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Phoebe couldn’t wait for the Duchess of Henley’s ball to be over. Naturally the illusion gown she wore had been a sensation and she’d spent the entire evening demonstrating how it worked. She was so proud of Jacinda, and now after hours of modelling the dress and telling everyone who created it, she wanted to be in her lover’s arms.
“The dress is a sensation. So clever. Who did you say created it?” Lady Sarah, sister to the Duchess of Henley, smiled.
“Madame Fabriquer. I understand you introduced Lady S to her talents.”
Lady Sarah nodded. “The revelation makes complete sense. Madam Fabriquer has an uncommon talent for design. I am surprised no one has set her up in Mayfair yet.”
Phoebe could picture it. Jacinda’s shop would be the epitome of luxury and design, a place where everyone who was anyone must be seen.
“She would need someone to write about this dress in the gossip sheets.”
“She would.” Phoebe’s mind whirled with possibilities and her heart raced.
“Do you mind if I see the stitching?” Lady Sarah’s gaze swept over the gown with such a detailed eye that Phoebe had no doubt that she’d do justice to Jacinda’s talent when she wrote about her.
“Look as closely as you wish, although you may cause a scandal if you do it here. How about we meet tomorrow at Madame Fabriquer’s current shop in Cheapside?”
“Yes, that would be better. I would love the chance to inspect this gown closely.”
“Let’s meet tomorrow at noon. I’m sure Madame Fabriquer would be delighted.”
Lady Sarah raised one eyebrow. “To have a scribbling woman arrive on her doorstep without warning?”
“I will send her a note.” Phoebe cursed under her breath. The tiniest hint of impropriety would scupper her plans for assisting Jacinda and Margs’ business. Over the past week, she’d spent much time with them both as they worked on her gown, and she’d gained a great respect for Margs and her business acumen. Phoebe had found a purpose in her life with Jacinda, not only did they have such a strong connection, and the kisses were outstanding, but Jacinda’s business gave Phoebe something exciting to strategize over. Between her position in society and Margs’ cleverness, Jacinda’s success as the haut ton’s favourite modiste was assured.
“I appreciate your assistance. I’ve wanted to interview her ever since I saw a green silk walking gown she created for Mrs Devidas. The use of fabric was so judicious in both its efficiency and the way it made Mrs Devidas look elegant. She is, of course, very pretty in usual circumstances. I don’t mean to cast aspersions on the lovely Mrs Devidas. It was purely that I’d never seen one gown make someone beautiful until then. Many gowns look lovely on a beautiful women, but not many gowns highlight a woman’s beauty by finding her essence.”
Phoebe needed to end this conversation before she gave too much away. It was one thing to listen to someone gush about Jacinda and want to join in—an easy thing to do when she admired and loved her so dearly—but quite another to let anyone see a hint of that affection.
“I am, of course, merely a client of Madame Fabriquer, so a note is all I can manage.” Phoebe had to pause; she loved Jacinda. Oh dear. Thankfully, she’d spent a lot of time in society, and she could attempt to conceal her sudden realisation for Lady Sarah.
“Lady Phoebe, everyone knows that you are quite socially influential. A mere note from you ought to summon the most reticent of creatives.”
“You believe Madame Fabriquer hasn’t set up shop in Mayfair because she’s too creative to pursue business.”
“It seems likely, given the quality of fabrics she displays and the brilliance of her designs.”
“How fantastically luxurious of you to assume so.” Phoebe breathed out slowly. “Over the course of the past week, while I’ve had fittings for this gown, I’ve seen some of the ways Madame Fabriquer runs her business, and it is not a lack of ambition that restricts her from moving to Mayfair.”
“An intrigue. I do love a good mystery.” Lady Sarah tilted her head, considering.
“Perhaps more will be revealed tomorrow. I see my son over there, beckoning me.” Phoebe needed to leave before she said too much. Lady Sarah had such an astute expression and she was the sister of a Duchess, a fact that gave her too much access to all the foibles of society. Phoebe bowed her head, then walked away, as slowly as she could manage.
Phoebe woke with Jacinda’s arms wrapped around her waist. After the ball, they’d carefully removed the dress and not so carefully taken each other apart.
“Good morning, my darling.”
“Why is it always so hard to wake up when I’m in your bed?” Jacinda’s voice was rough, as it always was in the mornings. Every morning they were together, Jacinda’s voice scrapped over Phoebe’s skin in the most delightful way.
“Because I tire you out.”
“You do such a grand job of it.”
Phoebe kissed Jacinda on the forehead. “I do wish we could stay in bed all morning, but you must work, and I have to write you a note.”
“You do?”
Phoebe chuckled. “Did I not mention it last night?”
“I don’t think we did much talking last night.” Jacinda’s happy giggle was terribly distracting. “What note are you going to write me?”
“Lady Sarah, sister to the Duchess of Henley, has requested a meeting with you. We were discussing your dress and she expressed an interest in seeing it closer.”
“Will that give me access to the Duchess herself?”
Phoebe laughed. “I do love the way you think. It is quite inspiring to watch your ambition for your business.”
“And to think we argued about me becoming your mistress and giving up my business.”
“Oh what rot. You assumed I would want you to give up your business. I never once proposed such an outrageous idea. Why on earth would you think that?”
Jacinda sighed, then dragged her hands through her hair. “You are right, of course. My father expects me to fail at this, and—”
“At your business?”
“Yes, what else?”
“He is wrong. I’ve seen you and Margs in action and I’m suitably impressed.”
Jacinda wrinkled up her nose. “But I am merely a young woman. I need the guidance of a husband. Apparently.”
“Or the guidance of an older, more experienced woman, who has your very best interests and ambitions in her heart.”
“You?”
Phoebe kissed her, once on the mouth. “Of course, me. I know we haven’t known each other for very long, but I want to be part of your life. I want to see you and your business thrive. I would live as your wife if I was able.”
The gasp from Jacinda was like nothing Phoebe had heard before. “What a scandalous idea, Phoebe.”
“Not nearly as scandalous as arriving at a masquerade ball wearing a dress made of rope. My darling, the entire room wanted to tie you up.”
“And yet, you were the victor.”
Phoebe swooned. “I am incredibly fortunate that you chose me, over all the rest of the Soho Club.”
“You were the only one to offer me a drink and some privacy.”
“The way to anyone’s heart is simple, then.”
“You cared for my welfare.”
Phoebe grinned. “I did say it was simple. And now we must rise, because you need to go to work and be brilliant, and I have a note to write.”
Jacinda rolled away from her with a sigh. “Fine. You are right, of course. I always said I’d never give up my business for a relationship.”
“My dear, you don’t need to make waking up sound like a curse.”
Jacinda laughed, that delightful cackle of hers that warmed Phoebe all the way through. “I must be cursed if I’d rather stay in bed than go to work.”
“Come on, let’s break our fast and get you to work. It’s time to wow Lady Sarah with your brilliance, so she can write the most amazing things about you.”