Hat Trick

by Morris Fenris

  Sally and Leona were giggling over tea when she arrived. Their chatter was that of the appointments that were appearing in the shop today for pickups and fittings. They mused over the fair and the attractive and winced over those they found brutal to lace due to over eating or, the men that insisted on choosing every item of their wife’s wardrobe, regardless of how it made her look like a stuffed sausage or a peeked child. Elisabeth scolded them, with no weight behind it, and the shooed them off to attend to hems and buttons while she scanned the appointments. Her heart stopped when he saw that the Earl of Lovelace was to be present with Countess Adelaide that afternoon. She had forgotten that today was theirs, to be spent with her, as they would see no other,

  Adelaide had been coming to the House of Camille every year, sometimes two or three times, since Elisabeth had arrived in London. In fact, Adelaide had been her first original design here in London. Elisabeth had fashioned her gown for a grand ball that introduced her to society. She remembered it fondly, the dress had been her prized work for that season, and Adelaide’s parents had paid more than handsomely. They were so enthralled with her work that Elisabeth became their sole designer. She had designed ample gowns to mark not only her introduction, but her engagement party and her bridal trousseau.

  Elisabeth worked to straighten out the shop, pull the fabrics she knew Adelaide would love and hung out several new styles she thought befitting her small structure. She recalled how slender and delicate Adelaide appeared when they first met. She was a reflection of delicate porcelain and her mother could not have been more proud of her daughter’s lovely features. Elisabeth knew without question she should be draped in the softest of silks; fabric that not only complimented her fair features but would feel like a whisper against her skin while she wore the garment. She had taken care to measure twice and had Adelaide return for numerous fittings, far more than she required form any customer now. She had wanted the dress to be as perfect as the lady that wore it, but she also wanted to know Adelaide. She enjoyed her light, witty banter and would giggle under her breath when the girl made jest of her mother with such intelligence; her mother was unaware that the amusement was at her own cost.

  Elisabeth fawned over Adelaide claiming she inspired her to higher levels. She would address this seam or that dart, only to rip it out and begin again. Adelaide began to come to the shop on her own while her mother browsed the other shops, becoming bored with the twitter of the two girls. This suited Elisabeth, she preferred to work without the watchful eye and hovering hand. When it was only Adelaide and herself there was a comfort, a comradery, a connection. Being close in age the girls found areas that they could relate to one another. Elisabeth would speak of her desires to be a praised and well sought after designer, never to be swept away to some man’s kitchen. She admitted she could barely boil water on her own, and Adelaide spoke of the adventures she wanted in life. How she wished to travel, to meet foreign men of means and mysterious women and collect fantastic stories to regal her friends with.

  Elisabeth would drape her in sheer laces and silks, and dazzle her with beads and fringe as they pretended to be traveling to India and Morocco, Italy and Asia. They would fall in a heap of fabric and smile at one another, reveling in their secrets and the closeness they felt with one another. Adelaide’s stories made Elisabeth want more than fabric and thread. She supposed that is why she found it odd and shocking to hear that Adelaide was to be married.

  Creating the dress for her engagement should have been an event in happiness, but with each stitch Elisabeth felt as if she were sewing a funeral gown. She was losing a closeness she had grown to treasure. These appointments were not as joyous and often Adelaide’s mother would sit and watch with an inquisitive eye. Elisabeth was certain to be as professional in those moments as she would with any client. Her demeanor was only broken when Adelaide would secretly poke her or wiggle beneath her touch. Elisabeth feared she would stick her with a pin, she fussed so. She would bite her lip and Adelaide would give her a knowing smile.

  When it came to her trousseau, she had more time with Adelaide, time without her mother. Elisabeth longed to ask her what had changed her mind, but during those days, Adelaide was consumed with details for the wedding and she gushed about her finance, Robert. There was a new sparkle in her eye and she would often have to stop the session to catch her breath, she became so overwhelmed with it all. Elisabeth was happy for her and withdrew from their more intimate friendship, allowing their relationship to become more professional and so it remained for a few years.

  Over the last season’s fittings and appointments, Elisabeth began to see the remnants of her old friend reappear. Adelaide would tease her, purposely standing on her tiptoes or shrinking down at the knee, claiming to dress hems too long. Elisabeth would playfully swat at her as if she were a vexing child. These actions were all done in modest, innocent secrecy as her husband Robert seemed to linger near, wanting to have final approval on Adelaide’s choices. Elisabeth liked him enough, but there seemed to be a restraint about him that was bothersome to her and she thought perhaps it had begun to wear on Adelaide too.

  During one of their recent fittings Adelaide had spied a sheer tangerine colored fabric, gauzy and alive. She placed it as a veil over her face and draped it over her hair, pretending to be a harem girl. “Robert lets travel to India.”

  “Don’t be absurd, Darling. The heat alone would be enough to make you take to your bed.”

  Adelaide dropped the fabric and her face fell. “Elisa, make me some harem pants. At least I can pretend.”

  Elisabeth smiled; she knew she would use the exact fabric that had brought the joy and mischief back to her friends face. She had placed a note into the pocket of the pants the day Adelaide arrived to pick up her wardrobe.

