Lucy beamed. “This is the newest shop along Bishop Street. It opened just six months ago, and it is the talk of all London. Mr. Thomas Clark is a famous shoemaker; he recently returned from Paris after apprenticing one of Paris’s finest cordwainers. I heard Mr. Clark recently completed a pair of boots for the Duke of Rembridge!”
Caroline scanned the front of the shop. The brick exterior had been freshly mortared, the door recently painted black, and the windows elegantly draped in red velvet curtains. In one window appeared a magnificent pair of men’s riding boots with extravagant detailing on the leather. A small card next to the boots read, “Crafted for Lord Searly, Duke and Earl of Rembridge.”
“I am astonished, Lucy,” Caroline said mockingly, “that you would even consider such a shop. We are far beneath the notice of dukes and duchesses for our father is only a baron.”
Lucy grinned. She slicked a strand of hair back as she attempted to imitate her mother. “Oh, come now, Caroline. You must know that we shall mingle with the very finest of crowds here. You must look your part.” She paused, looking at the boots in the window once more. “Mama was here just yesterday requesting that our names be added to the list of Mr. Clark’s clients,” Lucy explained, reaching for the door.
The interior of the shop was small, though clean and orderly. A few shoes with cards were displayed on a shelf. A couple of clean sketches were framed upon the wall, and a curtain hung neatly behind the clerk’s desk.
“Ladies, how may I be of service?” A young bookish gentleman asked as he stretched out his arms. His red hair was fixed to the latest fashion, with a single curl that cascaded down the left side of his forehead.
“Good day,” Lucy said with a smile, “Miss Lucy Hopkins and Miss Caroline Hopkins here for measurements.”
The clerk glanced at the appointment book on the desk, running his finger down a list, until at last he paused, and said softly, “Ah, you have come at just the right time. We seem to have an opening before our next customer. Please, follow me.”
The clerk led the women to a booth behind the curtain. He gestured to an upholstered bench. “If you will please be seated, I will notify Mr. Clark you are here.” The clerk then swung in a swift and graceful motion past the booth, humming softly.
Caroline and Lucy began chatting about the morning’s excitement, when a man with broad shoulders entered the room. He was much younger than Caroline had imagined, appearing to be no older than thirty, and he wore a dark suit underneath a white apron. His black curly hair hung around his face and framed his dark eyes.
The clerk gestured toward the sisters. “And here they are, sir. Miss Lucy Hopkins and her sister Miss Caroline Hopkins.”
The man nodded, hardly glancing to their faces. “And how may I be of service to you ladies?”
Lucy glanced at Caroline, her eyes brightening. “My sister and I are both in need of new boots and ballroom slippers. An elegant black boot would do nicely for each of us, but we have not yet decided on the details of the slippers.”
Mr. Clark nodded. “Allow me a moment to measure. It will take time for me to carve the last. Perhaps by then you will have considered the details?” He turned toward his clerk, offering a mumbled command. The clerk nodded and whispered in return. Mr. Clark reached into his apron pocket, pulling out a few measuring tools. “The molds should be done within the week. Would you like a note sent to your address when they are finished? We can schedule an appointment to discuss the design then.”
Lucy smiled. “Yes. We shall leave it with your clerk.”
Mr. Clark nodded but did not smile. Caroline wondered if she had ever seen such a serious man. Mr. Clark knelt in front of Lucy and carefully removed her boot. Caroline found she could not look away from his face. His dark eyelashes were thick and blocked her view of his eyes. His jaw was square and strong, like the rest of him. She watched as he concentrated, measuring Lucy’s foot in multiple places and repeating the numbers aloud to the clerk. When Mr. Clark reached Caroline, she felt her whole face blush, but he did not even look up to see it.
“As I said before, I will send word when your molds are completed. An appointment to discuss leathers, fabrics, embellishments and the like will follow.” He turned toward the clerk to give some direction before rising to his feet and offering his hand to Lucy and Caroline as they stood from the bench.
Caroline held his gaze, still curious of Mr. Clark’s seemingly pronounced seriousness.
The shop bell rang.
