“Now then,” she declared brightly, her eyes scanning the street with eager interest. “Let us see what mischief we can find.”
They had barely taken ten steps before the older woman stopped so abruptly that Diana nearly walked straight into her.
“Oh!”
Diana caught herself just in time, blinking in confusion. “What is it?”
Lady Salford raised one hand dramatically, pointing toward a shop window across the pavement as though she had just discovered a hidden treasure.
“Look at that dress.”
Diana followed the direction of her finger.
Behind the polished glass of the display window stood a mannequin dressed in a gown of pale blue muslin, the fabric so soft and airy that it seemed almost to float in the sunlight streaming through the glass. Delicate white lace traced the neckline and sleeves with graceful precision, while the skirt fell in gentle folds that suggested movement even in stillness.
It was simple. Elegant.
Lady Salford let out a delighted gasp beside her. “Diana, you must try it on.”
Diana laughed nervously, shaking her head as she glanced toward the shop door. “I cannot simply walk in and?—”
“Nonsense.”
Lady Salford had already turned and was marching toward the entrance with determined enthusiasm. Diana hurried after her before the woman could disappear inside alone.
The small bell above the door chimed softly as they stepped into the shop.
The air within carried the pleasant scent of lavender and fresh fabric, and the quiet rustle of folded muslin and silk filled the room like the soft whisper of distant conversation. Bolts of cloth lined the shelves in careful rows, their colors blending together like a painter’s palette, while neatly arranged gowns hung along the walls waiting to be admired.
A young shop assistant curtsied politely. “How may I assist you, ladies?”
Lady Salford gestured grandly toward the window. “That dress.”
The assistant brightened. “An excellent choice.”
Before Diana could gather enough composure to object again, the shop assistant had already taken the gown from the display and placed it carefully into her hands while guiding her toward a small, curtained alcove at the back of the shop.
Lady Salford stood nearby watching the entire process with unmistakable satisfaction.
Diana stepped behind the curtain with a quiet sigh, the soft blue fabric draped over her arm. For a moment, she simply stood there, studying the gown in her hands. The muslin was lighter than she had expected, the delicate lace along the neckline finely worked in a way that suggested subtle elegance.
It was beautiful. Diana could not deny the small flicker of curiosity that stirred within her at the thought of wearing it.
Still, she shook her head faintly at herself before beginning to change, reminding herself that this entire situation had unfolded far too quickly for proper protest.
Ten minutes later, she stepped back through the curtain. The reaction was immediate.
Lady Salford gasped so loudly that the young shop assistant across the room nearly dropped the spool of ribbon she had been holding.
“Diana.” The older woman rose halfway from her chair, pressing one hand dramatically against her heart as she stared at her with delighted disbelief. “You look exquisite.”
Diana felt heat rush to her cheeks.
The gown fit perfectly. The soft fabric draped elegantly across her figure, the pale blue bringing out the warmth in her hazel eyes.
Lady Salford nodded decisively. “We are buying it.”
“Grandmother, you cannot?—”
