The Dressmaker's Christmas

by Eliza Lawley

  Suddenly, the carriage lurched, tossing Holly from her seat. She cried out, clutching at the box to keep it from crashing to the floor. After several more minutes of gut-wrenching rocking, the carriage came to a full stop. Holly caught her breath and slowed her racing heart before opening the door. She poked her head out to investigate.

  “What happened?” she called up to the driver.

  He turned towards her, tipping his hat. “Apologies, miss. One of the ‘orses took a fall. I ‘ad to pull us off the road.”

  “How long will we be delayed?”

  “There’s no sayin’. If the ‘orse has twisted ‘er leg, we’ll be stuck ‘ere. I’ll have to walk to town to find help.”

  Holly closed her eyes and groaned. Lady Chesterford was expecting her dress that day, and she was sure the woman wouldn’t be pleased if it were delayed. She might not wish to do business with Edie again, and that would but a blight on the dressmaker’s growing reputation.

  Thanking the driver, Holly ducked back into the carriage and slumped onto the bench.

  Her mind raced as she thought of a plan.

  They couldn’t be far from the Chesterford’s estate. Perhaps she could finish the journey on foot, and secure another carriage to take her back into London?

  No other plan was forthcoming, so Holly hauled the dress box out of the carriage and explained her plan to the driver. He pointed her in the right direction, and she set out on foot, determined to deliver the dress on time.

  She wouldn’t let Edie down.

  Snow crunched under her feet and the cold air made her breath appear as a puff of cloud in front of her, but she was soon sweating beneath her layers of winter-clothing. The box was heavy, and with each step she took, its weight seemed to increase. Before long, she was huffing and puffing, grumbling to herself that she should have stayed with the carriage. Just then, the sound of hooves clomping behind her made her stop and whirl around with a hopeful grin. Had the horse recovered?

  Her shoulders slumped in disappointment when she saw that the approaching carriage was not hers. It was a very fine-looking vehicle, though, and she took a step back to watch it pass and avoid getting sloshed with dirty snow. To her surprise, the carriage pulled up in front of her and came to a stop. The door swung open, and a handsome young man with a kind face and sparkling blue eyes leaned out.

  “Are you in need of assistance, miss?”

  Holly frowned, though not because of his question. There was something so familiar about the man, she was sure they had met before. She just couldn’t quite place her finger on when or where. Realising she was staring rather rudely, Holly nodded.

  “Yes, please, sir. I’m on my way to Hamilrow to deliver this package to Lady Chesterford, but one of my horses went lame. I thought I could walk the rest of the way, but it’s proving more difficult than I anticipated.”

  There was a mischievous glint in his eyes when he answered. “I know the Chesterfords well. In fact, I’m on my way to the estate myself. Would you like a ride?”

  Relief swept through her. “Yes, please! That would be so wonderful.”

  The man jumped down from the carriage and relieved her of the dress box. Offering his hand, he helped her up into the carriage, and followed her inside. They settled across from each other. He was still smiling, and the familiarity of his face… his twinkling eyes... grew stronger.

  As they studied each other, Holly became self-conscience. The hem of her gown was dirty, and strands of her wild hair had escaped her chignon and was frizzing around her flushed face. She ran a hand across her temple to try and tame her appearance.

  “Thank you again for helping me,” she said, nervously, feeling awkward under his gaze.

  His smile was charming. “Just promise me you won’t attempt to jump off any bridges we might cross along the way.”

  Holly gasped as recognition slammed through her. She felt so foolish. How could she not have remembered him right away? She stared in shock at her Christmas Eve rescuer. The man who had saved her life and brought her to Edie. The man she hadn’t been able to get out of her head for nearly a year.

  “I don’t believe we were properly introduced. I’m Thomas.” He leaned towards her, and her heart skipped a beat. “And you are?”

  It took her a moment to find her voice, and when she did, it was just a whisper. “Holly. My name is Holly.”

  Chapter 13

  “This is Hamilrow?”

