Chapter 21

Chapter Twenty-One

“ I cannot believe we are going to go to a ball together! And I am not even out yet.” Natalie said excitedly as they walked through the modiste together. “Honestly, Rose may be the best thing that ever happened to this family. There is no way Alexander would have agreed to such a thing before he met her.”

Emily smiled at her friend. She had a slight suspicion that the surprise ball was her sister’s way of orchestrating a romantic evening between her and her intended, but she did not want to spoil Natalie’s fun. Besides, even if that is the intent, it does not mean that Natalie will not enjoy herself.

“I am sure it will be delightful. And it will be good practice for you Marie.” Emily turned to Marie who was peering around them distractedly. “Marie?”

“I think I have dropped my book.” She wrung her hands. “I know I had it when we left the castle, but it is not in my bag any more.”

“Why did you bring it anyway? We are supposed to be shopping for dresses, not reading!”

“I can do both. Besides, I have gotten to the most intriguing part and simply have to know what happens next!” Marie shook her head and looked despondent. “And now I have lost it.”

“I am sure it will be around here somewhere, would you like us to help you look?” Emily offered even as she saw Natalie begin to open her mouth in outrage.

Marie shook her head. “No, do not worry. I am sure it won’t be far. I do not want to distract you two and I suspect Natalie would not forgive me if I dragged her away.”

“We will be here.” Natalie called after her sister’s retreating back. “Honestly, sometimes it is hard to believe we are related.”

“That is the way of family’s, often we are different as night and day.” Emily thought of her own sisters. But soon I will be able to read, and then perhaps, that might bring us closer.

Natalie nodded. “Like Duke Warren and Lord Baine.”

“Exactly.” Emily’s heart sped up as Natalie mentioned Luke, and she could not help but smile as she thought of their lesson the night before.

He is like me. His mother was the same. I am sure one day someone will study this, and there will be a name for it. Emily shook herself, realising that Natalie was looking at her with a mischievous grin on her face.

“What?” Emily asked, her cheeks flushing.

“Just that you started smiling as soon as I mentioned Lord Baine.” Natalie laughed. “I take it things are going well between you?”

Emily’s flush deepened, and she felt a heavy weight settle across her shoulders at the thought of Lord Baine. What is wrong with me?

“Or is his brother still standing in your way?” Natalie asked, her brow furrowing, clearly noticing Emily’s reaction.

“I think the Duke and I may have turned a corner.” Emily said, breathing deeply. “Though I am not sure he would give us his blessing.”

“I have no doubt you will win him over.” Natalie winked at her. “I believe it was your mother who said, with the right dress, any man will bow before a woman’s wishes.”

Emily laughed. “That sounds like something mother would say.”

“Well then, it is of even greater importance that we get ourselves the perfect gowns!” Natalie beamed at her and linked an arm through hers as they walked down the aisles of the modiste.

Emily teased, “Are you hoping to find yourself a husband too?”

“Blegh. You know I am not old enough for that. But it does not hurt to window shop a little.” Natalie winked and then added, “Besides, I am not selfless enough to let you be the only one to dazzle.”

“And I will never mind sharing the limelight.” Emily gave her friend a gentle squeeze.

“Well, there shall be no limelight if we do not pick a fabric.” Natalie gestured to the shop around them.

“That is true.” Emily surveyed her friend, taking in her sharp features, dark hair and eyes. “I think for you, something deep and rich will compliment your skin the best. Perhaps a forest green?”

She reached for a bolt of fabric, thinking that it reminded her of the colour of Natalie’s laughter, and held it up to her. It was velvet, and was a striking contrast to her friends pale skin.

“You do not think I should opt for something lighter?” Natalie bit her bottom lip. “Perhaps like this?”

She held up a light blue silk bolt that reminded Emily of the blue of the Duke’s eyes. Her heart skittered and she shook her head. She needed to focus.

“You do not seem convinced.” Natalie canted her head towards Emily.

“Do you want my honest opinion?” Emily asked.

