Amelia continued, her voice lowered as well.“John’s sisters have taught me a thing or two.It is amazing how much people are willing to bend over backward to help you when they know they’ll be rewarded handsomely.”
Mary winced at the reminder.“I don’t have very much money to spend.Perhaps enough for one ball gown and two day dresses—”
Amelia waved a hand in dismissal.“You have done me a great favor in agreeing to come to London to keep me company and giving up your free time away from your sister.And since I’m dragging you around, I insist on providing you with a few gowns.All in the name of helping me to acclimate to my new position in society.”
Mary felt a pang of guilt.“You have Lady Overlea and Lady Kerrick here to help you.”
Amelia’s mouth turned down at the corners.“Yes, but Iwantto do this for you.”
She let out a sigh.“You’re still intent on matchmaking.”
Amelia grasped her hands and gave them a quick squeeze.“Can you blame me?I want the same happiness for you that I’ve found.”
Mary would be lying if she said she didn’t want that herself, but she couldn’t ignore the small voice inside her that tried to remind her she was too old to be on the marriage mart.
When she realized that voice sounded exactly like her sister’s, her refusal died, unspoken.What would it hurt to allow herself this one last chance to find happiness?“I don’t want to take advantage of your generosity.”
Amelia smiled at her.“Please allow me to do this for you.”
“What if Lord Lowenbrock—?”
“John is of the same mind.It hasn’t been all that long since he and his sisters had very little money and even fewer prospects.He hasn’t forgotten that feeling.He wants to help you as much as I do.”
They’d spoken about her.She waited for the customary feeling of embarrassment to wash over her, but it never came.She realized that was because she trusted Amelia and her husband.The thought that they’d been talking about her didn’t leave her with the same discomfort as the knowledge that Edwina spoke about her with Lord Fairbanks.Edwina was careful in her criticisms, of course, because her husband was very circumspect in his duty in caring for his sister-in-law, but Mary still waited for the day they told her she was no longer welcome in their home.
Madame Argent clapped her hands together as she approached.“A full wardrobe,non?”
Mary shook her head.“One ball gown and two day dresses—”
“Yes, a full wardrobe,” Amelia said.
Mary turned to her friend.“That is too much…”
“Nonsense,” the modiste said.“A woman of your beauty should shine.When I am finished, everyone will know your name.”
“And yours as well,” Amelia said.
Madame Argent inclined her head.“That is without question.”
“Before we begin, I wanted to mention that there is a ball tomorrow night, and I’d like very much for Miss Trenton to accompany us.”
“So soon?”Mary asked.She’d assumed she would have some time to acclimate herself to the idea of going out in public.And to brace herself for Edwina’s displeasure at seeing Mary at the same events she was also attending.
Madame tsked.“That is very short notice, and I do have a number of other clients…”
“Perhaps I should skip the ball tomorrow.I can wait for the dresses to be finished.”
Amelia took her hand and turned to face the seamstress.“I had my heart set on showing off my friend.Perhaps you can alter one of the dresses you were making for me.The white silk?We are of a similar height, I’m sure it wouldn’t be too much trouble.”
Madame’s eyes dipped over her figure, then back to Amelia’s, no doubt thinking the same thing as Mary.
“I am not as well-endowed as you,” she said.
Heat colored her friend’s cheeks.“I’m sure it wouldn’t be too difficult to take in the bodice a little.I am notthatmuch larger than Miss Trenton.”
Mary did not have to give voice to her opinion of her friend’s suggestion.
Amelia’s eyes narrowed.“Or we could pad your corset.”
Mary let out a bark of laughter at that.“We most certainly will not.Edwina would just love to make a comment in front of all her friends about the sudden growth I seem to have experienced at my very advanced age.”
“It will be no trouble at all,” Madame said, breaking into their conversation, no doubt afraid that Mary would talk her friend out of what would no doubt be a very large bill.“I have seamstresses I can call who would be very glad of the extra work.”
“And of course you’ll be well compensated for all the extra effort you’re taking on our behalf.”
The modiste inclined her head.The matter had been settled, and Mary would not change Amelia’s mind.
She ignored the realization that she was not truly upset.In fact, she was very much looking forward to the days ahead.Edwina would make her life difficult at home, but when was that not true?