“You may call me Lady Perri, and this is Deacon.”
“He can’t speak?”
“I speak fine.” Deacon signed, then folded his napkin away precisely, watching the boy imitate him.
“He says he speaks fine.” Perri advised. “He uses sign language to communicate.”
“And you understand him?” Levi’s eyes were wide, impressed. “When I was younger, I had a friend who couldn’t hear.” Suddenly Levi looked pale and scared again.
“What happened to him?”
“I… I don’t know. We were on a ship… and he just disappeared one day.”
Perri could tell from the deeply troubled expression on his face that her son knew exactly what had happened to his friend… Regal. Perhaps his father had just been bored. Or maybe the boy had in some way offended him. She wondered whether Levi had witnessed his father fling the child overboard, or just suspected. Either way, Perri loathed the haunted look in her son’s eyes.
“Come.” Standing up abruptly, otherwise she was going to sweep Levi into her arms and never let him go, and wouldn’t that just scare the life out of him. Some mysterious woman who keeps her face covered absconding with him. “Deacon, Alia and I need outfits for the ball. Dresses. Shoes. Masks. Lead the way.”
They exited the tea shop, following Deacon as he led them through the city streets. Her guide ignoring the signs pointing to the city market square, leading them instead to a narrow street that was cobbled and clean. The shops lining it had large windows, gilt lanterns, and enormous hanging baskets above their doorways dripping with colourful flowers.
Perri had money, but this group of shops screamed exclusive. Unsurprisingly there was a number of carriages already present, recognising the family crests of most of the bridal candidates. Servants milling about in satin livery, watching the horses and waiting to fetch packages.
Whilst their daughters were busy showcasing their talents at this morning’s scheduled gathering, their Mamas and sisters had made haste to the dressmakers and cobblers as soon as they’d read the masked ball invitation.
Damn, they were going to be last in line. Perhaps if they just found a fabric shop, Perri could fashion some outfits. Glancing Deacon’s way, about to instruct him to take them elsewhere, but he was pushing his way through the throng of servants, leaving little choice but to follow him. Levi trailing reluctantly in her wake.
Passing the biggest shop window yet, Perri paused, staring at the mannequin wearing a lush midnight navy confection of silk and gauze. Where the head should be there was nothing but a mass of feathers, a sparkling mask pinned to them. Oh, my. Now there was talent. Perri had no hope of creating two outfits even close to the calibre of such a creation, she just wasn’t that gifted. Deacon breaking the spell of the glamorous outfit by clapping his hands together to get her attention.
“Wait!” But he’d already disappeared inside the shop. Heavens, the lad was mad if he thought who ever owned this establishment and had created that dress would have the time to help a latecomer such as herself in dire need of two dresses. One for an abnormally tall woman.
“Don’t you know who I am?”
“Money is no object.”
“I demand service. I was here first!”
“Mama, Evagene would look beyond divine in that dress in the window if it were done in a pastel shade. She must wear it, the Prince will fall in love with her immediately”
“My sister would look even better in it. And the Prince will immediately ask for her hand in marriage right then and there.”
So many ladies crowded in what was rather a large shop normally, that Perri had to fight the urge to cover her ears, they were just so very strident and loud. Instead, she latched hold of Levi’s wrist, as he was edging back towards the door. She didn’t blame him. She’d like to turn around and leave also, but there had to be a reason Deacon would bring them here, of all these shops.
A bell began to clang, cutting off the ladies in mid word. Perri couldn’t see who spoke, but she recognised their voice immediately.
“Gentle ladies, as I advised, I will only be working with one client and they have arrived. Please make your way to the exit in an orderly fashion. I hope you will return at some future date, when my appointment book is not already full.”
The head of every lady present swivelled to eye Perri. Loathing. Contempt. Disbelief. Outrage. They were just a few of the more mild emotions that flashed across their faces. Then the whispering started.
“Her?”
“Who is she?”
“It’s the wraith who haunts the Palace hallways.”
“It’s the tormented ghost seeking her long lost love.”
“I saw her yesterday, watching the quarry-hammer game.”
“Lady Gloomenthrall.” The man who was forced to elbow his way through the throng of still hovering ladies was slim as a rake, and fastidiously outfitted in a dark purple satin jacket and matching trousers. His raven hair precisely cut, whilst gold rimmed glasses drew attention to dark flashing eyes. He was probably middle aged but had a mischievous smile that made him seem younger. “It’s my honour to renew our acquaintance.” He swept a low graceful bow. “I am beyond humbled that you have chosen my establishment to bless with your patronage.”
