The Rakehell Regency Romance Collection Volume 2(246)
Deciding her curiosity could not withstand the suspense, and she would be going shopping anyway and needed to know what else she ought to buy, she opened the others. There she found a locket watch beautifully engraved in gold, and an exquisite cameo on a black background.
The final package was a set of the most elegant pearls she had ever seen, ear bobs, several strands of necklaces which could be worn together or separately, a choker, bracelets, a white satin reticule embroidered with seed pearls, and a pair of pearl rings. The jewels were all superb apart from the rings, which were lovely, but so small as to only fit on her tiny pinkies.
Her own brother's gifts were not as inspired, but nevertheless thoughtful. Some jet jewelery, shawls, a fine collection of lace and ribbons, a miniature of himself which he must have commissioned months before he had ever left, and signed, a couple of reticules and a goodly supply of stationery.
A fresh-faced maid poked her head around the door just as she finished inspecting the last of the gifts and putting them away in the dresser drawers.
"I'm Betsey, Miss," she said. "Just making sure all was well."
"I'm ready to go now, thank you."
As she was leaving, Travis handed her a clinking purse. "You are to go to Miss Melisande's. We understand it to be the best in Town. Mr. Blake has set up an account there in your name, Miss Arabella, but if you see anything else you need, by all means get it."
She weighed the purse in her hands. Good Lord, there had to be over fifty pounds-guineas, she amended as she looked inside.
She arrived at the shop with Betsey, and was dazzled instantly by the array of ready-made gowns.
She insisted on buying some of them rather than waiting to have everything custom made for her.
"You will come back to allow us to take your measurements, Miss?" the helpful sales woman asked.
"Yes, I suppose."
"Tomorrow at noon."
She shook her head. "Not possible. The day after, perhaps?"
"Very good."
She bought five practical day gowns in charcoal grey, Turkey red, deep gold with a small black floral pattern throughout and on the hem, a rich russet gown, and a deep sable brown with a cream lace trim.
One evening gown in particular caught her eye, plain white silk with black and silver embroidery, satin ribbons and a long train. The sleeves were elegant sheer puffs which gave the illusion of bare shoulders, and the neckline was square and more daringly revealing than any gown she had ever worn.
It had a high waist and a braided twist to go around it, and a matching gauze capelet which was shot through with silver and black threads and edged with a black fringe. She had her doubts as to when she would ever get to wear something so lovely and elegant, but was determined to have it no matter what it cost.
"An excellent choice. If I may say so, it fits you as though it were made for you."
She smiled at the new Arabella who stared back at her from the pier glass. "Yes, it does, doesn't it? Help me off with this. I'll take it."
She found a fine sprigged muslin with sapphire trim, a white sarcenet with rich purple edging, and a white silk with a lilac gauze overgown.
One gown in bronze silk with impressive Brussels lace trim and one in pale blue with a v-neckline and long train completed her choices.
By the time she had run through ribbons, linen, stockings, slippers, garters, and laces, she was exhausted. She went back to the townhouse congratulating herself on the excellent bargains she had made and how everything matched perfectly.
Supper was waiting for her when she returned, though she smiled when she saw the food. It was very plain, ans served with a glass of milk. Not that she minded, for it was what she had had in the country, but it caused her to reminisce about the teas she had had in the nursery. She would have to drop a couple of hints to Cook about her likes and dislikes.
Arabella retired to her room, where the efficient little maid had already put away her new clothes.
She donned her linen nightrail and brushed out her hair by the fire. She looked over the shelves for reading materials, and noted the children's stories. They must have been left over from his own children, she concluded.
She picked one up happily to refresh her memory on her favorite Aesop's fables, all richly illustrated. A lovely book of stories from the Bible in full colour was also on the shelf.
As she drifted off to sleep she realized happily that she had not once thought of Dr. Sanderson. She recalled with longing his handsome face, but she had to put him out of her mind.
Perhaps she was already getting over whatever strange affliction had struck her down whilst travelling?