Chapter Thirteen
HALF AN HOUR LATER, I made my way up to Elaine’s room, a little less freaked out and a lot more calm. I knocked gently on the door and heard a muffled reply from within. I opened the door slowly, hoping it had been a come in reply. Her room was a pleasant surprise of colors and textures.
The drapes were a deep red, and a colorful rug had been placed in front of the fireplace. She must have a thing for sitting in front of fireplaces, I mused, remembering our girls’ night not so very long ago. A single turquoise-blue chair sat in front of the window with a huge, fluffy pillow adorning it.
I couldn’t tell what color her bedspread was because it was completely covered in clothing. It looked like her dresser had thrown up. She stood next to the bed, hands on her hips and a huge grin spread across her face.
“What’s going on?” I asked. “Need help with some spring cleaning?” She couldn’t have missed my smirk.
Her grin only got wider. “No… this is all for you.”
My smirk quickly faded, and she laughed at my distress.
“What do you mean this is for me?” I asked, staring at the ungodly amount of frilly underthings and skirts hanging off her bed.
“Come on over, Sage. These were all specially made with your mission in mind.”
Walking over to the bed, my doubts broadcast on my face for anyone to see, I spotted a corset and nearly cursed out loud. Luckily, all the foulness I wanted to spew stayed locked away in my happy little mind.
Elaine noticed my look and clucked her tongue at me. “Really, Sage, you should see your face. You shouldn’t be so quick to judge.”
I picked up a cream-colored corset and noticed a difference right away. It was made out of a buttery-soft, suede-like material, with tiny seed pearls stitched all around the neckline. It had one-inch straps and hooked up the front instead of tying in the back. The corset felt a lot lighter than the one I normally wore. I cocked my eyebrow in question at Elaine.
She smiled knowingly. “It doesn’t have a bone or ivory core like most corsets. The inner is made with a material not yet available to the regular population. I have no idea what the material is, but it is lighter and much more flexible than a normal corset.”
I held it to my chest, running my fingers over the soft fabric, and then I spied its twin in black. I had to stop myself from kissing her smack on the mouth. It was a thing of beauty. She laughed at my obvious enthusiasm over the black corset.
“These are absolutely amazing,” I exclaimed in awe.
Elaine beamed at me. “I knew you’d love those. Now, here are several more items I think you will appreciate as well.”
The next thing she showed me made me grin even wider, if that were at all possible. Several pairs of garters were making me all fluttery inside. Who knew I could learn to love lingerie so much? Of course, I blamed it on the fact that these garters would not only hold up my stockings, but would also allow me to comfortably conceal a dagger in them.
I was shown several skirts made of lightweight materials, all with hidden pockets, and the right-side pocket slit open on the inside so I could have easier access to the dagger strapped to my garter. Man, this day was just getting better and better. I was feeling downright giddy with these amazing items.
Finally, Elaine showed me my new shoes. At first glance, I couldn’t figure out what was special about them besides being pretty awesome looking. I picked up a pair that had a two-inch heel, were calf high and overlaid in black lace. The bottom had a nice tread, so I wouldn’t be slipping. I looked inside and found a hidden slot sewn into the right-foot shoe—just perfect to conceal a dirk. Several were clearly meant to be for eveningwear, and the rest were for everyday wear. All of them were calf length—the perfect height—and they were all modified to hide a weapon. Shit kickers, Edwardian style. Me likey.
“Your townhouse has been modestly furnished, and several outfits and dresses have been sent there ahead of you,” Elaine mentioned as I stood there, taking in everything.
I shook my head, feeling overwhelmed. “I don’t know what to say…” My voice wavered.
Elaine took my hands in hers. “None of that, now. We are all very glad to help you; not only are we elated to assist a warper, but we have also grown very fond of you, Sage.”
I smiled at the woman who, under abnormal circumstances, had become one of my only friends. "Elaine, thank you… for everything,” I said sincerely.
She cleared her throat. “Yes, well, I’ll send these things over right away. Dr. Blake will be taking you to your new place; he has a few more things for you as well.”
An unbidden picture of Dr. Aldwin Blake showing me women’s undergarments had me laughing out loud, and Elaine looked at me as if I’d lost my mind. I waved a hand as I shook my head. “Sorry, just had a funny thought.” She shook her head but didn’t question me. Thank goodness.
“Well, get going! You have a lot to do before tonight’s grand entrance.” She smiled while she shooed me out the door and shut it firmly behind me. I stood outside her closed bedroom door a few moments before walking determinedly toward my uncertain future.