Avaline tried to ignore Yolanda's probing questions on the way home. However, even Avaline didn't know how to answer. Her heart was set on courting Sebastian, yet the future was a surprise. With Lord Ross, she could already imagine what sort of future she would have with him. Avaline had already told Charles of her choice. All that was left was to set it into motion. Was she ready for it?
As Avaline was dropped off at home, Yolanda promised to send her the supplies for the invitations. Avaline smiled as she took her time walking toward the door. She spun her umbrella in her hands, casting twirling shadows on the ground.
Despite taking care of Delilah, Sebastian had done a lot for her even without having to ask. Other than helping his sister, what had she done for him? Was there something she could do to repay him?
As Avaline stepped inside her home, an idea struck her. Spurred by inspiration, Avaline stopped by Charles's office. The sooner she acted on it, the calmer she would be.
***
The following morning, Avaline woke to a sharp knock on her door. With a groan, she sat up. The darkness almost lured her back to sleep.
"If you're coming into town," Charles said. "Dress quickly."
"I'll be right down," I called out.
Yawning, Avaline climbed out of bed. Another knock and Lottie entered the room with a jug of water. The maid poured the water into the basin and stepped back. After washing her face, Avaline started undressing. As she did, Emily gathered Miss Margie's commission pieces in the bag, folding them carefully.
"You worked hard on these," she commented.
Dressing, Avaline smiled at her. "It's all I can do now."
Lottie offered a smile. "You and all the masters are working hard for the Stark's name. If the Madam - oh, my apologies! I didn't mean-"
Avaline shook her head. "I know what you meant," she told her. "I wish for the same."
Lottie zipped the bag closed before walking closer to Avaline. "If I may," she began, "I have family in the south. They run their hospital with the grace of the King."
"What do you want to say?" Avaline put her hand on her hip.
Lottie wrung her hands nervously. "I haven't spoken to Lord Charles about this, but with the soldiers coming back, there's been a lot of sickness of the mind. I heard about getting madam treatment."
"The cost," Avaline began. "It might not be something we can afford."
"The late Lord Stark was a well-decorated soldier," Lottie said. "My family operates on the funding from the kingdom."
"You didn't want to stay with your family?"
She shook her head. "I had no talent, and I wanted to travel."
Avaline bit her lip. "Well, I'll send a letter and inquire about their services. Thank you, Lottie."
Lottie bowed.
The house was quiet and dim as Avaline walked down the stairs. It was too early for the twins to be awake yet. Faint light came from the floor above. Probably Elaine with Madam Stark.
Downstairs, Avaline arrived in the foyer just as Charles walked out of the dining room. In one hand, he held the morning paper. On the other hand, bread. Wordlessly, he handed her the piece of bread.
"I don't mean to rush you," he said, "but I have a meeting with the bank."
The questions bubbled on Avaline's tongue, but she ate her bread instead. A cool breeze greeted the Stark siblings outside. Shivering, Avaline pulled her elbow-length clock tighter. Peter, the coachman, waited outside and greeted them with a tip of his hat. Avaline tucked her bag on the seat and settled against the worn seats.
On the way into town, Avaline nibbled on her bread. She had her own problems to worry about. With the fee from this commission, there should be enough to cover Anna's and Brian's clothes for Dominic's birthday. Yolanda had mentioned in her latest letter that they plan to host a picnic for families and a ball in the evening.
It also helped that Lord Ross had brought gifts. Yet, they had to be returned. While Lord Ross hadn't mentioned anything about engagement gifts, why else would he have gifted them anything? The thought was behind it, even if it wasn't spoken.
As for Avaline. . . If Lord Nightingale came as her escort, wouldn't they have to match our outfits? At the thought, her face grew hot. Dominic's birthday would be their first official appearance in society. Would Lord Nightingale approve of it?
Avaline took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. First things first, she had to reject Lord Ross. He had mentioned a dinner, so that would be her chance. Unless they met on a separate occasion, and Avaline wasn't thrilled about that idea.