Caroline was still staring, when she found herself impulsively addressing Mr. Clark. “And will you display my boots the same as you did Lord Searly’s riding boots?” she teased. “I suppose that luxury is only reserved for your most prestigious clients.”
Mr. Clark was taken by surprise, but before he could answer, Caroline heard a deep laugh as a tall gentleman entered the small booth and replied, “Perhaps he shall put yours on a pedestal above mine.”
Caroline blushed. She looked to the ground and offered a small curtsy to the gentleman she could only assume was the famous duke.
“Your Grace, I trust you received my note that your boots had been completed?” Mr. Clark inquired.
With Lord Searly’s attention on Mr. Clark, Caroline dared to look upon the duke amidst her embarrassment. The man was just what one might expect a young duke to be. He was indeed handsome with honey colored eyes and a clear complexion. His brown hair was styled effortlessly, and he was dressed in an extremely elegant fashion. The duke also seemed to possess a certain commanding presence that was impossible to ignore. He looked to be in his late twenties.
“Yes, yes. I believe the whole town has been admiring the boots these past days. Splendid! You are quite the craftsman, Mr. Clark. May I inquire as to the names of the young ladies here at present?” He turned toward Caroline and Lucy.
“Miss Lucy Hopkins and her sister Miss Caroline Hopkins,” the clerk offered.
Lord Searly offered a low bow.
“How do you do, Your Grace?” Caroline asked without meeting his gaze.
He laughed, clearly amused at Caroline’s embarrassment. “Much better now that I know your name. And have you been in London long?”
“We have only just arrived,” Lucy explained calmly.
“Yes, I see. Ordering dresses, shoes, and the like … how ever shall London keep up with you?” Lord Searly chuckled to himself once more. “And shall you be attending any concerts this week? There is no better entertainment to be had in London save a ball.”
Caroline sensed the man was being sarcastic, but forced herself to answer politely. “We are to attend a concert at Lee Hall tomorrow evening, my lord.”
Lord Searly nodded, smiling much too openly at Caroline.
She tried to collect herself, shaking softly as she turned to Mr. Clark. “We shall await your note for our appointment, Mr. Clark. Good day, Your Grace,” Caroline offered as she curtsied and brushed past the gentlemen.
Lucy followed, offering her farewell. Mr. Clark only nodded.
“Good day, Miss Lucy, Miss Caroline. I hope we shall meet again soon,” Lord Searly offered with a smug look upon his face.
The girls were silent as they entered the carriage. Caroline had never been more mortified in her life! To meet Lord Searly under such conditions, especially as she had been mocking his displayed boots! She felt completely ridiculous.
To add to her humiliation, Lucy was struggling to hold back from laughing. “Lord Searly was most agreeable, was he not, Caroline?” Lucy asked.
Caroline rolled her eyes at the mention of their meeting. “I suppose he was, for a duke. Did you not think he thought me quite ridiculous?”
Lucy giggled. “He was only teasing you. I’m sure he knew you were not serious. His boots have caused quite the stir, but how could they not? I’ve never seen such magnificent riding boots.” Lucy’s voice began to drift off as she looked out the carriage window, watching the people move up and down the street. “What a coincidental meeting. Mama will
be so pleased.”
Caroline fell silent, and remained so as the carriage stopped at the home of Miss Kensington, Lucy’s dear friend from the previous season. It was a happy reunion, but Caroline still felt the effects of her humiliation, and in turn, was not an exciting conversant. Miss Kensington had stolen Lucy’s hand and pulled her onto the sofa, divulging the recent gossip and news. Caroline stood unmoved by it all, and was only shaken to reality by Lucy’s announcement that she and Caroline were expected home.
When they returned home, Lady Hopkins greeted the pair in the best of spirits. “Girls! Girls! You will never guess who has just sent us an invitation! Lord Searly—the most handsome and eligible bachelor of London!” Lady Hopkins took Caroline by a shoulder with one hand, while grasping Lucy’s arm with the other. “He has invited us to his ball in two weeks. I confess I am shocked, but what a compliment! I do believe we shall run with the top this year.”
A
Joseph ran his eyes across the cordwainer shop book, stopping at a small scribbled name. “I see you have scheduled an appointment for Miss Lucy and Miss Caroline next week. Shall I send them a note?”
