Chapter 31

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

E liza couldn't stop smiling. As the carriage rolled through the bustling streets of Brighton, she caught her reflection in the window's glass—cheeks flushed with excitement, eyes bright with the joy that seemed to spill over at the thought of the days ahead. Her heart fluttered at the thought of Daniel, her soon-to-be husband. Just yesterday, he had kissed her hand with such tenderness that her breath had caught. The memory of it lingered, sending warm shivers through her.

"Eliza, dearest, you're absolutely glowing," Emily said, pulling her attention back to the present. Emily was seated across from her in the carriage, her hands elegantly folded in her lap; however, her eyes gleamed with excitement. "It's not every day we get to shop for a wedding gown!"

Lady Margaret, who sat beside Eliza, laughed softly. "And not just any wedding gown," she added. "The gown of the future Mrs. Blackwood." She leaned in conspiratorially, lowering her voice. "Tell me, Eliza, how does it feel knowing that in just a few short weeks, you will be married?"

Eliza's heart fluttered again at the thought. "I hardly know how to describe it," she confessed, glancing between her two friends. "It feels … surreal. I am excited, of course, and yet, there is this overwhelming sense of joy and peace that I cannot quite put into words. It feels right."

"Well, we'll have to find a dress that matches that happiness, won't we?" Emily said brightly. "Something elegant, graceful, and fit for a bride as lovely as you."

The carriage came to a stop outside of Madame Beaulieu's shop, the most fashionable modiste in Brighton. Eliza's heart raced as she stepped down from the carriage, with Emily and Margaret beside her. It was nearing the end of the summer, and the crisp air nipped at her cheeks, but inside the shop, the warmth of the fire and the heady scent of lavender greeted them.

Madame Beaulieu herself appeared to welcome them, her dark hair perfectly coiffed beneath a delicate lace cap. She smiled warmly as she led them toward the back of the shop, where bolts of silk, satin, and lace were displayed in an elegant array. "Ah, Miss Montrose," she said in her thick French accent, "and Lady Devon, Lady Margaret—what a delight it is to see you all! I understand we are here to select the most important gown of all—a wedding gown? "

"Yes," Eliza replied, her heart skipping with excitement. "Something suitable, but not too grand."

Margaret laughed softly. "Nonsense, Eliza! It's a wedding. It must be grand."

Emily nodded in agreement. "We want you to look as if you stepped out of a fairy tale."

Madame Beaulieu led them toward several samples already prepared. "Now, Miss Montrose," she began, "do you have a preference for the material? We have satin, silk, and tulle. And, of course, the finest lace imported from France."

Eliza ran her hand over the smooth satin fabric of one dress, the material cool and elegant beneath her fingers. She glanced toward Emily, who was inspecting the delicate lace that adorned another gown, and then to Margaret, who seemed to be eyeing a beautiful display of light blue silk, clearly intended for a future bride.

"I think silk," Eliza said after a moment. "Something simple, with fine detailing. Nothing too extravagant, but elegant in its simplicity."

Emily's eyes lit up. "Silk will suit you beautifully, Eliza. But I do think a touch of lace, perhaps around the sleeves and hem, would add that extra refinement."

Margaret held up a length of lace with delicate floral embroidery, letting it drape over her arm. "What do you think of this, Eliza? It's exquisite, don't you think?"

Eliza smiled as she examined the lace. The intricate design was perfect—soft and delicate. "It's lovely," she agreed. "I think I should like to have this along the neckline and sleeves."

Madame Beaulieu nodded approvingly. "Ah, yes. The lace will elevate the gown without overpowering it. A classic choice."

Eliza was then escorted to a dressing room where Madame Beaulieu's assistants helped her into a silk gown with a high waistline and flowing skirts. The bodice fitted perfectly to accentuate her figure without being too ostentatious. She twirled slightly in front of the mirror, the soft fabric shimmering in the candlelight.

Emily clapped her hands together. "Oh, Eliza! You look absolutely perfect. It's exactly as I imagined—a gown that is elegant, yet so entirely you."

Margaret moved closer, examining the details. "It's stunning, Eliza. The lace adds such a lovely, romantic touch. Daniel will be speechless."

Eliza blushed at the thought, imagining Daniel seeing her in this very gown on their wedding day. Would he smile in that way that made her heart leap? Would his eyes soften with the warmth she had grown to cherish?

"You both have been so kind," Eliza said, turning to her friends. "I cannot imagine doing this without you."

"Nonsense," Emily replied, a teasing smile on her lips. "We wouldn't have missed it for the world."

Margaret agreed. "Besides, it's not every day we get to help our dear friend marry a man as dashing as Captain Blackwood. You must be positively thrilled. "

Eliza's heart skipped at the mention of Daniel, and she could not stop the smile that spread across her face. "I am," she admitted softly. "He has brought such joy into my life, more than I ever thought possible."

As they continued to discuss the final touches for the dress, Eliza's thoughts wandered to Daniel and their future together. The excitement of the wedding, the preparations, and the plans were all a blur of happiness, but beyond it all, she felt a deep sense of peace. This was the right path. She had no doubts.

Madame Beaulieu stepped back, clasping her hands together as Eliza turned in front of the mirror one last time. "It is settled, then? This gown, with the lace trimming, shall be prepared for you?"

Eliza nodded, her smile bright. "Yes, Madame. It's perfect."

As they exited the shop, arms linked with her friends, Eliza couldn't help but feel that everything in her world was finally falling into place. The gown, the wedding, and most importantly, Daniel. She could hardly wait for the day when she would stand beside him as his wife.