Her Lord's Desire (The Forbidden Saga #3) - Maggie Ryan Page 0,57

and gave her a look that Lucy was all too familiar with.

“I brought a wide range of choices upon Lord Wintercrest’s request,” the seamstress said appearing completely unfazed by Anna’s disapproving scowl.

“Regardless, I’m positive that Lord Wintercrest would not appreciate either of his girls wearing red unless he placed the color on them himself. Choose something else, Lucille.”

Lucy flushed, knowing exactly what part of her anatomy could easily be turned as red as the silk fabric. She couldn’t help but wonder if Mrs. Palmer had any idea that veiled reference had Lucy instantly visualizing that the only red she’d be wearing would be on her spanked bottom unless she made another choice. Giving the red silk a final glance, Lucy reluctantly turned toward the remaining bolts.

“It was a very pretty color though. It reminds me of the fine red wines that are in the cellar,” Louisa said, moving to stand beside Lucy. “Here, take the blue, Lucy. I’ll choose something else.”

“No, Louisa, that one is for you,” Lucy said. She saw Cleo playing among some ribbons that had fallen to the floor and bent to pick her up. The cat mewed at her in distress. “Shh, it’s all right,” Lucy crooned softly as she gently removed a ribbon that clung to one of Cleo’s paws. “There now, perhaps you’d best play in your basket.” After placing her pet on the pillow in her bed, Lucy straightened and smiled. Walking to a bolt that was leaning against the fireplace, she made her decision. Stroking the green fabric, she said, “What about this?”

Louisa clapped her hands. “Oh, it’s beautiful. It matches Cleo’s eyes perfectly!”

Mrs. Bremmer sighed, obviously relieved that the decision had finally been made. Or at least the fabric choices. Exactly how that cloth was going to appear proved yet another dilemma.

“Child, are you trying to put me in an early grave?” Anna said, plucking yet another pattern from Lucy’s hand. “You will not be wearing a gown with such a low neckline or one that has no sleeves. How on earth do you expect to keep it up?”

“I assure you, Mrs. Bremmer, my designs and my staff’s tailoring would assure the young lady would not be… shall we say, in danger of exposure?”

“Let’s say that neither of my girls will be seen in anything scandalous. They are good girls and their clothing will reflect that even if I have to thread my needle and stitch up their gowns myself.”

Lucy suddenly feared she’d do exactly that. Looking toward her sister for support, she was surprised when Louisa shared the pattern she’d chosen.

“Louisa, your Papa said you could pick whatever you wanted. Why do you want such a simple, dress?” Lucy asked, after seeing the final sketch Louisa handed to the seamstress. The dress seemed rather plain and unadorned, unlike the ball gowns that were the current fashion.

Louisa gave her sister a smile. “This is what I want, Lucy. I would feel silly and uncomfortable in a fussy dress. I want to make Papa proud of me,” Louisa said, and then showed the first sign of hesitancy, looking at the pattern again. “Why do… do you think it will be ugly?”

Lucy smiled and gave Louisa a hug. “Of course not. It will be a lovely dress, Louisa,” she assured her. “You make anything you wear beautiful. I know he will be happy with your choice.” Sighing, she looked down at the papers in her hand wondering which would Lucas prefer. When she realized whose name had instantly popped into her head, she shook her own. She must have thought of Lord Huntington because Louisa had just mentioned Edward. Nevertheless, she still had absolutely no clue as to which pattern to choose.

“Louisa, will you help me with mine? Which of these do you think would suit me?”

Louisa smiled and after asking for the loan of Mrs. Palmer’s pencil and a piece of paper, Lucy watched as her sister sketched a design that took the best features from three separate patterns and combined them into a new design.

“Louisa, that’s perfect!” Lucy enthused. “Maybe just add a few more things,” she continued, taking the pencil and making a few final notations before passing the sketch to Mrs. Palmer. Lucy was thrilled as the dress was far more fashionable than the drop-waist dresses she wore every day. It had sleeves but they would fall off her shoulders and while the neckline was scooped, it wasn’t as daring as some of the other designs had been. She