Chapter Thirty:

"You must tell me!" Elouise laughed as they entered town once again, "You cannot hint and expect me not to question you!"

"You said you wouldn't pester me!"

Elouise rolled her eyes, "Yes, but you said it involves the March's."

Laurie shook his head, staring out the window again. She leaned back against the seat, defeated.

"Stop the carriage!" Laurie called, moving
to the door and swinging it open, hanging out. "Stop!"

Elouise sat up, eyes wide. "What is—"

He grabbed her hand and pulled her out onto the path, "Don't ask questions."

He lead her around the carriage, to a street filled with little shops. "That makes me what to ask even more questions, Laurie."

They stopped a little farther up on the street, in front of a small little dress shop. He dragged her in, a small smile on his face.

"What are we doing?"

He let go of her hand and walked to the back of the shop, pointing at a dress hanging on the wall.

"Laurie—"

"Mr Laurence!" An older woman appeared, a big smile on her face. "Mrs York just finished your dress earlier this morning. It's beautiful, no?"

"May I please ask—"

"Oh!" The woman turned to her, "You must be Elouise!"

She stood there silent, looking from Laurie to the woman. "Yes, I am."

"What a man you've got here, Elouise." She moved to the dress, feeling the fabric. "He helped design it. He's told us lots about you."

Elouise stared at the dress, it was the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen. It was a simple dress, yes, definitely made for everyday wear. The top looked to be fitted in an emerald green material, a shade darker was strips to add something to it. Buttons went down the front until it reached the waist, where the fabric was full and only emerald green. The hem line of the sleeves were covered in fine golden coloured thread, catching the light wonderfully.

"I-" She began, pausing. "This looks very expensive."

"It may look heavy but I assure you, once you've got it on it will feel light as a feather!" The woman ignored her, "Perfect all year around!"

"It's beautiful." Elouise said, running a hand down the skirt. "I do not have enough money to pay—"

"Mr Laurence has long since purchased this. Do not worry, dear. It's all taken care of." She turned and disappeared into a back room.

"Do you like it?" His eyes were big, watching her as she gazed at the dress.

"Yes, of course I do! You've got the quite the eye for design." She said, turning to him. "I only don't know how I can repay you, this is such a sweet thing to do."

He smiled, "No, you will not be in any debt. This is a gift, from me to you. Elouise, you've had only three dresses in two years, and one Meg gifted to you."

"I will feel guilty if I accept—"

Laurie chuckled, "You'll need something new to wear to the wedding."

She paused, staring at him. "I beg your pardon?"

"John is proposing to Meg tonight." He grinned, leaning to see out the front shop windows. "And since the sun it setting, I do believe it's happening right this very minute."

Elouise broke out into a smile, whacking his shoulder. "You are not serious!"

He nodded, "Very."

"That is amazing!" She beamed, "Meg will absolutely say yes!"

The woman re appeared, the same smile plastered on her face. "Mr Laurence also found this, though I recommend a pair of lovely wedged—"

Elouise looked to the pair of boots in the woman's hands, they looked almost identical to the ones on her feet, but brand new with no holes or tears.

"Laurie, you've lost your mind."

He laughed, turning to the sales woman. "May we take these today?"

"Oh, yes!" She ran to the counter and placed the boots down before taking the dress down, "Let me get this packaged."

Laurie was still smiling, "You better wear the boots and the dress, Elouise."

"I cannot believe you did this." She watched him, Elouise grabbed him and pulled him into a hug. "I don't know how to thank you."

"You don't need too." He said hugging her back.

The lady returned, handing Laurie a large box and Elouise the boots. "We love to see you, Mr Laurence."

They walked out of the shop and to the carriage where it sat, the man driving stepped down from the front and took the box from Laurie, walking it to the trunk.

"We must go find Meg and Mr Brooke now." He told her, opening the carriage door. She got in, sitting down on the right side. He sat next to her, "Try on the boots, I'm sure they will fit."

Elouise chuckled untying her boots, she slipped them off and picked up one, reaching in and taking out the blue ribboned key.

"You still have it?" He questioned, moving her old boots to the side.

"So I do not lose it." She shoved it into her new pair, then slipping her foot inside. "Also, so nobody steals it. And yes, I would never throw it away."

"Is it not uncomfortable?"

"I've gotten used to it." She shrugged, "And there is enough room for it to not be felt."

She tied up the new pair, smiling at the comfort. Her feet did not feel cold, but snuggled against warm fabric. "They're lovely, Laurie. Thank you."

He gave a warm smile, "They look wonderful on you."

"You can't see them with my dress." Elouise laughed, throwing the fabric over.

"You look wonderful in anything you wear." He told her.

"Are you—"

"Take the compliment." He laughed, "And say nothing else."