by Leenie Brown
“To see me what?” He could not just leave a sentence only partially spoken. She was not about to allow it.
“I have not seen you with or heard you speak of many friends. I thought perhaps with how silly I have found most of the ladies with whom I have spent a dance or an afternoon in a drawing room, and knowing how you are not at all like them, you might … I have gone too far.”
“You want to help me make friends?”
He grimaced.
“You thought about me that much?” She must have been in his thoughts a great deal if he was noticing things such as her lack of friends. “Thank you.”
“Then I have not gone too far?”
“A trifle,” Faith replied with a grin. “I do have friends. Not that any of them are in that ballroom. But I appreciate your concern for me.”
“I would like to meet your friends,” he replied. “It seems only right since you have already met Mr. Durward and you are related to Robert, which means you know, at least, two of my friends.”
She loved how that dimple showed when he smiled.
“However, I will wait until your friend’s mother has improved.”
They walked three more paces to the end of the corridor where he turned to look at her before they retraced their steps toward the ballroom. Again, he was looking at her with that curious, mesmerizing expression he had worn in the carriage. And now, just as then, she was unable to look away. It warmed her from her head down to her toes.
“I might be overstepping once again, and your brother might not thank me for doing so, but I believe I have figured out the answer to your question of why I care so much about your approval.” He glanced down the hall. “I believe it has a great deal to do with love.”
The words were spoken quickly and in a low tone.
“I should not even acknowledge it. I know I am not the sort of gentleman you deserve. I…” He shook his head and shrugged. “I cannot even manage my own accounts. I have no right to even speak of such things until I can. And I know your brother never introduced me to you before now because my character was lacking.”
“Was,” Faith interrupted. “Was lacking not is lacking.”
His shoulders were lifting and lowering as if breathing were difficult.
“Then I have some hope?” he asked.
Faith could appreciate how breathing while admitting one’s feelings might become difficult. She pulled in a breath and nodded. “It is a venture not unworthy of consideration.”
That lovely dimple appeared on his cheek.
“Might I call on you tomorrow and take you for a drive?”
Faith nodded. “I would like that.” She placed her arm on his and allowed him to lead her down the hall.
Robert stood near the ballroom door, rubbing his neck and grimacing.
“Are you well?” Faith dropped Mr. Bertram’s arm and hurried to her brother.
“My head is sore.”
Faith raised an eyebrow. “I have only danced once.” She crossed her arms.
Her brother’s eyes shifted from her to Mr. Bertram and back. “Was there someone else with whom you wished to spend a half hour prancing about?”
“I do not prance. Horses prance.”
“Is there?” her brother repeated.
Faith peeked up at Mr. Bertram and shook her head.
“Good. Then we must go home before my desire to play cards overtakes me.”
“You are not serious,” Faith replied.
“About going home, I am. Come along. Take your dear brother home so he can convalesce in peace.” He turned to his friend. “Bertram, you are welcome to join us. I am certain a glass of port next to the fire will set me up quite nicely. A friend’s company would not go astray.”
“I will call tomorrow,” Mr. Bertram said to Robert. “Your sister has given me permission to take her driving if that is acceptable to you.”
Faith shook her head at the wide grin that split her brother’s face as he heartily gave Mr. Bertram his blessing. Then, after a short word of parting and gathering their coats, she and Robert stepped out into the night to find their carriage.
“Best hand I ever played,” he muttered to himself before chuckling softly.
Faith held his arm more tightly, leaning into his shoulder. “It seems you are not completely inept.”
“Inept?” he cried.
“Thank you.” Faith placed a kiss on his cheek silencing him, although the slightly smug, pleased expression remained on his face. It was enough to goad one more sharp comment from her as she entered the carriage. “Now, if only you could turn your exceptional skills of observation and stratagem towards your accounts.”
Robert blew out a breath. “You are rather annoying. Did you know that?”
Faith nodded. “But I hear I am also quite wonderful.”
Her brother laughed. “Yes, you are that, too,” he said as the carriage door closed and they prepared to return home, both satisfied with how the evening had turned out.
Chapter 13
“I did not think we would be driving to Mr. Durward’s store,” Faith smiled at Tom as he stood before her, hand outstretched to see her safely from his curricle to the ground.
“I wished for you to see where I have placed my money.” He hoped that she would be pleased when she saw the place. There was not much work which had happened yet, but this visit would put an image to the idea. And if she could see that image as attached to him and Gabe, then perhaps she would not associate it with Mrs. Johns. He had come up with the plan last night as he lay awake thinking about her.
“We can still drive in the park if you wish.” He tucked her hand in the crook of his arm.
She shook her head. “This is perfect.”
She had stopped in front of the store and was looking closely at the two bowed windows on either side of the door. She tipped her head back to look at the place where the store’s name would be painted. “Have you decided on a name?”
“Not officially, but Durward and Waller will likely be what we settle on.”
Her lips twitched. “Not Bertram’s?”
Tom chuckled. “No. I am an investor only. I will have my own title eventually, and, therefore, I have no need of a store to bear my name.”
