Jasmine's collection of gowns soon expanded to more than just those the orphanage had given her. She was invited to tea with the Countess again. She dressed in a blue gown that Penelope said brought out her noble features and bright eyes, then left with Lady Brook and Bry in the carriage. As she walked to the estate, it seemed that arrangements for the celebrations were finished. Few people were still messing with decorations and cleaning. Presumably, the new Duke would be arriving soon, perhaps even the next day.
At the Countess's estate, Jasmine was let in. The Countess gave her gown her approval.
"Finally, you are dressing like the lady you will soon be," she said. "But while that style of gown is suitable for regular days, it will not suffice for special occasions. Luckily, your betrothed has spoken to me, and today we will be selecting some gowns for you to have as your own from my collection."
"That really is not necessary," Jasmine said. The Countess waved a hand.
"Nonsense. You will need something for the ceremonies tomorrow."
"Ceremonies?"
"Girl, it is good you are comely and fertile. You would fetch no men with your mind. Yes, ceremonies. The new Duke is arriving and he will be formally given his new title. In addition, there is to be a wedding."
"A wedding? Whom is getting wed?"
"I am not at liberty to say. But you will need something fine to wear. Your betrothed has given me guidance for what kind. Now, come. The maids will tend to the babies." Jasmine was helpless in the face of the Countess's will. She silently allowed the maids to take the babies, then followed the Countess to where she kept her gowns. Already, there was a selection laid out. All were of light colors, predominantly white. To Jasmine's surprise, the seamstress the Countess had sent her to before was waiting for them.
As Jasmine began to try on gowns, the Countess explained that the seamstress was there to alter the dress immediately, so it would be ready to be worn tomorrow. Jasmine ran into the same problems she usually did. The gowns were long and too tight in the bust and rear. But eventually, the Countess decided upon a long, glorious white gown to be worn tomorrow.
"What of the others?" asked the seamstress.
"The others can wait to be altered until after the festivities. This gown must go home with Lady Jasmine today," the Countess said firmly. As the alterations could not be made while Jasmine was wearing the gown, she and the Countess had tea in between fittings. The seamstress worked fast, but even still, Jasmine's breasts were painfully full by the time they finished.
The Countess bade Jasmine and the babies farewell. Jasmine returned to the Muscat residence, where she tended to all the babies. Once her breasts had been emptied, she hung her new gown up for the next day. She tried to ignore that it looked much like a wedding gown. Perhaps Richard merely liked the color white.