Annabelle exclaimed delightedly, “That would be wonderful! I haven’t been there since Father died. You know how Lady Serena hated the country.”
Alex glanced at Christa, enjoying her sparkling gray eyes and the dark curls that escaped her cap. She had the most kissable lips. Did Frenchwomen always look like they were either entering or leaving a bed? He pulled his thoughts back to the business at hand. “How long will it take to get new clothes made for my sister? The sooner we burn her present wardrobe, the happier I shall be.”
“It will take no more than a week or so for a country summer wardrobe,” Christa replied. “Themodistecan work on the formal gowns for her come out while she is away.”
“Very good.” He nodded. “Belle, can you be ready to leave on Friday next week? I see no virtue in lingering here.” Though he did not speak of it, Alex thought the three Kingsleys would relax more quickly in the informal atmosphere of Suffolk. And it was time to start learning the ways of a gentleman farmer; the Orchard was the principal source of the family income.
Annabelle looked a little uncertain. “Christa, will that be time enough for the sewing?” Now that a new wardrobe was in the offing, she would have been loath to forgo it.
“I think so,” Christa affirmed. “At least . . . is there someone who does your dresses now?”
“Yes. And I don’t ever want to set foot in her establishment again! Do you have someone you can recommend?”
“Yes, there is a new shop called Suzanne’s. I know Mme. de Savary, the owner, and she has the finest fashion sense I have ever seen. Because she is just establishing her business, I think I can promise you that she will give very good service. And her prices aretrèsreasonable.”
“That isn’t critical,” Alex commented. “My prize money has accumulated amazingly, and I want my sister to have the best.”
“Oh, this will be the best,” Christa said with a twinkle. “And if you are determined to spend your money, we will just have to buy twice as many clothes!”
“Very well,” he laughed. “Use your judgment. But, mind you, my sister must look splendid.”
Tired of being discussed as if she were absent, Annabelle said sweetly, “Would you like to come with us to Suzanne’s? We must begin this undertaking forthwith.”
“The devil I will!” Alex said in an appalled tone. “Oh . . . sorry, Belle, you made me forget my language. And no, you little minx,” he added with a grin, “you arenotgetting me anywhere near such a place. All I care about is results. The means I leave to you and Christa.” He rose to take his leave. “I’ll see you at dinner.”
He felt even more satisfied than after his talk with Jonathan. It appeared that all his brother and sister needed was the opportunity to stretch their wings. He was pleased with their progress. But as he left the house, it was not his siblings that occupied Alex’s mind—it was a pair of sparkling gray eyes and a body whose curves were designed to be touched.
* * *
Christa nodded approvingly when she followed Annabelle into Suzanne’s. She had visited the shop once or twice when running errands for Lady Pomfret, but the most recent visit had been a month before, and there had been changes since. The cluttered look Mme. Bouchet preferred had been renounced in favor of simplicity. The walls were now covered with a delicate rose wallpaper and several comfortable chairs were grouped by a table with copies ofThe Ladies’ Magazine. A few choice garments were displayed in the carpeted salon, and in one corner, several lengths of fabric were twisted into a rosette, then allowed to sweep to the floor. Although little money had been expended, the shop had acquired an air of gentility it previously lacked.
Suzanne herself came to meet them, elegant in a dark blue gown that managed to look as businesslike as it was flattering. She raised her brow questioningly at the sight of her cousin’s companion, so Christa hastily performed the introduction. “Miss Annabelle, may I present Mme. de Savary? Suzanne, this is my new employer, Miss Annabelle Kingsley. She will be out of mourning soon and will need an entire wardrobe.”
“Indeed?” Suzanne’s speaking glance told Christa that explanations would be required later, but for the nonce her attention was focused on her new customer. “Your timing is good, Mademoiselle Kingsley. I have just received Herr Heideloff’sGallery of Fashion, and two new fashion dolls from Paris as well. The styles should be very becoming on you. Will you take a seat while I bring them? And perhaps a cup of tea as well?”
Annabelle was delighted to be treated with such attention. When she had visited her mother’smodisteshe had been ignored or treated as a child, except for Lady Serena’s occasional unflattering comments on the deficiencies of her daughter’s figure. However, Annabelle was shocked when the book of fashion plates was brought for her inspection.
“Mme. de Savary, how could I possibly appear in public dressed like this? Why, these are no more than shifts! My mother said therobe de chemisewas indecent,” Annabelle said falteringly, her eyes fixed in fascinated horror on a plate showing two women in flimsy summer dresses.
Suzanne smiled understandingly. “It is true older women avoid the new styles. They are better suited to slim figures such as yours. Perhaps your mother was a little envious.”
Annabelle was much struck by the comment. Could it be that the devastating Lady Serena had not wished to be seen without her stays? Her eyes began to shine with unholy glee. “Madame, do you have a chemise that I might try on?”
Suzanne nodded. “Oui, I keep several samples made up for customers to see the effect. Come into the fitting room.”
Christa and Suzanne would not let Annabelle look in the mirror until they were satisfied with her appearance. First they removed her stays, then provided a lightweight shift and a soft lawn dress in creamy white. Christa unpinned her mistress’s thick blond hair and made some quick adjustments, then did something with a ribbon. Stepping back, she nodded with satisfaction. “What do you think, Miss Annabelle?”
Annabelle turned to face the mirror, then stopped in speechless wonder at the sight of the stranger in front of her. The chemise had a low neckline, light puffed sleeves, and blue ribbon ties at the neck and below the breasts. The ties gracefully hinted at the body beneath the translucent fabric, then the dress fell into gentle, classical folds. The ribbons banding her hair matched those of the dress, and gave her a Grecian look as her golden curls fell simply over her shoulders. She felt half naked; the look was startlingly different from the heavily constructed dresses she had been wearing. Startling, but not unattractive—not unattractive at all. Turning to the women who awaited her verdict with a shining smile, she said, “I think this will do very well.”
The rest of the afternoon was spent in an orgy of happy decision making. The fashion dolls were particularly useful because in every detail they were dressed and coiffed exactly like real women. As she gave her mistress the first doll, Christa remarked, “Is it not strange, Miss Annabelle, that England and France are at war, yet frivolities such as these pass freely between the countries?”
Suzanne clucked in mock disapproval. “Au contraire, Christa. War is a frivolity, one of those foolish games men indulge in. Fashion—now,thisis a serious business!”
The three of them laughed together, and even the seamstress taking Annabelle’s measurements permitted herself a chuckle. After all, does not a proper dress improve any occasion?
Suzanne stocked some French fragrances, and Annabelle had a pleasurable time sniffing them. She considered Hungary water andeau de cologne, and almost bought a vial ofl’eau admirable, a refreshing blend of citrus, lemon, bergamot, neroli, and lavender that was very different from the musky scents her mother had favored. However, when Christa was consulted, she agreed that it was a fine blend, but perhaps just a bit . . . common? It had been first developed almost a hundred years before and a number of women wore it.
After more sniffing, Annabelle chose a simple essence of violet. Christa gave her approval to this one. “It is unusual, Miss Annabelle. Delicate but with a haunting sweetness—exactly right for you.”