“Always.” Natalie said, “Well, unless you are going to tell me you think I would be hideous in anything I wore – in which case, lie to me.”

Emily laughed and shook her head. “I would never tell you something like that, because it could not be further from the truth. But, well, I think this colour is not the best on you.”

Natalie’s face fell and Emily chided herself for not being kinder in her speech.

“A blue this pale is a difficult colour to wear well, and often can make one look even paler.” Emily gestured to the mirror so Natalie could see what she was talking about, while grabbing a bolt of midnight blue silk. “Now this on the other hand, shows off just how stunning you are.”

Natalie nodded, holding the fabric to her. “Thank you. And, I could add a little silver embroidery to it, to make it stand out even more. Well, I could if I was any good at such things.”

“I could do it for you.” Emily offered. “I probably could not do anything complicated, but I could definitely do something.”

“You will have your own gown to embroider. Let us work together, you can help me if I become stuck, and perhaps I can learn a trick or two from you.” Natalie held out a hand.

Emily shook it. “We have a deal.”

“Excellent. Now, what about you? I think the pale blue would not suit you either, and I am not sure that you wish to be in the same dress colour as me?” Natalie gestured to the fabric.

Emily took the fabric and let it slip between her fingers. “I would not mind matching you, though mother would say that I should try and match my dress to some favourite colour of Lord Baine’s.”

“Then we should have asked them before we left! I wonder what it is?” Natalie exclaimed.

“Well, it is too late now.” Emily shrugged. “We shall just have to muddle through.”

As she moved down the aisle, her eye caught on two volts of fabric. The first was a deep gold, with a reddish hue that made it closer to amber. She reached for it, the texture of it against her fingers soothing. It matched the texture of amber in her mind.

She could almost smell it, and smiled. Thinking of the way Luke’s voice matched his scent.

The second fabric was green, the same green that had been in the music he had played on the pianoforte. Together, they would complement each other. It would be a bold, ostentatious look.

Her chest constricted and she moved away. I have no wish to seem that vain.

“Oh my goodness, Emily, you would look amazing in these!” Natalie’s voice was full of excitement.

Emily flushed, Natalie’s words breaking her out of her reverie. “I do not think it would be a good idea.”

“Why ever not? You would look simply radiant! No one would be able to keep their eyes off you.” Natalie ran her fingers across the fabric. “And it feels so luxurious.”

“It would be far too much. It is extravagant and bold.” Emily moved away from the fabrics, feeling as though she were moving away from danger.

“You say that like it is a bad thing? If this match with Lord Baine is really your last chance, then surely it would be best to dress to the nines.” Natalie gave Emily an imploring look.

“It could make me seem vain. Or perhaps like I was trying too hard to impress.” Emily shook her head, but could not bring herself to completely look away from the fabric. “I do not think I have ever owned a dress that would be as eye-catching as what these would make.”

I could never have afforded such fine fabrics. Or at least, our family could not, but things have changed now. She could not bring herself to admit this to Natalie though. Not in such a public place, anyway. The last thing she wanted was for her friend to pity her.

“Then it is all the more reason you should own such a dress. It is high time you spoil yourself in my opinion.” Natalie gestured towards the fabric. “At least see how they would look against you. If you look horrendous, I shall drop the matter at once.”

“Very well.” Emily conceded and allowed her friend to hold the fabrics against her.

Her stomach flipped over ,and she gasped. The shades seemed to have been made just for her. Instead of looking sickly, it leant her a healthy dose of colour, highlighting her dark hair and bringing out the colour of her eyes.

Her mind began to race with all the things she could do to add to the dress. But years of budget-conscious shopping brought her imaginings to a screeching halt. It is too much to ask.

Natalie let out a triumphant whoop. “Emily, you need a dress made of these fabrics.”

Emily wanted to disagree, but she could not tear her gaze from her reflection. Of course, she had plenty of dresses that she looked good in – her mother would scarcely allow her in public if that were not the case. But a dress like this, it was the kind of thing she had dreamed of, but never thought to own.

