The Queen Has a Cold by Jane Kolven

Author:Jane Kolven [Kolven, Jane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781635558791
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Published: 2021-03-19T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

Marie-Claire, has the seamstress finished the alterations to Her Majesty’s gown for the royal ball?” Pouvoir was standing in the kitchen with the staff as each reported on their progress with various tasks pertaining to the octocentennial.

“Yes, Madame.”

“Has Her Majesty had the final dress fittings?”

“Yes, she looks very elegant. We hope she will feel well enough to wear it. We have put hidden pockets in the gown in case Her Majesty needs to hide tissues for her cold.”

“Excellent work. Since you have finished that, I would like to put you in charge of another task. Mademoiselle Hyde will be attending the ball, and she needs a suitable gown. Do you think you could find something for her to wear by Friday night?”

Marie-Claire frowned. “That is very little time, Madame, and we will need Mademoiselle to be available for alterations.”

“What does she have to do until then?”

Pouvoir resented it when the staff tried to claim they didn’t have enough time for a task, especially when they were being excused from all other duties to focus on it. Truthfully, she also resented that her staff had to be responsible for ensuring Samantha Hyde had appropriate attire. It should not have been their responsibility, since Mademoiselle was not part of the royal family. But it was a favor to Princess Remy, in exchange for her favor of coming home on such short notice, and Pouvoir saw the value of getting on the princess’s good side after the devastating news of her arranged marriage.

“Marie-Laure will dress Her Majesty for all daytime events for the rest of the week,” she continued, double-checking against her notes, “assuming Her Majesty is able to leave her bedroom. We are very lucky that this seems increasingly likely. Marie-Claire, that means you have nothing but time to ensure Mademoiselle Hyde looks her absolute best for the ball.”

Pouvoir was finished with the discussion, but Marie-Claire interjected with further questions before they could move to other business items. “What should I put her in? Are there any guidelines?”

Pouvoir resisted the urge to roll her eyes. She was the assistant to Her Majesty Queen Clotilde, chief protocol officer for the Royal Palace of Montamant. She was not a fashion designer.

“Whatever you put her in for breakfast, please continue in the same style.”

“It was Valentino, Madame, but we were lucky it fit. I found it in the back of the queen’s closet.”

“Let’s not tell Her Majesty that,” Pouvoir suggested. “I trust that you will create something suitable, and of course you will coordinate colors and styles with Her Majesty’s gown. There can be no competition between them, no chance that anyone will say Mademoiselle Hyde looks more beautiful, but of course we want Mademoiselle Hyde to look as though she belongs. Not enough to appear as one of the family, but we don’t want her to stand out as a foreigner either. Can you create a dress that accomplishes all of that?” Pouvoir didn’t wait for the response. “Good. Now, Marie-Jeanne, I’m afraid your task is more challenging.

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