Next, she'd have to write to Lord Nightingale and ask him to be her partner. Then she could have to calculate the cost of the twins' outfits before deciding on my own gown. Elaine had gowns in her wardrobe that she could wear thanks to her mother. Vivian might attend, and so would Charles. Though perhaps if Elaine didn't attend, he'd stay home. Or maybe he would drop by to pay his respects to his peers. So, the cost...
"Someone is in a good mood."
Startled, Avaline flinched. Her bread was forgotten in her hands. Embarrassed, she glanced at Charles. His gaze hadn't moved away from the morning paper.
"My apologies," she muttered.
His gaze didn't waver. Avaline cleared her throat. It was only fair to let him know of her plan before he heard it from someone else.
"Do you think," she began. She trailed off. "I'm going to ask Lord Nightingale to escort me to Lord Vann's birthday."
Charles looked up. He carefully folded the paper. "Your partner," he began. He shook his head. "Is that who you wish?"
"You'll let me?"
Charles gave her a look. "You're not a child any longer, Ava," he said with a sigh. "It has always been your choice."
"You didn't seem too happy about it at first," she reminded him.
The carriage rattled. Avaline gripped the seat tightly as her bum was lifted in the air. She sucked in a sharp breath.
Unbothered, Charles said, "I still don't feel comfortable about it. However, I know you need to make your own decisions."
"I'm grateful my brother is so open-minded," Avaline whispered.
He clicked his tongue. "All I ask is that you're careful. I don't know how to face Father-" He trailed off.
Avaline's chin trembled. "I won't have a scandal," she promised.
"As long as you reject Lord Ross first, then you can invite whoever you want."
"I will."
***
The coachman dropped Avaline off in front of Needle Point first before taking Charles to the bank. Peter tipped his hat at her wave before driving away. The store was on the verge of opening. When Avaline stepped inside, Margie greeted her with a smile.
"I come bearing gifts," Avaline announced and held up the bag.
"You work quickly." Margie grinned. "The client will be pleased."
Happily, she took the bag from Avaline, and they walked upstairs. Every time Avaline came, the closet looked different. Today, many of the supplies have been organized and labeled. New spools of thread and cloth hung from the walls. As Avaline looked around the room, Margie had started inspecting the pocket squares.
"Just with a quick look, I can tell you didn't rush the work," she said. "I'll need to continue inspecting them before they're delivered to the client."
"Thank you," Avaline said.
She paused in front of a navy blue fabric that shimmered as Avaline turned her head. It would be lovely to have a gown of that color. She thought of Sebastian's wardrobe and thought better of it. He didn't wear much blue.
"Will you receive payment like last time?"
"Yes," Avaline said. "I'd like to prepare a few clothing items for my siblings. They're children."
"Is it with the appointment with Lady Kain?" she asked.
Avaline bit her lip. "Yes," she admitted. "I will bring them with me that day."
"Nothing for yourself?"
Heat rose to Avaline's face. "I have yet to decide on what my escort will wear."
Margie's eyes twinkled in curiosity. "Are you thinking of matching clothes?"
Avaline cleared her throat. "That was the idea, but it might be too soon. Perhaps if they're the same color. I'll know soon and will let you know."
"Decide quickly."
"I will."
Avaline continued her way around the room and stopped before a dark purple fabric bolt. Ideas blossomed in her mind.
"Find something you like?" Margie inspected the second pocket square.
"Yes," Avaline said. "I'd like a yard of this fabric."
Margie glanced at it. "Sure. Let me finish up here. Any thread?"
Avaline crossed the room toward the colorful spools. The gold and silver threads caught her eye.
"These as well," Avaline said.
She wrung her hands together, calculating the cost. Would she have enough for what she needed? She had kept some of the money from the governess job thanks to Elaine, but was it a good idea to spend it all in one day?
"I'll wrap them up for you."
Clenching her jaw, Avaline smiled. There was more to life than paying bills. Once in a while, it was worth splurging if only to bring about some measure of control.
After Margie wrapped up the supplies, Avaline stepped out into the street with her bag in tow. Charles wouldn't finish any time soon, and she had time to spend. Taking a deep breath, Avaline headed toward the book shop. If she were to stand at Lord Nightingale's side, there were things she needed to know.