“I will be the judge of that,” he replied as he stepped back. “If you need me, I’ll be in the study until I depart for the House of Lords.”
One thing was certain, Miss Bentley had managed to fool his entire family into thinking she was something she was not.
5
Ellie staredout the window of the coach as she admired the storefronts on Bond Street. She was amazed by how many different types of shops she saw and found herself eager to explore each and every one.
Emma’s voice broke through the silence. “I assume this is your first time to Bond Street.”
“It is,” Ellie confirmed.
“Bond Street is London’s most fashionable shopping district,” Emma shared. “You can find just about anything here.”
Ellie nodded. “I imagine that would be the case.”
The coach came to a stop and dipped to the side as the footman stepped off his perch, put the step down, and opened the door. As Ellie stepped onto the pavement, she withdrew her hand from the footman’s and waited for the other ladies to exit the coach.
Harriet came to stand next to her. “I am taking you to the finest dressmaker in all of London.”
Ellie frowned as she glanced down at the reticule on her right wrist. “I only have limited funds to pay for my gowns.”
“You don’t need to concern yourself with that,” Harriet said with a wave of her hand. “I have decided it is my privilege to pay for your gowns.”
“That is kind of you, but—”
Harriet cut her off. “I insist,” she said firmly. “You must let me do this for you.”
Emma chimed in. “When my mother sets her mind to something, she is quite stubborn on the subject.”
Placing a hand on Ellie’s sleeve, Harriet pressed, “By paying for your gowns, it allows you to purchase all the other necessary accessories you require.”
“You are being far too generous.”
Harriet smiled. “It is the least I can do for the daughter of my dear friend.”
Ellie returned her smile. “Thank you,” she said, hoping her words adequately expressed her gratitude.
“You are welcome,” Harriet replied, dropping her hand.
Emma giggled. “Although you might not be as thankful after we visit the modiste.”
“Why do you say that?” Ellie asked.
“She is quite invasive when taking your measurements,” Emma explained.
Harriet just laughed as she walked towards the shop. “I daresay Emma is exaggerating her experience.”
A bell chimed above the door as they stepped inside. The shop contained a square room with chairs lining the walls, and a door led to a back room.
A tall, thin woman walked through that door and looked at them expectedly. “How may I help you?”
Harriet stepped forward. “I was hoping to speak to Madam Carre for a moment.”
“She is much too busy to be seen at the moment,” the woman responded dismissively. “Perhaps you could make an appointment.”
“Will you please inform her that Lady Bideford is here to see her?” Harriet asked.
The woman frowned. “Give me a moment, my lady,” she replied before disappearing into the back room.
