If his breath would catch when he saw her walking down the aisle? Would his pupils darken with desire?
And then she remembered, it was not real.
Even so, she found herself hoping that he would like it. She only wanted to see his expression when she appeared in this dress on their wedding day.
“Ye look beautiful, my lady,” Joan whispered. “Lord Primrose will no’ be able to take his eyes off ye.”
Madame Boulet snapped her fingers. “And that is how ye know ’tis the perfect dress. Ye are the first person I showed this one to. ’Twill be a surprise to e’eryone. Here, let me make some slight adjustments.” The modiste set about pinching and pinning. Measuring and marking. “I will have this for ye in a few days. Shall I have it delivered to ye when ’tis ready?”
“That would be verra kind of ye, Madame. If ye could send it to Buckwood Manor, I would be most appreciative.”
“Of course, my lady. Before ye go, I have some special pieces to show ye that I think ye may enjoy.” She peered around Willamina to look at Joan, and they shared a conspiratorial smile. “This way.”
Willamina followed the woman to another room and her eyes widened. “Oh my,” she squeaked. The items here were definitely not for the wedding ceremony, but were fit for the wedding night. Assuming, if the couple was to consummate their marriage, that is.
Madame Boulet laughed. “I have a friend in France that makes the most beautiful negligees you will e’er find. E’ery bride must have at least a few—to keep their honeymoon exciting.”
She supposed that must be true of some brides. Mayhap most brides really. Not surprisingly, she did not have any for her first marriage. And for this marriage such extravagances would be a waste. But she could not confess that she would never wear them. Are these truly things that a bride would wear for her husband? Her fingers floated over the soft lace and satin pieces, some looking like it would appear she was barely wearing anything at all.
They were lovely, she had to admit. It would be such a waste of a beautiful piece. But, nonetheless, she picked out four of the seductive outfits and before she could forget, she mentioned her idea from earlier.
“Madame Boulet, do ye think ’tis possible to make a gown for Joan?”
“Your attendant?”
Willamina nodded.
“A most unusual request from a lady, but aye, I could do that if ye wish.”
“I do. She has done so much for me, I want to return the favor to her in some way.”
Madame Boulet smiled and patted her hand. “’Tis verra kind of ye and I am sure she will be most appreciative. “I will have it delivered to Buckwood Manor with your gown if that pleases ye?”
“That would be wonderful, thank ye.”
“I will box these items up for ye. Would ye like to take them with ye today or shall I have them delivered as well?”
Anxious to return home, she opted for the delivery and said her farewell.
On the ride home, the only thing she could think about was wearing one of those negligees and seeing Finlay’s eyes flare in appreciation.
Och, she was daft.
Finlay Primrose had no interest in her outside of using her as a way to ward off meddling mothers trying to shove their daughters upon him.
