“Never,” he whispered back. While the other woman looked on, he fisted the extra fabric at Elizabeth’s back. “We need dresses that fit and flatter her form. This sack is an abomination and an insult, don’t you think?”
“It certainly does nothing for her figure.” The woman tugged on a tape measure that was draped about her neck. She stared over the tops of her half-moon spectacles as she walked around Elizabeth. “Her body will be easy to dress.”
“That’s what I figured as well.” Brand’s grin was as charming as she’d ever seen it. “How soon can a new wardrobe be made? From the inside out?”
“I understand. Let me think…”
Dear Lord, what is happening?Never say he meant to buy… undergarments? “Brand, don’t!” But neither he nor the woman paid her mind. “This is highly improper.”
He winked. “So it is.”
The dressmaker continued to study Elizabeth. Finally, she stopped and met her gaze. “You’re fortunate, Miss Hayhurst. One of my clients returned a large order the other day due to not liking the cut and colors of the clothes. I believe she was about your size.” The woman beckoned. “Come. Let’s try one on to see if you’ll need alterations. You may call me Miss Danvers. I own this shop and these creations.”
“But I…” Elizabeth’s mind spun. Brand gave her a gentle shove with a nod. “I couldn’t.”
“You should,” Miss Danvers encouraged with a faint smile as she whisked Elizabeth into a back room separated from the shop front by a curtain pulled across the doorway. “At least once in a woman’s life, she should look splendid and feel the same.”
“I don’t have the coin to pay for anything in this shop.” The protest fell on apparent deaf ears, for Miss Danvers assisted her out of the ill-fitting navy gown as well as the bonnet and then drew a dress of cheerful jonquil muslin over her head.
“I’m sure that won’t be an issue. Captain Storme is good for the credit.” Miss Danvers tugged and tweaked the fabric as she urged Elizabeth before a cheval glass. Sweet, dainty lace lined the hem and scooped bodice. “This one will require no alterations. That’s wonderful, and a good sign for the others.”
Despite the unorthodox happenings, Elizabeth peered at herself in the glass. “It’s a pretty dress, to be sure, but where would I wear it?” Never had she owned such a garment in a bright color.
“Anywhere, everywhere?” Miss Danvers fussed with the hem. “So you’re the one who has captured the captain’s notice recently.”
“I don’t know about that.” Another fierce blush heated her face, but her eyes were glued to the image in the glass. Is that truly me?
“Don’t play coy, Miss Hayhurst. It’s been quite the bit of gossip this week.”
“Oh?” If that were true, had word of her hanging about Brand reached William’s ears?
“Yes.” Pleased with the drape of the skirts, Miss Danvers stood. “At times, the captain will chase a woman for a while, but he never lets anyone turn his head, and I don’t recall him ever sticking with a female for two days in a row, let alone a week as he has with you.”
How very interesting!Butterflies erupted in her belly. “He’s never been in love then?”
“Goodness, no.” Miss Danvers shook her head as she checked the fit of the sleeves. “The captain isn’t that sort.”
Then why had he made it a point to single her out? “Perhaps he could be.” Elizabeth poked at her severe, plain bun of hair. With a grumble, she removed the pins and then rearranged the tresses, sweeping up the sides and securing them with the two tortoiseshell combs that had belonged to her mother. “In any event, Captain Storme and I are friends. Nothing more.”
Except she’d never had a friend, or certainly never one who made her feel so special or a tiny bit wicked. And damn him, he was right about having her hair loose. She looked like a different woman with her hair flowing down her back while she was clad in the yellow dress. There was a sparkle in her eyes she’d not seen before.
“Ah.” Miss Danvers appeared unconvinced. “I’d say this is a good sight better than the rag you wore in here.” She flashed a pleased smile. “Shall I wrap the remainder of the order?” She gestured to a pile of dresses resting on a nearby table. “I’m glad my creations will be displayed on you. You do justice to them like my client never could.”
Oh, the irony of that! Never had she lusted after anything before as much as she did those dresses. Vanity, envy, and jealousy welled into her chest, whispering to her, telling her to accept the largesse. Then common sense won out. “Oh, I don’t think so, Miss Danvers.” The cold disappointment that sat heavy in her stomach nearly brought tears into her eyes. “It’s not proper.”
The dressmaker cocked her head to one side and planted her hands on her narrow hips. “If a man wishes to shower you with gifts, let him, my dear. Once he leaves you, you’ll still have the garments. Use them to make him jealous by catching a new man.”
Elizabeth sighed. She turned away from her tempting reflection as she clutched the hairpins and his handkerchief in her hand. “I think I’d rather have the man instead of the finery.” But was Brand angling for marriage? Why else would he have sought her out or spend time with her or even stolen a few fleeting kisses? Yes, he was a rake, but that was an inordinate amount of effort on his part.
Miss Danvers grunted. “Go out and show the captain the dress. Perhaps he will change your mind.”
“Oh, I couldn’t,” Elizabeth whispered. “That’s too intimate.”
“My dear, you have much to learn about life.” Miss Danvers ushered her through the dividing curtain. “Go on.” She followed her into the larger room. “What do you think, Captain?”
There was no avoiding Brand’s regard now. He strode across the room from where he contemplated a tray of baubles. His eye widened. “Of all things holy on land and sea.” Admiration lined his face as he touched a finger to her flowing hair. “As I’ve said before, you’re beautiful.” He took her free hand and led her more fully into the room where the sunlight pooled on the hardwood floor. “I adore this color on you. It brings so much life to your face, your eyes.” Appreciation lingered in his voice.
The reaction warmed her from head to toe, and she lost a tiny piece of her heart to him in that moment. “Thank you, but these are fine clothes on a plain woman. Once they’re removed, I’m still me.”