Page 22 of The Duke's Impossible Deal
And I will make him feel every bit of this.
She thought of how the Duke’s wolfish grin had made his green eyes sparkle with mischief and something darker that she could not quite name.
He was so determined to remain in control. Well, he would learn that he was not in the army anymore and that she had no wish to be ordered around.
Mrs. Green’s voice drew her out of her thoughts. “You will need a waistcoat to match, young master, and trousers. And a hat. A gentleman should never be without his hat.”
“In any fabric?” Alistair eyed a nearby bolt of deep purple silk.
Mrs. Green followed his gaze. “Most fabrics. You will want a heavier one for a coat. Though I could make you a shirt from this one, and it would be very dashing.”
“Yes, please!” Alistair clapped his hands together.
Georgia was practically vibrating with excitement. “And what about me? Can I have a riding outfit like Alistair? For George days? With trousers and a frock coat and a waistcoat? And maybe a hat?”
Rowen saw the modiste freeze as Georgia turned to face her. The hope and excitement on her daughter’s face banished any residual anger she felt towards the Duke.
This day was about her children, about her finally being able to give them all the finery and excitement she had been unable to give them for years.
“Of course, you can. I am sure Mrs. Green would be only too happy to make some for you.” Rowen beamed at her daughter. “How about you and Alistair go and pick out some other fabrics for the coats? And the waistcoats as well. I will hang onto the silk, and then we can get you measured for your new outfits.”
“All right!” Georgia skipped off excitedly, with Alistair following more slowly behind her, his eyes wide as he ran his hand along the luxurious fabrics.
“Are you sure this is a good idea, My Lady? I do not mean to speak out of turn, but… a young lady in trousers—what will the Duke say?”
“If he knows what is good for him, he will say nothing. And if he decides to say something, then he will get the sharp end of my tongue. My daughter wants to be like her brother. I see no harm in it.”
“Of course, My Lady. And have you had any other thoughts about your wedding dress?”
“I think this blue silk will be perfect. A gown in the French style will probably be best. The embroidery will have to be understated. After all, we only have two days.”
“Two days!” Mrs. Green clutched a hand to her chest, her face paling so much that Rowe was worried the woman might faint.
“Yes, we are to be married this Saturday.” Rowen took a step towards the modiste, preparing to catch her if the woman’s legs gave out.
“You know I would do anything for you, dear, but for such a quick turnaround… it will not be cheap.” Mrs. Green wrung her hands, shifting her weight from foot to foot.
Rowen smiled at her. “Oh, money will not be a concern, Mrs. Green. My dear fiancé said that I must look the part of a duchess, and I am sure he will be happy to pay any price you feel is fair for your work.”
Mrs. Green’s eyes widened. “If you are sure it will not cause an issue.”
“Quite sure, Mrs. Green. Quite sure. My fiancé was quite clear on the matter.” The memory of the Duke’s gaze sent a tingle across Rowen’s skin, and she pushed it away. “And I will need a bridal wardrobe as well, and the children… well, as you can see, they need many clothes as well.”
“And all of this needs to be done by Saturday?” Mrs. Green gasped.
Rowen shook her head. “Only the bits for the wedding. The rest can wait a little.”
“Good. I only have so many hours in a day, dearie, and my apprentices can only work so fast.”
“I have faith in you, Mrs. Green.”
“All right, I think I know the fabric I want.” Alistair beamed as he and Georgia carried a large bolt of forest green wool between them. “This is what we want our riding clothes to be made of.”
“And you will both look very dashing in it.” Mrs. Green gestured to the fitting room. “Now, we should get the two of you measured. You are free to join us, My Lady. Or you may stay in the shop and see if anything catches your eye.”
Rowen chewed on her lip as her eyes drifted across the store to a dress in the window. “I think I will do that, unless you two need me?”
“We will be all right. We can look after each other.” Alistair grinned.
