in London for the first time. Most young ladies would be in gowns of cream or yellow, but Lady Hayward had stated that yellow, certainly, would do nothing for Rebecca’s complexion and would have the effect of making her look a little sickly. Cream, of course, was very acceptable indeed, but the concern was that every other young lady in London would be wearing such colors, and Lady Hayward was eager for Rebecca to stand out.
“I think it is very lovely on you,” Lady Anna remarked from where she and Selina sat. “It may be a little different in color from the other gowns we see, but that does not mean that it is at all not pretty or unsuitable.”
“No, indeed. I think it suits you very well,” Lady Selina added quietly. “But you must have the confidence to believe it, I think.”
A little irritated that her younger sisters knew her as well as that, Rebecca let out a heavy sigh and then turned around again, trying to look at the gown from every angle. “Lady Hayward?” she asked, feeling a little hopeless. “What say you?”
Lady Hayward smiled, tilting her head just a fraction. “I think it is as your sister says, Lady Rebecca. It is a very well-suited gown. It fits you perfectly, and it is only the color that might be a little unusual. But if you have the confidence to wear it into society, I can promise that everyone will think you very lovely indeed.”
“And that is what we seek, is it not?” Lady Anna chirped, her bright expression one of eagerness and anticipation. “We seek to make an impression upon any particular gentlemen that have caught our notice, and I am certain, Rebecca, that this gown will do that very well indeed.”
Despite her misgivings and her lack of confidence, Rebecca forced herself to nod. “Yes, I think you are right,” she murmured, stepping back a little more and turning her eyes away from the mirror. “Thank you, Madame Bernadotte. I shall be very happy with this dress.”
The lady looked relieved. “I am very glad to hear it, Lady Rebecca,” she answered with a small, quick curtsy. “If you would like to change, then I will have this gown finished by the morrow.”
“I thank you,” Rebecca replied as she stepped back towards the small room where she might change back into her walking dress. “I will be but a few minutes.”
Upon returning, Rebecca found Lady Hayward and Selina deep in discussion over a pair of very fine evening gloves, whilst Anna was looking at some new ribbons that had all been laid out. Forcing a smile to her face and praying that she would not be asked about her true feelings on the gown—feelings of uncertainty and doubt rather than confidence—Rebecca came to join Lady Hayward and her sister.
“Then we are satisfied here for a time?” Lady Hayward said brightly as Rebecca nodded. “What shall we do next, then? There is a wonderful bookshop nearby, and I would be glad to show you all where it is. Or we might take tea somewhere?” She lifted one shoulder. “Or if you are fatigued, then we could have the carriage take you home.”
“No, indeed not!” Lady Anna cried, suddenly appearing from behind Rebecca. “I am not at all fatigued. The bookshop and then perhaps somewhere to take tea?” She looked at Rebecca, who merely nodded, not particularly concerned with what they did or where they went.
“The bookshop, then,” Lady Hayward smiled. “Come now, it is just this way.”
Rebecca fell into step just behind Lady Hayward, making certain to thank the seamstress as she left. Madame Bernadotte seemed very pleased indeed with what had occurred, and that, at least, made Rebecca smile. The seamstress had done a wonderful job, certainly, for the gowns that had been made for her sisters and now also for her, were of the highest quality and could not be faulted in any way.
If only it were not green!
“So, Lady Rebecca,” Lady Hayward began as they stepped outside. “You have been in London society for over a sennight now. In fact, almost a fortnight, I believe!” Her eyes twinkled as Rebecca’s two sisters linked arms and walked ahead together, leaving Rebecca and Lady Hayward to speak quietly.
“It has been almost a fortnight since we met, yes,” Rebecca agreed. “It does not seem as though all that time has passed, however!”
“And yet, it has done so,” Lady Hayward replied, her expression one of interest. “You have had