Of course, she had done no such thing, and that had come with a sense of regret, though it had not been at all the most appropriate moment for such a display of her feelings. All the same, that desire lingered within her still, and she found her smile growing steadily, as she wondered when she might have the opportunity to give in to all that she desired… and if she would have enough boldness to do so.
“The bookshop?”
Rachael smiled.
“Very well, though I do not think that books are part of my trousseau.”
Her mother laughed, and Rachael’s smile grew all the more, as she found herself more than a little contented, given how wonderful an afternoon they had been enjoying. Purchasing things for her trousseau, discussing the wedding itself, and what it would be like to be mistress of the Earl’s estate, was making Rachael’s anticipation and excitement grow with a furious strength and, even though the shadow of these latest rumors hung over her, she was able to push them back far enough to almost forget them entirely.
“Very well, shall we see if you need any new ribbons?”
Gesturing to another shop, Lady Grant smiled as Rachael nodded and together, arm in arm, mother and daughter walked into the shop.
It was rather quiet, which was a little surprising for that time of day, but Rachael thought it something of a relief, given the fact that she might have garnered one or two sidelong looks and whispers within the shop otherwise. She and her mother moved about the shop independently, with her mother quickly engaging the shopkeeper in conversation about lace, ribbon, and the like, leaving Rachael free to look around.
The door behind her opened, the bell tinkling as two ladies stepped inside. After glancing over her shoulder, Rachael went to look away again, only to pause and stare, wide-eyed, at the second of the two ladies.
She recognized her.
“I will not be long!” the first lady said, giving the second a warm smile which was not returned. “Why must you look so downhearted? It is not as though I have taken an age in every shop we have stepped into, is it?”
The second lady rolled her eyes and folded her arms, giving a huff that was clearly meant to indicate that she felt as though she were giving a great deal of her time and effort to whatever endeavor the first lady was engaged in. Tossing her head, her blonde curls bouncing, she heaved another sigh, but despite her actions, the first lady made no effort to hurry. Rachael turned her head away again, not wishing to be caught staring, but searched her mind for who this lady was. Why did she recognize her? And why was her attitude itself so familiar?
“Dohurry up.”
The slightly whining tones wrapped themselves around Rachael’s mind, and she frowned hard, rubbing one hand over her forehead as she thought.
It came to her with such swiftness, she snatched in a breath, her eyes flaring wide.
I know who it is.
The second lady was the one whom she had overheard discussing Lord Blackmore. The one who had been so very rude to her when she had walked into her path, the one who had offered no smile, no look of interest or the like but nothing other than frustration and anger.
Her eyes closed.I was meant to tell Lord Blackmore of this. And yet again, I have not.
Frustration rose within her and she scowled, her jaw tightening at her foolishness. She was meant to have told him, long before now, about the conversation she had overheard and seeing this lady again had only served to remind her that she had not managed to do that as yet.
Her eyes flew open. Mayhap she could find a way to discover this lady’s name. After all, would it not be better if she could speak with Lord Blackmore and inform him as to who one of the ladies was, at the very least?
Resolved, Rachael looked about the shop and spotted the first lady who was now looking through a stack of ribbons. Putting a smile on her face, she meandered over in her direction, throwing only the occasional glance over her shoulder to make sure that the second lady was a little further away from them and would not hear Rachael’s conversation.
“Your friend is not interested in ribbons, mayhap?”
The first lady looked up at Rachael from where she had been bent over the ribbons, only to smile.
“Not at the moment, at least!”
Glad that there had been a warmth in the lady’s response rather than a rude coldness, Rachael smiled at her.
“Might I be able to help you? I am also seeking a new ribbon, and there are so many here… Together we may be quicker siftingthrough them. Your friend appears to be in something of a rush and perhaps–”
The lady nodded, smiling again.
“Emily… that is to say, Lady Alderton, is eager for me to choose my ribbons simply so that we might make our way to the shop thatshewishes to attend,” came the reply, making Rachael’s smile a little fixed. “However, I will accept your help so that her frown might not linger too long, else her mood will become all the worse!”
Rachael moved closer and helped the lady find the length and color of ribbon that she desired, though she did not once ask the lady for her own title. With a smile of delight, the lady took the ribbon she had chosen and made to step away, only to smile at Rachael.
“Thank you for your help, Miss….?”
