Oh, heavens. I'm going to cry, Harriet exclaimed. Mrs. Richardson, you are a genius. Isabella, you look stunning. Please do not wear those horrible baggy clothes ever again. In fact, Mrs. Richardson, please put the clothes she arrived here in today, into the dustbin. As well as this gown for the ball, we will take another two dresses for day wear.
But, Harriet, I can't possibly aff0rd...
Mrs. Richardson put all of them on my account please.
But, Harriet....
Do not argue. Now let me have a proper look at you. Harriet walked around Isabella and made her feel like a tailor's dummy. What Harriet saw was indeed a miraculous transformation. The gown was from satin and deep red. It was remarkably daring, and Harriet knew her brother's jaw would drop when he saw it. It had the shortest of sleeves, giving it the appearance of being sleeveless, and a décolleté that plunged into the deep valley between Isabella's breasts. Lower, the dress hugged her bottom, showing it to perfection, before blossoming into to a fuller shape. I really am going to weep, Harriet reaffirmed. It is more than stunning. When we get some jewelry on you, you will be a very dangerous woman indeed.
Isabella smiled awkwardly. The dress made her feel strange. On the one hand feminine and seductive, on the other hand vulnerable.
****
Harriet, the Duke shouted from his study, as he heard her giggling.
Yes my Lord. Harriet went in to his study, stood next to his desk and stroked the dog that wandered up to her.
Tell me, what has happened to Isabella?
What do you mean?
She looks different somehow. More like a young lady, less like an old aunt.
Ah, Harriet uttered. Isabella has been quite saddened recently by the fate of her father. I believe she fell into something of a depression and wore some less than flattering clothes for a period. It seems what you did for her father has improved her mood, no end. She obviously feels able to be her old self again. She does have the most amazing figure, doesn't she? Harriet smiled as she waited for her brother's answer.
Yes, indeed she does. Quite a remarkable difference, I must say.
Now Harriet was more convinced than ever her plan would work. Isabella much less so when she again saw the Duke with Miss Victoria. This time actually holding hands, not just walking arm in arm. Isabella prayed once again, that evening. This time she asked that her feelings would become more tolerable and that she'd be given the courage to wear the red gown with the dignity it commanded.
****
Isabella, thank you for coming to help me. As you can see there are a number of options to choose from, the Duke said as Isabella looked down at the suits covering the sofa in his study.
Indeed, there are a number of options, my Lord. Let me see, which one do you tend towards?
No idea, the Duke said unhelpfully.
We must start somewhere. I will tell you what I like and you must decide if that can be your choice as well. Here, I like this tailcoat, it is dark and modest. It is becoming of a Duke. Colored tailcoats remind me of merchants. You are a Duke, you must wear classic clothes. Here, I like this waistcoat. Silver is a becoming color for a man with your hair color. Trousers, let me see. Here. These are long. I don't like men who wear pantaloons they look far too feminine. Long trousers will show off your height much better.” Isabella paused. “Let me see, what do we have now? Black tailcoat, silver waistcoat, black long length trousers. Perfect. Stylish, not garish. Add a white shirt and cravat and you will look good enough to eat. Isabella suddenly realized the horror of her last remark. My Lord, please, I didn't mean to be so vulgar.
Not at all. A very witty comment. Something I have never heard before. Now please turn your back while I get into these blessed clothes
Isabella hadn't expected this. She was going to be in the same room as the Duke when he took off his clothes? She wasn't sure she could bear it. Yes, my Lord, she said obediently. She turned to face the wall as the Duke began to undress. Isabella was horrified to find that she could see him reflected in the crystal vase on top of the mantel piece. Should she close her eyes, or look? She chose to close her eyes, but after a few seconds, her curiosity took over. When she opened her eyes, she saw him totally naked except for a ridiculously tight fitting undergarment, which left nothing to the imagination. She saw his chest, broad and filled with taught muscles. His stomach looked hard and superbly flat. Isabella dare not look anymore and she closed her eyes. As she did so, she was surprised to see a lingering image of his bulge etched in her mind. As she heard the rustle of clothes behind her, she was acutely aware of her own body. For the first time in her life, she felt a deep desire to have a man inside her, and that man was the Duke.
Finished, he said, much to Isabella's relief.
Very handsome, my Lord, she said sincerely. That is exactly how you should dress to the ball. You will find a beautiful wife in no time.