The Duke and the Dressmaker (The St. James Series) Read Online Free PDF Page B

very reasonable about completion time. Of course, she would not get paid until the gowns were delivered. That money would certainly help her, but she could not ask for it in advance. She needed to build her clientele, not drive any away. If the dowager duchess was satisfied with her work, it would go a long way to help establish her business. Many of the ton followed the duchess’s lead.
    S ara checked her image in the looking glass. Her eyes remained red and droopy from exhaustion. She yawned. There wasn’t much she could do about it until after Stinky was paid off and promised to leave her alone.
    He would leave her alone, wouldn’t he? She cringed at the thought, but fortunately, her mind was distracted by the ring of her front bell. She pinched color into her cheeks and forced a smile as she walked into her front room.
    Miranda Montrose stood in the middle of the front room with her hands on her curvy hips. Miranda was built like any man’s dream. Voluptuous curves adorned her body and she knew how to use them. Her dark hair framed blue eyes and her skin was a beautiful shade of olive. However, no one admired her beauty more than Miranda did. In Sara’s opinion, Miranda’s vanity only fed her tendency to be difficult.
    “Well, if it isn’t the mousy girl that spends all her time trying to be part of the ton. You can no longer act that way, Sara.” Miranda eyed her viciously.
    “Act what way, Lady Montrose?” Sara asked innocently.
    “Stop playing the martyr. I know your kind. You are trying to find some rich nobleman. Who could possibly be interested in a homely girl that spends most of her time on her knees, pinning hems?” Miranda’s chin tilted in the air as she glared at Sara.
    Sara’s blood boil ed. She counted to ten, reminding herself Miranda was a customer, and she needed to be polite to her.
    “How can I help you today, Lady Montrose?” Sara asked, her head held high.
    “Stop acting like you are something special, Miss Sara. After all, whose husband took off after only six months? You must have been wonderful in the bedroom. Six months. You couldn’t even keep a man happy for six months.” Miranda sneered at Sara, perusing her up and down.
    Sara blushed but refused to back down from Miranda.
    “You better keep your eyes off my man, Miss Sara . If I even see you talking to him, you will regret it. Of course, I am not worried, he knows a real woman when he sees one.” Miranda stood with her hands on her hips, tapping her foot rudely as she studied Sara.
    “Lady Montrose, I do not know who your man is. But do not worry, the last thing I am interested in is another husband.”
    “Who said anything about a husband? You will never get another husband.” Miranda leaned over and peered into Sara’s face with an expression of sheer hatred. “But you better stay away from the duke. You better not even look at him. He is mine.”
    At that moment, the door opened , and the bell tinkled.
    “Why, who are you talking about, Lady Montrose? Who is yours?”
    Miranda spun around , straight into the expectant gaze of the dowager duchess.
    “Good morning to you, Lady Downey .” Mary St. James peeked around Lady Montrose and smiled at Sara.
    “Oh! Your Grace,” Miranda sputtered. “I didn’t realize you were there.”
    “Well, of course not . I just walked in. But it seems that you were taking issue with Lady Downey over something. Can I be of any assistance, Lady Montrose?” The duchess stood squarely in front of Miranda, staring at her with amusement in her eyes. Her small frame did not detract from her presence. Mary St. James could cast an intimidating air with just a glance when she wanted to. Presently, that look was directed at Miranda Montrose.
    Miranda squirmed. “No, everything is fine, Your Grace. Actually, I believe it is time for me to depart.” Miranda hurriedly walked toward the door. She opened it, turning to glare at Sara one last time before slamming the door closed behind