Golden Desire Ch. 07

"Alright, if you insist," he relented. Releasing her hand he reached out and brushed a swipe of flour from her cheek. "Until seven," he said softly, leaving the bakery.

Standing in the back, Mrs. Fraser watched the younger couple. As her eyes followed Nicholas out the door, another figure standing out on the street caught her attention. Daniel.

Even from inside the bakery she could see the hurt and anger in his eyes. Her heart went out to the young man. She knew how he felt about Victoria, but also knew that they were not well suited to each other. That they would be happy for awhile but that Victoria would soon grow bored with him. She watched as he stared after the departing coach and then turned and slowly walked away.

As soon as the pies were cool enough to be boxed, Mrs. Fraser pushed Victoria out the door. "Go home and get ready. Style that beautiful hair of yours and wear a scandalously seductive gown."

Laughing, she replied, "Now Mrs. Fraser, you know I don't own anything like that."

Shaking her head, the older woman said, "With a shape like yours, you should. I used to look like you once. Don't look so surprised. I did and believe me, I showed it off." She smiled as she pushed her shoulders back and rose up on her toes. "I used to wear low cut gowns and high heeled slippers all the time." With a wink, she said, "That's how I got Mr. Fraser."

Victoria couldn't help but laugh and felt some of her nervousness disappearing as she hurried home. She tried to do as her employer suggested, but as she stood before her open wardrobe, staring at her meager selection of dresses, she knew she had nothing even remotely seductive. Hesitantly, she pulled out the gown she had worn that first night they had been together. If she wore it, would he remember? Would he misinterpret her intentions and think it was an invitation? What were her intentions, she thought. A quiet dinner, just like they used to have. Just like she had been longing for.

But was that what he wanted? For things to be like they had been in San Francisco? Angrily, she tossed aside the evening gown and pulled out her most conservative dress. She was not going to be his plaything. Her hands rose, tempted to take apart her elaborate hair do as well. But it had turned out so nicely, she thought, hesitating. Shaking away her thoughts, her hands reached for the glossy black curls, just as there was a knock on her door.

Lowering her hands, she went to the door to reveal her landlady, holding a large flat box. It was tied with a faded ribbon and bore traces of dust that had been missed during a recent brushing off.

"Mrs. Fraser had this delivered to you," she said in her typically blunt fashion. "There's a note, " she added, nodding to the top of the box.

After she had gone, Victoria carried the box over to her bed, wondering what it was she had sent her.

After untying the ribbon, she lifted off the lid and delved into the layers of tissue paper, revealing a stunning gown. She stared with awe at the midnight blue silk, delicately beaded with silver and blue and trimmed with an abundance of cream colored lace. As she lifted it from the box, she was amazed by the neckline. It was scandalously low.

She unfolded the note and read, "Never underestimate the power of a beautiful gown. Have fun tonight."

Standing in front of her mirror, she held the dress up against herself. It wasn't that much different from what she had worn at the gambling house. But, of course, tonight's circumstances were entirely different.

"Never underestimate the power, " she whispered.

With a smile she quickly shed her day dress and donned the new gown. The style was slightly dated but it fit perfectly. She sucked in her breath as she pulled the laces tight.

Returning to the mirror to see how she looked, even she was amazed. The neckline was indeed very low and mere scraps of lace sat on her upper arms, masquerading as sleeves.

There were a matching pair of heeled slippers in the box and she was pleasantly surprised to find that they fit as well. Just as she was about to replace the lid, she noticed something else nestled in the tissue paper.

It was a square black velvet box. It was about six inches on each side and very thin. She slowly opened the lid and a gasp escaped her lips. Inside was the most exquisite jewellery. A shimmering, sparkling necklace and matching long dangling earrings lay inside. Clasping the necklace about her neck she wondered if the blue and clear stones were real jewels. Donning the earrings, she took a final look in the mirror and had to admit, she looked stunning.

She fastened a wrap about her exposed shoulders, covering her deep cleavage and picked up the pie boxes. Drawing in a deep breath, she stepped out of the house into the street. She arrived at Nicholas' just before seven and after handing over the pies to Mrs. Rodriguez, she was shown into a parlor to wait for him.