An unwilling smile tugged at her lips. She held out her hand. “Cami Desmond.”
Seth took her hand, bowed low and gently kissed her knuckles. He straightened and said, “Seth Warner, at your service.”
“Wow. A real gentleman.”
Seth tensed, uneasy at the number of curious stares cast their way. “As much as I’m intrigued by your clothing, you should change into more . . . appropriate attire. You’re drawing unwanted attention.”
She looked down at her clothes. “Well, yes, I see your point, but I don’t have anything else with me.”
“I won’t permit you back to the hotel. It’s too dangerous.” He looked up the street, focusing on a storefront. He took her arm again, this time with less force.
“Allow me to provide what you require.”
Four
Seth led Cami into a woman’s clothing boutique. Even this “shop” appeared to be part of the set. It was small, quiet and totally Victorian. Richly crafted garments hung on hooks scattered throughout the room and several mannequins were dressed with complete outfits.
“Good afternoon, sir.” The woman who addressed Seth was plump, dressed to the nines in high fashion, from her lace-embellished pink shoes to the ornate hat decorated with ribbons and bird feathers perched on a mop of curls.
“What may I show your lady today?” The woman barely glanced at her, but Cami could hear sympathy oozing from her voice.
Seth turned to the proprietor and gave her money, probably as a tip. “I must see to an errand. Please outfit her with anything she needs.”
He bowed to Cami. “I shall return. I believe you are in good hands.” Cami watched Seth walk out the door, wondering if she’d see him again, or if another stagehand would come for her. Where was Gina?
“Shall I show you some day gowns?”
Cami turned her attention to the woman. “Yes, I suppose so. But maybe something less . . . elaborate than what you’re wearing.”
Cami spent the next hour trying on several outfits of varying fabrics, colours and styles. Standing before the large floor mirror,she couldn’t believe her transformation, even though it had taken some convincing to lace her into the tiny corset.
She’d chosen a simple walking dress in lightweight wool. The lichen-green, flared skirt draped to the floor. Her white silk blouse was high at the neck, buttoned at the side and fronted with lace. The matching fitted jacket had puffy sleeves that tapered to her wrists, a wide collar, and was accented with gold trim and darker green velvet, the colour reminding her of Seth’s eyes.
The shop owner had swept Cami’s hair high on her head, revealing her gold hoop earrings. But Cami had drawn the line at wearing a huge bonnet. Instead she chose a simple, tailored straw hat with one saucy feather tucked on the side. Cami twirled, the skirt flowing around her legs. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d worn a dress. She felt feminine and sexy, in a totally new way.
“I approve of your choice. You’re stunning.”
Cami turned. Seth leaned casually against the wall near the door. He pushed away and came towards her.
“Good, because I don’t think I’ll ever get out of this corset.”
A wicked gleam darkened his eyes. He whispered, “I could help.”
Cami felt her cheeks flush. “Confidence killed the cat, not curiosity.” She turned away and regarded Seth in the mirror. He’d also changed. His clothes were more casual, but he looked dashing in solid, light-brown trousers with a matching waistcoat, a darker brown vest and a crisp white shirt. Seth also wore a straw hat, his dark hair curling at the collar.
“Would you stroll with me on the boardwalk?”
“This dress-up time has been fun, but shouldn’t I get back to the hotel? They’ll be looking for me.”
He stood before her and touched her hair, just a light stroke. “Who will be looking for you?”
“My friend Gina.”
“Then I shall deliver you safely to her. Now that you’re less conspicuous, we’ll take the scenic way, along the boardwalk. I promised you an enjoyable afternoon. If possible, I intend to keep it.”
“Are you always this persistent?”
“When I want something.”
