Hello again! Here's another chapter for you. Enjoy! -Sevy14
I had asked Jude to call a carriage. I was not in the least bit surprised to find that one was already ready. I wanted to roll my eyes. Surely that was Shine's doing, but I held off as Shine probably had Jude report to him what I was doing and maybe even what I said. He seemed the sort, Shine. Jude and I made it to the shops and I wandered in and out of them taking my time, appreciative of the fact that I was not stuck at the house, hold up like a prisoner. Finally though I came upon a shop with pretty dresses. I looked at the ones displayed in the window, they were so fancy, so nice. Turning, I looked at Jude and caught his eye before speaking.
"I-I would like to go in here." I say. He does not answer so I speak again. "Is that alright?"
He nods, "I go where you go."
I nod at him, as if that was a clear answer. I took it as a 'yes' and made my way inside, acutely aware of Jude behind me. The workers in the shop did not come over right away. It was not completely busy, and they could have, but I suspected Jude made them stand off. I ran my hands across the fabric, smiling at the softness of it, and delighting in the gleam that some of the shinier fabrics gave off in the light when my fingers brushed across it, causing it to flutter somewhat. A voice drew my attention.
"Miss?" A pause as I looked up into an apprehensive yet pleasant looking fellow. "Miss, may I help you?" He asks. He had a soft voice and was not in the least be intimidating in demeanor or stance.
I started to nod as I speak, "Yes. Um hello." I say. "I am looking for a dress." I kick myself. Obviously I am looking for a dress, this is a dress shop. I smile, somewhat bashfully. "I have been invited to go somewhere and I need a dress, but I am not certain on where I am going." I say, somewhat confused and realizing that I do not know what I am shopping for.
The shop worker nodded. "Well, let's start with a color then, shall we? What color do you like? You have the pretties blue eyes, so we must ensure it compliments them."
I smile, "Thank you! I do like blue."
"Wonderful! Let's get your measurements taken while I pull some dresses. This way." He says with a turn.
I had never been to a shop like this. Admittedly this was so fancy I would never been allowed to go here while growing up but I had always wanted to try fancy dress shop like this. I was certain that Shine got his clothes made in shoppes like this, or at custom made. Both were plausible. I turned to glance back, Jude was following us. "Um... Could you wait here, please?" I ask. He gives me a look. "They're going to measure me and I don't know if... I do not think it would be appropriate for you to be in there." The shop keeper had paused and was looking between us, clearly unsure of our dynamic. I was certain that men like Jude did not find themselves in shoppes like this often.
Jude looks at me and then past me to the room where we are headed. He sighs and looks me, I offer a small smile. "Let me look." He says and brushes past me and the shop worker.
"I'm sorry." I say to the confused shop worker. "My..." My voice trails off at the realization of what I was about to say. Reality hitting me once more.
"Yes, Miss?" The shop keeper says, confusion evident.
I inhale a breath, as if it were armor and let it carry some semblance of courage through my body, even if though I was still uncomfortable with the word. "My-My Husband insists that he is with me." I say. I watch as understanding dons on the mans face and he makes an 'o' with his mouth.
He gives me a kind smile, "That is quite alright."
We both watch as Jude exits the room and stands just outside the door. "I'll be right here." He says. I nod at him. "No cheeky business this time, alright?!" He says gruffly.
Nodding, I respond, "Of course. I promise." I shut the curtain.
Detective Inspector Shine's POV
The day had been a long one before mid morning. I wondered at how so many had made it to adulthood, with their idiocy and inability to problem solve on their own. I was certain that Abernathy had been sure to assign a desk sergeant who was a complete dolt. In truth, I had gone home at lunch to get away from the craziness that was happening at the station, so that I did not find myself awaiting trial for murder. Emmylyn had been busy, nose deep in one of the files I had provided her and it curious to me that she had been so engrossed and not noticed my entrance. The policemen's ball was tonight and I had kicked myself when it donned on me of the date that I had not mentioned anything to her. She would be out of her element and perhaps it was too soon for us to be making a public appearance at such an event, but having her there might make it more bearable, the girl was unconventional. I huffed a bit in amusement at the thought of her having to rub elbows with some of the other wives and lady friends that will be in attendance. It would be amusing, at the very least. Of that I was sure.
The shop keeper had been most helpful. He had found four or five different dresses, in varying shades of blue for me to try on. I settled on one that was a nice rich blue. Its hue dark enough that it did not wash my pale skin, but light enough that I was not swallowed within its denseness. Jude handled the time spent in the shop well, although I was certain that he wanted to strangle the shop worker. The man chatted with myself and attempted numerous times to talk with Jude, although he did not respond. Exiting the dressing room I paused and frowned.
"Uh Jude... How am I supposed to pay?" It only occurring to me just now that I did not have my purse on me, nor had Shine left money with me to buy a new dress.
"I have money here, Miss." He says, patting his pocket.
I shake my head and sigh, relieved. I would have felt terrible if I wasted the shop worker's time. "Oh, thank goodness." I say and move forward to the register. The shop keeper had rung up the bill and was packing up my dress. I was excited. I had not ever owned anything this nice. I would take good care of it, one never knew when a new piece of clothing would be allowed to be purchased. A part of me hoped that Shine would insist that I get some new clothes for daily wear too, as his were all so nice. But I would never say that to him, nor express the desire to anyone that he might question. It was my tiny little hope. Jude had paid the shop worker.
As he was giving Jude the change he said, "I must be honest, Miss. I was not certain you could pay." He said.
I looked at him. "Oh... Well I would not try to steal a dress." I said, confused slightly.
Shaking his head quickly for a moment, "Oh no, I mean, I was not sure you could afford our dresses."
I nodded at him, knowing what he meant. "Well," I say looking down at my dress. "I could use some more new clothes, but that will have to be done on a different day. Perhaps I could come back here." I respond to him with a smile.
"Well we are more than happy to assist you in whatever attire you require. Enjoy the dress and I wish you well." He says gaily.
"Thank you!" I reply. Turning, Jude has the dress and we exit the shop. "Now what?" I ask.
"Home. I am to bring you straight home." He replies.
"Oh..." I say. "We could-" I am interrupted though before I could finish my sentence.
"No. Home. The Boss-He said that you are to get a dress and then for me to bring you straight back. No dilly dallying." His voice was gruff. Clearly this was not up for debate.
I humph a bit, expelling air and rolling my eyes. "I don't see why but alright." I say. Jude nods at me but does not speak, his sharp eyes watching me and our surroundings. "Well do you know if when I have to be ready by for this-this thing I am going to?" I inquire.
With a shake of his head, "No." He says. A carriage is waved down and Jude opens the door, offering his hand for me to be assisted in with.
"Thank you!" I say as I sit back in the carriage. "I can hold my dress." I say holding my hands out to Jude. He hands it to me with a nod. The door closes briskly and Jude disappears from view. Moments later the carriage starts up and we were off, slowly winding through the busy street back towards my new home.
I hope you liked the chapter. Have a good night. - Sevy14