They stepped through the door. There were men sweeping in the front while some others were working on setting shelves. A few maids were cleaning glass in cases. The floor was still dusty, but that was to be expected until everything was set and ready for the opening. Then, the wooden planks of the floor would get a good polish, and the rugs would be placed as needed.
“It will be a warehouse that carries a variety of beautiful and practical items,” Tom explained. “As you can see, some of the tea caddies have already been placed on shelves. There will be ribbons and lace in one of those cases.” He motioned to the display cases on his right. “Beyond that, I have very little knowledge of how everything is to be displayed, although Durward insists I must approve of it all before he allows the first customer to enter the store.”
“Everyone is certainly busy,” Faith said. “And it appears to be very well organized.”
“Durward is particular,” Tom assured her.
Gabriel Durward liked things in order. There was no danger of anything the man touched being operated in a fashion that was less than superior.
“Through here,” Tom opened a door at the back of the store, “are some storerooms as well as a small parlour and accounting office. The parlour is so that the workers have a place to eat their lunch. Those stairs lead to the home above.”
“Mr. Waller is claiming those accommodations, is he not?” She stood looking up the stairs to the door at the top.
“He is. I believe he will be settled into his rooms by the day after tomorrow.” He watched her turn a small circle.
“It is as spacious back here as it is in the front of the store.”
“But it is not as bright.”
She smiled.
Was the sun able to illu
minate his world as much as that smile?
“No,” she agreed, “it is not bright, but it is tidy – or nearly so.” She looked down at the floor which needed attention here as much as it did in the front. “But it will be completely so, I would imagine, as soon as things have settled a bit.”
She was, at least, politer than Durward was in stating his expectations that the store be in exemplary shape before they opened. Durward blustered. Miss Eldridge only raised a brow and gave an expectant look. Of course, even if she had blustered, Tom would not have minded so very much for she was far prettier than Durward.
Speaking of that blustery friend, Tom opened the door to the small accounting office, where he knew Durward would likely be. “We have places to store all the important papers and such in here.”
“Mr. Durward,” Faith said as she stepped into the room. “It is a pleasure to see you. The store is looking quite proper.”
Gabe pushed up from his spot at the desk and motioned to the one empty chair in the room. “It is progressing.”
“And are you progressing?” She tapped her arm as she sat down to indicate she spoke of his injuries and not his store.
“Well enough for my mother to allow me to leave the house daily.”
“Which is no easy task,” Tom murmured. Mrs. Durward was a protective sort of mother. “This is Mr. Waller. Mr. Waller, Miss Eldridge.”
“Ah, the financial advisor?” Waller asked with a grin.
Faith laughed. “Yes, I guess I am, but truly, Mr. Bertram does not need so much help as he thinks he does. He is a quick study.”
The smile she turned on Tom was one that spoke of the truth of her words. She was proud of him. If Tom had thought he was lost to her before this precise moment, he was more than certain he was now.
“Bertram is a sharp one,” Durward agreed.
“What is left to be done, aside from some cleaning and Mr. Waller taking up residence?” She leaned forward curiously looking at Durward was doing. “You have stock rooms which require filling as well as shelves and cases, and there is the matter of the sign above the door, but is everything else in order?”
Durward chuckled. “Yes. I believe all is in order. This afternoon, Waller and I are to interview a few gentlemen to begin filling the shop assistant positions.” He sighed ever so slightly, but it was enough for Faith’s left brow to rise in question.
“It is not always easy to allow others to do things when you are not certain they will immediately do them the way you wish,” Tom explained.
Durward nodded.
“But I will be here to oversee things,” Waller assured the room. “And I would like to think I can do that to Durward’s exacting standards.”
Tom chuckled as did his friend, Gabe.
“I am just setting up some account books so that bills can be sent in a timely fashion.” Gabe looked up from where he was using a ruler to draw a line. “And so they can be paid in an equally timely fashion if the customer wishes to retain their right to acquire items before the money has been tendered. Credit is a necessary evil, but the effects of it can be curtailed by stringent parameters that do not meet with exceptions.”
“Durward does not care if it is Prinny himself,” Waller said, “the bill will be paid on time or credit will be discontinued until such time as the bill is paid.”
“And only possibly reinstated,” Durward grumbled. “Untrustworthy knaves do not deserve to be given a second go at picking my pockets.”
“That is wise,” Faith said.
Tom could see how she was relaxing into the chair in which she sat. Her arm rested lightly on one of the arms of the chair, and she leaned against the slightly rounded back. He was glad of it. For if she were able to relax during a discussion of credit, then there was every hope she could, and would, see this venture as a wise one. They spoke for a few moments longer about non-business-related things mostly in relation to Waller setting up his house. Then, Tom suggested it was time to be on their way.
“I will give you a tour of my lodgings as soon as it is presentable,” Waller said to Faith.
“Bertram,” Durward called to Tom just as he and Faith had entered the hall.
“Do you mind?” Tom asked Miss Eldridge.
She shook her head.
