Lord Theodore's Favorite Ritual
Chapter 137: In The Dress Shop.

Chapter 137: In The Dress Shop.

Morning.

Dining Hall, Theodore Mansion.

Critic Arley, Critic-Ishire.

***************

"Lord Theodore" Helena acknowledged the lord, the moment the couple reached the dining hall, arm in arm.

With a smile Theodore replied. "Lady Helena"

"Oh I have no such title" Helena said humbly.

"As you wish" he retorted easily.

Helena met Lydia’s eyes and they both dropped it abruptly.

In the dimly lit dining hall of the Theodore mansion, the morning sun struggled to pierce through the heavy drapes, casting long shadows across the elegant table where Lydia, Theodore, and their esteemed guest Helena sat enjoying breakfast.

The atmosphere was one of quiet superfluity, with their shiny silverware gleaming in the subdued light and delicate porcelain dishes filled with an array of delectable treats.

Lady Theodore, regal and composed, sat at the head of the table, her posture erect and her demeanor graceful as though she didn’t just climax on pressure through her dress from her husband’s touch.

She sipped her tea delicately, her movements refined and precise, as befitting her status as the lady of the house.

Despite the richness of the spread before her, she ate with a restrained appetite, selecting only the finest fruits and pastries with practiced precision.

Lord Theodore, seated right next to his wide instead of across from his wife, cut a striking figure in his tailored morning coat.

Despite his imposing presence, there was a distant air about him, a subtle detachment that hinted at the weight of his responsibilities as head of the household.

He picked at his food absently, lost in thought, his mind seemingly elsewhere despite the lavish spread laid out before him.

"I love this set, I could have it everyday" Helena revealed with a giggle.

"I always stay away, it makes me feel funny" Lydia confessed.

"You can have it all" Theodore prompted.

Helena is an energetic guest, she brought a spark of warmth and energy to the table.

Her laughter bubbled forth freely as she sampled each delicacy with undisguised delight, her enthusiasm infectious.

She chatted animatedly with Lydia, her easy rapport with her hostess a testament to their promising friendship.

Dorothy and Joyous moved silently about the room, attending to the needs of the people in the table with quiet efficiency.

They replenished tea cups, cleared away empty plates, and ensured that every detail was attended to with the utmost care, their presence a seamless part of the elegant tableau unfolding before them.

Lydia dropped her cutlery. "Theodore, If I am to get you something, anything, what would you like?" she asked, her eyes anticipatory.

He held her eyes before giving answer. "Gooseberry, anything or nothing at all, I do not mind, you just come back home to me"

"Always" she countered with a smile.

"However, you can get something for Conan, his birthday is soon" he added.

"How soon?!" Helena squealed.

Both eyes turn to her.

She straightened, her smile narrow. "I mean, it is nice to be prepared for such events" she clarified then nodded in agreement.

With a knowing smile Lydia faced Theodore. "Yes, she is correct, when is it Theo so we can organize something for him" she said.

"The day after tomorrow" he nodded.

"Thank you" Helena whispered.

As the breakfast progressed, the air was filled with the soft murmur of conversation and the clink of silver against china.

Despite the impending dangers that lingered outside the mansion’s walls, within its hallowed halls, there was a sense of warmth and camaraderie, a brief respite from the cares of the world outside.

And amidst it all, Lady Theodore, Lord Theodore, and Helena shared a meal fit for royalty, bound together by friendship, tradition, and the timeless rituals of Critic Arlian life.

***********

Outside Theodore Mansion.

***********

Lydia, with her radiant smile and eyes aglow with excitement, led the way, her gown trailing behind her like a cascade of delicate petals.

Beside her, Helena, her companion and confidante, exuded a quiet grace, her gown of azure silk shimmering in the sunlight.

Their silhouettes, cloaked in the finest silk and satin, exuded an air of elegance and refinement befitting their status.

They both emerged from the Theodore mansion gracefully and into the waiting embrace of a noble carriage,

"Theodore, I know you shall miss me, but do try not to miss me too much" Lydia threw back his words at him with a giggle.

"I shall miss you however much I desire, Goodeberry, enjoy your day, Tom protect her with everything you have"

"Of course, lord Theodore" Tom agreed quickly.

