Page 390 of Conveniently Wed
Katie picked up the soft cotton chemise and beautiful drawstring drawers trimmed in lace. She smiled and went behind the dressing screen to change. “What’s next?” she asked as she stepped out.
“The crinoline hoop skirt.” Ma already had it in her hands. They both laughed as they struggled to manage the huge bell shape in such tight quarters.
“Ma, if this is what the wealthy have to put up with every day, count me out. I much prefer my wrapper and apron.”
“This is only for special occasions, and just wait before you make your final decision on the matter. They do make a dress look stunning.”
Ma slid the dress over Katie’s head, and the silk fell in a soft puddle around the hoop. She secured the many tiny buttons up the back and straightened the bow. Katie ran her hands down her sides to her waist, and, wonder of wonders, it was the perfect fit.
“How would he have known the size?”
“He asked me the day you accepted his proposal. I never saw a man so eager to buy a dress. I guessed about two sizes smaller than you usually wear, as you tend to wear things loose."
Katie held her tongue. There was no point in reminding her ma that long ago she had been the one who insisted on that practice.
“But isn’t it the custom for the bride’s family to?—?”
“He knew we couldn’t afford such a luxury. He insisted. You should’ve seen his smile when I finally agreed. He asked about your likes and dislikes, and, when I explained that you had not had much opportunity for finery, he took it upon himself to pick this out. Doesn’t he have wonderful taste?”
Katie ran her hands over the gorgeous material that flared at the waist. Her fingers couldn’t get enough of the softness.
“Look in the mirror.”
Katie’s breath caught at her reflection. “It’s beautiful.”
Ma laughed. “But it’s you who make it exquisite.”
Katie turned from side to side. Her full bosom filled the form-fitting bodice to perfection, the high neckline trimmed in lace, modestly covering what she had tried to hide for years. Intricately embroidered flowers with tiny seed pearls were hand sown onto the gown from the waist, over the bodice and shoulders, and around to a row of delicate buttons that ran down the back. Cinched in on her tiny waist, the skirt cascaded into three lace flounces with fluted ruffles at the bottom. The short-puffed sleeve would be ideal for the warm September day.
“It is perfect.” But the words caught in her throat.
“Why do you say it like that?”
“I just wish he had put as much effort into getting to know me as he did in buying this dress.”
“He did visit.”
“A few visits hardly develop a relationship ready for marriage.”
Ma’s eyes clouded over. “Come, let’s do your hair,” she said with a forced gaiety in her voice. “When Josiah dropped off the dress, he asked if your hair could be left down. Hope that’s all right with you.”
“Don’t much care.” Katie tried to keep the despondency from her voice. He was already making demands.
Ma just kept talking. “The others will be going crazy waiting to see you, but I want to finish so they get the full effect.”
A trickle of sweat ran down Katie’s spine. She cared about only one question, but having never been close to her ma, it would not be easy to ask. Ma was almost done working with her thick tresses and still she had not voiced her concern. Better to ask Ma rather than leave it up to him.
“Your hair is so full. It looks so beautiful cascading down. And look at the pearls in the crown of this veil. I’m sure they’re real.” Ma stood back after putting the veil in place. “Oh my, you look so lovely. Mr. Richardson is going to absolutely love?—"
“What do I do…you know…tonight?” Heat swallowed her face as she blurted out the words. “He’s not even kissed me yet, and I’m…”
Ma’s hands stilled upon her head. A weighted silence filled the room.
“Don’t worry, Katherine, he’ll know. After all, he’s been married before. Now don’t concern yourself too much, it’s just one of those wifely duties we women endure to procreate.”
“Endure?” A quiver of panic edged up her throat. How bad would it be?
Ma moved from behind and looked into Katie’s eyes. A softness radiated. “To be honest, I was repeating what was told to me. Truly, it’s as natural as breathing. You’ll learn togetherand, well, it will even be quite enjoyable.” A grin tickled her ma’s mouth.
