Page 56 of Wicked Again
“You must hurry along as well,” she called over her shoulder to the young footman tagging along behind them. He was a gangly lad, all elbows and long legs. Marissa couldn’t remember his name. She hazarded a glance at his ill-fitting livery. A conversation with Greenhouse was warranted.
Jordana rolled her eyes, not bothering to hide the fact she didn’t care about a new wardrobe nor about offending one of the most exclusive dressmakers in London. “I’ve never even been to a modiste. Seems a waste of time.”
Marissa was aghast, stopping in her tracks. “Who makes your clothing?”
“There is a seamstress in Buxton. We visit her several times a year and she takes our measurements. Mrs. Divet usually accompanies us. I pick out some fabrics and she makes me suitable clothing.”
Marissa started moving again. “Very like a modiste. It isn’t as if you’ve been sewing your own clothing, Jordana. You nearly gave me a fit at the thought.”
Jordana frowned. “At going to a seamstress or stitching my own underthings?”
“We don’t say such things in public, on a street,” Marissa reminded her. Jordana blurted out her thoughts at the slightest provocation.
“No one heard me. And I truly don’t see the point in visiting Madame Fontaine. I don’t need any more clothes. I’ve plenty of dresses. I doubt I’ll attend any balls while I’m in London. You’ve seen me dance. I don’t do it well.” Her dark brows knit together. “And I’ve no desire to make some grand debut.”
“We’ve been over thisseveraltimes, Jordana. If what you wore when Lady Waterstone came for luncheon isanyindication of the contents of your armoire, then you are in dire need of something decent. A proper ladyneverhas enough to wear. You can always benefit from another riding habit, for instance. Hurry along.” She picked up her pace. “You simply must have something other than sprigged muslin to wear in London. We are not in the wilds of the Peak District, climbing gritstone.”
“I wish I was.” Her eyes held a faraway look. “I don’t belong here.”
Jordana was stubborn, butnotdevious, as Arabella had been. It was the only positive thing Marissa could say about her latest project.
Still grumbling, Jordana allowed herself to be dragged behind Marissa as they approached Madame Fontaine’s. The modiste was only thefirststop. Jordana must have new gloves. Bonnets. And Marissa needed a new hat to replace the one which had been ruined.
He'd been marvelous, climbing that tree to save my little hat.
Marissa didn’t even attempt to push away her thoughts of Haddon, nor the bits of him which filled her mind at the oddest moments.Everythingreminded her of him. Marissa had hoped to catch a glimpse of him when she’d called to retrieve Jordana for today’s excursion, but Haddon had remained absent.
He thinks I’m having an affair with Nighter.
“This way, Jordana.” Marissa deftly steered her into a brick storefront. At least there was enjoyment to be found in shopping for clothes. What woman didn’t want a new wardrobe? Besides Jordana? Marissa herself had already ordered three additional ballgowns which should be ready today.
As they entered Madame Fontaine’s, Jordana grew silent, taking in the clusters of women looking at fabrics and ribbons with mounting horror. While she’d improved, Jordana was still terribly awkward among society, especially with young ladies her own age. Marissa had been hoping it was only shyness that kept her from making friends, but she was starting to realize Jordana truly had no interest in the things most girls valued. Dresses, paying calls, finding a suitable husband; none of those things mattered to Haddon’s daughter.
One of Madame Fontaine’s assistants saw Marissa enter and approached, bobbing politely to her before taking in Jordana.
Jordana treated the poor girl to a scowl.
“Lady Cupps-Foster.” Her English held a charming French accent. “It is my pleasure to greet you today.”
“Bonjour, Claudette.” Marissa smiled at the girl. Claudette was one of Madame Fontaine’s proteges. “This is Miss Ives.”
“Madame is expecting you both. This way, please.”
As she and Jordana made their way through the shop, Marissa pointed out the groups of women, reciting their names and titles to Jordana.
“Over there is Lady Ralston and her daughter, Emily,” Marissa whispered. “She’s to be married shortly to the eldest son of the Earl of Devon and her mother is giving a grand ball to celebrate. I myself will be in attendance.Everyonewill be there.”
Jordana’s lips puffed in agitation. “You’re always spouting off everyone’s names and titles as if you expect me to remember them all. As if it were of importance. Which I don’t believe it is.”
Jordana was being particularly difficult today.
“Perhaps we should purchase you a small notebook to take down the things I tell you.” Marissa patted her arm. “I leave myself notes all the time to help me remember what is important.”
“I still won’t remember because I don’tcareto.”
Marissa pursed her lips. She’d made progress with Jordana, but there was still much more work to be done. Jordana seemed determinednotto engage with society andnotto marry. She delighted in informing Marissa she meant to spend her life as amidwifeor something equally disagreeable.
“Ah, Lady Cupps-Foster.” Madame Fontaine came forward and kissed Marissa on both cheeks. “I see you’ve brought me another young lady, no? Lady Malden wasn’t enough?”
