"We're to reuse some of the dresses."Ceres told Malwina. "Taking out the old embroidery wand stitching new ones. Just be very careful. Mama says that way, the dress can stand quite a few wears."
"That should not be hard."Malwina told her.
Malwina was one of the best with her needle, as well as who came up with the best designs. She took one of the many silk and muslin dresses.
"The every day dresses, or just the evening and court dresses."
Most of Ceres's every day dresses were simple, Empire style dresses, with short, puffed sleeves. She preferred dresses with the sash girdles, with a large bow tied in the back. The hems on the skirts, the end of the sleeves were edged in lace. Almost the whole dress was covered in embroidery.
"Er, we shall have to change the motif on all the dresses, after each wear?"asked Malwina.
Ceres ignored her or seemed not to hear. Instead, she got out one of Minako's fashion magazines and dress patterns, and brought it to Malwina.
"You'll never believe what I have always wanted to see on a dress!"she exclaimed, handing it to her. "I want you to line the stomacher with some design of poppies! Make the dress 'themed' after poppies."
Malwina looked up at Fayruza, who tried to contain her laughter. If Malwina had thought the trip was just a vacation, it seemed she was wrong.
"I'll begin to work on the designs right away, Your Grace."
Malwina looked at the pile of dresses and fabrics stacked on chairs and tables.
"We'll have to take your measurements again, as well."said Fayruza.
"I want you to ride in the ducal carriage with me."Ceres told them.
This seemed to cheer Malwina up a little.
"Really?!"she exclaimed.
"Yes!"Ceres paused. "You have to sit with your back to the horses, though. You're not allowed to sit next to me. And only when I ride in it. I will also ride with Mama and Papa, so mine will not be used then."
"I have never seen Aphrodite I's carriage!"exclaimed Malwina.
The carriage was made of gold and was shaped like a giant apple.
"I also have something for you!"she exclaimed picked up her skirts, and ran from the room.
Malwina and Fayruza followed her. Ceres ran until they reached her boudoir. On two of the chairs were a couple of dresses.
"You see?"she exclaimed.
They were certainly the most handsome dresses either of them had ever worn.
"As part of my entourage, you must also be well dressed, see?"
One of the lessons her parents stressed was the duties she had to the people in her household and served her, such as providing dowries for the girls, and seeing to their wardrobes. They should be a credit to their mistress without outshining her, and she should set an example for them. Anyone in her household would reflect on her.
"For this, my aunt will have to let me wear her brooch!"exclaimed Malwina.
"I have some sets of black pearls, onyx, and lapis lazuli."Ceres told them.
"Whatever happened to your usual pink and gold? Black is a Saturnian color. And blue a Mercurian one."
"But the pink doesn't with all the stones. So I want to have at least one dress to go with each. I want Mama's subjects to see me wearing all my finest. I do so want Mama and Papa to be proud."