“So do you. That sheet is quite becoming on you. The height of fashion.”
She playfully tossed the pillow at him.
He came to her side and gave her a scorching kiss on the lips. “I know I said I would walk you to the seamstress shop, but I did not have the heart to wake you. You were curled up like a kitten beside me and did not respond when I kissed you earlier. I thought it best to let you sleep, especially after last night’s exertions.”
Heat shot into her cheeks. “I did not exert myself.”
He arched an eyebrow.
“I was merely engaged and curious. Mostly, I lay there and responded to your touch.”
He laughed. “Is that all?”
“You were very manly,” she said with a sigh, recalling last night’s pleasure. “I was transported.”
“Go on.” He kissed her lightly on the nose.
She could not contain her smile. “It was most satisfying, as you well know. Just look at the smug grin on your face. But the fact remains, you did the lion’s share of the work.”
Oh, he did look so proud of himself.
“It was all pleasure on my part,” he said. “Not a bit of work. And you wereveryresponsive. I think you howled.”
“Octavian! The very idea!”
He gave her cheek an affectionate caress. “The seamstress shop is just down the street. The innkeeper or anyone one on his staff can direct you. I’ll be gone most of the day, but will return to collect you at six. Don’t forget, we have that early supper with Commodore Wainright. Have the innkeeper send word to me if you need me to return sooner.”
She shook her head. “I’ll be all right on my own. I’m used to it. Don’t worry about me. I won’t bother you.”
“You are never a bother,” he said, casting her a hot, hungry look. “Gad, you’re pretty.”
She rolled her eyes and smiled at him. “I am sure I look a mess.”
“No, you are perfect.” He kissed her again, claiming her mouth with a ravenous urgency. “I’ll send up one of the maids to help you with your gown.”
As soon as he left, Syd grabbed her shift and tossed it on. She then set about readying herself for the day. First stop would be the seamstress because she needed warmer garments. The light muslins she had taken from Adela’s armoire were never going to protect her from this harsher, northern climate where the air cooled precipitously once the sun went down.
She decided that her first purchase ought to be a woolen shawl that she could use immediately since she intended to hiketo the Campbell farm next to inspect the merino sheep for the Armstrongs.
Miss Granger was the local seamstress, a charming woman who appeared to be about forty years old, and had a crisp, efficient manner about her. “Och, Mrs. Thorne. Good morning,” she said, bustling to the front of the shop to greet Syd. “Yer husband said to expect ye. I should have known ye were lovely by the sparkle in his eyes when he spoke of ye.”
Syd smiled. “A pleasure to meet you, Miss Granger. What else did my husband say?”
The seamstress waved her hand lightly in the air. “Ah, men. He gave me explicit instructions you were to have the best of everything. No less than five gowns with all the trimmings and accessories.”
“Five!” Syd shook her head in resignation. “I only thought to acquire two. We’re only here for a fortnight.”
“Well, it gets rather cool at night and often in the daytime as well. Ye’ll freeze if ye go around wearing those thin clothes. Let’s choose the fabrics and colors, and then I’ll make up three gowns for everyday wear and something a little nicer for evening entertainments. Captain Thorne is soon to be promoted to admiral, and him already in the highest social circles means you and he will be invited to dine with all the best families in the area. Ye’ll catch yer death if ye go out in that thin material, even if it is elegant. I have girls in town that I’ll call in to help me get these new gowns sewn fast.”
Syd spent more time than she intended in the shop, but she had fun chatting with Miss Granger as they selected the color and style for each gown. She also acquired stockings, shawls, and gloves, making certain at least one of the gowns and its accompanying shawl featured the Earl of Greenock’s clan colors. Just as important, she relied on Miss Granger to alert her to the colors not to be chosen because they belonged to an enemy clan.
The bitter violence between these families had long since ended, but some lingering rivalries remained. Most were lighthearted disagreements and some were more serious, but she was not looking to inadvertently give insult no matter the reason.
Being measured and pinned took longer than Syd realized.
It was already past noon by the time she returned to the inn. The kindly innkeeper hustled toward her when she spotted him in the common room. “How long do you think it will take me to walk to Mr. Campbell’s farm and back?”
“Och, no, Mrs. Thorne. Let me have one of my boys drive ye in our rig. Ye’ll never make it there and back in time for supper with Commodore Wainright.”
