Chapter 30
King Louis smiled as he looked at the woman standing before him. A perfect match for Anne's figure. She was beautiful, with dark hair that was pinned on the top of her head. Her large brown eyes were surrounded with thick lashes, and a button nose that was slightly reddened from the sun. Positioned atop a block, the woman held perfectly still while the seamstress worked to alter the hem of the gown. Still incomplete, the shape would focus on the queen's narrow waist, her elegant neck, and the beauty of her hands. The full skirt would be overlaid with the blue and gold fabric. The bodice would be embroidered with gold lace that would frame Anne's neckline and bosoms.
"Once the fabric is delivered, your Majesty," the seamstress said as she stepped away from the gown, "it will only take a few days to complete the ensemble." She bowed and stepped back while the king circled the dress.
Louis walked with his hands grasped behind his back. He looked critically at the shape, the fit, and the design. It was beautiful and would amplify the beauty of Anne's features. His long black hair hung in curls around his shoulders. His doublet, an emerald green with silver trim, buttons, and waist sash, looked elegant with black britches, white stockings, and shoes.
"And the neckline?" Louis asked. He glanced at Rochefort, who stood near the workstation that was covered in fabrics, threads, needles, and sheers.
"The necklace you described, Majesty, will look splendid against the queen's pale skin."
"It won't be lost amongst…" Louis pointed to the bodice and then to his own chest. "The frills of lace and silks?"
The seamstress shook her head. She pulled several pins from the cushion attached to her apron and made a quick adjustment to the hem. "No, Your Majesty," the woman said. She brushed a stray strand of gray hair from her face and tucked it behind her right ear. Crow's feet and wrinkles lined her features, and a slight dewlap beneath her chin waddled when she spoke. "I've made sure the necklace will highlight the queen's eyes."
Louis' smile broadened, and he looked at Rochefort and nodded. "Excellent."
"What, Your Majesty," Rochefort said with a slight tilt of his head, "should happen if the Musketeers are not able to return in time for the…" he waved toward the gown, "the dress to be completed?"
King Louis inhaled deeply and looked at the seamstress, and then back at Rochefort. "They have plenty of time to return, and I'm sure, Madame —"
"Vivier, Your Majesty, Madame Vivier."
"Can you have the piece completed? Should they not arrive in time?"
Rochefort frowned and looked out the window of the room. "Given the treacherous conditions, Sire, perhaps an alternate — just in case. I'm very familiar with a tradesman who specializes in exotic fabrics. After all," he said when he stepped forward to admire the gown. "You're only a couple weeks away from presenting your son, the dauphin, to your subjects."
Louis frowned and then crossed his arms over his chest. The sides of his doublet flared outward, and he scratched his jaw while he contemplated the idea. "The fabric would have to be perfect… Nothing like you've ever seen before. I will not have my queen and my son presented in…" he paused, "fabric worn by the locals."
Rochefort bowed and said, "It will be perfect, Sire. And this is only in case the Musketeers are delayed in their travels. We must," he quirked a confident smile, "be prepared for anything."
King Louis sighed and looked at the gown once more. "Blue and gold… I want to see my queen in blue and gold," he said softly. He took another walk around the gown, looked at the model, who stood still, and then looked at Rochefort. "If…" he winced when he stopped. He shifted his weight and stood with his left foot before him and leaned slightly back on his right while tapping gently at his chin with his index finger. "If the Musketeers are delayed, I will request Madame…" he looked at the seamstress.
"Madame Viver, Your Majesty."
"Madame Viver, to create a new dress for another occasion. Find a color Rochefort that will make my queen stand out in a sea of royalty. I will not be content with anything less than stunning." Louis strode toward the door and paused before Rochefort and Madame Vivier bowed. "Should the Musketeers be delayed…" he swallowed, "I will need you to find a necklace fit for a queen."
Rochefort quirked a subtle smile and nodded. "Of course, Your Majesty." He looked at the seamstress, who continued her duties. Rochefort swallowed, watched the guards open the door and then he followed the king from the room.