His wish? What woman wouldn’t be happy when encouraged by her husband to visit a modiste?
His wife was maddening, but until he figured out what he had said wrong, he chose not to say anything further.
Chapter 14
Victorhadnotedherwardrobe. Had he also noted that they were worn and possibly faded. Were they even still in fashion.
As those thoughts crossed her mind, Charlotte groaned.
In wishing to be like the ladies he escorted about London, she should have been more diligent and taken into account that those women were always at the height of fashion. No wonder he had said something. Being dressed as she had for the past two years was probably an embarrassment to him, which she did need to rectify.
With those thoughts, once their tea was concluded, Charlotte set out for Willanton and toLes Modes de Monique.
Monique hurried from the back when Charlotte called out upon entering the dress shop. “You have more samples?”
Whenever there were new designs or colors from the mill, they were taken to Monique to decide if there were any bolts that she would like to purchase.
“No,” Charlotte mumbled as she fell into a chair. “Are my dresses unattractive?” she blurted out.
“I made them myself,” Monique defended.
“Are they out of style?” Charlotte questioned further.
“No, styles have not changed much.” Monique looked her up and down. “Though most women don’t wear their dresses for as long as you.”
Charlotte groaned and sank further into the chair.
“What is this about?” Monique asked as she took a seat next to Charlotte. “You have never cared for fashion before and are far more practical.”
“My husband has returned.”
“He has complained about your clothing?” Monique stated, as if insulted.
“No,” Charlotte quickly assured her. “He simply pointed out that I have not purchased a dress in some time, and I was entitled to pretty dresses.”
A smile burst on Monique’s face. “You do not know how lucky you are.”
“How?” Charlotte asked.
“Very few gentlemen ever encourage their wives to purchase a new wardrobe.”
“Victor specifically said a few pretty dresses.”
“Which translates into a new wardrobe.”
Charlotte eyed Monique with suspicion and feared the cost. He had suggested the dresses but it was clear that the purchases were to be made with her pin money. It wasn’t that she didn’t have plenty of funds, she just hated spending money.
“Trust me in this. I know exactly what your husband was suggesting.”
Victor would not have even mentioned the topic if it wasn’t a concern of his. And she did need to be in fashion, so Charlotte allowed Monique to guide her.
Before long, Charlotte was being measured and fitted. Monique then set the fashion plates before her. “These are the latest styles from Ackermans. All we need to do is decide on the styles and fabrics,” she encouraged with a smile.
Charlotte was exhausted by the time she returned home. She had heard stories about how ladies in Society went about ordering a new wardrobe each Season, and the number of dresses required. How did they have the energy to enjoy the balls after having endured so much? She knew it hadn’t seemed this bad when Monique put her through the fittings two years ago, why was it so horrible this time?
Her face heated. Monique had wanted the bodices to be scooped a little lower than before and insisted additional nightwear, new stockings, silken chemise, and other items were necessary. Charlotte had previously given little thought to her clothing. Further, she doubted Victor would see anything besides the outer garments, though the silken chemise would be soft against her skin.
Hopefully the new dresses would make Victor think of her more as a lady, which she was not. But at least she could pretend.
