Bewitching Kisses (Bewitching Kisses Series) by RainyKirkland Page B

looking glass. Vanity had never held a place in her upbringing, and now she wasn’t exactly sure how she felt about seeing so much in herself. Prudence Thompson had owned a looking glass once, she remembered. But it had been a small one. The glass fit into the palm of Prudence’s hand and didn’t allow one to view both mouth and eyes at the same time. Now, as she gazed before her, she could see the top of her head and the toe of her shoe all at once.
    Sarah shook her head in wonder. Madame Rousseau had done such a beautiful job and so quickly. Had she herself made the gown it would have taken two days at least. It would have mattered not that the cut was simple and the style plain. She turned up the hem of the skirt and ran her finger over the smooth, even stitches, each perfect in its placement. The lady was truly a marvel. Carefully, she smoothed the skirt back into place as her fingers gently brushed back and forth over the fabric’s soft nap. Never had she owned a gown so fine.
    Sarah combed her hair back from her face and secured it with the pins Madame Rousseau had lent her. ‘ Tis still too fancy to do housework in , she thought, looking at her reflection, but mayhap if I’m careful . . . Sarah smiled, realizing that for the first time since she had been taken from her home, she was beginning to feel like her own self again. And for that she owed thanks to Nicholas Beaumont. Indulging in one final look, her smile deepened at the image she presented . I am going to be the best housekeeper Nicholas Beaumont has ever encountered , she declared solemnly. And with her determination firmly in place, Sarah went to seek her chores.
    The hall clock struck the hour of seven as Nick entered the dining room. A frown marred his features when he saw that three places had been set at the large oaken table. He was in no mood for company and, try as he would, he couldn’t remember extending an invitation for anyone to join him. Determined to get an answer, he reached for the small golden bell that sat beside his place. Wadsworth entered immediately bearing a silver platter and set it on the sideboard. But before Nick could voice his question, Sarah entered and added the covered dish she carried to those already displayed. The butler turned and was gone as silently as he had come, but Sarah remained.
    She reached for Nick’s plate, meaning to serve him, but his angry words halted her actions.
    “What in the devil are you wearing?” he challenged.
    Stunned, Sarah felt all sanity flee from her body as she silently stood before him. Nick paced completely around her frozen form.
    “What is this?” His fingers ran down the long, fitted sleeve of her black velvet gown.
    Sarah clutched her hands tightly together. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered to the ground before looking up to face Nick’s displeasure. “I know I should not have chosen such a costly garment, but Madame Rousseau insisted that it be made in this fabric. I’ll take it back at daybreak tomorrow and ask her to exchange it for one less expensive.”
    “Less expensive?” Nick eyes narrowed. “I can’t even imagine this gown coming from her shop.”
    Sarah gave a weak smile, understanding his distress. “It is beautiful, is it not?” she sighed. “Still,” she straightened her shoulders, “it is much too fancy for a housekeeper and I shall return it as soon as possible. But you must admit, Madame Rousseau is most talented.”
    Nick’s frown deepened. “You mean to tell me that that gown is one of Charlotte’s designs?”
    Sarah grimaced, wishing his scowl wasn’t quite so fierce. “I did ask her to make several changes,” she stammered. “But Madame Rousseau assured me that the added fabric at the neck and sleeves would not alter the cost.”
    Nick stared and wondered how in such a scant amount of time Sarah could have charmed the most stubborn dressmaker in Virginia into creating a garment so plain that even his cook would have refused to wear it.