  “I suppose it is rather impressive if you’ve never seen it before.”

  Holly turned from the carriage window to gape at Thomas. “How do you ever get used to a place like this?”

  Sprawling lawns covered in sparkling white clean snow, with a border of tall snow-covered trees to conceal the property. They crunched their way down a long gravel drive towards the manor. It was the most beautiful home Holly had ever seen. Compared to the Clements’ house — which her naïve mind had always considered very fine — Hamilrow was a palace.

  Holly was exhausted, and was still shivering from cold when they’d entered the tall iron gates that secured the property from the outside world. But seeing the house, she’d been reenergised with excitement and awe.

  Thomas chuckled as she stared out of the window in wonder.

  “I suppose I’ve grown cynical over the years but watching you now, I wish I could see this place through your eyes.”

  “Do you visit often?” She glanced over her shoulder at him and caught the dip in his smile.

  “Not as often as some would like, I imagine.”

  She wasn’t sure what that meant, and opened her mouth to question him further, but the carriage came to a sudden halt. Her heart raced as her nerves kicked in. A footman opened the door and offered his hand. She hesitated, peeking back at Thomas.

  “I’m right behind you,” he assured her.

  Releasing a deep breath, she took the footman’s hand and stepped out of the carriage onto the drive. Thomas dropped down next to her, the gown box in his arms.

  As they approached the house, the front door was opened for them by the butler.

  “Sir,” the old man said with a nod of his head.

  “Hello, Buxton.”

  Thomas strolled into the house with no hesitation, and Holly hurried after him, casting the butler a wide-eyed look. His expression was stoic as he watched her pass, giving nothing away.

  As she and Thomas walked through the huge foyer, two maids appeared in their path. When they spotted Thomas, they smiled and dipped into shallow curtsies.

  “Good day, Sir Thomas,” they spoke in unison.

  He tilted his head in acknowledgement. “Is mother in?”

  One of the women shook her head. “No, sir. Lady Chesterford is out calling upon Lady Danvers today.”

  “Indeed? In that case, would one of you fetch her lady’s maid? My companion here has a delivery.”

  Holly gasped. Lady Chesterford was… his mother? She stared at him, mouth ajar as the maids scurried off.

  “You’re…you’re Thomas Chesterford?”

  Shrugging, Thomas replied, “I suppose the secret’s out. Yes, Lord and Lady Chesterford are my mother and father.”

  Holly didn’t know what to say or do. Should she curtsy? Had she done anything inappropriate during their time together? How did one act around nobility?

  “I’m…I’m so sorry, sir…”

  He waved his hand dismissively. “Now, now, none of that. I’m not my father’s heir, and I only hold one of his cast-off titles. A Viscount isn’t worth bowing and scraping too. Please, don’t think anything of it. I insist that you call me Thomas.”

  Holly felt her cheeks grow pink as she smiled shyly. “Very well…Thomas.”

  “Much better,” he said in a soft tone. Then, louder, “Ah! Miss Camberwell, there you are.”

  Glancing up, Holly spotted the young lady’s maid who had come to the shop with Lady Chesterford’s commission. She smiled politely and bowed her head at Thomas.

  “Sir Thomas
, you summoned me?”

  Holding out the box, Thomas nodded. “Yes, Miss Camberwell. Miss Clements has brought my mother’s dress for William’s wedding. Would you mind taking it?”

  “Of course, sir.” She reached out and balanced the box in her arms. “I will have it unpacked and prepared for her Ladyship. Thank you for the prompt delivery, Miss Clements.”

  “No thanks necessary,” Holly responded quickly. “Should you or her Ladyship find any issues with the dress, please don’t hesitate to send word and Edie or I will rush out to fix it.”

  “That’s very good to know,” Miss Camberwell replied. She nodded her head to both Thomas and Holly. “Good day to both of you.”

  Miss Camberwell left them without another word.

  Holly watched her go, the stress of the delivery leaving her shoulders stiff.

  “Well, I suppose we should be getting you home.”

