The Proper Way to Stop a Wedding in Seven Days or Less by Victoria Alexander

Author:Victoria Alexander [Alexander, Victoria]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-04-02T21:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

“I DON’T KNOW why we have to continue to bother with this.” Katherine glowered at the others reflected in the mirror. She stood on an ottoman in the center of a ladies’ parlor that had been given over for their use—although it hadn’t been given so much as it was overtaken. Celia’s family had swept into Danby Manor like an invading army. “I think the dress is quite perfect.”

Katherine’s gaze returned to her reflection and the dress she would wear to marry Henry. It was a beautiful ivory color with tiers of lace-edged satin cascading down the skirt and delicate lace dripping from the sleeves. It was indeed perfect. Aunt Frances was determined to see her oldest niece wed and wed properly. She had managed to find a seamstress in London who could create something exquisite in a matter of days, as no less than exquisite would do for Katherine. It had struck Celia as something of a miracle but then Louise had confided to Celia that the gown had originally been made for another bride who no longer needed it, which did explain how Aunt Frances had been able to procure a dress of such excellent quality and fine detail so quickly. It was apparently something of a bargain, as well. Still, it was far nicer than anything any of them had ever had.

Katherine knew nothing of this and was vain enough not to realize there was a reason why the fit needed adjusting. Aunt Frances had been fussing with it ever since they arrived at Danby and had quite happily turned the entire matter over to Mrs. Fitzhew-Wellmore and Mrs. Higginbotham, who were quite skilled with a needle. Which worked out rather well as Aunt Guinevere had told Celia that Katherine was not to be out of sight for so much as a moment. She hadn’t explained why but it was apparently part of the ladies’ plan to rescue Henry. In spite of Celia’s newfound resolve to assist in whatever they had in mind, Aunt Guinevere had said that, on further consideration, it might be best if Celia didn’t know the details of their plan. When they had one, she’d added, which was not at all encouraging.

Katherine smiled smugly. “And I look quite perfect in it.”

Mrs. Fitzhew-Wellmore and Mrs. Higginbotham exchanged glances but then they were not as used to Katherine as Celia, Louise and Aunt Frances were. Aunt Frances studied her niece with a worried expression while Louise lounged in a chaise paging through a lady’s magazine.

“Perhaps,” Aunt Frances said. “But I’m not entirely certain.”

“I think it still needs work,” Mrs. Fitzhew-Wellmore said firmly. She knelt on the floor adjusting the hem of the dress. “The fit and the length are not yet right.”

“I think the fit is just fine.” Katherine huffed.

“You do look wonderful, Katherine,” Celia said helpfully.

“No one asked for your opinion, nor does anyone want it,” Katherine snapped. “And I’m tired of standing here.”

“You do want to look your best, Katherine,” Aunt Frances said.

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