Page 23 of The Duke's Impossible Deal
She gave him a quick kiss on the forehead. “In that case, I will be with you in a moment.”
Rowen watched as her children trailed after Mrs. Green, smiling as she listened to Georgia and Alistair animatedly chat about how nice the fabric was.
“How long has it been since they had something new? Something just for them?” Rowen let out a long breath. “I suppose that is something I can enjoy.”
It had been a long time since she could walk into a shop without worrying about the price. Her fingers drifted across the fabrics, reveling in the colors and textures around her. Then, her eyes fell on a beautiful lavender dress.
It was made of silk, cut in the continental style, with embroidery all across it that must have taken days, if not weeks, of careful work. It was both subtle and eye-catching.
She found herself reaching for it, her fingers outstretched as she traced the embroidery and beadwork.
“That is a remarkable dress, My Lady,” a voice said from behind her. “One of our finest, if I do say so myself.”
Rowen started and found herself looking at one of Mrs. Green’s apprentices. “It is stunning.”
“Thank you. It is one of our most popular designs, and the dress itself pulls many interested young women from the street. The original was made for a foreign princess.” The apprentice gave her a warm smile. “And, if I may be so bold, I believe that the dress would suit you perfectly. You have the figure for it.”
A dress designed for a princess?
Rowen’s eyes drifted back towards the dress, imagining what it would look like on her. But even as she pictured the elegant fabric draped over her and altered the embroidery and cut slightly in her mind, another part of her reared its head.
That part ran through the costs of the fabric, the workmanship. That part knew just how expensive such a dress was.
She swallowed and curled her hand towards her body.
“Would you like to keep the same fabric or choose another? We have just had some fine silks delivered this morning. I would be more than happy to fetch them for you.” The apprentice gestured towards the backroom.
Rowen opened her mouth, eyes flitting between the dress and the backroom. “That will not be necessary, thank you.”
She was not entirely sure why she was turning down the offer, only that the thought of the dress made her chest tighten such that she thought she might not be able to breathe.
“I think more practical dresses would be best for my bridal wardrobe. I am not sure that I will be entertaining much.”
“Of course, My Lady.” The apprentice’s smile faded ever so slightly. “You know what you will need.”
“I did see some rather lovely sky-blue muslin over there. I think that would do rather nicely for my wedding dress. Though I havenot decided on the style just yet.” Rowen gestured towards the back of the shop. “And I should probably check on my children as well. Mrs. Green is taking their measurements.”
As if on cue, Georgia’s voice rang out across the store. “Mama! Are you coming?”
Rowen gave the apprentice an apologetic smile and called back, “I will be with you in a moment.”
She moved in the direction of her children, but could not resist stealing one last glance at the lavender dress. It was the sort of dress that cost more than most people earned in a year. But that would not be a problem for her.
“Not with the Duke’s money.” She chewed on her lip, the memory of his green eyes filling her mind.
“I want everyone to see just how ravishing my bride is.”
“A dress like that would certainly hold his gaze. Not that I want to hold it.” She nodded to herself. “And he would be insufferable. He would probably think I bought it just to draw his attention, and I cannot abide that.”
The thought of Tobias hardened her heart. He may have wanted her to look like a duchess, but she would be damned if she would give him the satisfaction of thinking he had won.
He is the reason I will not buy that dress.
The thought sat uneasily in her gut. But before she could ponder it further, her children had appeared, and she let herself get caught up in their excitement.
“Look how many people are in there!” Georgia’s voice was full of awe and excitement as she peered through the large wooden doors of the church. “There are even people standing!”
It was the day of the wedding, and Rowen clutched the simple sky-blue gown she was wearing. It was cut in the French style, with short sleeves and blue silk gloves to match. Her hair was pinned in an elegant bun, and she the pearl necklace about her caught the sunlight.
