To market, to market...

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Chapter 9

"Do I look all right?" Edward asked, tugging on his tunic.

"You look wholly indecent," Isabella said as she looked him up and down.

"What? I thought this was how I was supposed to wear this shirt." Edward looked up and caught her eye. "That wasn't funny. I don't want to embarrass you."

"You couldn't if you tried, Edward. This is a fun trip to the market. A chance to shop and be seen before our stay at the castle."

"I know, but I would hate it if I were to do something that would make you think less of me."

"Stop it, now. I love you. You making some minor error will not change how I feel about you. As long as you keep your mouth to yourself, we will be fine."

"My mouth?" he asked.

"Yes, no kissing any of the pretty girls in the village while I'm off shopping."

Edward gasped. "Never."

"I know you wouldn't. But they might try to woo you. I don't blame them, you're quite dreamy."

"Only for you, Bre. Now, if I'm dressed well enough, we should go."

"Yes, we should. I've got the carriage all ready outside. Let's get on the road."

Edward took her hand and they went out to the carriage. Once she was seated, Isabella took the reins and got them on their way. It wasn't a long ride to the village at the edge of the castle, but the market day meant there were more people traveling. The innkeeper was happy to look after Isabella's horses while they were at the market. Isabella pointed out a few of the stalls and they made their way around, buying what was needed. When they found the elderly lady who made the jam he'd grown so fond of, Edward complimented her until she was promising to send her grandson with a fresh batch as soon as it was ready.

Isabella was happy that Edward was able to interact so easily, so she excused herself for some personal shopping and told him she would meet him at the inn for lunch if they didn't find each other sooner.

Now that she was alone, Isabella went straight for the seamstresses shop. She had dresses that would serve well for the ball at the castle, but she wanted something special for Edward.

"Isabella, how are you doing?" Rosalie, the shop owner asked.

"I'm doing well, thank you. But I'm in need of a few new dresses. Specifically, something special for tomorrow at the palace."

"I've heard about the young man you've been caring for. Is this special dress for him?" She asked.

"It is."

"Well then, let's find something to put his jaw on the ground, shall we?"

Rosalie led Isabella to the back of the store and showed her some everyday dresses and skirts to refresh her wardrobe. While Isabella made a few selections, Rosalie went into the back to select a precise dress. She found Isabella looking at undergarments and handed her the dress.

"Try this on, and I'll take care of picking out the rest."

Isabella tried on the dress and was shocked by how feminine she looked in it. The material was dark blue at the bodice and faded into a shimmery cream color at the hem. It hugged her curves before flaring out at her waist. She absolutely adored it.

"May I come in?" Rosalie asked.

"Yes."

Rosalie checked a few things on the dress, making sure that it fit perfectly. "This dress was made for you."

"I love it."

"Then let's get you changed out of it and I'll pack it for you."

Isabella removed the dress and changed so she could finish her day of shopping. She paid for her purchases and walked them back to her carriage before she returned to the market.

An hour later, Isabella found Edward at the carriage. The number of packages surprised Isabella, but Edward smiled and explained that one of the things he'd found in his family home was his parents' savings.

"Are you ready to leave?" Isabella asked.

"I thought we were eating at the Inn?" Edward questioned.

"We could, but it will be crowded."

"That doesn't bother me. I'd like to be seen with you. And it will be good practice to be among people."

"Fine, we'll go," Isabella relented.

Edward linked his arm with hers and led her into the Inn's tavern. Isabella felt the eyes of the busy tavern on them as they were led to a table and told the available meals. When their order was placed, the maid went on to her next table. Isabella fidgeted with the silverware as they waited for their drinks, the movement caught Edward's eyes and he rested his hand palm up on the table. Isabella saw the gesture and rested her hand in his. She smiled, feeling grounded by his touch. They made it through the meal without incident and returned home.

"We need to get our bags packed. Can you manage that, or would you like me to do it for you?" Isabella asked.

"If you tell me what I should bring, I can do it. But if it will make you feel better to do it yourself, then I'm okay with that."

"Did you get something to wear for the ball?" Isabella asked.

"Yes, I got a suit. A man who was selling clothing for the ball helped me find something appropriate."

"Okay, well, then you pack the suit and the shoes you got to go with it, add a few days' worth of clothes and your toiletries. Then you can add anything else you would like to take with you. I'll bring you a bag that you can pack it all in and I'll take care of my own while you're working on it."

"That sounds good to me."

Isabella got him a suitcase and left him to his own devices while she packed her own bag. She wasn't sure why exactly she was so uneasy about this trip to the castle, but she knew things would change after tomorrow.