Page 28 of To Heal a Broken Earl
“Madame, Finn has red hair just like Auntie. Would that mustard-colored material look good on him, too?” Katie asked.
The modiste laughed, and her assistants chuckled along with Emma. “What a charming child you are,chérie,” she said, crouching beside Katie to tuck a brown curl behind her ear. “I think perhaps we can make him a vest and a very jaunty neckerchief as well. I believe Finn will look quite smart. What do you think?”
“Oh, I think that would be splendid!” Katie cried, clapping her hands again. “Auntie, can Finn have a bandana?”
“Of course, sweetie—if Madame Darnelle has time to make one.”
“Oh, it will be no problem,” the modiste said with a snap of her fingers. “We shall make him several—one to match each of your new dresses,chérie. He will look very dapper.Oui?”
“Oui!” Katie shouted, bouncing up and down. Finn gave a soft woof and wagged his tail in approval, sending them all into laughter once again. “Do you like the pink dress on me, Auntie? Pink is my favorite color, you know,” she said, taking a bite of a biscuit before passing it to Finn to finish.
“Katie,” Emma said gently, “remember what Lord Michael said about overfeeding Finn. If we give him sugary things, it might make him sick.”
“I’m sorry, Auntie. I forgot.”
“Well then, it’s good that Mrs. Peppers sent along a small tray for him,” Emma said, smiling at her niece. “I think Finn will approve.” She lifted the silver dome off the plate, revealing a couple of strips of bacon along with a small bowl of blueberries and strawberries—foods that Michael had approved for Finn’s snacking.
Katie beamed. “You cannot have any more of my biscuit, Finn. But if you behave, I shall give you a piece of bacon.”
“As long as you wash your hands afterward,” Emma reminded her, nodding at the pitcher of water and bowl in the corner of the room. She was confident Katie would obey.
The sight of the colorful fabrics and the sound of the modiste’s cheerful chatter stirred something deep in Emma—echoes of long-ago afternoons spent with her mother and sister in colorful, bustling boutiques tucked along London streets, where bolts of ribbon and spools of lace had once seemed like treasures waiting to be discovered.
She had been so young then. The memories were soft around the edges, more feeling than fact—her mother’s bright smile, the rustle of silk, the way her laughter had made even the plainest day feel like a celebration. Evie remembered so much more. Her older sister could recount entire scenes: what their mother wore, what they’d chosen, what they’d eatenafterward. Over the years, Evie had gently filled in Emma’s faded recollections, like mending a tapestry worn thin.
But now, in this unfamiliar place, those memories brought more ache than comfort.
Emma’s gaze shifted to Katie, who was twirling in delight, utterly captivated by the idea of dressing Finn in a neckerchief to match her dress. That sweet, uncomplicated joy tugged at Emma’s heart. She was grateful for it, grateful for the safety the estate provided, for the kindness shown to them here.
And yet beneath that gratitude pulsed something restless and uncertain.
She didn’t know how long they would need to stay. The arsonist was still out there. The smoldering remains of their home were a reminder that the world could turn on its axis in a single night. Though the manor was peaceful and the people generous, Emma couldn’t shake the feeling that her life—and Katie’s—was suspended in midair, like a breath waiting to be released. The weight of responsibility settled on her shoulders; she had a huge task of outfitting the manor house—something very important to Michael—and her conscience would not allow her to leave until the job was finished.
Would things ever be normal again?
She wasn’t sure she remembered whatnormalfelt like.
“My lady, how do you feel about this bronze silk?” the modiste asked, holding up a bolt of the shimmering silk.
“It’s the most beautiful fabric I’ve ever seen,” Emma said with a little awe as she smoothed her fingers over the rich material. “Perhaps it’s too luxurious for a day dress?”
“Non, this is not for a day dress, my lady,” the modiste said with a smile. “Lord Wilton requested at least one formal gown for you.”
Emma suppressed a sigh of frustration. She’d accepted the fact that she needed a few simple dresses for every day andshifts and a pair of shoes…but a ball gown? Michael was being far too generous. But she would not say anything in front of the modiste—it would be an insult to Michael. Instead, she smiled and said, “I love it. Do you have a style in mind?”
“I do,” Madame Darnelle enthused. “If you will trust me to complete it, I would like to surprise you.”
Emma nodded, her mind whirling at all the beautiful fabrics and undergarments surrounding her. She was grateful for Michael’s generosity but had no idea where she would wear most of these clothes. Thus far, she had selected a deep mauve velvet for a riding habit along with various fabrics in sapphire blue, deep gold, and rich amethyst. In addition, the skilled modiste had seen to every detail, ensuring all the necessary undergarments, pelisses, shoes, fashionable hats, and soft gloves were chosen. Among the readymade items, Emma had selected an emerald-green dress and a dusty-rose gown with a fresh floral pattern, along with a lovely traveling dress in a darker damask blue. She marveled that she’d never owned so many items of clothing before.
Nearby, Katie brimmed with enthusiasm. She’d wanted to choose every fabric she saw, but Emma gently reminded her that for now, selecting five would be more than enough. Katie beamed as she’d chosen several readymade day dresses, including one in the same dusty-pink fabric as Emma’s, along with warm nightgowns and several dresses she could wear when playing outside that were of sturdier material, as well as the pretty shoes and charming ribbons in myriad colors, and a traveling cloak that would keep her warm—everything a young girl could desire.
The modiste approached her and Katie as they were looking through the pretty hair ribbons.
“My lady, Franchette and Aimee have already finished the alterations to the readymade gowns for both you and MissKatie.” She and her assistants helped Katie and Emma into the matching dusty-rose gowns. “Oh, you are both a picture of youthful beauty!” she exclaimed. They had even fashioned a neckerchief for Finn from a bright blue scrap and now tied it around his neck.
“We shall return in two days with the rest of the garments for a final fitting,” Madame Darnelle proclaimed at last.
Emma was astonished. “I’m certain that with your full roster of clients, you already have so much on your plate. Please take your time—I do not want to add to your workload.”
