The Duke's Quandary Read Online Free PDF Page A

“Some of these would look wonderful on you.”
    Penelope dragged her feet to join the duchess, amazed her shaky knees even held her.
    “Mme. Babineau, please bring some fabrics that would suit Miss Clayton’s lovely complexion.” The duchess beamed at Penelope. “You have the most wonderful color hair. Those streaks of copper in the warm brown are so beautiful.” She reached up to grasp her chin, and moved her head from side to side. “And those green eyes. I am so envious.”
    “I know, Mother, isn’t she beautiful?” Abigail had joined them, and wrapped her arm around Penelope’s waist as if they’d been best friends forever. Unused to such female acceptance, she flushed, but part of the knot in her stomach eased.
    “Mother, look at this silk. Wouldn’t this make Penelope a wonderful gown?” Mary held up a piece of rich emerald material. They all stood back and admired how the depth of the fabric brought out her coloring. Penelope turned toward the mirror, amazed at her reflection. Behind the spectacles her eyes shone, and a slight flush to her cheeks made her appear pretty, even to herself.
    “Yes, I believe that is definitely the one for you, Penelope. Since you’re older than the other girls making their debut, you are not restricted to pastels.” The duchess turned to Mme. Babineau. “I think this suits Miss Clayton quite well. We’ll need to find a becoming pattern. Even though she is not bound by light colors, the gown still needs to be modest.”
    “As you wish, Your Grace.” The woman hurried over to a stack of fashion plates and shuffled through them as the girls returned to perusing fabrics.
    “ Voila ! The perfect gown for the young lady.” Mme. Babineau held up an illustration of a blue silk gown with an overlay of patterned lace, cut straight across the bodice for modesty, small cap sleeves, and a white satin ribbon under the bosom. The dressmaker’s face glowed. “With mademoiselle’s lovely figure and color, the green silk with this pattern will be magnifique.”
    Penelope moved toward the dressmaker and stared in wonder. She’d never owned anything like that before. Would such a wonderful gown give her the confidence she needed? Perhaps. A small kernel of hope grew in her chest.
    Mme. Babineau immediately drew her over to the small pedestal in the corner of the room, and helped her off with her gown. Snapping her fingers at one of her employees, she spoke in rapid French to the young girl. The seamstress hurried over and began taking measurements, marking her findings on a piece of vellum.
    She regarded herself in the mirror, trying to imagine the plain girl who stood in front of her in chemise and stays, transformed into a lovely miss in the beautiful green and white gown. Although she tried to dismiss the excitement, a tiny movement of her lips turned into a full smile as she held her arms up so the seamstress could take her measure.

    It seemed as if hours had passed with all the girls and Her Grace choosing material and patterns, and then each taking their turn on the pedestal. They decided on so many swatches of fabric that she lost count of the amount of gowns Her Grace had commissioned. She chewed her lip, wondering exactly how much her trustee had allowed for her wardrobe. When Her Grace announced once they were finished here, they would proceed to the shoemaker, glove maker, and milliner to complete their outfits, she decided to stop trying to keep a tally. Although, the fact that she would never again use such lovely things pinched her conscience, like a pebble in her shoe.
    “Lady Mary, it is ever so nice to see you!” A young woman entered the salon as the girls were gathering up their belongings.
    Mary smiled at the girl, and returned her hug. “And you as well, Lady Daphne.”
    Penelope tried hard not to stare, but Lady Daphne took her breath away. Adjusting her spectacles, she regarded the young woman with fascination. Tall, willowy, and regal, the girl stood