The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck Page B

was pure. But was Phillip? Her heart beat at the memory of his skilled touch.
    “I do believe this shade is perfect for your skin. Please, dear, over here.” Mrs. Caruthers guided Emily to the stool in the middle of the room and had her step up. Then she held a corner of the satin to Emily’s cheek. “Yes, quite lovely. Shall we decide on a design? I have Goody’s books over here.”
    Mother held up pages while Emily stood for Mrs. Caruthers’s measurements.
    “You’re a full-figured one, ar Sgurspan>
    “Twenty-two is fine with me. I prefer eating. And breathing.”
    “Eating?” Mrs. Caruthers arched her brow. “It’s quite evident.”
    Emily shot her mother a look.
    “We’ll discuss it, Mrs. Caruthers. Thank you for your concern.”
    Concern? Mother could be too kind. Emily refused to cut off her air or her stomach, for the sake her figure. Northern girls might want to eat like birds, but Southern girls were robust and hearty. Emily glanced wistfully at the window. The woman she’d seen with Phillip was slender, her petite figure molded by her corset.
    “The style is for a thin bride.” Mrs. Caruthers surveyed Emily over her glasses. “I’d think you’d take my opinion on that considering whom you are marrying, Miss Canton.”
    “I’d prefer you keep your opinions to yourself.” Emily stepped off her stool, feeling as if she might faint. “Mother, please—”
    “Emily Canton, you know full well Mrs. Caruthers is merely advising you. It’s why we’ve retained her excellent services.” Mother pandered quite well. “She’s designed gowns for Birmingham’s most noted families. Now, please, find your good humor and see what design suits you.” Mother tapped a picture in the book. “This style would be lovely on you.”
    Emily leaned to see. The gown was ostentatious. And the folds and pleats in the back looked a bit too much like the gown the willowy woman in the street was wearing.
    “It’s too ghastly and heavy. I’ll suffocate wearing that much material. Please, keep my gown simple, Mrs. Caruthers.” Emily just wanted to go home, hop on one of Father’s mares, and race up to Red Mountain to clear her head, think, lift her heart to God’s.
    Then, perhaps when Phillip came to dinner, she’d find the courage to speak to him about what she’d witnessed today. Though, so far since their engagement, little communication had passed between them using words. Mostly he spoke with impassioned kisses and intimate intonations.
    Well, tonight she’d sit on the other side of the parlor, away from his reach. Perhaps suggest a game of cribbage or dominoes.
    In the light of day, Emily blushed at what certainly must be the main issue on Phillip’s mind. Their wedding night. But if she’d learned anything from meeting up with Daniel last week, it was to get her feelings out in the open.
    “What shall we do to secure your ser Scur3">
    “I’ll write up a work order, Mrs. Canton. You pay half as the deposit. I’ll need Emily to decide on a gown pattern and how many bridesmaids as soon as possible. Of course, she’ll need to choose a pattern for their dresses as well. We’ll also need to start sewing on her trousseau right away. I have a standard offering of gowns and lingerie that I think Miss Canton will find suitable.”
    “Certainly. How generous. Do you have a brochure in case Mr. Canton and I want to add to Emily’s trousseau?”
    “I do indeed. Take the Goody’s book for the evening and make your choices. I’ll expect your deposit by the end of the week. As you know, I’m quite in demand.”
    Emily didn’t care for Mrs. Caruthers speaking down to Mother. After all, Father with his exchange company was fast becoming one of the most prominent men in Birmingham, perhaps even all of Alabama.
    “Only one dressmaker in this city compares to me, but I’ll never have to worry about her infringing on my business. She’s quite at the disadvantage.”
    “How so?” Emily stepped between