Eleanor was still considering her conversation with Marvella when she rode her bicycle downtown to shop for a proper dinner gown. It troubled her to think that the older woman believed Eleanor’s soul was somehow the property of Satan because of her indecision toward God. How could she just presume that’s how it worked?
Of course ... Mother had said that if a person wasn’t for Jesus, he was against Him, but that wasn’t how Eleanor felt. God had been unfair and unkind in her mother’s sickness and death, but that didn’t mean Eleanor wanted any part of Satan or his ways. Did one really have to choose one or the other? Couldn’t a person just remain unaffiliated with either side?
She had spotted a rather elegant dress shop on one of her outings that claimed to have a wide selection of ready-made gowns for all important affairs. Perhaps they wouldhave something appropriate for the Ashbury dinner. She didn’t know how many people Mrs. Ashbury had invited, but the Brunswicks were on the list, and that alone made her nervous.
Once again there was no designated place she could leave her bicycle, so Eleanor leaned it up against the wall of the shop and made her way inside. She was immediately greeted by a middle-aged woman. “I’m Louise. How may I help you?”
“I’m looking for a gown to wear to a formal dinner. I was hoping for something ready-made.”
“I have a selection of beautiful gowns. I’m sure we can find something. When is your dinner party?”
“The twenty-fourth.”
The woman nodded. “That should give me enough time for any adjustments we need to make. Why don’t you come with me and have a look. Do you have anything special in mind?”
Oh dear. The last time she’d given any thought to her clothes was to make certain she had proper riding clothes and woolens that could be layered underneath to keep her warm in the mountains.
“Not really. I’ll trust you to know what might look best and be appropriate. Nothing immodest, of course.”
“Certainly not.” The woman motioned Eleanor to follow and led her to a small room. “If you’ll have a seat, I’ll bring several selections to you, and you can see what you think.”
Eleanor waited and at last Louise reappeared with an armful of gowns. She arranged them carefully on various hooks that had been mounted in between several large mirrors. Each gown was attractive, but Eleanor’s eye was immediatelydrawn to a light blue silk dress with a tiered skirt and short, puffed sleeves that were banded to the upper arm. The bodice neckline was scooped but not daringly low like many of the other designs. The waist came to a point in the front and back with a delicate ribbon trim. The design was simple, understated, yet elegant.
“I’d like to try this one.” Eleanor pointed to the gown.
“You have a good eye. That is one of the best we have to offer. Follow me, please.”
Louise took up the gown and led the way to the dressing room. “Do you have the needed undergarments?”
Eleanor shook her head. “No. I will need those as well.”
The fitting took nearly an hour. The gown was everything Eleanor could have hoped for, but it was a little large. Louise drew up the material and pinned several places to ensure that it fit perfectly.
She helped Eleanor out of the dress, careful not to stick her with pins. “I can have this ready on Tuesday.”
“That will be perfect. Now I have only to find a proper pair of shoes.”
“May I recommend Seymore’s? I believe you will find what you need there, and they are just two doors down.”
“Thank you.” Eleanor finished undressing and reclaimed her split-skirt suit. She had come to all but live in these outfits when exploring or riding. Would she still have cause to use them once they were settled in Kalispell?
Tomorrow she and Father were to see the Hennessy house, but Eleanor had already ridden past the property, and it looked wonderful. The house was a mix of Queen Anne and Colonial Revival, with a tower on one side and a recessed arch under the gable. The three-story house hada porch that her father would enjoy sitting on during warm evenings. She couldn’t imagine that the house wouldn’t be perfect for their needs. And there were extensive gardens and trees that offered wonderful shade. They would need to hire a gardener to bring some color to the landscape, but no doubt Father would enjoy taking care of the gardens as well.
At Seymore’s, Eleanor found a perfect pair of shoes. She arranged for them to be delivered, then headed outside to her bicycle. She was just about to mount when she heard her name being called.
“Ellie Briggs.”
She turned. Of course. Carter Brunswick. Only he would be so bold. And yet, she couldn’t hold back a smile. “Hello, Mr. Brunswick.”
“Please call me Carter. I believe you’ve earned the right.”
Her smile broadened. “Yes, I believe I have.”
“Where are you bound?”
“Actually, I was thinking a little refreshment might be in order. Might I buy you a cold drink?”
He frowned. “No, but I will be happy to buy you one.”
