Kisses and Scandal (A Survivors Series Anthology ) - Shana Galen Page 0,86

In Jamaica she had fashionable dresses but none made of any fabric so beautiful.

“Phaedra, what do you think?”

Phaedra tapped the side of her chignon, studying Raeni. After a moment, Raeni had the urge to look down at herself to try and see what made Phaedra stare so long. But then Phaedra handed the fabric she held to Betsy, keeping hold of a pale blue silk. Madame Renauld’s eyes narrowed as Phaedra arranged the material over Raeni’s shoulder.

“You don’t think the sapphire blue would suit her better?” Madame asked, arching a thin brow.

“This one.” Phaedra nodded with surety.

Madam studied her for another long moment then nodded. “I agree. We will make the ball gown in pale blue.”

“But I don’t need a gown,” Raeni protested quietly and wishing desperately she did need a gown.

“I cannot get a sense of the best neckline for her. Put her in the gown we brought. It will be too big on her, but at least I can judge the style.”

“But Madame—” Raeni was escorted off the stand and back behind the screen where she was summarily undressed then redressed in an evening gown of white.

“This was made for a lady last year,” Betsy told her as she buttoned up the back. “But before her mama could pay for it, the lady fled to Gretna Green.”

“What is Gretna Green?” Raeni asked.

“It’s across the border into Scotland,” Phaedra said. “Couples go there to elope. Her parents washed their hands of her and would not pay for the dress. Madam hoped it might fit you. With a few changes it could be made de rigueur, but it is too big.” She pinched at the extra material at the ribs and hips. The bodice was too large as well, but Betsy had pinned it in back.

“I don’t understand why I am trying on a ball gown at all,” Raeni said.

Betsy shrugged. “Mr. Gaines said to fit you for a ball gown, so we fit you for a ball gown.”

“But why would he—"

“What is taking so long?” Madame called and the seamstresses hustled Raeni out from behind the screen and back onto the raised platform. Madame descended, ordering the gown pinned here and let out there. She was still barking orders when the office door opened and Raeni’s eyes widened. Mr. Gaines entered.

But instead of looking appalled at the riot of fabrics littering his room or the three women scurrying about his clerk, who was being treated like a doll in the center of the room, he smiled. His gaze went immediately to Raeni and that smile widened. She felt her cheeks heat at the way his eyes glinted with pleasure when he looked at her.

“Sir! We are almost finished,” Madame Renauld said, snapping at Betsy to remove the fabrics from the chair nearest Mr. Gaines.

“Oh, there’s no rush.” He thanked Betsy and sat in the chair, crossing his legs. “Do you mind if I stay?” The question was obviously rhetorical as he had already settled himself.

“It ees your chamber, monsieur.”

“Oh no, Madame. It is clearly yours. You have worked miracles, I see.” He gestured to Raeni.

“Oh, but thees is not the gown she will wear. Everyone will be in white. I want her to stand out.”

“I quite agree. What color have you chosen?”

“Excuse me,” Raeni interrupted. “But I don’t understand what is happening. I do not need a gown. I do not even need such stylish day dresses. Certainly, I can file papers in more serviceable attire.”

Mr. Gaines stared at her for a moment then closed his eyes. “I’ve put the cart before the horse, haven’t I?”

Raeni frowned in confusion.

He rose. “Madame, would you mind giving us a few moments alone?”

“No. You may have all the time alone. I am finished except for the sample gown. Just send it to my shop tomorrow.”

“I’ll do that.”

“Come along, mes filles.”

The seamstresses hastily gathered up all the materials and the raised platform, and with arms full, hurried out the door. Madame Renauld followed them, turning before closing the door and winking at Raeni.

What exactly did the modiste know that Raeni did not?

THOMAS STARED AT RAENI, wishing he had thought to gulp down some water while the ladies gathered their things. His mouth was as dry as the Virginia fields during a drought. He had thought Raeni beautiful before, with her long, slim body and her high cheekbones and full lips. But seeing her now—with her hair free and her shoulders bare—well, he was speechless. He’d wondered what her hair might look like under