Page 20 of The Banker's Bride

Megan smiled. “I do, but not well.”

“Well,” Kenzie leaned in conspiratorially as she touched her hand, “then leave it to me. I’ll make all the dresses you would like.”

Megan laughed. “I can’t imagine what Dallas would think of that.”

“When he arranged for you to come here today, he told me to make you anything you wanted.” She smiled, sliding the sketches in front of her. “I have a feeling that you’re going to be one of my best customers.” Kenzie giggled. “Now, for yourwardrobe. I hope you don’t mind, but I took the liberty of sketching some designs with you in mind.”

Megan studied the designs and loved what she saw. “Kenzie, if you were in New York, you’d make a fortune.”

“I used to design in New York, and in London before that.” Kenzie shrugged. “Maybe I’ll go back some day, but for now, I’m enjoying being here.” She looked up at Megan and a crease formed between her eyes, as if she were trying to figure something out. “Pardon me for asking, but what part of Ireland are you from?”

“Dublin. Are ye from London, then?”

Kenzie nodded. “I was born in London, but my parents are from Ireland.”

“Oh?” Megan asked, clearly intrigued. “What part?”

“Galway,” Kenzie answered, smiling. “That’s why I have a mixed-up accent. Half British, half Irish.”

Megan giggled. “It’s lovely. But when we met yesterday, I couldn’t figure out where ye were from… until ye told me.”

Kenzie chuckled. “People rarely can. Now, as for your designs….”

They spent the rest of the morning designing Megan’s wardrobe. Although she felt a bit guilty for spending so much money, she soon relaxed and found herself enjoying it. Kenzie only left her when she was needed by another customer, and then she went right back to working with Megan. Megan admired her work ethic as well as her spunk.

After everything had been decided for her wardrobe, Kenzie led her to the back of the store and took her measurements for the wardrobe. She was very good at judging her size and Meagan liked her style. When she was finished, Kenzie helped her order three corsets and undergarments from a catalogue, as well.

“Well, I think Mr. King and I just spent all his money,” Megan teased as she looked over the sketches and engravings that Kenzie had brought to her.

Kenzie laughed. “I’ll speak with Mr. King and then I’ll have everything delivered as soon as it’s ready.”

“I hope this isn’t too much.” Megan blushed, looking over the long order that Kenzie had written. “We can take some of these things off.”

Kenzie placed her hand gingerly over hers. “You’ll do no such thing. Mr. King said to purchase you a fine wardrobe and that’s exactly what we did.”

“But it’s just too much—”

Kenzie leaned in conspiratorially. “Megan, that’s how men like Dallas King show they care about you. They buy you things.”

Megan shook her head. “But he doesn’t have to spend money on me to show me that he cares.”

Kenzie shrugged. “Don’t worry about it. Just enjoy yourself. Let him spoil you.”

“Yes, but I would be just as happy with a smile.”

“Honey, a smile is nice, but you can’t wear a smile when you’re going out for an evening,” Kenzie teased. “Come on. Let’s order you some shoes.”

“You sell shoes, too?”

Kenzie shrugged. “Like the corsets, I don’t have them here, but I can order you anything you want.”

Megan held her breath. “Where do you order them from?”

“New York.”

Megan gasped.

“Madame, you’re going to have to get used to such things.” She gave her a wink. “Stick with me. I’ll be glad to show you.”

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