Back in the market, Eloise stood still as Beatrice stuck pins into the dress so it would fit her body and not fall when she made the reveal to Damien.

"It is a little big, but I can have it fixed to your size in no time. Do you like it?" Beatrice asked, sneaking a glance at the mirror to get Eloise’s reaction. "Your breasts fit perfectly. Do not hide them," she said after Eloise covered her chest.

"Was I too crude?"

"No, just a little too comfortable. It is a beautiful dress," Eloise said, slowly lowering her hands to get a good look. "But it is a little too exposed. I don’t want anyone to think I am a harlot."

"I didn’t make it with a lady of your status in mind. I do have some material left to hide more of your skin, but just a little. You’re not a nun. Oh!" Beatrice clapped her hands. "What if I get more to make you a coat so you can hide your dress until your name is announced?"

"Wouldn’t that be a little bit too dramatic?"

"Balls are dramatic, Lady Hawthorne. It is all about looks and entertainment," Beatrice said, shaking her head at Eloise’s lack of knowledge. "Everyone is trying to do better than the next person. Even the queen."

Beatrice walked around Eloise to stand in front of her. "You’re Lord Hawthorne’s wife. Many are underestimating and looking down on you because of your background. Be bold. Flaunt that you have the man they all wanted."

Beatrice folded her arms. "If you go to that ball and fall in line just as they expect you to, then it will be boring. You will be a bore, and I don’t like to make dresses for boring women. They’re going to eat you alive if you aren’t bold."

"How would you enter if you were invited?" Eloise asked, curious about Beatrice’s thoughts.

"Well, first, I would show a bit more skin. This town is filled with too many prudes. If I were in your shoes, I would intimidate every man and woman at the palace with my appearance. Set a strong introduction," said Beatrice.

"I would put your hair up and place the most expensive necklace you own around your neck. Whatever you do, don’t show any weakness. I advise you to be bold even when your husband isn’t at your side. Surely, you don’t expect him to fight all your battles."

"I don’t," Eloise replied.

"Good, because your husband won’t always be able to be at your side. There are many battles women must win alone. What’s important is that you have the Hawthorne name. Use it well," Beatrice encouraged Eloise.

Beatrice gave Eloise one final look. "I think we’ve made Lord Hawthorne wait long enough. He’ll want to see you. I’ll get him."

Beatrice left the changing room, confident that she had earned herself a wealthy customer. ’Finally, I can put on a good show,’ she thought.

Eloise remained standing before the mirror, admiring her appearance, which was foreign to her. It was a daring dress to wear to the palace, and with the vibrant royal blue, she wouldn’t be able to hide during the ball.

"I’m impressed," Damien’s voice startled Eloise.

To her right, Damien was standing at the door with Beatrice behind him.

"I like it," Damien said, his gaze fixed on Eloise.

"Wonderful! I can have it sized and send it to your estate-"

"I’ll help her get dressed," Damien said, entering the room and closing the door on Beatrice. "You’ve found your dressmaker."

"It’s not going to stay like this. I asked her to cover up more of the bust, and the sleeve needs to be longer," said Eloise.

"Good. I would hate to have to remove a few eyes for seeing you like this. We should put it to the test," Damien said, coming to a stop beside Eloise. He turned her around so she faced the mirror. "We would be returning late to the estate. We wouldn’t want to wake your maids to undress you."

Eloise understood where Damien’s mind was heading. "How thoughtful of you to help undress me."

Eloise peered down at Damien’s slender fingers as his hands settled on her waist, pulling her back to rest on the front of his muscular body.

"It would be wise to test whether I can help you. Don’t you agree?" Damien asked, leaning down for his lips to touch the back of Eloise’s neck. "You must wear your hair up more often."

"To make it easier for you to kiss my neck?" Eloise asked, her eyes glued to the mirror.

"Yes," Damien replied.

Eloise noticed how Damien’s hands remained at her waist. One wrong move and he could cause the dress to slip, revealing more than she wanted to show him now.

"You’ll need a new necklace. I’ll get one for you," Damien offered.

Damien slowly moved his hand upward, awaiting a response from Eloise, whether it would be discomfort or pleasure. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

His fingers brushed beneath her bust, tempted to tug on the material.

Damien kissed the back of Eloise’s neck again and whispered, "I think I will be able to get it off you. What a shame we are not truly alone."

Eloise looked at the door, afraid Beatrice had been eavesdropping, but the door was closed.

"She would be able to hear us," Damien said, lowering his hand before he acted too soon. "Just as I heard the two of you speaking. I wouldn’t mind if we are heard, but I know you wouldn’t be able to look her in the eye."

"Don’t fret, Eloise. I am not going to make love to you here in this uncomfortable setting, and before you share that you love me. But, I am tempted to give you some idea of what awaits you," Damien said, his breath tickling Elosie’s skin.

"Should we get a mirror for our bedchamber?" Damien asked, a bold thought entering his mind. "I always want you to see how wonderful you look even in your most vulnerable moments."

"That would be very indecent," Eloise said, trying not to imagine it.

"Well, it would suit the events occurring in the bedchamber," Damien replied. "You look quite lovely in your dress."

"So lovely you would hide me away so no one else could see me?" Eloise asked as a joke.

"Why would I hide you away? I’d rather show you off," Damien said, wanting the town to see his wife. "It would be easier to poke out the eyes of anyone who stares too long than hide you away."

"No, it wouldn’t," said Eloise.

"You underestimate me," Damien replied.