"I shall enjoy my day" he dropped a kiss on her cheek and helped her up and into the carriage.

"Till you are back, lady Theodore" Joyous and Doeothy wished in unison.

"Take care of the house" Lydia suggested.

As they settled into the plush velvet seats of the carriage, it’s polished exterior was gleaming in the soft late morning light, the gentle sway of the carriage lulled them into a tranquil reverie, the rhythmic clip-clop of the horses’ hooves setting the pace for their journey.

Outside, the world passed by in a blur of vibrant colors and bustling activity, the streets alive with the promise of a new day.

Their destination is Ms. Janet’s shop nestled in the heart of the bustling town, beckoned with the allure of exquisite fabrics and intricate designs.

Lydia’s eyes sparkled with anticipation as she envisioned the gown that would adorn her slender frame, each stitch a testament to the artistry of the skilled seamstresses.

She loved Janet’s work and would be glad to finally acquaint herself with her shop.

As the carriage rolled to a stop before the ornate facade of the shop, "We’re here Lydia squealed.

She and Helena alighted with graceful poise, their skirts billowing around them like ethereal clouds.

They stepped onto the cobblestone streets, and were quickly greeted by the bustling throng of townsfolk going about their daily business, their voices rising in a cacophony of sounds and laughter.

Lydia was awestruck like she always is with markets.

She glanced at Helena before entering the shop.

The air was alive with the scent of freshly cut fabric and the hum of sewing machines, each corner adorned with cascades of silk and satin in every shade imaginable.

The scent of lavender hung heavy in the air, mingling with the soft rustle of silk and the gentle hum of conversation as the two ladies.

Helena fawned. "If we were to buy all of it, would it be so wrong?"

"No, of course not, But then new styles, and fashion are coming we can not have too much of what we might abandon soon" her comment only made Helena realise how far off she was on the topic of fashion.

Lydia’s eyes danced with delight as she perused the racks of gowns, her fingers trailing over the intricate embroidery and shimmering beadwork.

Abigail rushed out with a greeting on her tongue. "Hi, wel... Lady Theodore!" she squeaked.

The friends looked at her as though she was insane without actually replying.

Janet entered the scene smoothly. "Good afternoon Lady Theodore, I admit this is a pleasant visit not withstanding I was not expecting you, I hope it was not a hassle"

Ms. Janet was infamous for making dresses for Lydia after being a widow but soon her work would be famous for good.

"No no, it was not, I had to know your shop" Lydia expressed.

Ms Janet greeted them with a warm smile, her nimble fingers deftly guiding them through the maze of exquisite fabrics and shimmering embellishments that adorned the walls. While Abigails kept getting lost in her head, fidgeting and smiling at the wrongest times, she was uncomfortable but the friends didn’t even notice her.

Together, Helena and Lydia embarked on a journey of creativity and self-expression, each fitting and consultation a testament to the bond that united them.

With a flourish, Janet unveiled her latest creations, each gown a masterpiece of craftsmanship and elegance, waiting to be brought to life upon the canvas of their slender forms.

And as Lydia and Helena trailed their fingertips over the sumptuous fabrics, their eyes alight with excitement, Janet bustled about, her tape measure draped casually over her shoulder like a seasoned artist with her tools.

"Measurements" she mumbled and they moved closer.

With meticulous precision, she took their measurements, her keen eye capturing every curve and contour with effortless grace.

With each fitting, the ladies were transported into a world of fantasy and glamour, their reflections in the gilt-framed mirrors a vision of grace and sophistication.

"This are beautiful, Lydia" Helena breathed out.

Lydia giggled. "I told you"

They twirled and swayed in front of the mirror, the soft tinkle of laughter echoing through the shop as they admired themselves from every angle.

Between fittings, they indulged in delicate pastries and fragrant tea, the delicate china cups clinking softly against saucers as they exchanged gossip and shared dreams of the grand events that lay ahead.

"One could wear this when pregnant and it will not look it"

Helena laughed hard before replying. "You are wicked, but very right" she agreed.

They discussed the latest trends in fashion, their voices a symphony of excitement and anticipation.

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