Pamela shifted and lowered her gaze. “Me? I… I don’t think so. I’ve never been here before.”
Camelia’s smile was reassuring, though her mind raced. “She’s familiar, Madame?”
“Oui.” Madame Lefèvre squinted at Pamela.
Could it be Pamela’s mother? Or her real father?
“Perhaps it’s just her charm, Madame,” Camelia said lightly. “Pamela has a way of leaving an impression. Now, about her gown. She wants a blue lace dress, and I’d like something bold for a ball I’m attending tonight.”
Margaret clapped her hands in excitement. “Bold for Camelia? Oh, please say crimson! You’d set the ballroom ablaze! Pamela, what do you think? Red for your stepmother?”
Pamela giggled, her voice gaining strength. “Red? Yes! It’d look… fierce. Like you, Camelia.”
“Pamela, you’re learning fast. But I’m voting for emerald green for Camelia; it’ll make the Duke’s eyes pop out with adoration,” Iris piped up.
“Emerald’s good, but crimson’s bolder. Pamela, you’re the tiebreaker. What’s it going to be?” Margaret grinned, nudging Pamela, who looked at Camelia helplessly.
“I warned you that they argue.” Camelia shrugged. “Crimson, then! But only if Pamela gets the blue lace gown. Deal?”
“It’s a deal!” Margaret responded.
Madame Lefèvre went to work immediately. She bustled about her shop, pulling gowns and bolts of fabric, her voice animated. “Crimson silk for the Duchess, blue lace forMademoisellePamela—oh, it will bemagnifique! And for you,MesdamesIris and Margaret, perhaps ivory and sapphire?”
Margaret squealed delightfully. “Yes, please, Madame. Sapphire would look ravishing on my skin!”
They spent an hour choosing their gowns and fabrics. Pamela’s confidence grew as she spent more time with the girls. She picked a delicate blue lace overlay for her gown, and Camelia selected a crimson silk that hugged her waist perfectly and flowed around her like a blooming rose.
She imagined Raph’s reaction. He’d probably want to tear it off her, and she would enjoy it.
As they were measured, Madame Lefèvre’s gaze lingered on Pamela, but she said no more. Camelia wanted to ask what she knew or if she knew anything, but Raph’s warning to behave rang in her ears.
“You’re a delight, Pamela. I cannot wait to shop with you again for your debut.” Iris winked at Pamela.
They stood at the shop door, exchanging goodbyes, and Camelia imagined Raph waiting for them at the manor, his arms crossedover his chest in that brooding way of his and his foot tapping impatiently.
Margaret squeezed Pamela’s hand and announced dramatically, “You’re my new favorite friend, Pamela. Practice that bold voice; you’ll need it.” She leaned closer to her. “Especially with these men later in life,” she whispered conspiratorially.
Pamela beamed at them. “I like you both so much. I hope I can speak like you someday, Margaret.”
Camelia’s heart warmed. “You’ll find your voice, Pamela, and it’ll be all your own.”
She placed a hand on Pamela’s shoulder as they all said goodbye and went their separate ways.
When they reached the manor, she was surprised not to find Raph waiting for them.
He trusted us, after all.
CHAPTER 25
“You were right,” Raph whispered in Camelia’s ear while they danced together, avoiding another boring conversation with an elderly couple.
“A woman is always right,” Camelia chirped.
Raph’s jaw ticked, but he kept his voice steady, leaning closer to her to keep their conversation private.
“I meant you were right about this, Duchess. It’s my duty to accompany you to these events, to show the ton that this family exists.”
She smiled smugly at him.
