Through time; The ripper

At the modiste

*Lily*

The streets of London are a cacophony of sights and sounds, each one more overwhelming than the last. Horse-drawn carriages clatter over cobblestones, their drivers calling out to one another, while vendors hawk their wares in booming voices. I clutch Leo’s arm, my heart beating a little faster than usual.. The air is thick with the scent of coal smoke and fresh bread, a unique blend that feels both foreign and intoxicating.

“Are you sure this is the right way?” I ask, craning my neck to take in the beautiful buildings and the bustling crowds.

“Absolutely,” Leo assures me, his voice steady as always. “The modiste is just ahead. You’ll see… she has the most exquisite pieces, at least that is what I have heard. I’m sure we will find something that suits you perfectly.”

“Do you really think so?” I can’t help but feel a flutter of doubt. What if I look utterly ridiculous in the finery of this time? What if I stand out for all the wrong reasons? “I mean you do not do ready to wear here do you?”

“Trust me, Lily. You’ll be the belle of the ball,” he replies, a teasing smile playing on his lips. I can’t help but smile back, the warmth in his gaze reassuring me.

As we approach the modiste’s shop, I can’t help but feel a sense of wonder. The storefront is elegantly adorned, with delicate lace curtains framing the windows. Mannequins in stunning gowns display the artistry of the modiste’s creations, each dress more beautiful than the last. I feel a surge of excitement mixed with anxiety.

“Here we are,” Leo announces, pushing open the door. A small bell jingles overhead, announcing our arrival. The interior of the shop is filled with rich fabrics and the faint scent of lavender, a stark contrast to the chaotic streets outside.

A woman with a sharp eye and a measuring tape draped around her neck looks up from her work, her lips curving into a welcoming smile. “Lord Thorne! What a pleasure to see you again! And who is this lovely young lady?”

“This is my cousin, Miss Lily Tempest from Scotland,” Leo introduces me with a flourish. “She needs a dress for my father ball tonight… I know it is short notice, but I know you can do magic.”

“Ah, a cousin! How delightful!” the modiste exclaims, her eyes sparkling with interest. “Come, come! Let me see you!”

I step forward, feeling the weight of her gaze on me as she circles me like a hawk. I can’t help but feel both exposed and excited, an odd combination that sends butterflies fluttering in my stomach.

“Do you have a particular style in mind, dear?” she asks, her voice smooth and melodic.

“I… I don’t know,” I admit, glancing at Leo for guidance.

He chuckles softly, his expression encouraging. “Something elegant but not overly complicated. She’ll be dancing, after all.”

“Ah, yes! Dancing!” The modiste claps her hands together, her enthusiasm infectious. “I have just the thing!” She moves to a rack at the back of the shop, pulling out a dress that gleams in the soft light. “This seems to be about the right size.”

As she holds it up, my breath catches in my throat. The gown is a deep emerald green, with delicate lace detailing and a fitted bodice that flares out into an elegant skirt. It looks like something out of a fairy tale, and I can hardly believe it’s meant for me.

“Would you like to try it on, dear?” the modiste asks, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.

“Yes, absolutely!” I reply, my voice barely above a whisper.

The modiste gestures toward a small fitting room in the back, “This way, dear,”

Once inside, I turn to face the mirror and the modiste carefully helps me remove my dress, revealing my plain undergarments, her eyes widen when she notices the absence of a corset.

“Oh, my dear,” she exclaims, a note of shock in her voice, “you cannot wear that lovely gown without a corset! It is absolutely essential for the proper silhouette.” She quickly retrieves an intricately designed corset, making me want to groan.

With her assistance, I step into the corset, feeling the snug embrace as she expertly laces it up, pulling it tight but not uncomfortably so. I take a deep breath, feeling the transformation begin.

“Now, we can put on the gown,” the modiste says, her demeanor shifting back to focused professionalism. She carefully lifts the gown and holds it out for me. “Place your arms in here, and I’ll help you with the bodice.”

As she expertly arranges the fabric around me, I can feel the weight of the dress settling into place, its elegance wrapping around my figure. I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, and the sight takes my breath away. The corset and gown together create a silhouette that is both striking and refined.

“Perfect,” the modiste says, stepping back to admire her work. “You’ll be the belle of the ball tonight.”

Leo’s gaze is fixed on me as I step out, a soft smile gracing his lips. “You’re breathtaking.” He murmurs, stepping closer

I feel heat rise to my cheeks at his compliment, my heart racing in a way that feels new and exhilarating. “I can’t believe this is me,” I say, turning to face him fully. “I feel like I’m in a dream.”

“It’s not a dream, Lily,” Leo replies, his voice low and earnest. “You belong here, if only for tonight.”

The thought sends a thrill through me, and I glance back at the mirror, taking in the reflection of the girl in the elegant gown. I feel like I could take on the world, like I could dance through the night without a care.

“Now, let’s get it fitted so it’s perfect for you,” the modiste says, pulling out her measuring tape and motioning for me to step forward.

. The modiste works quickly, pinning and adjusting the dress to ensure it fits me like a glove. When she is done Leo tells her to have it delivered at his townhouse as soon as possible. I keep the corset on when I change back into my own dress, feeling I would offend the modiste if I didn’t.

“I can’t believe I’m going to a ball,” I say as we walk down the street. “What if I make a fool of myself?”

Leo shakes his head, his expression earnest. “You won’t. I think we should make our way to my humble home and I will give you the instructions you need.”

The thought is comforting, and I take a deep breath, allowing myself to embrace the thrill of it all. I am on the brink of something extraordinary.