Chapter 8 - Dream Arts

In fact, when Duke Malcom mentioned the wedding dress, Melissa was surprised to know that the Kensington Estate's colours were sapphire blue. That was the colour she loved most and in fact, before she died in the real life, she had purchased a sapphire dress. She loved the design of the dress and wanted to replicate it. To do that, she needed some sketching materials and colours. As the original Lady Melissa didn't paint, there was no arts materials at home for her to use.

When she was ready to leave, Lily gasped when she saw her. "My Lady, you can't go out like that. That dress was too simple for you! Let me dress you again."

In fact, Melissa didn't like the heavy and tacky gowns which noble ladies seemed to wear in this era. She preferred something light and easy to move around with. Hence, she had secretly altered some of her dresses and got rid of the fluffy, frilly and lacy stuffs on them. At first, Lily was shocked to see these modifications but soon got used to it when Melissa explained she needed simple dresses when at home. But now, Melissa was wearing one of those simple gowns to go out with. That couldn't do at all! She was a Lady, a Duke's daughter! Her status was so high and therefore she needed to maintain it no matter what. Wearing such a simple gown out, would not only embarrass herself but also the Duke's mansion.

"Lily, I've not been out and didn't meet anyone for the past two years. Do you think anyone would actually recognize me? Don't worry about it." Melissa knew what this girl was afraid of. Today, she had decided to wear a simple dark blue skirt with flower embroidered patterns, coupled with a long sleeves cream coloured top with a low neckline. Half of her hair had been made up into a simple bun while the rest was let loose. She truly embodied the sentiments of classic and simplicity, yet still appear charming and beautiful.

Sir Andrew was a young knight employed by the Duke's mansion and was a personal escort of Lady Melissa. When he received news that Lady Melissa would need escort to go to the town today, he was surprised. The young lady had not gone out for the past two years and all her needs was personally bought by him. Whatever she needed in the past, her personal maid would go out with him to purchase these items. He rarely saw her at the Mansion as well. She mostly kept herself indoors or spent time reading at her personal garden, which no one was allowed in. Sometimes he wondered what had happened to make his Mistress shut herself out from the public. Two years ago, he had escorted her to a gathering at the palace and she had gone back earlier than expected. He noticed her teary red eyes when she got into the carriage but didn't ask as it wasn't his position to be nosy about his Mistress.

When Melissa stepped out into the front yard, Sir Andrew was ready with the carriage. He was stunned when he saw her for the first time after two years. Lady Melissa was somewhat different from how she looked like before. She had blossomed into a very beautiful woman and her aura was also different. She seemed somewhat kinder and more graceful as well.

Melissa saw the young man stood staring at her, but she couldn't be bothered with any formalities. "Sir Andrew, is it? I need to buy some arts materials. Bring me to the best shop." With that she climbed into the carriage herself without waiting for Sir Andrew.

Sir Andrew snapped back to reality when he realized his Mistress had stepped into the carriage herself. He felt guilty and quickly replied, "Yes, My Lady. There's a shop called Dream Arts which sells arts supplies. We can go there." 

Melissa nodded when she heard that. Sir Andrew bowed slightly at her approval and proceeded to drive them to town without further delay. Seemed like his Mistress was impatient to get to town. Best he didn't delay her business lest he'd be reprimanded by Lord Melvin if he hear of it.

When she stepped into the big and spacious shop called "Dream Arts", Melissa was at awe. The shop was fully stocked with all the arts and crafts materials one could find. Melissa started going around to check everything out to familiarise herself with the shop's layout and materials sold there. She had a keen interest in arts since young and a self-taught artist. When she first transmigrated here, she was fully engrossed with ways to overcome the marriage and getting used to her new world. However, now that the marriage was unavoidable, she needed to get back on her feet and organised her life one more time. Melissa figured she would start by doing the things she loved before, which included both painting and cooking. The original Lady Melissa was written as a good baker. Luckily Melissa knew how to cook and bake as well before she transmigrated.

While going around the shop, Melissa noticed Sir Andrew following her at a distance. She was surprised for a moment before realizing he was protecting her. Not used to be babysat like this, Melissa approached Sir Andrew and instructed him to wait for her outside the shop. At first, Sir Andrew was reluctant but after seeing her insistence, he bowed and left the shop.

Melissa found the colour paints section and was engrossed in choosing the colours that she needed. There were not many customers at that time so the shop was quite deserted. Suddenly a deep voice sounded above her head, startling her. "Lady Melissa, we meet again."

Melissa quickly looked up and saw the handsome face which she desperately wanted to avoid. 'Are you kidding me?? Even here?'

Melissa was actually in a strange position at the moment. The paints were organised at the lower levels of the shelves and therefore, one needed to bend in order to carefully choose a colour. However, after bending down for too long to look at the colours, Melissa felt like her waist would snapped if she carried on like this. Therefore, she finally decided to sit comfortably on the floor while taking her time to choose the shades she needed. She knew such act was frowned upon in this era as it was considered vulgar and crude for a girl to do so, especially in public. Her status as a Lady also barred her from committing such atrocious behaviour. However, being raised in the modern world, Melissa couldn't care less. She decided her health mattered most rather than these unrealistic customs. Moreover, she was very sure no one would recognize her real identity, dressing up as she was right now.