Preparations

Florence was woken early the next morning. Even though she went to sleep quite early, she still felt tired when Rilla pulled the curtains open. She moaned in objection, but Rilla did not stop.

"My lady, the dressmaker will be arriving in a few minutes," she informed her.

"What? The sun is not even fully out."

"You have a busy day ahead of you, my lady."

"Yes, yes, everyone keeps saying that."

Florence dragged herself out of bed and allowed Rilla to help her get ready. She did not even have time for breakfast because the dressmaker was already waiting for her.

'What time did she even wake up?' Florence knew that the capital was a few hours away from Luberik.

"Good morning, dear," Sofia greeted her with a wide smile. Emma was also sitting on the settee next to her mother-in-law.

"Good morning."

"Oh my, the bride-to-be is quite the beauty."

Florence's head tilted to the side, to the source of the voice. Her eyes landed on a beautiful young woman. The dressmaker could not have been older than five and twenty.

For some reason, Florence thought that she would be at least in her forties, given her fame and talent. But the woman in the flashy dress standing before her was only a few years older than her.

"Lady Kalwen." The woman bowed when Florence did not respond to her compliment. "Kassandra Sauer, at your service."

Florence blushed immediately and nodded at her. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Madame Sauer."

"Please, call me Kassandra." The seamstress flashed her a dazzling smile. The woman was a beauty herself. "Shall we begin, then?"

The next few hours passed in choosing fabric, deciding on designs, and taking measurements. And the next few days were no different. Florence was asked to help make decisions regarding the wedding. The marquise even included her in choosing the decor for the manor–a grand building a few yards from the main castle, where she and Henry would be living after the wedding. Florence had never made as many decisions in her entire life.

Richard and the countess dowager joined the Flocks as planned. Florence was immediately reminded of her mother's condescension when she commented on her tired appearance. "A few days away from me and you cannot even present yourself correctly." She had said.

'Why couldn't she be sweet and caring like Lady Sofia?'

Florence sighed and took a sip of her tea, ignoring the hurtful words.

"We have had so much to do in such a short time." Lady Flock smiled at Florence. "Speaking of which, would you mind going to the capital with Henry? Madame Sauer requested that you do your dress fitting in her shop. It would make any adjustments easier."

"Surely, you plan on sending someone else to accompany the two," Lina interjected.

Sofia chuckled. "They are to marry in a few days, Lady Kalwen."

"I do not mind," Florence said before her mother could respond.

Lina glared at her daughter but said nothing. The travels had really taken a toll on her, and she did not even have the energy to argue.

"Off you go, then." Sofia smiled.

"Oh…alright." Florence suddenly became nervous. She had not spoken to Henry since the catastrophic carriage ride. She knew she could not avoid him forever, but she did not feel ready to face him yet.

Rilla helped her get ready for her outing, then she walked to the front entrance where the carriage was already waiting for her.

"Finally," Henry uttered in exasperation as soon as Florence entered the carriage. "I do not have all day, you know."

Florence was taken aback a bit. "My apologies, I did not know you were already waiting for me," she mumbled before taking a seat.

"Let us not waste any more time, Reid," Henry called to the coachman.

"Yes, my lord."

As soon as Rilla sat next to Reid, his whip cracked and the horses started to move.

The ride was short. Compared to their journey from Geiranger, it was only three hours, but it was silent and stiff. The carriage finally came to a stop in front of an extravagant dress shop.

"How long is it going to take you?" Henry shot, annoyance still apparent in his tone.

"I–I don't know, why? Are you not waiting for me?" Anxiety suddenly washed over her body.

"I came here because I have business in the capital. I can pick you up after you finish."

"I am not sure how long it will take, maybe an hour or so."

"Take your time, I will be back in an hour and a half."

"Alright," Florence uttered. She did not really have the right to argue.

She took hesitant steps to the shop, closely followed by Rilla. She had never ventured to dress shops alone, her mother was always there. It was a strange feeling to her, but she did not dislike it.

"Welcome to Madam Sauer's Shop," a tall employee greeted as he opened the glass door for them. The chimes rang and a few heads turned their way.

As soon as Florence entered, she could feel every woman's stare on her. The whispers followed shortly after. She took a deep breath before walking deeper into the shop.

The place was large and luxurious. For a moment, Florence wondered how a young woman, whose background was humble, could own such an establishment. But the thought vanished as soon as her eyes landed on the different dresses displayed around the shop. They were all unique and splendid.

'Beautiful.'

"Lady Kalwen," Kassandra greeted. "So good to see you again. Welcome to my humble shop."

'Humble?' Florence smiled.

"Thank you, Madame Kassandra."

"Please, follow me. There is a private room upstairs, ready for you."

Florence felt relieved. A private room was exactly what she needed right now. They walked behind the shop owner toward the stairs, eyes still following them. She could not hear all their whispers, but the snippets that reached her ear were more than enough.

"...they were found in a compromising situation…"

"...I did not take her for such a woman…"

"...poor Marquis Galley, he really fancied her…"

"...that is what happens when you grow up without a father authority…"

Florence halted. She was tempted to turn around and confront whoever brought up her father. She wanted to scream at them and tell them to leave her deceased father out of this. But a cool hand squeezed her shoulder.

"The rumors will soon disappear to leave room for new ones, don't let their barking bother you," Kassandra whispered. "Right this way, my lady," she said, louder this time. "I am so honored that the Flocks and the Kalwens have chosen me to make your wedding dress."

Florence smiled. Kassandra's words were comforting. She nodded and followed her up the spiral stairs.

'I really like her.'