Garden of May - Chapter 69
Chapter 69
“Oh dear.” Vanessa didn’t have much spare money. Rosaline and Blair’s birthdays were fast approaching. For the past few years, she’d made do with homemade treats and handkerchiefs, but this year, she longed to give them something truly special. She picked up what appeared to be the most modestly priced blouse and checked the tag, then carefully placed it back on the rack.
“Goodness.” If all the clothes she’d ever worn cost this much, she finally understood why her uncle grumbled about the expense of raising a girl. Seeing the price tag made buying new clothes seem even more absurd. If she were to buy anything from this shop, it would be for the twins, not herself. This was the kind of place suited to someone as elegant as Rosaline.
“I thought these kinds of dress shops only existed in the capital.” Lyndon’s dress shop, the one Rosaline frequented, was just like this. A constant stream of errand boys bustled through the back door. Unnatural laughter mingled with the scent of perfume, the rustle of fabrics, and the dust of face powder, all suspended in the stuffy air. She’d once had to awkwardly pass the time while Rosaline finished her fitting, but it had been a fascinating experience. At least something from a shop like this might satisfy Rosaline’s discerning taste.
Vanessa cautiously raised her hand. “Do you sell fans or gloves, perhaps, as well as dresses?”
“Of course. We have a wide selection of accessories to complement our outfits.”
The proprietress led her to a glass display case. Vanessa meticulously examined the items on display: fans, lace gloves, handkerchiefs, jeweled trinkets, even antiques. As promised, the case was filled with a dazzling array of exquisite pieces.
Each price tag, however, was breathtakingly expensive. Still, these gifts were for both their coming-of-age and graduation, so she wanted to give them something truly special. An opal necklace, amethyst earrings, a delicate fan studded with tiny pearls, luxurious bracelets… Among them, a peridot brooch, the color of Rosaline’s eyes, caught her attention.
Noticing her interest, the proprietress donned a pair of gloves and opened the display case. “This brooch is made with olivine from Cologne. This pair of cufflinks here is made with the same stones.”
She carefully lifted the brooch and cufflinks. The gems glittered brilliantly under the gaslight.
“They are a bit pricey, but these are pieces worthy of Lyndon’s auction house. Excellent transparency, uniform color, and superb light reflection.” Her voice was soft as she turned the jewelry to catch the light. “The craftsmanship is incredibly detailed, wouldn’t you say? The work of a very renowned artisan.”
“An artisan?”
“His name is… Desang, I believe. From Lille… Shall I find out more for you?”
“No, that’s fine. I’ll take them. The cufflinks as well.”
Vanessa, having made her decision, pulled out her purse. It was a sum she would never have spent on herself, yet she felt strangely at peace. Thinking of how happy Rosaline and Blair would be made it worthwhile.
She could always earn the money back. The only thing she needed money for immediately was university tuition, and that was an impossible goal this year anyway. Her friends’ coming-of-age, however, was a once-in-a-lifetime event. The proprietress expertly fastened the jewelry to a small velvet cushion.
“Will you be taking these with you? We also offer secure delivery for valuables.”
Vanessa considered for a moment, then shook her head. The proprietress already knew her name. Giving Gloucester Castle as her address would instantly reveal her identity. And she had nowhere else to have them delivered.
“I’ll take them now.”
“Very well. I’ll have them wrapped for you.”
While an attendant fussed over the wrapping, Vanessa carefully examined the certificate of authenticity.
River Ross still hadn’t come down. Her gaze idly swept the room and landed on a white muslin gown hanging on a dress form. Designed for a midnight ball, it bared the shoulders, and a deep green ribbon cinched the waist with particular elegance.
“Would you like to try it on?” the proprietress asked, noticing her gaze. Vanessa hesitated, then shook her head.
“No, my companion will be down shortly.”
