The invitation arrived on a crisp, sunny afternoon. It was a single, elegant card delivered by a Carson family courier, requesting the presence of Duke Eric and Lady Delia for a family dinner at the main estate that very evening. The summons had come directly from the Dowager Duchess Elena.
The moment Eric read the letter, his first thought was not of the implications of the meeting, but a much more immediate concern: Delia had nothing suitable to wear. He immediately went to the most exclusive modiste in the city, a woman named Madame Dubois who dressed royalty and the highest echelons of the aristocracy.
"I need a gown," Eric stated simply, entering the lavish, silk-draped boutique. "For a lady."
Madame Dubois smiled. "Of course, Your Grace. What color does the lady prefer?"
"Her eyes," Eric replied without hesitation, a soft, fond look on his face. "They are the most incredible shade of blue. Like the summer sky just after a rainstorm. Find me a gown that matches them."
