Chapter 4: New Dress
I sit on my coach reading reports from the treasury, waiting for the seamstress. It seems we have enough riches for my plan.
The door swings open and the best seamstress in Villefranche enters. Her short figure bounds into the room with an energy that defies her years. Her entourage waits behind as the door shuts. She is aware of my preference for privacy.
"Lady Capucine, thank you for coming on such short notice." I set my reading aside and stand to greet my guest. She clasps my hands. She is the doting aunt I never had.
"Anything for you my dear Pierrette. It has been ages since you last ordered something." I give a wry smile. It has been months. My father never wanted to pamper me, instead focusing on my half-sisters.
"It has been too long. Come, let us discuss the dress." I gesture to the coach and we both sit.
"What are you imagining?"
"I want something with a simple silhouette. I don't want to use padding, just let it flow. I want it to look like innocence imbodies." She begins to sketch on her pad she brought.
"White is always considered pure. What is the occasion?"
"Perfect. I want foliage embroidery that will match my eyes, bringing out the green in them." I ignore the question she poses. I don't want to worry her.
"Pierrette, what are you planning?" She stops her work to study me with her dark brown pools. She knows my taste enough to know this is not normal. I avoid her eyes. If I start talking, I won't stop. I would open a floodgate of tears.
"I can't talk about it." She embraces me, pulling me to her shoulder.
"You know I am a vault. Tell me anything." She pets my hair reassuring me of her sincerity.
"I have a lot on my plate, and I will break if I talk."
"No you will break if you don't." She is firm. I sigh. There is no reasoning with her once she senses a problem. This is why I love her.
"Duke Jean-Claude fled with Duchess Antoinette and their kids." She stiffens under me, and a tear rolls down my face. "If he hadn't brought them along, he could be looking for support from the king, but he took them, those he finds precious. They abandoned Villefranche to me. They abandoned me." With the last sentence my insecurities overwhelm me, and tears stream down my face.
"They what? Those pigs!" Capucine clamors, indignant at the treatment of my father. She is aware of how little he thinks of me.
I sit up and wipe my eyes, stopping my breakdown there. I don't want to wallow. I have a goal to accomplish.
"I am okay, and I have a plan, but I need a dress."
"Please don't do something rash. Give your father time to come back with help." She cups my cheek in her hand, showing me the affection she has for me.
"I will, but I need to prepare." She nods. She is the one that taught me how your appearance, and especially a dress can alter others perception of you.
"So innocence is your theme."
"Yes, I want it to flow, and look like a timeless beauty."
"You are a classic beauty. Who are you trying to impress?" She rolls her eyes as she repeats her opinion of me. She has always encouraged me.
"Prince Clement-Victor of Varzy." Her eyes widen and she freezes at his name.
"How are you going to get a meeting with him?"
"He is the commander outside of my city." She pales as she realizes the situation. Even if she has nothing to do with war, and strategy she knows the Prince's reputation.
"Please tell me you aren't going to sacrifice yourself." I give a melancholy smile.
"You know how I love this people. They will be destroyed unless I am smart about this. I wont just sacrifice myself, but I will protect my people."
"Don't we have enough food?" her eyes dart around me, looking for hints of my true feelings.
"For several months, but Prince Clement-Victor is known for his ability to clear all opposition. I see the end, and so did my father. He ran away from his responsibility. I will accept mine." Her eyes water, but she nods, knowing my resolve.
"Then lets give you the best chance we can."
"Capucine, don't cry. Everything will work out." It is my turn to comfort her as I stroke her snow-white hair.
We plan the ensemble for half an hour about the specifics before her assistants enter and take my measurements.
"When do you want this done by?" Capucine asks, as they leave.
"The sooner the better, but by 2 weeks."
"No problem Lady Peirrette-Danielle. Good day." She is formal with her assistants in the room, wanting to show a good example. They exit and I have an instant of rest before I need to head to the secret meeting.
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