Thomas nodded, his attention clearly fixed to the wood in front of him.
Joseph smiled. “The sisters were quite pretty, were they not? May I ask which of the sisters you prefer?”
Thomas began carving more intensely, refusing to make a reply.
Joseph continued to pry, gesturing as he explained, “I would not have thought twice of them, had it not been the way the younger one addressed you. If I had not known better, I would have sworn she was attempting to flirt with you.”
The right corner of Thomas’s lips twitched as he attempted to suppress a smile. “And if I had not known better, Joseph, I would think you were neglecting your post at the front of the store.”
Joseph moved nervously, laughing only when he was a safe distance away from Thomas.
A
CHAPTER 5
The concert was greatly attended. As hard as she tried, Lady Hopkins could not settle her nerves. Lucy looked charming, as usual, while Caroline possessed an even more striking appearance than customary. More than a few gentlemen of significant worth had already introduced themselves to Lord and Lady Hopkins. The evening seemed to be the perfect reintroduction into society for the girls.
However, it was during the second set of songs that a small commotion arose as Lord Jonathon Searly entered the hall. Each mother seemed to be eyeing the duke as the quintessential matrimonial prize for her respective daughter. The duke passed the rows of onlookers silently, only gesturing to wave several times to gentlemen acquaintances, and made his way to an empty seat near the Hopkins Family. Following Lord Searly was a younger gentleman.
Lady Hopkins could not help but notice the duke sneak a few admiring glances at Caroline, though Caroline seemed oblivious to the attention. The duke was just the sort of man Lady Hopkins hoped Caroline would attract! Certainly they would meet at the ball next week.
The second set of music came to an end. The audience stood and applauded the musicians, prompting a short but beautiful encore. And at last the musicians took their place in the mingling crowd, exchanging words with the attentive audience. Lady Hopkins had resumed scanning the room when she felt a soft tap on her shoulder. A young gentleman was respectfully bowing. Lady Hopkins recognized the duke peering up at her face.
“Lady Hopkins, what a delight. I remember meeting you some time ago. However then, I did not think you old enough to have two grown daughters of your own.” Lord Searly gestured to Lucy and Caroline.
Lady Hopkins smiled, color rising to her cheeks as she curtsied. “Your Grace, it has been some time. You remember my husband, Lord Phillip Hopkins?”
Lord Searly bowed. “Hopkins, it is good to see you again.”
Lord Hopkins bowed his head ever so gently, and replied sarcastically, “And you, Lord Searly. May I inquire as to why I am honored with your attention?”
The duke began to laugh, while Lady Hopkins placed a reprimanding hand on her husband’s arm. “I did not know you enjoyed concerts at Lee Hall, my lord,” she said, hoping to prolong the conversation.
“I confess I have not attended Lee’s for these past two years, but I have been informed that this year’s musicians are much improved, as is the company at present,” Lord Searly declared. “Come, you must introduce me to your two daughters.”
“You are quite right, Your Grace,” said Lady Hopkins. “I present to you my eldest, Lucy, and my second daughter, Caroline.”
Lord Searly smiled. “Your daughters do you credit, Lady Hopkins. And I can assure you, the pleasure is all mine. I do not recall ever seeing such pleasant faces.”
Caroline’s cheeks rose to a blush, and Lady Hopkins was surprised to see her daughter’s stern expression. Lord Searly quietly chuckled and winked at Caroline, seemingly unaware of Lady Hopkins’s watchful eye.
“Lady Hopkins, may I present my cousin, Mr. Frandsen?”
The young man beside Lord Searly bowed graciously and took Lady Hopkins’s hand. He had a genuine look about him. Although fashionable and tidy, he did not appear pretentious. He was not as tall as the duke. He stood just a mere six inches above Lucy and lacked the physique of his famous cousin. His dusty blond hair and dark eyes were pleasant but far from handsome.
“Have you been in London long, Mr. Frandsen?” Lucy asked.
“I’m afraid I’ve been here much too long. I’ve been in town for nearly four years, excepting a few short summer stays at Lord Searly’s estate.”
