Page 430 of Conveniently Wed
Clarisse chortled with her hands in the air. “J’abandonne.”
Katie’s confusion must have shown on her face because Clarisse said, “It means, I give up.”
“Can you slip into one of your new gowns for supper tonight? I have a surprise.” Josiah’s eyes sparkled as he stood from the lunch table.
“There is no slipping into such finery. It is quite the ordeal.”
“I’ve already checked with Ruby. She used to be a lady’s maid, and she’s ready and waiting to help you. You’ll have all afternoon, my love.” He looked down at her with such hope, she couldn’t refuse.
“Tell Ruby to meet me in my room.”
“And I left a necklace on your bureau. I hope it works with your dress.” He dropped a kiss on her forehead and slipped away.
She chose the least ostentatious of the dinner gowns, which would go with the stunning sapphire necklace she found in a velvet encased box.
Ruby bustled into the room. Her plump cheeks bloomed cherry red and her eyes sparkled with excitement. “Mr. Richardson said I get to help you as a lady’s maid this afternoon. Much more fun than cleaning the fireplace as I planned.” She laughed and planted both hands on her hips. “Now, where shallwe start? I see you’ve made a choice.” She pointed to the dress laid out on the bed.
“Thank you for your help. I would never have been able to manage all these layers and endless buttons.”
“Nor should you have to. I love this work, and I just happen to be good at it. Now step into this gown carefully and I’ll pull it up.”
Katie did as she was told. “Good thing I’m not expected to do this daily.”
Ruby’s fleshy hands smoothed out the folds. “You do look lovely, my lady. But don’t look yet, I want to do your hair first.” She moved the chair away from the mirror and pointed. “Sit, my lady, and enjoy the pampering.”
Katie relaxed to the wonderful luxury of someone combing her hair. She almost fell asleep to the continual gentle touch.
“Now, take a peek,” Ruby said.
Katie stood and turned toward the mirror. Who was that sophisticated woman gazing back at her? With her hair piled on the top of her head and the artistry of makeup and beautiful clothing, the transformation was undeniable.
“Ruby. You outdid yourself.”
“It was easy working with your beauty.”
Katie twisted from side to side. The bodice of the periwinkle silk gown molded to her curves, accenting her waist. She marveled at the yards of gorgeous material cascading in full tiers to the floor. The crinoline underneath enhanced the flare. Trimmed with a darker braid and tassels, the look was indeed stunning. The sapphire necklace added that touch of sparkle and distraction to the plunging neckline.
Katie slipped into her new shoes with a sudden bout of shyness. She was glad it would only be the four of them for dinner. She would get a chance to ask Josiah about the neckline, for her other gowns revealed even more. Gathering her skirt andher courage, she left the safety of her bedroom behind. Careful not to trip on the layers of material cascading around her, she descended the steps with care.
“Katherine.”
At the whisper of her name, she glanced up from the steps. Josiah stood on the landing below, a look of raw hunger flaring in his eyes. His gaze fell to the bodice of her dress and the creamy white flesh spilling out. There was no mistaking the effect she was having on him. The heat of his intense stare burned hot. When she reached the landing, she twirled in a circle. “Do you like it?” She held her breath.
His answer was to crush her against him. His lips seared a path from her mouth to her neck, to her…
She pulled back. “Josiah, my hair. Ruby will be sure to notice if you mess up her work.”
He stepped back and ran a hand through his thick russet curls. “Clarisse had a pretty good idea what effect she wanted to create when she designed this gown for you.”
Katie smiled up at him.
“You are pure torture to a man in love.” The dark passion in his eyes faded to a steely gray.
“You cut a dashing figure in your tailored suit as well, Mr. Richardson.”
Obviously, those were not the words he longed to hear. A sad look crawled into his eyes as he took her hand in his and led her to the formal dining room.
They were indeed eating in style. Delilah had laid out the fine china and silverware with an extra place setting. A bouquet of late blooming roses mixed with wild Queen Anne’s lace graced the center of the table. The profusion of color accented the lace tablecloth and added elegance.