Until that moment. Blue eyes flashed in her mind and she dropped the fabric, stepping away as though burned.

“Let us look at something else.” Emily began to walk away and as she did so church bells sounded.

She glanced up and at Natalie. Had it already been a half hour?

Natalie frowned. “Marie has been gone rather some time, do you think we should look for her?”

Emily felt a stab of guilt and worry. “Perhaps she has already returned, and we have missed her?”

They glanced around the modiste but saw no signs of Natalie’s sister. They exchanged worried looks.

“I am sure she will not be far.” Emily gave Natalie’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “But we should look for her regardless.”

Before either of them could make a move to leave, the bell chimed above the door of the modiste and Marie walked in caught up in conversation with Lord Baine. A moment later, Luke appeared.

A wave of relief washed over her, followed by a knot of excitement.

“There you are!” Natalie exclaimed, marching towards her sister. “You worried us!”

“I am sorry. I got distracted talking to Lord Baine and Duke Warren.” Marie made an apologetic gesture to her sister. “Lord Baine found my book, and we got to talking, and then well, they insisted they escort me back to the pair of you.”

“Miss Pembleton, Lady Natalie.” Luke murmured, his eyes briefly flitting towards them before he swept into a bow. “A pleasure to see you.”

“And you, Duke Warren.” Emily replied, curtseying. “And of course, Lord Baine.”

“Thank you for returning my sister to us.” Natalie gave her a look.

“Think nothing of it, I am more glad we were able to return the book to its rightful owner.” Lord Baine beamed at Marie. “It was a pleasure to talk to you, Lady Marie.”

“And you, Lord Baine.” Marie smiled.

“We should be on our way.” Luke cleared his throat and gestured to the door.

“Oh, yes, of course. Good day, ladies.” Lord Baine moved towards the door.

“Lord Baine! Duke Warren, wait a moment.” Natalie called after them.

Emily’s head whipped to her friend. And Natalie studiously ignored her.

“I was wondering if you might tell us your favourite colours?” Natalie gestured around them and affected an innocent look. “I find I am somewhat overwhelmed with choice.”

Lord Baine flushed and said, “I do not think I would be much help, Lady Natalie. I do not really have a favourite colour. I rather like brown, and beige. And certain shades of grey can be rather striking.”

Emily had never been more grateful for the time her mother had spent teaching her how to hide her reactions. She made herself smile and nod, but took pains to avoid Natalie’s gaze.

“If I might offer a suggestion, Lady Natalie,” Luke said to Emily’s surprise. “Choose a colour that makes you feel good.”

“I am surprised you would advise such a thing.”

“And why is that?”

“It is rather a sentimental way of choosing fashion.”

“Propriety may dictate many things, but I find fashion is almost always the realm of sentiment. And more often, a woman who has chosen a colour she feels good in is more apt to make a good impression.”

“And what would you say Duke Warren, if a woman walked away from a fabric she looked radiant in?” Natalie flashed Emily a grin, and she only just managed not to stamp on her friend’s foot.

Luke let his gaze linger on Emily for a moment, before he turned to Natalie. “Does she feel radiant in it?”

“I would say so.” Natalie replied.

“Then I would ask her why she is so afraid of her own radiance.” Luke said simply. “And with that, I fear I must take my leave of you.”

He inclined his head towards them, and took his brother by the arm. “Good day.”

As the door swung shut behind them, Natalie turned to Emily, a curious expression on her face.

“I did not think the Duke could be so sentimental.” She said.

Emily nodded, unable to trust her voice as Luke’s voice reverberated around her head.

“Did you feel as good as you looked when I held the fabric to you?” Natalie asked.

“Yes.” Emily said.

“Then that should be what you wear.” Natalie gestured to the fabric. “After all, you are the one who said this could be your last chance. What have you got to lose?”

Emily did not say anything. Something heavy settled across her chest, and a fidgeting restlessness filled her. I am not afraid.

The words sounded hollow, even to her.