Ford balked at the notion of new dresses, but he supposed he really ought to have been expecting this. His sisters were used to new clothes at least once a year, and more often for special occasions — the fact that they'd had nothing but black for the past twelve months and the ending of their morning period was an excellent reason for new dresses. And, of course, Grace didn't know that the bill for the last set had only been paid a few months ago.

Well, he'd have to find a way. Even if he wasn't trying to keep up the charade for his sisters, it was a necessary expense — an investment in a good first season, and hopefully one that would play out better than their late father's investments. If Mama had been in the room, she likely would have agreed already and started making plans for a visit to the modiste immediately, but since she was not perhaps Ford could buy himself a little time to move some money around.

"New dresses on December 6th, and a second new set for Christmas, I suppose?" he joked, replacing the decanter and moving with his new drink to the nearest armchair. "I'm afraid your old dresses will have to at least last the month. Do you think your pride can manage that?" he teased. With Grace it was only a tease; with Verity it might have been a legitimate question.