  “Adel,

  I know with you there would always be great adventure. May you find it again.

  Elisa”

  She never knew if Adelaide read the note, but in her mind she believed she had. The bells over the door jingled and Elisabeth’s heart jumped.

  * * *

  Chapter 4

  “Adelaide, Robert, welcome.” Elisabeth came out of the back room with a smile on her face. “It is always a delight to have you here. Leona, fetch the Earl and the Countess some tea.”

  Leona scurried off to warm the water while Elisabeth guided the two into the fitting room and had them sit in chairs before the fitting platform. Sally came out in a morning dress and the couple gazed over the outfit, making comments as Elisabeth explained the variations and took notes. They proceeded in this manner for several other combinations until the couple had finished their tea and Elisabeth had excused Sally for the afternoon to attend to her other projects. Leona lingered to attend to any needs or impromptu customers.

  “Countess why don’t you come up and we can drape a few fabrics and begin on the more formal wear now that the everyday attire has been dealt with?” Elisabeth stepped aside and held her hand out to aid the woman up to the platform. Robert was at her other side as quickly as he could get up from the chair, but it was Elisabeth’s hand she took with a light squeeze of her fingers and a fond smile upon her lips.

  “I have a splendid summer organza that would undoubtedly pull the color from your eyes and your hair.” Elisabeth laid the rich light fabric of aqua across Adelaide’s shoulder, holding it over her breast. They all peered into the reflective glass.

  “Oh Elisa, it certainly does. Don’t you agree Robert? Simply splendid, I must have a dress in this.”

  Robert fingered the texture of the cloth and crinkled his nose. “You’d have to stand as a statue anytime you wore it. No I think silks suit you far better, dear.”

  Elisabeth was prepared to take the fabric away and watch Adelaide’s face fall, as she had last season, but the event did not take place. She saw Adelaide straighten her spine and set her jaw.

  “Husband, do you think me a child unable to make a decision on the fabric of a dress suitable to wear
in our circles?” Adelaide’s eyes challenged him.

  “Of course not Adel.” His voice was subdued.

  “Well then perhaps it is Elisabeth’s fault and she has lied to us and this fabric does nothing for my eyes or my complexion, is that so Darling?”

  Robert shook his head. “You will look stunning in a dress of that color.

  “Then we are all in agreement. Robert come help Elisabeth drape it so that we can get a better visual as to the style we want.”

  Elisabeth smirked to herself. It was exciting to see her friend take control. There was a soft twitter of laughter behind the curtain and she excused herself to investigate. Out in the storefront sat Sally and Leona, huddled in hushed whispers and giggles. “Girls please, we have customers and it is inappropriate.”

  “Sorry ma’am. It is odd to hear him in there with you. Should it not be one of us doing the draping and the pinning?” asked Leona.

  “Now you know the Earl likes to be involved, and he certainly isn’t the first. If you cannot contain your candid mockery than perhaps I should dismiss you for the day.”

  Their faces dropped, a missing day’s pay would not be a laughing matter in either of their homes. Elisabeth knew this and she would never carry the threat out. It was enough to have warned them. With a stern gaze she left them to their own devices and apologized to the Earl and the Countess. “Shall we continue?”

  Silks and satins lay over the chairs and the table. Adelaide’s cheeks were flush with color and Robert’s arms were laden with materials. “Let’s try the red silk again, with the black brocade this time.” suggested Adelaide.

  “Oh are you sure Adel, it seems so lady of the evening.” He pouted, but still filed through the fabric searching for the red silk.

  “I do have to agree, Countess. The red is not best suited for you.” She watched as a very becoming smile spread over Robert’s facial features. He nodded to her in gratitude.

  Adelaide put her small fists on her hips, having seen their exchange in the glass. “I see how it is; you two have joined forces against me, now have you?” She tried to keep a hard stare, but soon fell into fits of laughter, taking both their hands in her and swinging them playfully at her sides. Elisabeth felt a surge of affection for Adelaide, it was stronger than it had been years ago and it fought with the reality of her husband standing so close, involved with the same affinity she had for Adelaide.

  She pulled her hand free. “Perhaps a royal blue with the black?” she arranged a swag of fabric over Adelaide’s bodice. “Would you hold this please?” she asked Robert. His fingers replaced hers holding the royal blue silk to Adelaide’s frame. Elisabeth draped black netting over the silk, dulling the sheen and adding richness to the look. Her hands rested upon Robert’s and those upon the collar bones of Adelaide. Adelaide’s eyes sparkled like silver as she smiled at Elisabeth, their faces inches apart, and Robert standing behind. Elisabeth swallowed. “What do you think?” she whispered.

  “Lovely.” Adelaide was not looking at her reflection, she was staring at Elisabeth.

  Warmth filled her cheeks and her eyelids grew heavy. How easy it would be to close the gap between their lips is she so desired. Her eyes closed and she inhaled the lavender scent of Adelaide’s skin. A clearing of the throat brought her from the trance.

  “I have a wonderful idea.” announced Robert as he assisted Elisabeth back away from Adelaide and handed her the swatches of fabric he had been holding. “Let’s have Elisabeth to the Grays. She can finish the fashions at the summer manor.”