Lord Searly took a step closer to Caroline. Lady Hopkins could not help but smile approvingly.
“I do not recall meeting you these last two seasons,” remarked Lucy.
“I have not been up to the task of socializing. I admit I often prefer my books and study to a party of people I have not met,” Mr. Frandsen replied, pausing as if he sensed his social ineptness. “That is—I suppose I am more practiced in studying than I am in conversing.”
Lucy’s hand rose quickly to her mouth to hide the giggle that had already escaped.
“And what do you study, Mr. Frandsen?” Lady Hopkins asked, leaning toward him.
“All sorts. I particularly enjoy the sciences, but I find the occasional book on economics to my liking as well. Unlike my cousin here, I shall have to take up employment, and I have made it my duty to discover what would suit me best.”
“And have you discovered it?” Lucy asked, a shy tone in her voice.
“Yes, I suppose I have. Lord Searly demands I manage his country estate. In any case, I cannot refuse, seeing how I spent many summers there and think of it as home.”
“How generous of your cousin,” remarked Lord Hopkins.
“Anything but generous, sir,” added Lord Searly, shaking his head. “For I shall enjoy his presence and watching him labor in my behalf!”
Lord Hopkins began to laugh, though Lady Hopkins doubted it was for the same reason the duke laughed. She recognized her husband’s mocking tone.
“Lady Hopkins, Lord Hopkins, ladies, forgive me. I must catch an old acquaintance before they leave. I hope I may see you at my ball in two weeks?” the duke asked.
Lady Hopkins curtsied. “Depend upon it, my lord.”
A
Lord Searly climbed into his carriage in the best of spirits. He had seen all of the pretty ladies in London for nearly six seasons, but he had seldom come across as charming of a girl as Miss Caroline Hopkins. Her beauty was inherent, but it was her manner that intrigued him most. Although young and inexperienced, he sensed her spirit. He felt most determined to become acquainted with her. And while he also noticed her attempts to ignore his attention, he was sure she felt it.
“Jonathon, you spoke to merely five people at the assembly hall. What are you scheming?” Mr. Frandsen asked bluntly.
The carriage began to sway along the stone street. Lord Searly could not conceal his amusement as he smiled mischievously. “David, you must not w
orry. I am simply trying to have some entertainment this season, and I have discovered it in Miss Caroline Hopkins!”
Mr. Frandsen fidgeted with his coat as he appeared to consider his cousin’s words. At last, Mr. Frandsen shook his head disapprovingly. “You cannot be serious? The girl comes from a fine family. I do not think Lord Hopkins would allow anything improper to pass his notice.”
Lord Searly broke out in laughter. “David, my boy, I do not plan on anything as dreadful as what you suppose. I only mean to toy with the girl. You must allow me a kiss or two from her if I am inconspicuous enough.”
“You—subtle in any sort of manner?” Mr. Frandsen looked to Lord Searly in disbelief.
“Don’t look so concerned! I might rise to the occasion. Have you ever seen such lovely eyes?”
David fell silent for a moment. “No, I don’t think I have seen lovelier eyes in all of London.”
Lord Searly grinned; he was certain it was not Miss Caroline’s eyes that had captured his cousin’s attention so completely.
A
CHAPTER 6
It was five days after the concert, and Lady Hopkins could still talk of nothing else but Lord Searly. Lord Searly this, and Lord Searly that! Couldn’t Caroline just die, he was so handsome? Wasn’t it just too much that the duke had singled out Lady Hopkins and her daughters?
Caroline tried to distract herself, but her mother had seen the duke’s particular interest in Caroline, and Lady Hopkins took every possible moment to instruct Caroline of her duty to her family to encourage him. Caroline felt certain that was one thing she need not do, for out of all the men of the ton, Lord Searly seemed to be the man least in need of encouragement!
The truth was that Caroline did not like to draw attention to herself. She did not care to have any more eyes drawn to her than what already were. Lord Searly, on the other hand, was just the type of man that seemed to enjoy such attention. In fact, his presence demanded it. All the lips of London could scarcely speak of anything else. His name was quite unavoidable.
The Second Season (Regency Romance) Page 3
