Page 30 of The Best-Laid Plans

“Not at all.” Ellie looked to Rose, hoping she had not given offense. “I was surprised only because you are dressed so fashionably, and I do not believe I have ever encountered a lady’s maid who was so incrediblyàla mode.”

Rose acknowledged that with a dip of her head. “That is not the most common objection I hear, you understand.”

“I can imagine,” Ellie said.

Artemis relaxed, her expression turning a little less warrior-like. She had clearly been ready to do battle.

Rose, apparently satisfied with Ellie’s explanation, crossed to the clothe press and pulled open the doors containing Ellie’s rather pathetic wardrobe. “This is what I have to work with, is it?”

“Sadly, yes,” Artemis said. “And, of course, anything amongst my clothing that you think might be useful. Mrs. Lancaster has made the same offer.”

“I don’t wish to take clothes from your sister-in-law,” Ellie objected.

“It will give her an excuse to procure something new,” Artemis said. “My brother informs me she is forever insisting no money be spent on her. Breaks his heart. If we use anything of hers, she will not be able to deny him the opportunity to spoil her a little.”

It was one of the most endearing things Ellie had ever heard said about a husband in regard to his wife. How could her parents not want her to marry someone who adored her that much? How different her life would be than the one she would live if married to a man who cared nothing for her.

“What you selected for her yesterday was quite flattering,” Rose said. “Though I still maintain that more gold threading and a larger selection of bold colors would do English fashion a world of good.” She spoke in a tone that clearly indicated this was not the first time the topic had been raised between them.

“I do not disagree with you, but we have to work within the confines we have been given.” Artemis pulled out an armful of Ellie’s dresses, which amounted to all of them, and laid them on the bed. “Undermining assumptions requires finesse.”

“For some assumptions, there is not enough finesse in all the world,” Rose said.

Artemis didn’t argue. She motioned to the pile of dresses. “Which of these is salvageable, do you think?”

The two began evaluating every piece of outer clothing Ellie had. Realizing she was not necessary to the endeavor, Ellie lowered herself into the chair near the window and waited. Part of her felt a bit left out, but listening to these women who knew vastly more than she did on such a complicated topic was fascinating.

They spoke of trims and necklines and silhouettes. They waxed long and deep about fabrics and patterns. The dresses were sorted into piles Artemis and Rose seemed to both understand but that were a complete mystery to Ellie.

Rose stepped out of the room at one point. Artemis didn’t turn her attention to Ellie but kept up her examination and evaluation of the dresses on the bed before her.

“My figure is not particularly suited to current fashions,” Ellie said. “That will likely present you significant difficulties.”

“Is that something your mother has said to you?” Artemis asked, eyeing one of Ellie’s gowns closely.

“Frequently.”

Artemis looked over her shoulder at her. “The styles she has chosen for you are not the right ones for you. They do not flatter your figure.”

“Can anything?” Ellie tried not to be overly sensitive about her more ample proportions, but she was not unaware of them.

That brought Artemis around fully, looking at her as if she’d just grown a second nose. “Of course. Oh, Ellie, any number of fashionable silhouettes and cuts would look marvelous on you.”

“I’m not exactly slender. And I’m rather short. That combination is not one likely to earn me any accolades.”

“You wait until Rose and I have your dresses sorted,” Artemis said, turning back to the dresses on the bed. “You’ll realize that height and slimness do not define beauty. The right clothing makes a world of difference.”

Ellie felt a little better. “You enjoy this.”

A satisfied smile spread across Artemis’s face. “I enjoy few things more than designing and creating a wardrobe. Sadly, it is not a profession open to a lady. Though I would dearly love to do it more, I dare not press my luck too far.”

“Because ‘undermining assumptions requires finesse’?”

Artemis’s expression turned quieter and a little wearier. “And more patience than I fear I have.”

Rose returned in the next moment, three gowns hung over one arm and several lengths of ribbon, lace, and other trims draped over the other. “If you haveanypatience, I would be quite surprised.”

Artemis exchanged an amused look with Ellie. “Do you see why I think of her as Leto? Only a mother would dare be so blunt.”

---