The chime tinkled above the door as the shopgirl ushered him toward the back where his mother and Jane were conversing with the owner. "No, I do believe a light blue silk with a delicate lace about the arm would be quite the thing for her." "Mother." The lady glanced over her shoulder. "What do you think, Stephen? Light blue or forest green for Elizabeth's ball gown?" "Light blue," he snapped without needing to think twice. "Speaking of Elizabeth, where is she?" he asked impatiently. His mother pursed her lips in concern. "Why, I have no idea. Jane, dear, did you see where she went?" The young duchess frowned. "She left the fitting room, but I didn't see her after that. Maybe she is with Milli." The thought that Elizabeth had left took hold of Stephen's heart and squeezed. "Millicent is in the carriage," he said, a rush of blood drumming to his head, "and as far as I can see, Elizabeth is nowhere in this blasted shop." "Perhaps she returned to one of the fitting rooms," the dressmaker said, her smile faltering at the lord's dark face.