  She glanced at Thomas with a frown. “Yes, but I’m sure I can find a ride myself. There’s no need to be put to any trouble.”

  “No trouble at all.” He flashed her his charming smile once more. “Come along. No time to waste.” He was striding towards the door before she could utter a word of protest. Hurrying after him, her mind awhirl as she struggled to catch up with all the day’s revelations.

  They didn’t speak as they waited for his carriage to be brought around, though Holly burned with the need to question him. Once the vehicle had arrived and they were both inside, she couldn’t contain herself any longer. The carriage lurched into motion when she blurted the questions most pressing on her mind.

  “How do you know Edie? If you are a Viscount, how would you have made her acquaintance? Why do you two seem so familiar with each other?”

  He laughed in surprise, and then pursed his lips as he considered his answer. “Edie used to work for my family as our governess; she taught my brother first, and then me.”

  Holly was shocked. Edie had never mentioned her life before she was a dressmaker. In fact, Holly had assumed it was all she had ever done. But as she reasoned it out, it would make sense that she would have had a previous career. With her talent, she should have found far more success at her age.

  “Why did she leave?”

  Thomas shrugged. “My brother and I left home to attend Harrow on the Hill. My father wanted us at one of the most respected institutions in England, and so Edie was, in a sense, no longer needed in our household. My father gifted her a small sum as a thank you. It was enough to get her started in a business that she truly loved. As you know, she has a remarkable talent. Although why she ever chose to set up shop in Whitechapel is beyond me.” Thomas bowed his head, a little sadly. “I still miss her around the place. She was my confidante… my friend; she has remained close to our family throughout the years. It’s no coincidence my mother sought her out.”

  Holly sat back in her seat in delighted awe. It was no wonder he and Edie had seemed so at ease with each other.

  They spent the rest of the trip chatting and getting to know each other, and when the carriage came to a stop in front of the shop, Holly was sorry to leave him.

  As he assisted her out of the vehicle, he said, “I look forward to our next meeting, Holly Clements.”

  Her heart fluttered at the promise of a reunion. “Yes, I look forward to it as well…Thomas.”

  Chapter 14

  1892

  Christmas came and went, and it was the most pleasant and joyous one that Holly could ever remember. She and Edie shared a humble dinner together and exchanged small gifts. Edie presented Holly with her own set of brand new sewing needles. In turn, Holly had crocheted a lace shawl with a scalloped edge that she gifted to Edie.

  “Oh, my dear! How exquisite!” Edie exclaimed when unwrapping the gift from delicate tissue paper. “How very clever you have become. Perhaps I should be giving you more responsibility now that you’ve been with me for a whole year! I shall treasure this for the rest of my days.”

  The women hugged and Holly brushed away a tear of joy, locking Edie’s love and praise away in her heart.

  As they entered the new year, they settled back into the regular routine they had established before Lady Chesterford’s commission. Holly was more than happy to release some of the shop’s responsibilities back to Edie, though the dressmaker did trust her with more important tasks now. She was even allowed to work on some of the more extravagant orders herself, with only minor supervision.

  Yet, as things returned to normal, one aspect of Holly’s life continued to be new and thrilling.

  Thomas.

  She couldn’t stop thinking about him and wondered when they might see each other again.

  One freezing January afternoon, her prayers were answered at last.

  At the sound of the shop door’s bell, Holly hurried out to greet their visitor. When she spotted Thomas standing in the middle of the shop’s floor, tall and handsome, with his favourite flat-top bowler in his hands, she stumbled. Flushing in embarrassment, she righted herself and smoothed out her skirts.

  “Good afternoon, Miss Clements,” he said, charming smile in place.

  “Good afternoon, Mr Chesterford” she replied, meeting his gaze with a shy smile of her own. “What brings you here on such a cold day?”

  Steppiing forward, he placed his bowler on the counter and took her hand in his, raising it slowly to his lips, his sparking blue eyes firmly fixed on her face.