“I will be just a moment. You may explore while you wait.”
“I will wander toward the front of the store,” Faith told him before he ducked back into the office.
“You would do well to keep your financial advisor even after your accounts are in order,” Gabe said as soon as Tom was entirely inside the office.
That was what his friend had called him back to tell him?
“She is charming,” Waller agreed.
“And smart. What other lady would make a list of all the same things I did when first considering what must be done to get this establishment underway? I’ve no doubt Mansfield would tick along in a well-managed fashion with her by your side,” Gabe added.
Tom shook his head. Of course, Gabe would see the practical side.
“And,” Gabe smirked, “you seem rather smitten.”
“Excessively,” Tom agreed. “Therefore, you fellows had best get this place making money soon so that I can keep her forever.”
Gabe settled back into his chair, looking very pleased. “And then we can see to Waller here.”
“Waller will not refuse the assistance,” Waller said, causing both Tom and Gabe to chuckle.
Tom said farewell to the gentlemen and hurried through the corridor to the front of the building to find Faith. She was standing near one of the cases, talking to a carpenter who was studying his handiwork.
“The cornice makes it look quite elegant, does it not?” she asked as Tom approached.
“Indeed, it does.” He would far rather look at her than some shelf, but he turned his eyes to the top of the case. The carpenter had done an excellent job in carving some scrolls into the cornice.
“There is a groove for the plates to stand in, and then a small ledge standing up here to keep the cups from being knocked off,” the carpenter explained, running his finger along the edge of the shelf.
Faith rose up on her toes to see the groove the workman had indicated. “I would not have noticed the ledge if you had not shown it to me! It is very clever.”
“It is well done,” Tom agreed.
She wrapped her arm around Tom’s offered one and thanked the carpenter for allowing her to ask questions.
“That man was telling me,” she said as they moved toward the door, “that Mr. Durward will have tea sets displayed next to the tea caddies.”
“And you approve of this?” He could tell by the excitement in her voice that she did, but he asked anyway.
“I do approve. Of all of it,” she answered. “The tea caddies, the glassware, the storerooms, the whole thing. But that is why you brought me here, is it not?”
Tom opened the door for her and allowed her to exit before him. “Yes,” was all he said in answer to her question.
“Why?”
Of course, a lady like Miss Eldridge would not be satisfied with a simple answer. She was curious. Tom was uncertain if he could give her a satisfactory answer, but he determined to try as he helped her into the carriage before taking his seat.
She tucked his cane between her leg and his.
“I still desire your approval.” He shrugged. “And I thought it might ease your mind. I know you have said that you approve of the venture, but it was only a concept. Seeing the objects makes it more real.”
“And more exciting?” Her eyes were filled with amusement.
“To me, yes.” There was something about seeing a plan such as this take shape that was exhilarating.
“To me as well,” she replied, moving his cane to her other side and scooting just that much closer to him.
If he shifted, which he did, his leg could touch hers. The excitement of the store that now stood behind them was nothing to the sensation of being so close
to her. This venture needed to succeed and soon, for he was uncertain how long he was willing to wait to have her as his wife.
Chapter 14
“My, you look to be in fine spirits today,” Mrs. Johns said when Faith entered the sitting room.
“And I see you have no crutch by your chair.” Faith’s answering comment was as joy-filled as her friend’s greeting.
“Olivia has allowed me some freedom,” Mrs. Johns replied with a chuckle.
“You must be doing well for her to allow it.” Faith knew that Olivia was excessively cautious about her mother’s recovery, which according to Faith was as it ought to be.
“Indeed, I am. Soon enough I will be able to walk to the store and purchase my own supplies.” She tied off what she had been stitching and snipped the thread.
Faith gathered some work from the basket. Her heart sank as she did so. Mrs. John’s foot might heal, and her hand might not ache as much as it did, but this basket of sewing would always be her lot. There would never be an end to this. Her needs would demand it.
“You needn’t attempt to create lines before your time.”
Faith lifted startled eyes to Mrs. John. She had no idea what such a comment meant.
“There was a deep line between your eyebrows just now. What troubles you?”
Faith shook her head. “It was nothing. Just a thought.” She did not wish to discuss money or the lack of it with her friend’s mother.
“You do not need to sew,” Mrs. Johns said. “My fingers are working quite well these days.”
Again, Faith shook her head. “It is not that. I do not mind sewing. I never have.”
Mrs. Johns placed her work on the table and took off the spectacles she used to do close work. “Then what is it? I will not be put off.”
Faith sat down, threaded her needle, and considered how she would answer such a direct demand. When she was ready to begin sewing, she asked, “Do you mind sewing?”
“I never have – until now.” Mrs. Johns lifted the article of clothing she had been mending. “It is not as pleasant to do it so often, or for people whom you do not know and love.” She expelled a great breath. “However, I find that imagining the pleasure of some gentleman or lady when they get their clothing delivered to them in fine repair, makes the task less odious.” She tipped her head and smiled at Faith. “And I am putting aside a few pence as I can so that I might one day be able to give it to you to invest for me.”