Page 40 of Christmas Comes to Little Valentine

“Good day to you, ladies, sir. How may I help you?”

“We’ve heard a rumour that there is a bookshop in the town,” Della said, and Nat smiled to himself at how the fellow lit up at his cousin’s enthusiasm, not to mention her beauty and the fact her dress told him she was a wealthy young woman. She was any shopkeeper’s dream customer.

“Then, for once, the rumour was quite correct. I am Mr Brooks, and I should be delighted to guide you if you are looking for anything in particular. Or you may browse to your heart’s content, the choice is yours.”

Della looked at Vinnie and said, “I believe we should like to browse awhile first, but we shall return and ask for your advice if we need it. Thank you, Mr Brooks.”

Meg nodded her agreement to this plan and followed Della and Vinnie up the stairs.

Nat did likewise, momentarily mesmerised by the sway of Meg’s hips as she ascended, before forcing himself to look away.

“Oh, he’s labelled each section,” Meg exclaimed happily.

“I wish more bookshops would do that,” Vinnie agreed. “I would waste a good deal less time searching through dreary titles on agriculture when all I require is a good novel.”

“And what about you, Meg? What would you like to read?” Nat asked, once his cousins had buried themselves in the appropriate section.

She coloured slightly and shook her head. “Oh, nothing in particular. I shall just browse.”

Nat didn’t push her, knowing she was too aware of her inability to purchase anything and that any offer to pay for her would be strongly rebuffed. Though he knew she would scold him dreadfully, he determined to keep an eye on her and see which titles seemed to please her the most and get Mr Brooks to send them to the hall on his account.

Nat sat down in an armchair, one of several Mr Brooks had sensibly provided for the comfort of his clients and heard the doorbell ring again. A few moments later, a young man appeared. He paused on the top step upon seeing Nat and the three ladies.

“Good day,” Nat said politely.

“And to you,” the young man said, returning a swift smile, and hesitating as the small section dedicated to novels was currently filled by Della and Vinnie.

“I’m afraid they’ll be an age if you’re hoping for a novel,” Nat replied dryly. “You’d best make yourself comfortable.”

The young man laughed and set his hat and gloves down on the table beside Nat’s. “Thank you, I will. I came to find a book for my sister,” he said with a smile.

Nat looked at him curiously. He was a slender fellow, with thick dark hair and grey eyes and at first glance looked to be in his mid-twenties, but his skin was so fine Nat could not believe he’d begun shaving yet and wondered if he was younger than that.

“I’m Marwick,” he said, offering his hand. “Alfred Marwick. Are you visiting our lovely town?”

“Nathaniel Ashford,” Nat replied, shaking the fellow’s hand. “And yes, staying with my grandmother.”

The young man’s eyes darted swiftly over Nat and his companions. “At the hall?” he guessed.

“Yes.” Nat nodded, and saw the fellow make the connection almost at once.

“Aha, so the formidable dowager duchess is your grandmother,” he said, grinning now.

“You’ve met her?” Nat asked, rather surprised. Whilst he was a well-dressed young man, it was clear by his accent, which was pleasant but certainly not from the upper ranks, that he was not of her world or even close. “Or does her reputation precede her? Not that I’m surprised,” he added, in case the fellow should think he’d taken umbrage.

“No, and yes, but my sister has had the pleasure. Alice liked her very much, I know, but then she’s rather an outspoken young woman herself.”

Nat chuckled. “She’ll get along with Della, then.”

“They’ve met,” Marwick said. “And yes, Alice was very taken with her too. She was at the Ladies Club when Lady Della played and told me she was quite sublime. The best she had ever heard.”

“Ah, yes, the infamous Venturesome Ladies Club, and Della is quite exceptional,” Nat agreed, understanding why Hawkney disapproved so strongly. It would put Della in the way of people like this man’s sister, and thus Mr Marwick as well. Not that Nat minded. Della was a sensible girl, and he couldn’t help but think the Hawkney line was a deal too stuffy. Some fresh blood would do it the world of good.

“Was that a compliment, Nat? Surely not? Are you feeling quite well?”

Nat looked up to discover Della before them, clutching several books against her chest. Both he and Marwick stood up. “It was, and don’t make out like you’ve heard none from me before. This is Mr Marwick, cousin. You know his sister, Miss Alice Marwick, I believe?”

“Oh, indeed,” Della replied warmly. “Not very well yet, but we met at the Venturesome Ladies Club meeting and have plans to further our acquaintance. I liked her very much, and I am pleased to meet you, Mr Marwick.”