A Mightnight Dance

Any Insult

Once inside the carriage, I didn't know what to say. Should I ask him about his day? Or maybe about the aid supplies. With Dominic's party planning, it had fallen to me to find a warehouse for the goods. One which I hadn't done my part just yet.

"I hope I didn't arrive too early," Lord Nightingale said. "I must admit that I might have been too eager to meet with you."

"I'm glad you did," I told him. "I needed to get away for a few hours."

"Did something happen?"

I bit my lip. After chastising Charles for freely giving away our secrets, I couldn't do the same when I was with Lord Nightingale.

"I didn't mean to pry."

"No," I quickly said, "I'm not sure how to answer. We've, uh, you see, my family - with the war."

"Please don't force yourself."

"I'm unsure how to explain. It's a rather delicate matter."

"Say no more."

I smiled gratefully but I hated not being able to explain. How could I tell him I gave my dowry away to put for our debt? Such a conversation would sour the evening.

"Where are we going?" I asked. "I don't know of any designer that would meet so late with a customer."

He smiled and the glint his eye made my face flush.

"It's a surprise," he said.

Instead of going into the center of town, he went into the less popular quarter. Here the shops were reputable but selective with their customers. When we step out of the carriage, we stood in front a two story building made of woo. Most stores were made of stone and other materials.

"Madam Guise?" I whispered. "The designer is Madam Guise?"

Lord Nightingale escorted me o the door. "I see her reputation proceeds her."

"Of course! Her store is one of the firsts to break ground when the town was being built. My grandmother was a girl when the store opened. How did you get Madam Guise to see us?"

He smiled and the glint was back. "I have my ways."

We walked inside to a hallway line with portraits of Madam Guise's well-known gowns. After a few steps, the hallway opened into a waiting room. The attendants rushed to our sides welcoming us. They took our coats and offered refreshments. The attention was bit overwhelming. I didn't know where to look or what to say.

"My name is Gena," the attendant said. "Please make yourself comfortable. We'll with measurements first."

Gena and another attendant with short hair took me to the back. They helped me out of my gown before taking my measurements. I blushed at the numbers. I had definitely grown in some areas.

After they finished, they dressed me again before taking me back to the waiting room. Lord Nightingale was nowhere in sight.

"He's getting his measurements taken," Gena said. "He'll return momentarily."

Smiling, I thanked her and sat. The sudden burst of jealousy had surprised me. Was I oppose to any woman touching him? Yes.

Gena poured me tea as I waited. I took a tentative sip. The subtle sweetness of the drink surprised me. However, it wasn't enough to stop my thoughts. I didn't know much about Lord Nightingale.

I knew he was resourceful and he cared about his family but nothing beyond that. I was well aware his appearance had attracted me and still did. And yet, if my relationship with him was going to last, I needed to know more.