That idea brought a smile to Sara’s face.
“A capital idea,” she agreed, as they walked from the room. “And I have just the thing in mind!”
* * *
“I must say,that is the most fetching bonnet, and the ribbon certainly brings out the color in your eyes.”
The proprietor smiled warmly as Sara tied the ribbons under her chin. She had no need for a new bonnet, but it was a pleasure just to be able to look at them, and try them on. Besides which, her father would have no qualms if she purchased something for herself, not after the trouble she had endured thus far with Lord Coatbridge.
“It certainly does.”
Miss Cartwright agreed, as Sara smiled back at her reflection in the mirror. She caught Miss Cartwright’s gaze, seeing her smile, but also the slight dancing of her eyes, telling Sara that she knew all too well that her desire for a new bonnet came only to soothe her injured spirits, rather than because she required one.
“I think I shall purchase it.” Waving one hand towards the bonnet she had worn from the house, she smiled quickly. “Might you return my bonnet to the house in place of this one? I think I should quite like to wear this today.”
“Yes, of course.”
Obviously glad to have made a sale, the proprietor beamed at her and agreed readily, commenting again on how well chosen the bonnet had been. Sara smiled with gentle affection, aware that the lady was doing all she could to encourage Sara to come back to her shop again, at another time which she had every intention of doing.
“And I am most pleased with these gloves.” Miss Cartwright set down the pair of silk gloves that she had ordered last week, and which the proprietor had just delivered to her. “I have a ball tomorrow and I certainly do require this new pair. I am afraid that my current pair has a slight hole in one of the fingertips and I could not allow them to be seen, particularly at my betrothal ball!”
This prompted a flurry of congratulations from the lady, who then encouraged Miss Cartwright to return should she require anything for her wedding chest.
After a short delay, they were able to leave the shop and stepped out into glorious sunshine. Sara smiled to herself, tipping her head up for just a moment before ducking it again under the shadow of her bonnet. She did not want to have even one freckle, but the feel of the warmth on her face was too delightful to forgo.
“I think this a very pretty bonnet,” she sighed. “Do you not think so?”
“Indeed I do, although I do not think you purchased it simply because of how lovely it is.”
Sara chuckled.
“Why then, pray tell?”
“You cannot escape my notice,” her friend laughed. “I do hope that it has been successful in its purpose of lifting your spirits somewhat?”
Laughing, Sara looked away for a moment as they meandered slowly together along the street, keeping to their own conversation rather than stopping to greet any other, with the footman and the maid trailing after them at a suitable distance.
“Yes, I suppose you are right. I cannot hide such a thing from you. It has improved my spirits a great deal and I find myself quite pleased with the day. Indeed, I have forgotten about Lady Nora and Lord Coatbridge. Instead of feeling aggrieved, I now feel almost contented!”
“And all because of a bonnet,” Miss Cartwright laughed, linking arms with her friend. “The blue ribbons certainly do match the color of your eyes. I will say that,” Miss Cartwright added.
“And are you contented with your gloves?”
“Oh yes. I am very much looking forward to the ball tomorrow. I am still somewhat shocked to imagine myself a bride! It is astonishing in many ways.”
“But you are happy with your choice?”
Miss Cartwright nodded.
“I could not think of anyone other than Lord Millwood. I am more than content. It is a very difficult emotion to express, and I do not think I can satisfactorily tell you all that I feel for him! I do not think I have ever been so filled with joy.”
A little surprised at the heat of envy rising slowly from the depths of her soul, Sara patted her friend’s arm.
“Perhaps I, one day, shall share that particular emotion with a gentleman of my own.”
“I am certain that you will, so long as you are patient.”
“Whatever has patience to do with it?”
