.'
'Miss Brotherton, we need to take your measurements before you depart.'
James nodded and headed for the door. 'Yes, they can go to my sister and her family next.'
Sofia stood on the stool provided whilst they measured waist, bosom, and every other proportion of the body that they could think of. As the gowns she'd selected were of the new Empire style she thought all this unnecessary.
'I don't suppose you have any ensembles already made up that I could see? Perhaps a customer changed their mind and left you with a wardrobe without a home.'
The woman's expression changed to delight. 'I have indeed, Miss Brotherton, got exactly what you ask for. One of my best customers sadly passed away and the gowns and all the accoutrements meant for her and her daughters remain with me.'
Sofia didn't like to ask why the daughters couldn't have had their ensembles – no doubt it was because they intended to go into for mourning for six months and by then fashions might have changed.
'His lordship said that you needed a riding habit, Miss Brotherton. Shall we make that up in blue as well?'
'Yes, in the military style. Although I don't like fussy garments I think a modest amount of gold braid is acceptable on a habit.'
Half an hour later she was the proud possessor of two evening gowns, three-day dresses, two new bonnets and most importantly three pairs of indoor slippers and a pair of half-boots. These weren't exactly what she wanted but was promised that the frills and rouleau would be removed before the seamstress departed.
'It's fortunate indeed, Miss Brotherton, that one of the young ladies is as tall as you. I believe that these other gowns will be more to your liking and require no alterations at all. We got as far as measuring Miss Colette and the gowns intended for the younger sister are exactly her size so require no alterations either.'
'Then do leave them here. She doesn't deserve to have anything else and having so many new gowns, even if she hasn't selected them herself, will be something that she's never experienced before.'
'I brought along a riding habit that would fit you, but it's scarlet and with what you might consider an alarming amount of gold frogging. Would you like to see it?'
This vivid garment fitted as if made for her. 'I'll take it. I would still like my own choice to be made up as soon as possible but this will do in the meantime. I just hope whatever horse I'm allowed to ride isn't terrified by my bright apparel.'
She took the team of young ladies and their mistress across to Lady Charlotte and introduced them.
'The seamstress has samples for your sons to look at, my lady. She doesn't make gentlemen's clothes at her workshop but will take their measurements and choices to the best men's outfitters in Bath,' Sofia told her.
She thought that the new arrivals were already looking better and was confident that after a few weeks of good food and a nurturing environment all four of them would be fully restored to good health.
Mary had been present throughout the fitting and selection and when Sofia walked back into the sitting room the petticoats that needed no alteration, the silk stockings, gloves, slippers and boots had already been taken into her own bedchamber along with the duck egg blue evening gown, two pretty muslins and a more robust item ideal for travelling.
'Mary, is there something that doesn't need pressing that I can change into immediately? It will be a pleasure to have a new gown, nothing home-made or patched or altered and indoor slippers instead of these clumpy boots.'
Her maid beamed. 'This green muslin with the matching spencer and bonnet also has gloves and slippers. I'll have you looking like a lady in no time, miss.'
Sofia thought this more an insult than a compliment. 'Then, I wish you to take the items selected for Miss Colette into her. You may inform her that this is all she's getting and she might consider herself lucky to have anything.'
Mary curtsied. 'Am I to take care of all three of you? Miss Sinclair likes everything just so and I don't reckon I'll have enough time to do it all.'
'No, things remain as I said earlier, you will take care of Miss Sinclair and my younger sister Lucille when she arrives. Miss Colette and I will manage until we find our own dressers.'
Sofia was eager to show her new finery to James. She'd barely glanced in her mirror as Mary's reaction had told her all she needed to know. She swept down the ornate staircase her hand barely touching the polished banister as she descended.
She was smiling when she stepped into the hall unaware that she'd been observed on her descent. James had just come in from the stables and something she didn't recognise or understand flashed in his eyes.
'Do you like it, James? Madame brought with her dozens of gowns that had been made for a lady and her daughters. The mother sadly died and the father wanted mourning ensembles instead. I'm hoping that your sister likes some of those that are ready-made as anything new will take two or three weeks to arrive here.'
He made a twisting motion with his hand and obediently she twirled sending the skirts of the gown flying out and no doubt revealing an immodest amount of ankle in the process.
'It's not blue, but it suits you very well. I'm relieved to see that you now have suitable footwear and your boots can be consigned to the bottom of your closet.'
'Until your man of business, Mr Haven, returns with my own riding boots they will have to be worn. Can I ride tomorrow as I have also acquired a new habit. I can't wait for you to see that either.'
'We shall ride together. I was going to offer you a sweet-tempered mare as your personal mount but if you wish to ride Lucifer then you may do so.'
If he'd suggested that she sprout wings and fly across the countryside she couldn't have been more astonished or more delighted.
'That's the last thing I ever expected you to say. Will you ride Rufus? I'd love you to show me around the park, show me the safe places to ride and where I shouldn't go without a groom or you to accompany me.'
'I like to ride before I break my fast. The horses will be ready at seven o'clock tomorrow morning – will you?'
