After Rosalind had chosen to keep the emerald gown, Alaric turned to the merchants and said, "Give the remaining gowns to the other mistresses and let them choose whatever catches their fancy," and at once the merchants bowed before beginning to gather the rest so they could be delivered just as he had ordered.
Even as they packed, Rosalind's thoughts refused to leave the red dress behind, the very one Alaric had said was for after the ball, and the thought of it made something twist uneasily in her stomach as she wondered what exactly he had in mind for her. The moment he turned to look at her, she quickly pushed those thoughts aside, though the warmth lingering in her cheeks betrayed where her mind had gone, and Alaric only smirked as though he could read every single one of them.
"You should head back now, Rosalind, and continue your practice. After all, you still have to impress me with the dance," he said.
