“Then let me help you. I’ll introduce you to some ladies that could become friends. My mother has tremendous influence in society. We can ease you back in. I’m not asking you to attend a ball tonight. But going out shopping with me should be manageable. And just to lay your fears to rest, I won’t let anyone slight you.”
She huffed. “Fine, I’ll go, but if it goes horribly wrong, I’ll blame it on your stubborn head.”
He laughed. Sass from Josephine was infinitely better than reticence.
“I accept full responsibility. Do you need time to prepare?”
“I just need to fetch my mantle, gloves, and bonnet. I’ll be but a moment.”
Ten minutes later, he was driving his curricle through the still mostly empty streets of Mayfair in the direction of the nearby Bond Street. She did need new gowns and accessories, but he also planned a small surprise.
Despite her misgivings, the crowd was mostly middle class and wealthy merchants. They did not encounter many members of the ton. He suspected most would still be abed and would flock to Bond Street later in the day.
He escorted Josephine to one of the modistes his mother had recommended for carrying readymade gowns and was pleased to note that Josephine was quick to make decisions and had impeccable taste. She chose colors and designs that would complement her coloring and were simple yet elegant.
The modiste was ecstatic with her selections, confiding that many a lady chose gowns that were completely wrong for them and she was put in the delicate position of trying to steer them toward something more flattering to avoid having a customer wear an unsuitable gown that would reflect badly on her.
They had spent nearly three hours going from shop to shop, selecting hats, shoes, gloves, parasols, fans, and every other imaginable accessory. To his delight, Josephine’s confidence and pleasure in the task of shopping for her and her nephew increased with each new shop.
“Where to now?” he asked as he handed her onto his curricle after exiting another shop.
“Aren't you bored of shopping already?”
“I could never be bored in your presence. Are you?”
She chuckled. A small sound of amusement, yet he still treasured it for its rarity. “No, but gentlemen usually complain about women’s shopping habits. Most find it a dead bore. I remember my father and brother could not be bothered to accompany my mother and me.”
“I’m not like your father and brother. I am actually enjoying myself tremendously watching you pick beautiful things.”
“I’m glad I didn’t bore you to tears, but I think I’m done for today. Edward and I have everything we could possibly need for the time being, and even if you are not, I’m ready for a respite.”
“Are you up for visiting one more shop? I have something specific in mind.”
“Oh? Where are you planning to take me?”
He had contacted the owner of Floris and ascertained that, besides the perfumes, they also sold ingredients for the customers who wished to make their own blends. And even some of the tools. It was not only her clothes that had burned. Her perfumery equipment had also been destroyed in the fire.
“Have you heard of Floris?”
“Of course! They are the most famous perfumery shop in London.”
“Did you know they also sell the raw materials and equipment?”
“Yes, I did.”
But her tone was subdued. Not the excitement he had hoped at the prospect of visiting a shop that catered to her lifelong passion.
“What is it? You don’t wish to go there?”
“It’s not that. It’s just… well, I don’t know if I should continue to dabble with perfumes. You saw the great explosion they caused during the fire.”
“You know they were not the cause.”
“Well, they certainly made it worse.”
“Have you ever had any other accidents with your perfumery materials?”
“No, this is the first time.”
