The Mannequin by Suzanne G. Rogers

Author:Suzanne G. Rogers
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Victorian, Teen & Young Adult, Inspirational
Publisher: Idunn Court Publishing
Published: 2015-09-03T04:00:00+00:00

That afternoon, the dowager duchess ushered Rosamund into an empty bedroom where a rack of gowns hung.

“I had the maids bring some of Honor’s clothes down from the attic.”

“Honor was Aubrey’s mother? What a beautiful name.”

“Yes, she was a treasure.” The duchess’s smile slipped briefly. “At any rate, look these things over to see what may appeal to you. There was only one riding habit, I believe, so that will have to do until yours arrives. When you decide what gowns you’d like, ask one of the maids to sponge and press them for you. Perhaps you might dress for dinner tonight?”

“I’d love to.”

“Then I’ll leave you to it.”

Rosamund spent an hour or so poring over the lovely gowns. On one hand, the activity made her feel a little closer to Honor Whittingham. On the other hand, going through Aubrey’s mother’s clothes made her long for her own mother. After she’d chosen a few gowns, she rang for Lydia. When the young woman appeared, Rosamund gave her a lavender dinner dress for that evening, a peacock blue dress for the next day, and the riding habit.

“These will do.”

The young woman cocked her head. “What about tomorrow afternoon?”

“I’m not sure what you mean. I’ll just wear the blue one throughout the day.”

“This is a walking costume.”

“Oh dear.” Crestfallen, Rosamund bit her lip. “I don’t think Her Grace and I have plans to go walking.” She glanced at the rack and held up a lightweight silk gown with a green paisley pattern. “Is this one suitable?”

“It’s a tea gown, but it will work. Did you want to choose a dinner gown for tomorrow night?”

“I-I haven’t thought that far ahead.” Rosamund touched a cherry red gown with a full skirt. “This one is pretty.”

“Yes, but that’s a ball gown.”

“It is?”

Her cheekbones warmed with embarrassment. Having only had a few garments to her name since she came to live with the Gribbles, she was ill-equipped to dress herself, apparently. When Madame Montagna and the dowager duchess were discussing her wardrobe in French at Arbor Lodge, she’d been frustrated she didn’t speak the language. Now Rosamund realized even if the two women had spoken in English, she still wouldn’t have understood. She recalled her cousins talking about their wardrobes—a myriad of tea gowns, indoor dresses, walking dresses, visiting dresses, traveling suits, and afternoon costumes, not to mention dinner gowns, ball dresses, shoes, and accessories. Other than admiring some of the fabrics and trimmings involved, she’d paid scant attention. The actual cost of the wardrobes was also a mystery, although she realized they must have been dear.

“Could you select a few suitable things for me? I don’t know anything about clothes, and they’re all so beautiful I don’t know which ones to pick.”

Lydia nodded. “I’d be happy to, Miss Ashfield.”

“Thank you.”

Relieved to be unburdened, Rosamund fled to the library. Reading was something she knew how to do, at least! If the walking costume had been ready, she would have been tempted to take a stroll in Hyde Park.

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