The Vicar's Wife

18*

"I couldn't!" Hattie stood in the Marchioness' spacious dressing chamber at Black Oak Manor, holding up a gorgeous muslin gown. "It is too much!"

"Of course, you can," Lady Benedict stood next to her, smiling gently. "You must. Consider it my wedding gift to you, as I will not be able to be there for your ceremony."

"B-but Lady Benedict!" Hattie was too afraid to move for fear of wrinkling the fabric. "You ought to keep this! It is your debut gown!"

"It is," fingering the muslin, a warm smile graced the lady's mouth, curving them into a tender expression. "I have worn it on some of the most important occasions of my life, Miss Foster. It would please me immensely if you would wear it on one of yours."

"How can I! Surely the Marquess would not approve of my having this!"

"His approval hinges upon mine, dear Miss Foster, and it was my idea." Taking the muslin from Hattie, Lady Benedict held the gown up, tucking it here and there. "It will fit you wonderfully, and Ferris is a talented seamstress should any alterations need to be made."

"Assuredly I cannot-!"

"Won't you?" Looking at her with warm brown eyes, a kind soft smile, and gentle expectation, the lady would not be denied. Hattie's resistance melted in the face of such quiet generosity.

"I-I would be most grateful, Lady Benedict..."

"Noemi," she whispered kindly. "I cannot give you such a gift and forbid the association that comes with it."

"I couldn't!"

"It would please me if you would try. We are more alike than you would believe."

"Very well, L-lady Noemi..." Hattie was dark pink as she uttered the words, feeling she'd committed a forbidden act. No doubt Mrs Foster would go into fits if she overheard her. Lady Benedict's smile was approving.

"Ferris!" The call was instantly answered by an energetic redhead with freckles. "Please assist Miss Hattie into her gown. If any alterations need to be made, please see to them at once. There can be no delay."

"Yes, my lady."

"There," touching Hattie's cheek, the gentle lady smiled. "It is done. Make haste now, for I'm certain Mrs Foster is trying Lord Benedict's patience with worry. You know she wanted to accompany you into my chambers, but I wanted to make this a private exchange between only you and I."

"Thank you, Lady Noemi," Hattie was overwhelmed, her cheeks pink, eyes wide. "I cannot possibly ever repay your kindness."

"Experience every happiness in your new future, Miss Hattie. Seeing that will be repayment enough." She glanced at Ferris with a nod. "I will leave you to it."

Hattie shed numerous tears as the gown was fitted, for it was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. Intricate thread, the softest of textures, underlaid with snowy white silk, it absolutely screamed of decadence and wealth. In all her born days, the young lady could never have even dreamed of wearing something so luxurious. Mrs Foster was allowed up when the pins were in place, though very few of them were needed.

Standing quietly, Hattie waited for her in front of a large, full-length mirror. Ferris made a final adjustment and stepped back, just letting Hattie look. Beautiful, mature, and womanly, she was looking at herself with completely different eyes. Lucille opened the dressing room door and stopped, staring with her mouth agape. Their eyes met in the mirror.

"Mamma...what do you think?"

"Oh Hattie," voice thick, Lucille gazed at her in loving awe. "You're so beautiful, my dear. Exquisite."