  Both women looked at each other, their eyes conveying information their mouths could not speak. “Robert, it’s too short of notice, how can Elisabeth pull herself away?

  “She has help. Surely they can manage for a few weeks. Elisabeth you must, I will pay you double the price for the dresses you complete there. Besides sweet Adelaide, we won’t be able to return for fittings while we are there and I do know how much you enjoy having your wardrobe before any others”

  Adelaide chewed on the fullness of her bottom lip. “We will leave it in your hands. Elisabeth.”

  “Thank you, I do appreciate the offer. I do not know if I can manage, but I will mull it over.” Elisabeth began to collect and sort the items in the room. “I will begin on these straight away.”

  Adelaide laid her hand to Elisabeth’s shoulder. “Consider the adventure.” She whispered and then exited the shop, hand in hand with her husband.

  * * *

  Chapter 5

  “You could have tried harder, Adel?”

  “What do you mean to say, Robert?”

  “Only that if your efforts had been more earnest, then she would have sent word.”

  “Elisabeth is busy woman, Robert. I only sent my latest request two days ago. She will be there, no further word needed. I know it.”

  They had been arguing the fate of Elisabeth’s decision to come to the Grays with them for weeks now. Adelaide had made several more appointments to appear at the shop, and Robert had accompanied her. They boasted of the accommodations, spoke of how she would be a guest and though she would have the finest of spaces to create she would also be welcomed at their table and leisure spaces as she wished. They wanted her to feel comfortable and a friend not a servant.

  Adelaide had purchased a carpet bag and a steamer for her to pack in and had Robert deliver them with a note card. Robert had reiterated upon their delivery that he wished for her to accompany them, knowing it would bring joy to Adelaide if she would kindly accept the invitation. Elisabeth, said she had much to discuss and prepare with her girls before she could be fully certain of making any lengthy trips away from the House of Camille. She had clients to attend to and deadlines to meet. Robert brought the news back to Adelaide with less certainty that she would be making the journey.

  “You should have gone with me to deliver the gifts.” he accused.

  “You know full well I had tea arranged already that afternoon.”

  They continued to bicker as their carriage was loaded with trunks and belongings. Robert would do anything for Adelaide. He had grown to care deeply for her and when she became distant like this, it tore at his heart. He took her hand and led her to the step of the carriage assisting her into the velvet seat. “Adel, I only wanted you happy.”

  She turned and kissed his cheek, then slid over away from the door, allowing him to enter the hollow of the carriage and close the door behind him.

  They rode in silence each involved in their own thoughts, although neither had heard word from Elisabeth the carriage made its way to her small apartment in hopes that she might be there. A young boy sat on the step of the building, a House of Camille note card in his hands. He ran to the driver and passed the card up to his waiting hand. Adelaide leaned to stare out though the glass of the window. A jerk of the rigging, the horses moving forward, sent Adelaide back into her seat. Robert reached to make certain she was not jarred to heavily. She pushed his hand aside, obviously upset that he had been right and her efforts had not been enough to convince Elisabeth to accompany them.

  The carriage brought them from the chateau, to Elisabeth’s and now made its way further into London. “We should be heading away from the city by now.” Adelaide commented.

  Robert wrapped on the window glass behind the driver’s seat. The carriage slowed and then pulled to the side. The man opened the door to the carriage and allowed Robert to step free of its confines. “Why have we…”

  Standing on the sidewalk of Bond Street was Elisabeth, the new caret bag on her arm and a steamer trunk of fabric and notions at her feet. He could not hide his smile. “A pleasure to have you with us, Elisabeth.” He extended his hand out to her and assisted her up and into the carriage while the driver arranged her belongings. There was a loud screech of joy, followed by laughter and Robert knew his wife was happy once again.

  The trio rode through the streets of London in an air of celebration. Adelaide’s words flowed freely as she explained how they had
their doubts, but she knew in her heart of hearts that Elisabeth would not let them down. She rattled on about the teas they would have, and tennis on the courts, with games of croquette on the lawn and morning strolls by the sea. Elisabeth sat quietly and took it all in. She wasn’t sure why she had made her final decision to go, but she felt that she would be drowning in sorrow if she did not.

  “Now Adel, Elisabeth if our guest but let’s not overwhelm her and deter her from her work.”

  Adelaide waved his concern away. “There will be plenty of time for her to sew and enjoy a vacation too. One cannot simply go to the Grays and sit locked in a room day and night. I won’t have it.” She rested her hand on Robert’s knee and gave it a gentle squeeze, he replied by placing his hand over hers and smiling. His wife was content with him one more.

  They took lunch at the midpoint, the driver setting up a small table and folding chairs so that the ladies might stretch their limbs and partake in finger sandwiches and tea, while the horses had water and a short rest. Robert hovered nearby as the women enjoyed the warmth of the sun and the fresh air. Adelaide smiled with adoration and warmth whenever her eyes met the sapphire pools that she had fallen so hard for. It was times like these, the simpler, quieter moments that she found more in Robert. It was now that she wished to be close to him.