"You… You're really givin' me this?" Monthe's expression was one of incredulity as he looked down at the small basket full of eggs placed on the counter of his stall. He looked up at the bearded man who provided him with fresh meat. The same man was now giving him eggs.
Lucas nodded. "Isabelle wanted to."
For a while, they all thought the hens would never lay one sole egg. Weeks had passed and nothing was coming out of them; even with the new chicken coop! They were starting to think of killing them and selling the meat, however, a couple of days ago, they started to lay eggs. With them being so busy with the fence, they had not notice.
Luckily, Isabelle, on a whim, checked upon them and found the eggs. Then, she had become a whirlwind of happiness and started coming up with lots of dishes.
Just remembering the expectant eyes with which she looked at the brothers, silently asking how the new dishes tasted brought a smile to Lucas' face.
"Ethan's woman? Well, she's rather generous." Monthe spoke up surprised, bringing Lucas back to the conversation.
Lucas' good mood from the past few days was ruined with that comment. "She's my woman, too." He frowned.
"She's what?" Monthe gaped, not quite sure if he heard correctly.
"My woman. We're all marrying her." Lucas revealed, puffing up like a rooster, daring Monthe to say something bad about Isabelle.
Monthe remained silent for a moment before guffawing. There was a hint of incredulity, and the appropriate dash of eagerness to try to erase the awkward moment. "Well, congratulations!" He boomed, clapping Lucas' shoulder. It was best not to overthink and just look on the positive side! The four brothers would delight themselves in the wonders of a buxom lady!
Monthe was ecstatic to know more and more people were getting interested in that type of woman.
Lucas visibly relaxed and nodded, accepting the other man's words. "Have to go." Saying those parting words, he shouldered the big basket and headed to the market. He had another delivery to make.
His next target also blinked in surprise after he presented the basket full of eggs, saying it was a gift from Isabelle. However, this other man was more decisive than Monthe.
He put the basket away and rummaged through his stall. After a moment of searching, he picked up a pot and placed it on the counter of his stall. "I've had this plant for a while now. Flowers don't sell well, but I think she'll enjoy it. It's a vine. My wife made an arc at the entrance of our house with it, so you can imagine how big it grows."
Lucas hesitated. He did not think eggs were worth the plant he was given. But the quiet insistence on David's eyes made him relent. "Thank you."
"No, thank you." David nodded.
The bearded man grabbed the pot and made his way to his final destination. With his errands over, he had to go meet up with Isabelle at that fabric store he still had no idea what the name was.
While Lucas did his delivery route, Isabelle went to Mrs. Priddy's shop to buy more red thread and to ask if there were any orders she could do. Admittedly, she had been neglecting her job, and only saw the need to show up when it was convenient for her.
Since she started sewing her dress and the brothers' clothes, the only time she had asked Felix to deliver handbags, collect the money from the sold ones, and to buy more fabric to make more handbags was right before the guys started making the fence.
Though, there was something curious Felix told her when he returned from doing that errand. "I saw more handbags in the store with the same design."
Isabelle was not surprised Mrs. Priddy had asked another embroiderer to replicate the handbags to sell them at a lower price and compete with her. Each workshop had their own objective, and it seemed Mrs. Priddy was only interested in making money. Which was fine; Isabelle thought making money should not be seen as evil.
What she thought was evil was to start the production without her permission. A simple 'we want the other girls to also make handbags if that's ok with you' would have been enough.
After Felix's news, Isabelle simply desisted in making more and just focused on her current project.
Either way, she had earned quite a sum with the handbags for as long as the idea lasted.
She was not being proud or close-minded. She just envisioned that with more and more handbags being made not only in Mrs. Priddy's workshop, but in others, too, then that money vein was soon going to dry up as she would be forced to lower the price to compete with others.
She rather sewed something new than lower the price of her wares.
Luckily, the opportunity with Mrs. Attile presented. Isabelle had already drawn some designs on the notebook she bought and considered they were attractive enough to give to Mrs. Attile. In fact, she was way past due with the delivery of the designs she had promised to the older woman as she had not gone to town herself.
