The Elusive Wife by Callie Hutton Read Free Book Online

Olivia’s startled expression with a smirk.
    Purchase an entire wardrobe and have the bills directed to Coventry?
    How lovely that sounded. All her clothes were seriously outdated since their social life in Rome had been non-existent with her father’s propensity for isolation. “Am I permitted to do that?” She whispered, fearing the servants overhearing.
    “Absolutely.” Elizabeth hopped up from the settee, her eyes sparkling with humor. “We will set off early, after breakfast. We have much to do.” She reached down and pulled Olivia to her feet and took her arm. They slowly strolled up the stairs, Elizabeth once again outlining all the lovely things they would purchase and how thrilled the modiste would be to dress Olivia with her stunning coloring and figure.
    After dismissing Rose, who had helped her out of her gown and into her night rail, Olivia burrowed into the warm bed, thinking of all the new gowns and accessories she would need as Lady Coventry. Even more delightful was the picture she envisioned of his lordship’s face when he received the bills. Grinning, she fluffed up her pillow and settled in for a good night’s sleep.
    For the first time in weeks Olivia felt the darkness recede. Being with Elizabeth had done wonders for her already. Now, armed with the title of Lady Coventry, she would visit the best shops and outfit herself as she saw fit. Resorting to something she hadn’t done in years, Lady Coventry giggled, the sound carrying in the night air.

Chapter Five
    “My lady, you look absolutely divine.” Mademoiselle DuBois, a well-known London modiste, gushed as she eyed Olivia. The gown she’d helped her customer into boasted a deep blue velvet underskirt, covered with a paler blue silk overskirt, edged in lace and draped to the side, held with a tiny clip. The low cut bodice clung to her generous breasts and small cap sleeves edged in a thin cream-colored satin band covered only the very top of her arms.
    “With the right hairstyle and jewels you will be stunning. Madam has a most beautiful coloring and form.” The modiste shook the back of the gown, expanding the slight train.
    Olivia viewed herself in the mirror. Her reflection presented the finest gown she’d ever seen. The dark blue color brought out the depth of violet in her eyes. The flush of excitement brought a pink tint to her cheeks.
    Mademoiselle DuBois walked around her, tapping her slim finger against her lips. “Only a few alterations need to be made, my lady. The woman who ordered this lovely gown stood only an inch or two taller than you. Since she has notified me she no longer wants the gown, it is yours. If you will give me a bit of time to pin the hem, I will deliver it to Lady Lansdowne’s home tonight in plenty of time for your party.”
    “That’s wonderful, Madame ,” said Elizabeth. “I can’t tell you how thrilled I am you had something already made up that suits Lady Coventry so well.” She waved her hand. “Now quickly remove the gown. We must hurry to purchase everything else.”
    “Everything else?” Olivia’s voice rose in surprise.
    “Yes, of course. Gloves, undergarments, fans, hair ornaments.” Elizabeth grinned and laced her fingers together like a young debutante.
    Olivia had decided to thoroughly enjoy her day of shopping. Her lack of a social life and the isolation imposed by her father’s preferences hadn’t allowed for many reasons to indulge in buying gowns, dance slippers, and the other fripperies Elizabeth insisted she must have.
    “My lady, when would you like to continue with fabric and pattern selections for your other gowns?” The modiste interrupted Olivia’s thoughts as she slipped the garment over her head.
    Olivia tilted her head, eyebrows raised in Elizabeth’s direction.
    “I think tomorrow morning. Lady Coventry needs a complete wardrobe, but we only have time today for one outfit for this evening’s ball. Shall we say ten o’clock?”
    “We will await your