Later that evening, Eliza told Rachel everything that had taken place. She told her how thankful Margaret had been when her necklace was returned. She also told her about the private dinner she would be having with James the following week.
Rachel was beaming from ear to ear. "My word, I believe you have made quite an impression on the Devonshire family."
Eliza chuckled. "I hope so."
Rachel. "I think you have my dear. Do you know what you're wearing for the dinner?"
Eliza shook her head. "I'm not sure. I don't have very many gowns in my closet. Actually, I don't have any. I only have my uniforms."
Rachel. "Well then, I believe we need to go shopping tomorrow. You need a few dresses."
Eliza. "Rachel please, I can wear one of my uniforms."
Rachel put her hands on her hips. "Absolutely not. We are going to Bond Street tomorrow and purchasing you the finest gown."
Eliza. "But Rachel..."
Rachel. "No butts, we are going. You are going to take a break from being a private detective for one night. You are going to be a lady."
Eliza smiled, knowing she was defeated. "All right."
Rachel smiled. "Good, now what color do you want? We need to have some form of an idea."
Eliza thought about that for a moment. "I'm not sure. Maybe red?"
Rachel. "That might work. However, I do believe dark blue suits you nicely as well."
Eliza. "Then we will have to see what we find when we go to the shop."
Rachel smiled. "We certainly will."
Eliza smiled, rising from the settee by the window and making her way into her bedroom. Removing her clothing, she changed into a nightgown and climbed into bed. She was exhausted but satisfied.
Snuggling beneath the blanket, Eliza closed her eyes and fell asleep. She was anxious to find the perfect gown for her dinner with James. Her only fear was that something would go wrong, and she was hoping nothing would.
***
The next day, Rachel and Eliza stepped into the finest dress shop London had to offer. They gazed around the lovely shop, staring at all of the magnificent full length and tea gowns surrounding them. Each one was more beautiful than the last.
Eliza. "Where should we start? All of them are magnificent."
Rachel. "Why don't we start with the tea gowns?"
Eliza smiled, nodding. "That sounds like a perfect idea."
They moved through the selection of tea gowns, looking carefully at each one. All of them were off the shoulder, some having sweetheart neck lines while others had square neck lines. The colors ranged from dusty pink to dark teal.
Rachel. "So? Which one do you like the best?"
Eliza. "I believe I like the dark red one the best."
Rachel. "That one is very lovely. Shall we look at the full length gowns?"
Eliza shook her head. "I believe we can save those for another time."
Rachel nodded. "All right."
After purchasing the dress, Eliza and Rachel stepped out of the shop and climbed into their carriage. They settled back against the tufted seat as the vehicle drove back toward their cottage. They could have easily spent hours in the shop.
Rachel. "Are you looking forward to your dinner with the Duke of Devonshire next week?"
Eliza smiled softly. "I am, very much so."
Rachel. "I'm so glad."
Eliza smiled softly to herself, her heart fluttering with excitement. She was going to be completely alone with James, enjoying a delicious dinner with him at his home. It was going to be only the two of them, with no one else around.
***
The following week, Eliza was standing before her mirror, smiling at her reflection. The dark red tea gown fit her curves perfectly. It wasn't very short or very long, perfectly in the middle. Her hair was fixed into an elegant bun, complete with a dark red hair clip covered with dark red gemstones.
Rachel smiled, stepping into Eliza's bedroom. "You look lovely my dear. I believe the Duke is going to have a very hard time keeping his eyes off you during dinner."
Eliza blushed as she pulled on a pair of cream silk gloves. "Thank you Rachel. Do you really believe he is going to like it?"
Rachel handed her a pair of dark red velvet slippers. "I truly do. You are beautiful Eliza. Never forget that. Besides, you have already made quite an impression on him."
Eliza smiled, sliding into the shoes. "I suppose you're right."
Rachel. "I wonder if his carriage has arrived, I thought I heard one just now."
Eliza checked her reflection one more time before turning and stepping out of her bedroom. "If that is his carriage, he is a bit early."
Rachel handed Eliza her purse, which contain her pistol. "He is prompt."
Eliza took her purse. "He certainly is."
Rachel. "I'll go let him in."
Eliza smiled, taking a seat on the dining room chair to wait for James. She wouldn't deny the fact that she was a bit nervous. This was going to be her first dinner with a nobleman.
Rachel returned a few minutes later, her expression disappointed. "Eliza, it's not the Duke."
Eliza raised one eyebrow. "What do you mean? Who is it?"