"No new order has come for the time being. Just make more handbags, they are selling well." Mrs. Priddy said in answer to Isabelle's question. The younger woman had noticed that the money she was given for her handbags did not correspond to the amount they were supposed to be sold for. When questioned about the matter, Mrs. Priddy just nonchalantly replied with: "I confused them with the other ones."
Because it was a 'confusion' and the money was already paid by the client, there was nothing to be done. After all, Mrs. Priddy did not seem the type of person to make amends when it came to money.
"Very well." Isabelle just smiled and left the workshop. She was definitely going to quit as soon as the business venture with Mrs. Attile took off.
Fortunately, Mrs. Attile was more amenable to her ideas. The moment she looked at the designs, her eyes sparkled and a wide smile erupted on her face. Once she looked back and forth at the four designs, she grandiosely made her demand.
"I want them all!"
How could she not want them?! They all looked as if taken out from a fantasy story. The type of dresses she once dreamt of wearing when she was a kid.
The first dress design had an embroidered, long-sleeved top with a very pronounced V-like neckline. Mrs. Attile could see how women in some towns and villages might hesitate to use this type of dress; however, the fashion in cities was ever-changing. Women wanted to up themselves with each dress and accessories they wore, so they were always looking for different designs.
While the dress seemed simple at first sight, the older woman had never seen a dress with such a long… tail. It dragged on the floor! She could see many of the women who claim to be modest but still wanting to try something new fall in love with this design.
The second design was a little bit more risqué as it was intended for women with a curvaceous body, similar to Isabelle. Although not common, as being skinny was all the rage in cities, Mrs. Attile was aware of young women who liked having a more voluptuous figure and were proud of it. Or if they were not, then this dress was perfect for them to feel good in their own skin.
With an off-shoulder neckline and sleeves that reached the elbows, the dress completely hugged the woman's silhouette to highlight the curves up in the bosom and down at the hips. Then, it flared in a voluminous skirt.
There were two more details on this dress that made the design more elegant and not just rely in its seductiveness. The first was in the sleeves. From the hem, strips of sheer fabric – embroidered or not – hung. The other detail was the bodice that could accentuate the woman's waist and chest even more.
Then, the final two designs were so gorgeous that even Ginna gasped when she saw them.
One of them had a voluminous skirt that flared thanks to the many layers of fabric. The best part of it was that Isabelle thought the layers could be made with different shades of white and even mingle one of color, a very soft color that would not perturb the whites but complement each other. Furthermore, the topmost layer could have an embroidered design.
The dress was sleeveless and had no neckline. There was just one flowy piece of sheer fabric that ran diagonally from one shoulder to the hip. Isabelle also had the idea that the woman who wore the dress could opt for gauntlets or jewelry. Mrs. Attile considered that both options could work. More so because her cousin's husband was the owner of jewelry stores.
Finally, the last dress could only be described as massive. As in, the skirt was massive. It had the shape of a bell – and, according to Isabelle, if the client so wished, it could be even bigger! The layer of fabrics to make that possible was going to be numerous, though the most important fabric was the one that could keep the shape.
The top had a square neckline and long tight sleeves. And, to top off the massiveness, this design included a veil. It truly was the dreamed dress of any woman. Both Mrs. Attile and Ginna sighed when their eyes landed on it.
"I truly like them all..." The older woman wistfully sighed. With Isabelle's explanation on how each dress could be made and their complexity, the younger woman could not promise to make all of them. At least not in the short time they had.
"Choose one that you think your cousin's sister-in-law might like." Isabelle's voice was firm, refusing to shoulder the responsibility of making four dresses. She had to sew the suits for her future husbands! "Take into account her personality, her body type, and any other details you heard about her." The point was to make a dress that best suited the woman's tastes anyway, so one was enough.
Mrs. Attile looked down at the designs again and pondered. After a moment, she decisively discarded the design for curvaceous women. It was the most silent and direct way to say the woman was skinny as most women. Then, she discarded the one with the V-neckline. Mrs. Attile's cousin had commented before that her sister-in-law was rather… radical in what she liked to wear.
Isabelle's lips twitched. The two designs left were the most difficult to make. The rock fell on her foot after all…
"Is there a way you can make these two?" Mrs. Attile looked at the younger woman with pleading eyes while sliding the remaining designs towards her.
