“You mean obsequious?”
Was that what she meant? Georgie thought about Mr. Taylor, a merchant with whom her father did business. He actually did not seem to be in awe of her father’s title. “Not at all. Naturally they are polite. Everyone should be. I do not know why he should be fawning. He is an earl and before that he was the son of an earl.”
Turley’s frown wrinkled his forehead. “It always felt as if he wanted to become friends with other fellows because of who they are.” He started them ambling around the stalls again. “Naturally, he did not have much use for either Littleton or me. Exeter still calls him Loathsome Lytton.”
It was sad that a little boy could be so derided, and his behavior years ago still held against him. “He certainly was not very wise. Many times one’s rank has little to do with one’s standing in Polite Society.”
“Precisely.” Turley stopped in front of a stand with children’s toys. “I should find something for my niece. She is only just over two years old. My sister is expecting another child in the spring.”
There were several brightly colored wooden toys. “Do you think she would like the horse on wheels or a doll?”
He studied the selection as if the decision was of great importance. “I think she would find both of them fascinating. She has a doll, but not a wooden one.”
There were other animals on wheels as well. “Either a toy on wheels or a doll would work. Children tend to be easy to please.”
“I can get her one of each.” He flashed her a smile as he selected the horse and a doll.
“I think I will take that rattle for my young nephew. He was born a few months ago.” She picked up a plain wooden rattle and paid for it before slipping it in her reticule.
The vendor handed Turley his purchases wrapped up in paper, and he balanced the first package on top of the second. “What I need is someone who can take these to the inn.”
“Sir,” the seller said. “My son will be here directly. He can take them if you tell me which inn you want them taken to.”
“Thank you.” Turley took out two coins and handed them to the man. “The Cross and Crown.”
“I’ll see they get there.”
They strolled past the other booths, and even though there were several things Georgie would have liked to purchase, she was aware that she did not have the funds.
“Do you like that shade of ribbon?”
She looked at the red ribbon at which he was pointing. “It is beautiful.”
“I think so as well.” When she married or got old enough, it was one of the shades she wanted to wear.
He ordered a length of the glib, and stuck it into the pocket on the tails of his jacket.
“I have always thought that was an interesting place to put pockets.” Georgie wished gowns still had pockets. Especially now when the skirts were wider. Perhaps she should speak with the modiste about fashioning them.
“They can be extremely useful.” He held his arm out to her again and she tucked her hand into its crook. The church bell struck the hour, and they turned back toward the inn. Georgie was happy that they had got to spend time together and actually spoke of subjects other than what was merely polite. She’d had no idea that he had a young niece or that he was careful about the types of gifts he purchased. Perhaps this week should be used simply to get to know each other better, and deciding to marry.
Chapter Nineteen
Gavin glanced at Georgie as she walked beside him. She obviously had no idea he’d bought the ribbon for her. It would look perfect in her rich, dark brown tresses. He’d like to give her rubies and emeralds, but the gewgaw would have to do for now. The question was when to give it to her. He did not want to do it with the entire house party around. Perhaps on the way back to Littlewood would be the best time. Littleton and Adeline would be with them, and it would all be aboveboard, and Georgie wouldn’t be able to refuse the gift. It struck him that he’d sent her flowers but had never bought her anything else. He could tell from the way she had perused the fabrics and other items that she wanted to make more purchases. If only she would have accepted a loan. But he hadn’t offered a loan. He’d offered a gift.
Damn me for a fool.Well, I’ll know better the next time.
He’d been impressed that she bought lace for members of her family. Despite the months he’d spent with her he had not known how generous she was. It struck him that he liked that about her. It was an excellent quality to have in a wife and helpmate.
He still wanted to find a way to give her the ability to purchase some of the other things she had seen. The town of Littleton had a market. Would they have the same wares? If it was not mentioned on the way back, he’d have to ask Littleton. Or would Georgie know? “It’s been a long time since I’ve been to a market with so many different items for sale.”
“I know what you mean. I always seem to miss the one at home. I wonder what the Littleton market is like.”
Gavin was glad he’d been thinking about the same thing. Otherwise he’d probably not have said what he should have. Shopping had never before mattered to him. Well, shopping that didn’t include plows, cattle, seed, horses, or what he needed to buy for the Season. “We should ask.”
“That is a good idea.” They approached the inn and several of the other guests were mingling in front of the building. “I do not know which market is superior and do not wish to make either Lady Turner or Mrs. Fitzwalter feel badly if theirs is not.”
“Of course, you are right.” Georgie grinned at Gavin, and his chest seemed to puff out. All sorts of strange things were happening to his chest when he was around her. The puffing out he understood, but not the birds.
