Chapter 38: The Lady and the Pure White Dress (2)

Mrs. Macy turned her to the large mirror and asked, 'What do you think?'

'It...it looks lovely.'

Unlike the kind of dresses that unmarried ladies wore, there were neither frills nor an over-abundance of ribbons. It was a simple design that aimed to flatter the wearer's features. Amber thought the dress rather suited her defiant features and nature.

Mrs. Macy softly smiled at Amber who was blushing at her image.

'Lady Amber, seeing you in this dress makes me realize that clothing without many frills will suit you better, don't you think so, Mrs. Katri?'

Katri came closer and nodded in agreement, 'Yes, you look beautiful, milady.'

'Thank you, Mrs. Macy. Thank you, Katri.' Amber said with a happy smile at the two women.

Mrs. Macy clapped her hand happily, 'Soon, you won't be restricted in what you wear. I believe that your grace and beauty will be more polished than before.'

For unmarried ladies, they were fashion-fixed to only pastel-colored dresses that supposedly represented freshness. On the other hand, married women had no restrictions on what colors or styles they wore. (Zuben: How does this make sense to restrict what colors young ladies trying to get married wear - I never understood the dictates of fashion)

'Congratulations, Lady Amber. I am glad you were able to meet a good man like His Majesty.'

Amber gave a wry smile and replied, 'Maybe…'

Mrs. Macy and Katri fell into a discussion about Amber' future fashion after she was married.

With the help of a friendly seamstress, Amber began to take off the wedding dress. She had once heard from Mrs. Macy that a bride wore white on her wedding day had meaning. The white denoted purity and innocence.

She had thought it was suitable for a young lady without impurity to wear pure white when she heard. But now, Amber has lost her purity. (Zuben: *roll eyes*) Although, in this case, the person who took it was going to be her husband, so it would not be a problem if things were not happening in order. In truth, it was rather common for couples to get married and have a baby that came a bit early in the timeline.

That being said, she had used a love potion to get her husband. She did not feel as though she had the right to wear white. (Zuben: You should wear black and mope around)

When she looked at herself in the mirror, her heart was painful with guilt.

She sighed. The seamstress helping her tilted her head in askance, 'Lady Amber, are you having wedding blues?'

'Hm?... Er, no...that…' It was impossible to deny, so Amber did not say more. She realized if she said no, she would have to explain the reason for her glumness.

The seamstress smiled as she said, 'You don't have to worry; His Majesty the King loves you very very much. He even-'

'Colette! Do I have to remind you to move your hands not your mouth?' Mrs. Macy said sharply.

Colette's eyes widened at the admonishment. She cast her gaze down, 'I'm sorry, Mrs. Macy.'

She curtsied to Amber, 'Pardon me, Lady Amber.'

Amber shook her head denoting she didn't mind at all. Colette dutifully helped Amber take off her dress.

He even…?

What was Colette going to say?

Maybe that even though His Majesty was not good with women, he was only fine with Amber…?

That was likely. Even amongst the commoners, they would hear about the rumors that the King was not good with women, especially if they work in a shop frequented by aristocratic ladies.

Amber was convinced that was the case. She picked up her day dress to wear when Mrs. Macy stopped her.

'Lady Amber, do you mind trying one more dress on?'

'Mrs. Macy…?'

'I'm sorry to trouble you, but I would like you to try this dress on, Lady Amber.'

Ernest had sent her to try on the wedding dress before it was completed. Nothing had been said about other dresses being ordered.

Mrs. Macy smiled softly, 'It is a bit sad, but I made a dress for a customer but due to spraining her ankle, she isn't able to attend her fitting. She is of similar sizing to you, so I hope you will help me with this dress.'

Amber frowned. She wasn't busy today. Rosemary could not have any embroidery tutoring because she had a whole day of lessons.

'Of course,' Amber said, 'I am happy to help.'

'Thank you, Lady Amber.' Mrs. Macy gave a relieved sigh.

Amber was more tired because of accumulated fatigue, so trying on the dresses was an extra effort. It could not be helped that she was distracted. Yet, no matter how similar in size two women were, it was impossible to size a dress for one woman with another.

(Zuben: Modern-day clothing store do it)

Amber didn't think much of it because she was so sleepy but she wondered; for whom, was such a wonderful dress that robbed eyes and hearts?

One night a week later...

[1] I did some research - more than I do for these novels and found Amber makes a type of lace called Filet Lace which is embroidered on a lace net. See wiki hyperlinked.