She did. She held back, a bit overwhelmed. Her parents had not been rich people. Clarissa had learned how to use a needle.
But she had always dreamed of going to Mrs. Yarborough and picking out material like the other village girls did. Then, in a week, through no effort on her own part, receiving a lovely dress. She’d been jealous of those girls who’d had their clothes sewn for them. She’d longed to be one.
“Go on,” he encouraged as if sensing her hesitancy. “I’ll be in the next room and I can hear Dora. Enjoy yourself.”
Enjoy yourself?Who was this man? He certainly wasn’t the Earl of Marsden she’d thought she knew.
She was also so excited about the opportunity of a fitting, her hands were shaking. She pressed them against her skirt, nodded, and followed Gibson to the Green Bedroom. She ran into Mrs. Warbler going to the same place. “I must be involved,” her friend said.
“Or does the earl not trust my taste?”
“That, too,” Mrs. Warbler allowed with a pleasant smile. “He fears you will be too frugal. He knows with my help that will not happen.”
Mrs. Yarborough waited with her tape measure and several dresses already made. She was a cheery, practical woman who had served Maidenshop for years.
“There is no time to make new,” the dressmaker said. “Fortunately, I do have some already made up. Here, have a look at these.”
Clarissa and Mrs. Warbler examined the dresses. They were made with a quality of muslin Clarissa had never been able to afford.
“The earl instructed me to tell you to purchase all I have,” Mrs. Yarborough said with a chuckle. “And look at this tall looking glass for our use.” She nodded to the mirror in the corner of the room. “I would like one of these for my shop.”
“Why would you just have dresses already made up?” Clarissa asked, puzzled.
“I had this order from the Misses Heath.” She referred to the daughters of a wealthy Fulbourn merchant. “They had them made for a country party. I thought you could use them instead.”
Clarissa dropped the dress she had been eyeing. “I don’t want to take these away from anyone.”
“Don’t you feel guilty about his lordship seeing you properly dressed or my giving the dresses to you. I have time and material to remake them. They aren’t needed until next week. And, your lord is paying me handsomely. I may even ask him for this mirror. Now, what shall you wear for the morrow? I was thinking the cream muslin shot through with gold. Pretty, no?”
Mrs. Warbler held the gown in front of Clarissa. “Perfect.”
It was the most beautiful dress Clarissa had ever seen. The lines were simple but the material was smooth and light against her skin when she tried it on.
As Mrs. Yarborough pinned to make adjustments, she said, “Everyone in the village is happy for you.”
“They know?”
“Of course. It is high time that you had a bit of luck. To my way of thinking, you are marrying the best of the Three Bucks.”
“How did they find out so quickly?” Clarissa asked.
“I heard it from Mrs. Summerall, who had it from her husband, who shared the info with the matrons—and in a blink, we all know.” She sat back on her heels from where she was pinning Clarissa’s hem. “What do you think, Mrs. Warbler?”
“The Misses Heath may be taller than MissTaylor but they are not as endowed in the bodice. Is there material to let out this seam?”
“I would think you would want it a little close right here,” Mrs. Yarborough said. “Makes for a nice silhouette.”
“You are right.”
“Iwould prefer it loosened a bit,” Clarissa said.
“Trust me, my dear, you do not,” Mrs. Warbler said, so the bodice stayed. “Besides, we want the alterations to be easy. Think of poor Mrs. Yarborough’s back.”
“Yes, my back,” the dressmaker echoed as if she was a part of some scheme—? And then it all made sense.
“Mrs. Warbler,” Clarissa said, “did you come with me to Belvoir to push Lord Marsden into marriage?” She wouldn’t put it past her friend and the thought was mortifying.
“Yes,” the older woman said almost proudly. “Except I didn’t have to prod. He saw the wisdom of marrying you all by himself. I didn’t finagle anything if that is what is worrying your conscience.”
