Free The Duke and the Dressmaker (The St. James Series) by Keira Montclair Page B

tinkle of her door interrupted her thoughts. She crossed into her front room. A tall blonde waited with a big smile on her face.
    “Sara? Sara Downey, is it really you? I have been looking for you for months. No one had any idea where you had gone after the ridiculous stunt your husband pulled.”
    Phoebe Davis, wife of the Earl of Ardleigh, stood there with her arms wide open. Sara ran into them and hugged her.
    “Oh, it is so good to see you, Phoebe.” Sara smiled warmly as she returned Phoebe’s embrace.
    “Sara, why didn’t you visit me? I have been worried sick over you. I asked every one about you. It wasn’t until my husband came home last week that I discovered where you were. He told me you had started your own business.”
    Sara peered at Phoebe sheepishly. “Unfortunately, few of my former friends were interested in continuing a relationship. Once my husband ran away, my fall from society happened quickly. When I opened this shop, things only got worse. I did not think you would be interested in continuing our friendship.”
    “Oh, posh, Sara Downey. You know I don’t care what the ton says. I have my own mind, you know. All that matters to me is what my dear Ardleigh thinks, and he encouraged me to visit you today. In fact, I may have you take my measurements. I remember how skilled your sketches can be. What do you think would look nice on me?” She raised her eyebrows in anticipation.
    Sara escorted her to her measuring station and happily finished the task. They chattered on in the same fashion as school girls. Phoebe noticed the sketchbook where Sara had left it.
    “Oh, Sara, this gown is divine. Have you made it for anyone yet? ” Phoebe asked as she ran her finger down the page.
    Sara shook her head. “If you like, I can make it for you, Phoebe. We can choose fabric today if you wish.”
    “I would love to see what you have. But wait. Isn’t that your mother’s reticule? You have kept it all this time?” Phoebe picked up the bag and ran her fingers carefully across the satin. “It is still beautiful after all these years, isn’t it?”
    Sara nodded. “Yes, it is. But I have been unable to match the shade of the beads.”
    “The other day, Ardleigh brought me to an accessories shop on the other side of town. It is a ways off, but she had some lovely beads. Would you care to attend with me some time? We could certainly use my carriage. Perhaps on Thursday. Would you be able to get away? Would you like to go?”
    “Oh, I would love that, Phoebe.” Sara clutched her hands to her chest.
    “Gadzooks, Sara! What happened to your hand?” Phoebe exclaimed.
    “Oh, ‘tis a long story. Maybe better for another day.” Sara turned to search for fabric in the hopes of distracting Phoebe.
    “We ll, you better be careful, Sara. You need a good man to look after you, not a halfwit like your husband. I am sorry, Sara, but I never liked that man. Hmm….I have something new to think about. You need someone. I love playing matchmaker.” She bounced her index finger on her lips as she thought.
    “Phoebe, I don’t need anyone. I am fine alone, please.”
    “Doesn’t look to me like you are fine alone. You don’t look well either. Do you feel all right? You are pale, circles under your eyes. Sara, why don’t you come and stay with me for awhile?” Phoebe pleaded. “Business will wait for you. You just opened. You can’t have that many people waiting for you.”
    “On the contrary, I have too much work to do. I am tired, but once I get adjusted to my new life, I will be fine. I w ould be happy to go shopping with you one morning, Phoebe, but that is the only free time I have. I have gowns I must get ready for your ball next weekend.”
    “Oh, of course. You will come, Sara? Please?” Phoebe grabbed Sara’s other hand. “You know I consider you one of my closest friends. Please say you will come. Had I known you were here, you know I would have sent an invitation.”
    “I don’t think so.