I snorted. “As gratifying as it is to believe in the sudden generosity of our families, let us not deceive ourselves. This money is merely an installment on a husband.”
Jane’s mouth fell open in mock horror. “Lizzy! Such cynicism.”
Charlotte chuckled. “Oh, she has a point. Mama nearly fainted with delight when I told her I’d been invited to London for the Season. I know what her hopes are, and I’m sorry I shall have to disappoint them.”
I swallowed at the sudden note of melancholy in Charlotte’s voice. Jane glanced at me, then squeezed Charlotte’s hand. “Whatever you purchase today will no doubt be borrowed by your sister, so let us make the best of it, shall we? And do not feel badly for spending what was sent. Though it may seem like a fortune to us, compared to the extravagant sums spent by Mayfair’s elite on a single gown, it is practically a pittance.”
“Well,” I said, “let us see what sort of ‘pittance’ can buy us the husbands of our dreams.”
Aunt Gardiner laughed. “With Madame Duval’s skill, you might just land a prince. Or, at the very least, a gentleman with a comfortable income and good teeth.”
The carriage halted with a soft jolt in front of a building that, quite frankly, seemed rather nondescript amidst the industrial surroundings. Narrow streets bustled with merchants, the air thick with the tang of salt and the distant calls of dockworkers. The masts of ships peeked over the rooftops, and the rhythmic sounds of hammers and saws echoed, hinting at the busy dockyards just beyond.
I eyed the area with a raised brow. “Are we sure this is the right place?”
Before any of us could voice further doubts, the door of the nearby shop opened, revealing an astonishingly well-dressed lady. Her gown flowed in layers of the finest silk, the color vibrant and the cut immaculate. The trio of us—Jane, Charlotte, and I—exchanged glances and released collective sighs of admiration.
Aunt Gardiner’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “I told you, did I not?” she said smugly.
A footman held the door of the shop, and I daresay none were more eager than I to observe this Madame Duval’s divine talents. But just before we entered, my aunt paused with a little gasp of surprise. “Girls!” she whispered. “Smile.”
“What?” Jane and Charlotte stopped, and we all looked across the street. A tall gentleman was making his way through the crowd, his head above most of the others, and he was lifting his hat toward my aunt. He was too far away to call out a greeting, but his manners must have been such that he felt compelled to acknowledge a lady of his acquaintance. I felt my heart kick a little faster, just looking at him. Fair hair that curled just a bit at the temple, eyes of aquatic blue that shone like icicles, even from this distance, and a figure that would make for a splendid dance partner.
Charlotte whimpered and dabbed at her mouth.
Jane leaned close, her voice a whisper. “Aunt!Whoisthat?”
Aunt Gardiner stepped forward, her chin tilted just so, the epitome of casual elegance. Without turning her head, she murmured, low enough that only we could hear, “That, my dear nieces, is Henry Van der Meer—Mr. Gardiner’s latest business associate, and the gentleman who has invited us as his guests for Twelfth Night, among other celebrations.”
I was fairly certain Charlotte grabbed the door frame to keep from swaying off her feet, but I was still staring after the gentleman. “Him?”
My aunt leaned close to my ear. “Now, do you understand why your uncle and I invited you to London?”
“Does he have any brothers?” I blurted. “Wealthy friends?”
My aunt only held a finger over her mouth with a cryptic smile. As the handsome Mr. Van der Meer disappeared around a corner, the three of us exchanged wide-eyed glances. Jane was fanning herself, her face bright red. Charlotte hiccoughed and patted a hand over her heart.
And my head exploded with all manner of schemes.
5
3 December
“Aunt,Jane,haveweanything pressing today? The weather promises to be fair, and I swore to myself that someday, I would explore Hatchards in Piccadilly.”
“Hatchards?” my aunt asked. “Have you never been?”
“No, for Mama never permitted it when she was with us. She thought it a waste of time, and Papa would never take me when he went there because he did not want me to spend the money.” I tapped my finger thoughtfully against the handle of my teacup. “But with your leave, Aunt, I should like to go today.”
Aunt Gardiner set her teacup down with a gentle clink. “I think you will enjoy yourself very much, Lizzy. It is indeed one of the finest shops in London. I believe your uncle procured a first edition there just last month.”
I nodded enthusiastically. “Exactly. One cannot say they have evenbeento London unless they have been there. It’s practically an institution.”
She laughed. “Well, when you put it that way. But be careful, dear. Their shelves are lined with temptation.”
“Indeed, Lizzy,” Jane agreed. “Their volumes will cost a small fortune. Are you certain you want to let yourself fall in love with a book you cannot buy?”
“Fear not, dear sister. I wish only to feast my eyes, not lighten my purse.”