Isabelle's troubled expression said enough, but the older woman did not back down. At this point, she was not aiming for the dresses to be bought by the sister-in-law, she wanted the dresses to be admired by the correct people and be bought by them. She wanted to start a business as her cousin had envisioned with the showroom.
Mrs. Attile knew that these two designs were Isabelle's presentation card. It was her chance!
A showdown started yet again.
Isabelle was actually working against time with the brothers' suits. So far, she had only finished the pants which were the easiest garments, with a loose and straight cut. The shirts were going to be a pain for her as she had the amazing idea to embroider them.
Hooray for making my own life difficult!
Ethan had arrived at the house the previous day announcing that he was able to schedule an appointment for the ceremony at the Civil Affairs Office to get married. The process consisted of signing up the papers and have a symbolic wedding. The five knew the real celebration was going to be at home. The process was relatively fast and the clothes felt more like an unnecessary expense, more so for a family with low resources.
But, as Isabelle put it, it was a day to never forget, so it was best to look good. If only for each other.
Anyway, making the dresses in less than a month might not be impossible, just very tiring and time-consuming. Furthermore, as a newly-wed wife, was it proper to spend her time after the wedding working? Would the brothers like it? Would she like it? What was the proper thing to do right after getting married? Did she have to tend the house, or just continue life as if nothing, or give herself a few days?
However…
If she was not wrong, Ethan was going to work the very next day after the wedding! He had only asked for one day off; the day of the wedding. So, she could also work, right? Though, maybe his situation was different as he had a contract he was obligated to. The matter with the dresses was optional. Isabelle could very well tell Mrs. Attile that she could only make one and be done with it.
What to do?
The store's door opened. Mrs. Attile and Ginna were able to see who the newcomer was, yet Isabelle remained ignorant as she was trying to come to a decision. It was not until a hand softly fell on her shoulder that she was startled out of her convoluted thoughts. Looking up, she found Lucas's rough visage and gentle gaze.
Isabelle's own gaze lit up. It was good timing, too! "Lucas! What do you think of these dresses?" She immediately asked him, shoving the drawings into his hands, as if he had not seen them before. All the brothers had already seen them, and had praised her for her creativity.
"They're beautiful." Lucas repeated the praise he doled out before.
"To make them this beautiful, it takes time. Do you remember what I told you about what these dresses were for?" Isabelle hedged as she grabbed his hand and rubbed her thumb over it. He nodded in reply, his mind more preoccupied on the caresses on his appendage than what she was saying. "Well, it seems I will have to make these two." She tapped on the designs selected by Mrs. Attile.
Oh. Lucas' mind distantly registered her words, his own fingers busy, trying to seek more of her warmth… what? "What?" He voiced out the question that suddenly popped up in his mind.
He has seen how much time she dedicates to sewing and what that entails. Even though she is in the house, it feels as if she is not, with how quiet and engrossed in the task she is. Furthermore, he also constantly hears her complain about her aching back, her aching hand, her aching neck. Any part, really, when she is done sewing. And to make two of those dresses…
"What?" He repeated, a frown marring his face.
Isabelle opened her mouth to begin her argument yet hesitated. She was unsure of what she was really asking or demanding because she was also reticent on the idea. Was it truly necessary? To sacrifice time with her men for a couple of dresses and money? Well, the last option was a good incentive…
"Hear me out, Lucas." She started, pulling him to a corner of the store to get a modicum of privacy with him. Mrs Attile and Ginna also caught her intention and got themselves busy with other stuff. "I know we are soon getting married. And this order most likely will take most of my time right after our wedding if I want to finish them on time. I also hate the idea. I really do. However, we are starting a new chapter of our lives, and it is best to start it with the right foot. We are all working towards a better life, and I, more than anyone, want to contribute to that future as thanks for everything you have done to me."
A knot lodged in her throat just thinking of what would have happened to her if the brothers had not let her stay, or even pick her up. They were reaching a point of mutual benefit by getting married, but some debts were best to be paid in full. Either way, the money would also be used to her comfort, so it was not a terrible idea to shoulder the task.
Lucas remained silent. He wanted to say that it was not necessary for her to sacrifice herself like that. What stopped him, truly, was the fact that the brothers also had plans for their future together with Isabelle, and those plans required money. They could not only depend on Ethan to fund everything.
