room so I can show you my latest creations.” She arched an eyebrow at Parthena and Savannah. “I bet you two will want to try on some dresses.”
Their eyes lit up. “Can we?” Savannah asked. Dresses and gowns made by the Weavers were incredible, and Mother had given her money this trip so she could buy one. She’d meant to ask Parthena if Aunt Belle gave her money too, but Parthena might only be interested in a hat. She wasn’t as concerned about fashion as Savannah was.
They entered the sewing room wide-eyed and gaped at the wondrous display of hats and dresses hanging throughout the room. “Oh, Ma,” Aunt Belle gushed. “These are so beautiful.”
“Thank you,” Ma said. “We do try.” She went to a blue day dress trimmed with black buttons and white lace. “Rayne made this one. That girl’s getting better and better.”
Parthena ran her hand down the bodice. “It’s pretty.” She went to a rack of dresses and pulled one off. “Savannah, look at this one.”
Savannah smiled. “It’s beautiful.” Indeed, the pale yellow with white buttons and lace would look perfect with her sable brown hair. “Do you want to try it on?”
Parthena looked at the blue dress. “I think I’ll try on this one. You try on the yellow.”
Savannah turned to Ma. “May we?”
“Of course. You know where the changing screen is. But I don’t know if both of you will fit back there.”
Savannah and Parthena giggled in delight and headed for the screen.
Ma laughed. “Well, what do you know – they do fit.”
Savannah heard Aunt Belle laugh as she undressed. As soon as they were changed, they jockeyed for position in front of a full-length mirror. Finally, Parthena took a step back to let Savannah go first. “Oh my gosh, this is lovely.”
Ma joined her, smoothed out the skirt and gave it a yank here and there. “That color suits you, child.” She turned to Aunt Belle. “Don’t you think?”
“Savannah, Sadie and Honoria all look good in yellow.” She studied Parthena. “The blue looks good on you, dear.” She fingered a lock of her daughter’s light brown hair. “I swear you can get away with any color.”
“Some women are like that, others look terrible in certain colors,” Ma said. “It’s all about the complexion.”
“I believe that,” Belle said.
Savannah turned at a knock on the door, just now realizing Ma had closed it. “Come in,” Ma called. “Oh – what is it, Leo?”
Leo entered, took one look at Savannah and Parthena and his jaw went slack. His mouth opened and closed a few times before he got anything out. “Mr. Cooke … er, Colin would like to know if Parthena wants to join him and see the stock.”
“Do you have a horse I can ride?”
“I was about to saddle one,” he said. “But I thought I’d better check.” He looked her up and down. “I know how young ladies like to try on pretty things.”
Parthena blushed and smoothed the bodice of her dress. “Let me change and I’ll be right with you.” She hurried back behind the screen.
Leo smiled at Savannah. “Would you like to come?”
“Oh, um …” She glanced at the hats and dresses. “Do you mind if I don’t?”
“Another time, maybe.” He nodded courteously, backed out of the room and closed the door.
“Is he gone?” Parthena called from behind the screen.
“Yes, dear. You can go ahead and change,” Aunt Belle said.
Savannah ignored the exchange and admired her reflection. “Ma, do you have something like this in green?”
Ma Weaver smiled. “I have just the thing!”
Chapter Seven
Parthena hurried upstairs to the attic bedroom she shared with Savannah. It was usually the twins’ bedroom, as Esther had her own room in the four-bedroom house and one was kept empty for guests. She quickly changed into something she wouldn’t mind getting dirty and hurried back downstairs. “I’m ready!”
Leo looked her over, disapproval in his eyes. “You’re wearing a skirt?” He looked at it a little closer. “And not a riding skirt.”
“As I wasn’t planning on riding while I was here, I didn’t bring one. But don’t worry, I can ride in a dress just fine.” She headed for the front door.
He caught up and led her to the main barn. Father and Daniel were already mounted. “I took the liberty of saddling your horse, dearest.” Father held up the reins of her mount, a light roan mare. “Daniel said this one should suit you fine.”
“Nutmeg is coming along,” Daniel said. “A little spirited, though.”
“I told him the women