Dalton leaves shaking his head and laughing.
Chapter 13
Aimee arrives at five o'clock with Cassie's dress for the ball. She brings the shoes and a matching black lace wrap. The blue design of the Asian silk mixed with the black lace makes a startling contrast.
“Oh, Aimee! I have never seen anything like this! You must have worked all night!” She wonders in amazement.
“It was a team effort, but worth the result. I learned so much and thanks to you, he has agreed to take me on as an apprentice. I will be leaving with him to travel and learn under his tutelage! I don’t know how I will ever be able to thank you, Mrs. Rivers,” she exclaims with a tear.
Cassie takes her hand, “It was my pleasure, but make sure he doesn't take advantage of you, Aimee. You are a truly talented designer. Now show me how to put this on and walk and sit in it. I have never seen such a large skirt before!”
“Mr. Pingat says they will be out of season soon! For tonight, all eyes will be on you! First, the undergarments go on, not a typical white chemise, but black lace.”
“Aimee! This is gorgeous! Is it your design?”
“Yes, I thought why should only the outer garments be beautiful, why not the undergarments as well. Your husband will surely agree.”
Cassie blushes when she looks at the black lace chemise in the mirror. It reveals more than it covers, and she can only imagine what he would say if he ever saw it. Next a blue and black silk corset designed to match the dress with black stockings. Cassie puts on black shoes and turns to look at herself in the mirror. She barely recognizes the woman in the mirror. Her hair is done up in the latest style, stacked high on crown with long locks about her shoulders. A flush of excitement covers her cheeks, and she can't help but grin.
“Now the dress?” She asks excitedly. Aimee arranges the dress in the center of the bedroom so that Cassie can step into the center of it and pull it up. It is an off the shoulder design which Aimee assures her is all the rage. Her waist looks tiny cinched in the corset, and her breasts are held beautifully. She is a little shocked at the weight of the gown.
“How much did you say it weighs, Aimee?”
“I would think about thirty pounds or so. Are you okay?” She asks completely lacing the backup.
“Yes, I just need to get used to It.” She gasps aloud when she looks in the mirror. “Aimee! It is magnificent!”
“It is perfect for you. I will have the rest of your dresses in two days. We were able to modify some of the samples he brought with him, to fit your measurements. The other items we were able to be find locally. I also brought you a sleeping gown of my own design. I hope you like it.” Aimee hands her a brown paper wrapped gift.
Cassie opens it slowly and gasps. Inside is a short silk nightgown made from the leftover material of her ball gown. Aimee added black lace cups to the top of the gown and attached the silk to the bottom. “It is risqué, but I like to wear sensual clothes, even if it is only for me. You must let me know what your husband thinks?” She asks with a laugh.
“I don’t know what to say, except thank you! I do have a request for you that may seem odd. I would ask that you not tell anyone about it. If you can’t do it, I understand, of course.”
Aimee smiles, “Now I'm intrigued. Tell me?” She demands.
“I need a pair of denim pants for travel, but the mens are just too large. I was able to buy two, and I am hoping you could cut them down to fit me? I will be traveling across rough, dangerous country on horseback and it would make travel easier.” Cassie retrieves the jeans and gives them to Aimee.
“Let me see the seams.” She spreads them out and looks closely at them. “It can be done. I will put them with your other packages.”
“Now to discuss your payment. My father left me some money, and I would like for you to promise me that you will open your own shop when you are ready.” She hands Aimee a small envelope with two hundred dollars in it.
Aimee gasps in shock and begins to cry. “I can't accept it, Mrs. Rivers.” She tries to give it back, but Cassie refuses.
“I believe in you, and women are so often misjudged because of who we are. You are talented, and if you pay this gift forward by helping somebody else who may need it in the future, then, it is payment enough.” Aimee hugs her and whispers, “God bless, you.”
“God speed, my friend,” Cassie replies in perfect French.
“Where did you learn to speak French?” Aimee asks with a laugh.
“My first husband was French. He taught me before he died,” she says looking embarrassed.
“Incredible!” she declares, and they share a laugh before Aimee takes her leave.
“Have a wonderful time tonight, Mrs. Rivers.”
“I intend to,” she laughs twirling in her dress.
Cassie is standing near the windows looking out at the city streets when Dalton enters the room from his suite. He stops in his tracks and stares at her in wonder. She is dressed in her gown and is laced tightly to show off her curves. Dalton is in black tails with a crisp white shirt, and his blonde hair is slicked back. He looks to her like a dream come true.
“You are ravishing, Cassie. Surely I will be the envy of everyone tonight!” Her pale bare shoulders and the
