Chapter 5 #2
Sophie cocked her head. “My parents said something similar, but I get the impression that the baron is already open to the idea, given his invitation to dance.”
“That’s true.” Kate smiled. “He may need little encouragement. What about the colonel?”
Sophie considered this. “First, I need to be in a situation where we can make introductions so we can ascertain his character. Perhaps one of the maids could speak to someone from his household to find out which invitations he’s accepted.”
“Good idea,” Kate said. “As for making it clear that you are open to courtship in general, perhaps you could encourage men you are friendly with to dance with you so that other men may see and follow their lead.”
“I’ll think about who I could ask.” There was merit in the approach. Men could be like sheep in terms of which women they paid court to, just as women could be like sheep when it came to fashion. “I’d also like a few new dresses. Ones that will attract attention. Will you help me?”
Kate beamed, her entire being lighting up.
“I would love to. I’ve actually been working on a rather elaborate design for myself.
” She leaned close and murmured, “I plan to host a ball near the end of the season. I hope to time it so that people remember it when they leave town and will anticipate it next season.”
“I have no doubt you’ll get your wish.”
Kate had the makings of an excellent hostess. Their engagement ball had been tasteful and well attended, and she had no doubt that this one would be even better.
“I can design a gown for you for the occasion too. Perhaps we can celebrate your engagement by then. In the meantime, I’m happy to assist with your wardrobe for the upcoming balls.
” She glanced at the clock. It was midafternoon.
“Would you like to accompany me to Madam Baptiste’s?
We can peruse the fabrics and see what’s available. ”
“All right,” Sophie agreed. “That sounds nice.”
Anything that would get her out of the house was to be embraced. She’d hardly been able to stand sitting with her parents at breakfast. Every time she laid eyes on them, her insides had twisted with fresh betrayal.
She knew they weren’t trying to be cruel, but she didn’t feel like smoothing things over yet.
“I’ll fetch Betsy,” she added, rising from the chaise. “I’ll meet you in the foyer shortly.”
It was warm, so she didn’t bother to get a pelisse. It took Betsy only a few minutes to finish what she was doing and ready herself for their outing. The maid was smiling as they joined Kate and made their way out to the Blackwell carriage.
Betsy had confessed to Sophie previously that she enjoyed their outings to the modiste.
Like Kate, she was enthusiastic about fashion, and while she couldn’t afford to purchase dresses from Madam Baptiste, she liked to look, and every now and then, Sophie would purchase a pretty ribbon for her as thanks for her companionship.
The streets were quiet as they drove through town, and it wasn’t long at all before the carriage pulled over outside the modiste’s shop. It was a stone building on a corner, displaying a brilliant array of fabrics and dresses in the windows.
They alighted from the carriage and entered the modiste’s. Inside, it was quiet and a bit hotter than was comfortable. The huge windows must be capturing the heat of the sun, which was still high in the sky.
As Sophie strolled along a row of fabrics, she ran her fingertips along them, noting which ones felt nice against her skin and which were scratchy or stiff.
While Kate evaluated the appearance of fabrics, Sophie often cared more about how comfortable they were.
She liked to wear colors that suited her, but she also wouldn’t sacrifice comfort for the sake of vanity.
“Ah, Lady Blackwell.” Madam Baptiste glided into the room noiselessly and curtsied, her dark eyes sparkling as they landed on Kate. The modiste had an angular face that was at odds with her curvaceous figure. “Are you just looking, or would you like to make an order or discuss design?”
Kate bobbed her head respectfully. “Lady Sophie is in need of several new dresses. I have not yet taken the time to consider what designs might be appropriate but wanted to seize the opportunity to see what you have in stock in case inspiration strikes.”
“I see.” Madam Baptiste surveyed Sophie from head to toe.
“I think jewel tones would be best. Particularly blue and green because they would complement that fair complexion. Yellows and oranges would not suit, and pink would, I believe, clash terribly. Purple may also work, or red, if we can find the exact right shade to match her hair.”
