At Madame De Guerney's establishment on Oxford Street, Emma almost forgot her shabbiness for Madame De Guerney herself treated her as if she were a royal princess. "Ah, but mademoiselle's delicate appearance will do great credit to my creations," she'd said as she took Emma's measurement.
Emma actually felt like a royal princess as Mr. Birmingham insisted she select patterns and fabrics for a half a dozen morning dresses as well as a half a dozen ball gowns. When Madame De Guerney showed her the vast array of fabrics, Emma's eyes widened. She felt as if she were in a dream. She'd never thought to see so many beautiful fabrics all at once. Fine silks rustled. Whisper-thin muslins were as soft as goose down. There were everyday bombazines and high-quality linen for shifts. Sumptuous velvets ranged in colour from deep crimson to powder blue. Emma thought she could have spent an entire day ogling at Madame De Guerney's. She'd never imagined such a place existed.
Madame assured Mr. Birmingham all the dresses would be delivered to Curzon Street within five days. Emma was shocked that twelve dresses could be constructed in so short a time, but the modiste explained that she employed a large staff of needlewomen to fulfill her client's orders. "And if I had to stay up around the clock myself to ensure delivery, I would. Mr. Birmingham's satisfaction is paramount to me," Madame De Guerney said.
Emma wondered if this was where Maria had come to have her dresses made. She glanced at Mr. Birmingham, and her heartbeat accelerated. How very handsome he was. How excited she was to become his wife—even if she wasn't a real wife.
But most of all, she thought of how jealous she was of Maria.
What a pity he still loved his former mistress. What a pity that Maria's betrayal had spoiled him for all other women.
After they left the dressmaker’s, Mr. Birmingham insisted they go to Rundell & Bridge. She had seen their adverts in the London papers and knew this was the jeweler to royalty. Her heartbeat soared.
Inside, Mr. Birmingham asked her to select a ring that would symbolize their marriage. The eager jeweler—who obviously knew Mr. Birmingham well—showed her a square ruby wreathed in diamonds, along with a band constructed of identical emeralds as well as a plain band of gold.
She hoped she would not displease Mr. Birmingham, but she selected the simple gold band.
"You're not doing so because it's less expensive?" he asked. "I assure you, I can afford anything you should desire."
She shook her head. "Because of my small stature, I prefer simple pieces. I hope you don't mind."
He smiled down at her. "It's your hand it will go on. Once we've wed, of course."
Her heartbeat roared. I can't believe I'm going to marry this man. In her wildest dreams, she had never imagined she would marry a man who embodied so many sought-after traits. With such handsomeness, wealth, and, most especially, kindness, she could overlook his sottishness. Though she would have to do everything in her power to get the man to church!
After they selected the ring, he decided to make a few selections of his own. "My wife will need jewels."
Silken trays of spectacular necklaces were unveiled. Many-tiered diamond necklaces vied with a ruby pendant and another necklace of scalloped emeralds. All of these were accompanied by matching bracelets.
"Oh, no," she protested. "These are far too grand for me."
Mr. Birmingham scowled down at her. "Remember, Emma, you are to be the wife of one of the richest men in England. You are to dress appropriately."
She felt as if she'd just been scolded. "I assure you, M- - -." She stopped herself. She mustn't address him so stiffly in front of Mr. Bridge. After all, he was to be her husband. "Adam, I have no experience with fine jewels. I beg that you make the selections for me."
His brows lowered. "Are you sure? I wish you'd exert your opinions."
"I have no opinions when it comes to fine jewelry."
Their eyes held for a moment. She thought he was going to protest, then his gaze softened. It was as if he understood she was afraid of humiliating herself. "Very well, my love, I will select your jewels."
She could have fainted. He'd called her my love! She knew he was merely doing so for the benefit of the jeweler. Mr. Birmingham wouldn't like it broadly known that he was marrying a country miss who was practically a stranger. Still, his endearment made her feel as if her heart were expanding out of her chest.
Mr. Birmingham walked along the showcase and came to pause. He eyed a pearl and diamond choker. “I should like to see how this looks on my betrothed.”