The girls ran out of the study, not even bothering to look back. Jane and Colin could hear their heavy steps as they ran and shouted at each other till they got to Louisa’s room. At this rate, they’d wake up the whole household.
“For someone who spent the whole day at the dressmaker’s, you don’t seem to have a bag of yours.” Colin pointed out once the girls’ noise subsided.
“Who said I didn’t?” Jane smirked. She sat on the settee and yawned heavily. Her whole body ached. She needed a bath, food, and sleep
“You seem fatigued,” he observed
“Yes, yes I am,” she admitted “but the girls will have my head if I disappear to my room, after all, they waited all day for me.”
“Sadly,” his eyes warmed, “Not to be an uncaring husband but I’d love to see you try on your dresses too.”
“I’d love to show them to you, the boxed are just outside….” She stood mid-speech as Colin walked towards the door as if to retrieve them.
“Where are you going?” She pointedly asked.
“To get the clothes for you, of course.” He stopped in his tracks and turned to look at her.
Jane’s face flushed furiously as she remembered the nightgown Prudence had convinced her to get made when she went to the modiste a few days ago.
“Colin will love you in this,”the dowager’s voice resounded in her mind. Originally she had gone to get clothes for the girls, but she had given in and done as the older woman suggested.
She covered her face with her hands, but Colin had already seen her blush. He tilted his head and watched her curiously.
“No, you don’t have to go get it,” Jane vehemently spoke. “I’ll get it.” She painfully stood up and retrieved the rest of the boxes.
He kept watching her as she kept them by the side of the settee and sat down back.
Jane saw the look on Colin’s face and knew she was up for some interrogation. She knew that look oh too well. Colin would try to push her till she showed him what she bought. There was no way she was going to let that happen. She steeled her mind, ready for his mental assault.
“So, would you change into them here or would you go up to your room?” he pushed.
“I won’t be changing into them.” She answered
“But why? I know you are tired, but it will be a better use of our time if you let me see you in them.” He said with a smirk on his face and Jane was certain he was doing this on purpose.
“Colin. I’d rather not,” She sternly replied
“Why not? I’m your husband, I should be the first to see you in them.” He said in exasperation.
Her cheeks burned again. He didn’t have to say that. It only made her remember the nightgown. He shouldn’t just be the first to see them. He should be the only one to see them.
Colin seemed amused by her reaction. He sat on his table, hands crossed on his chest, and pointedly look down at her. She fidgeted with his gaze on her.
“If you won’t wear them. I would love to just see them, bring them out from the bag,” he commanded.
She wished she had hidden them before coming to meet him. But she couldn’t do anything about that now. She couldn’t bear the embarrassment if he saw her nightgowns among the dresses.
“You won’t speak, you won’t try on the gowns neither do you want to show them to me.” He acted offended. “It’s only making me more curious,”
But Jane was resolved. She feared he would grab the bag and go through them but she was saved by the girls.
Thundering noise filled the house as they ran down the stairs. Soon, they floated into the room like little princesses.
“Uncle, look at me, I’m a princess!” Louisa exclaimed as she danced around Colin who was beaming like the sun. Her gown was a beautiful green with puffed sleeves and a flowing skirt. It had a beautiful white ribbon bow attached at the back. It complemented Louisa's skin perfectly. Jane was pleased with her selection.
Margaret stood tall in a similar gown but in a dashing purple. She threw around her skirt and soaked in her uncle’s admiration.
“You both look so beautiful,” Colin cooed. He held their hands and played around in circles with them, making their long skirts flow beautifully.