Kate nodded. “I agree. Her mother is not enamored with the idea of a young lady wearing bright colors, but I think, with a bit of coaxing from us, she could be talked around.”
Madam Baptiste smiled. “I like a challenge. Did you have a particular style of dress in mind?”
Sophie just stood there, bemused. The two of them were speaking as if she did not exist.
“Perhaps something high-waisted and with a rounded neckline,” Kate said. “She has a blue dress like that, and it flatters her figure.”
“Hmm. She does have a tiny waist,” Madam Baptiste said. “But quite an impressive bosom, considering.”
Sophie’s cheeks heated, and she pressed her fingers to them. “Not that impressive.”
Madam Baptiste smirked. “If you say so. I have a beautiful green silk that you would look stunning in.” She turned and led Sophie and Kate around the end of the aisle of fabric and into the next one over. The roll of material she stopped in front of was rich and green with a subtle diamond pattern.
“Oh, that’s perfect,” Kate exclaimed, running her hand down it.
“I have actually seen a design recently that I think would work well for this. It was a cap-sleeved dress with detailing on the back of the belt and layered skirts at a jaunty angle. There was a matching lace on the edge of the skirt layers. Do you have anything that would match?”
Madam Baptiste nodded immediately. “Wait just one moment.”
She disappeared into the back of the shop, and when she returned, she was holding ruffled green lace the exact same shade as the silk.
“Not too many ruffles,” Sophie insisted. “I refuse to look like an overly fussy flower.”
The modiste laughed. “You won’t, I promise.”
Kate took the lace from her. “This will work. Can you envision what I mean?”
“I can. But just to be sure, why don’t I make a start, and you can come and see before I put the final stitching in?”
“Excellent.” Kate grinned. “We will look around, and I’ll be back once I’ve got some designs for you.”
Madam Baptiste retreated, and Sophie and Kate took their time looking through the wide variety of fabrics. Kate made a note of the ones that Sophie liked, but they didn’t make much conversation, as Kate was clearly preoccupied with thoughts on dress design.
When they finally left the modiste’s, Sophie glanced across the street and froze, her stomach fluttering.
Nicholas was climbing out of a carriage, a hat in his hand as he turned toward the tailor’s shop.
His gaze skimmed over Sophie, then darted back.
She lifted her hand and waved vigorously.
He nodded in return and entered the shop.
“It’s amazing how oblivious he is,” Kate murmured.
Sophie put her hands behind her back, her face burning. “Am I that obvious, then?”
Kate’s expression softened. “A little, but it’s part of what makes you so charming.”
Their carriage was still waiting, so they got in, Betsy trailing behind with another new ribbon, this one plain cream silk. Once they were seated, the carriage slowly pulled away from the curb.
They passed through the commercial district, and as they drew level with Hyde Park, Sophie looked out the window, curious who was out and about. Almost immediately, she spotted Baron Sylvestor astride the same horse he had been riding the other time she had come across him in the park.
“He is a remarkably attractive man,” Kate said, following her gaze.
Sophie snorted. “He looks nothing like Theodore.”
As far as her friend was concerned, Theodore was the epitome of manhood, so surely she wouldn’t find someone so different from him appealing.
Kate shrugged one shoulder. “Men can be attractive in different ways.”
Maybe so, but Sophie was of the opinion that Nicholas’s form of handsomeness was absolutely superior.
The carriage dropped Sophie off outside Carlisle House before continuing on to take Kate home.
Sophie made her way inside, greeted Samuels, and was heading to her bedroom to lie on her bed in the sun for a little while when her mother intercepted her.
“Sophie, we’ve been invited to participate in a musicale that is being hosted by Mrs. Helena Durant next week. Will you play a piece on the piano?”
Sophie pinched the bridge of her nose. “I prefer not to play in public.”
Lady Carlisle raised her chin. “If you intend to marry, you need to showcase your talents. Can I tell Mrs. Durant yes?”
Sophie sighed, her good mood rapidly deflating. “Fine.”
She supposed she could handle one performance, surely?