Besides, at the moment, the one who earned more money in the family was Isabelle. It left a bitter taste in his mouth, yet he could not, in good consciousness, tell her to stop.
The heavy silence of the second brother analyzing the situation was too much for the two outsiders who were not aware the man needed his time to think to finally come to a conclusion, so, with a nervous voice and tentative steps, Mrs. Attile approached the couple. "Um, if you can't, that's fine… I..." She trailed off as Lucas silenced her with his gaze.
Mrs. Attile was used to her husband's intense and sharp gaze forged in the military barracks. After so long, she thought no man could faze her, yet Lucas' eyes had their own intimidating light. He was not shrew, sharp, mean, or terrible. Those were just the eyes of a man who beseeched you to trust in him, and on whom you could depend; even if he had no idea what he was doing.
Without a word to Mrs. Attile, Lucas turned back to Isabelle. "No problem." He heavily nodded. His insides became fuzzy when Isabelle started brightly smiling at him, so it pained him a bit to tell her the rest of his decision. "From my part, there's no problem. You've to talk to the others, too." He saw that smile freeze and become forced.
It was a necessary evil; he was not the only one marrying her after all.
"I will." Isabelle quickly composed herself and solemnly promised. Lucas only nodded back, believing she will keep to her promise. Isabelle inwardly sighed. It felt like taking a step and still not seeing the end of the road. Chancing a glance at Mrs. Attile, she noticed the older woman had an apologetic expression on her face. There was also understanding shining in her eyes.
Although the owner of the store had no idea what it felt to be in a relationship with four men, she knew how lonely it could be when there was no full support in a decision made. With that sentiment in mind, she extended her hand towards Lucas, asking for the drawings back. Lucas quickly returned them, confused.
The older woman beckoned them towards the counter once again where she put one design; the one with the veil. "Maybe we should begin with this one. If there is time, we can try making the other one." She gently proposed.
The couple blinked bewildered. Mrs. Attile just stood there, full of gentleness and a softness proper of a woman who has been a mother for years and has cultivated patience, empathy and a flexible mind towards youngsters who barely knew what they were doing with their lives.
And, sometimes, it was best to take a step back when things were difficult. As the one making the request, she could not be too harsh on the younger woman.
Isabelle was truly grateful for Mrs. Attile's kindness. She did not want to compare, but if it had been Mrs. Priddy, she would have been shackled with making the dresses with no opinion on the matter whatsoever. Mrs. Priddy had her way of doing things that worked for her and the workshop. But it was not what Isabelle was looking for.
Necessity truly made one desperate.
On the bright side, it gave Isabelle a scope on what to avoid with future employers. So far, Mrs. Attile was the best she has found, with whom Isabelle could see herself working for a long time. To pay back such gratitude, Isabelle could not slack off.
"I just ask that you have all the materials ready for when I come to work."
When making the designs, Isabelle also listed out the materials needed to make the dresses, and some substitutions in case the primary option was unavailable. That way, Mrs. Attile would avoid asking around what to buy. She could even directly get them from her cousin who supplied her with fabrics or take them directly from the store.
Mrs. Attile beamed at the younger woman. "Also! Your words made me come up with a marvelous idea to promote your craft. I can expand one of the front windows, so people outside can see you working on the dress." She enthusiastically explained. "I can also have one of those human-like torsos made of wood for you to sew the dress in. That way, the dress could always be displayed."
"That is a wonderful idea!" Isabelle cried out, already imagining the whole thing. People around staring as she worked on such a voluminous dress, pointing, gasping in awe! Though… "Does people walk in front of the shop?" She impulsively asked, not aware of the human traffic around the shop.
Mrs. Attile laughed. "I would be worried about it if it was before, yet it seems some Tea House was recently opened down this street. If the Tea House does well, more ladies will pass by the shop." Her smile was blinding, as if she was already seeing the success of the Tea House.
Well, it was good to be positive, so Isabelle also hoped the Tea House became famous.
With the matter settled, both Lucas and Isabelle bid their farewells and returned to their humble abode. On the way, she geared up for an uphill battle with the other brothers, cracking her head to think on how she would convince them that being a workaholic right after marrying was not so bad.