  Holly’s heart skipped a beat and her stomach flipped. There was no doubt in her mind that she had fallen hard for the young Viscount.

  “I brought you a gift. A Christmas gift, I suppose you could say.” He dipped his hand in the pocket of his long woollen coat and produced a small box.

  Holly gasped in delight. “A gift?”

  Reaching out, she carefully opened the lid. A single piece of wedding cake rested inside. It was beautiful. Iced in a shade of brilliant white with elaborate piping along its edges and a small pink iced rose sat delicately on top. She was almost afraid to touch it for fear that she’d ruin it.

  Gazing up at Thomas, she murmured, “Thank you.”

  “I saved it from my brother’s wedding, especially for you. I thought you might like it.”

  She looked back to the cake. “Would you…would you care to share it with me?”

  “Yes.” His answer was immediate. “Another few moments in your company is always a delight.”

  “Follow me; we can eat it in the back,” she said, leading the way.

  They settled on her workbench and Thomas broke a piece of the cake off and offered it to her. She accepted with a blush and ate it, with her fingers, allowing a small moan to escape her lips. It was as delicious as it was delicate.

  They sat together for some time, eating and talking as if they were old friends. Holly was drawn in by his good-nature and wit. She realised that she might soon lose her whole heart to him, if she hadn’t already. He was also so handsome he took her breath away. When he flashed his smile and his bright eyes twinkled, her heart fluttered.

  When the cake was gone, Thomas pushed to his feet, though he seemed reluctant to leave her.

  “I suppose I should be off,” he said.

  “So soon?”

  He smiled sadly. “Yes. I’m expected back at Hamilrow, and if I’m late, mother will send a search party.”

  Holly giggled, though it pained her to part with him. “You mustn’t keep the Lady waiting, then.”

  Meeting her eyes, he released a deep breath. “I’d very much like to see you again. Perhaps we could take a stroll through the park together soon?”

  Her heart wanted to her to accept without delay, but her head made her pause. True, she was growing very fond of Thomas, and would love nothing more than to spend more time with him. But, their difference in station weighed on her.

  He was a Viscount from an old and wealthy family.

  She was nobody by comparison. Surely an unsuitable partner for him.

  Still, the way he looked a
t her made it difficult to say no.

  “That would be very nice,” she replied, cautiously.

  His smile was wide. “Excellent. I shall call upon you again soon, then.”

  She walked him to the door and watched through the window as he climbed into his carriage. Though her heart soared, her mind was troubled. Had she just made a mistake?

  Holly hoped that when Edie returned from her errand, she would be willing to give her advice.

  “My advice would be to avoid that boy!” the dressmaker snapped. It was early evening, and Holly had wasted no time informing Edie of Thomas’s visit. The woman was still removing her hat and gloves as she offered her warning. “His mother and father would never approve a match between the two of you, and trust me when I tell you this, you do not wish to face the wrath of Lord and Lady Chesterford.”

  It was not at all what Holly had hoped to hear.

  “Could they truly be so angered by it?”

  Edie arched a brow. “The Chesterfords are fine upstanding folk, until they are crossed. Then they can be downright mean. You’d be wise not to provoke them, my dear.”

  Deep down, Holly knew she should listen to Edie. The woman was right, after all, and confirming her own hesitations.

  Yet, in that moment, the image of Thomas’ smile flashed through her mind, and Holly knew it was too late for caution.

  Chapter 15

  The months flew by, and once more, spring had removed the deep-set chill that the winter months had cast over London. There was a freshness to the air; a smell of newness, of rebirth. And the season lifted the spirits of almost everyone that came into the shop.

  Holly and Thomas had managed several secret rendezvous, meeting in the park in the sun, snow, and rain through the months of January, February, and into March. However, midway through the third month, he was called away to attend to family business in Scotland.

  It was almost the end of April, and Holly had yet to receive word of his return. She was beginning to worry that he had abandoned her, coming to his senses about their mismatched courtship at last. The thought of not seeing him again ate at her, and she struggled to focus on anything else.