She and Gavin had returned over an hour ago, neither speaking a word as they had continued their run. He just as quietly led her to her room, squeezing her hand before leaving her in the care of Greylen’s mother, Isabelle, and Anna.

They had a bath waiting by the fire, and she obediently removed her clothes and stepped inside. They washed her hair and then brushed it as she sat on the hearth. They talked of really nothing. Just chitchat to ease the tension they knew she felt.

Lady Madelyn applied her makeup with expert hands, a subtle hint of liner around her eyes, a brush of rouge atop her cheeks, and a fine coat of gloss across her lips. Anna continued to brush her hair and explained that she’d wear it down for Greylen’s return. Lady Madelyn helped her stand, and Isabelle smiled, holding the gown that had been lying on the bed.

“It’s beautiful, Isabelle,” Gwen said quietly.

“We worked on it most of the night, Gwendolyn. I hope you like it.”

Gwen was touched, but, because she was so nervous, she couldn’t quite come up with the right words. “How could I not? It’s even more special since you made it yourselves.”

Anna took Gwen’s robe and Lady Madelyn eased the dress over her head. It was made of ivory silk crepe and fell straight to the floor. Very straight. The square neckline rested just above her breasts, then angled to her shoulders. There was a wide border edged with gold threads and an intricate design of perfectly joined ovals that swirled within.

Sheer chiffon sleeves fell from her shoulders, resting perfectly on her thumbs. The bottom of the sleeves, however, angled to a pointed V and stopped midthigh. They were nothing short of romantic.

Anna placed a belt around her hips and pulled one end through the hidden loop sewn behind the other. When it was secure, she pushed it down to accentuate her narrow hips.

Isabelle tightened the gold laces that started above the belt in back and ended a few inches below her shoulders. Of course, once Isabelle was finished, the bodice fit so tight across her chest, the outline of her breasts was visible. Her nipples showed clearly through the material, and when Anna noticed, she placed her hands under the neckline, adjusting not only Gwen’s breasts but her nipples as well. Then she stood back and smiled at her work, obviously satisfied.

It was one of the most ridiculous moments of Gwen’s life. But it helped break the tension and they all laughed together.

Lady Madelyn went to the bed again and picked up a beautiful headpiece. It was made from a simple gold braided cord with four long, delicate strips of ivory tulle attached to the back. She placed it on Gwen’s head so the front rested above her forehead and the sides angled down to the back.