“I distracted you from your driving. Do not berate yourself,” she said, her voice full of concern.
“I cannot think what Uncle Nigel will say,” he moaned as he urged the horses to continue.
“Need you tell him? I shall not mention it to him.”
“Well, of course I must tell him. He trusted me with his horses and I did something foolish. Besides,” he said with a comic look of dismay, “I think I have scraped the off side of the carriage.”
Felicia burst into whoops and was only just recovering when they drew up to the inn. Rowland handed her down and said ruefully, “I promise I will be more careful next time. Will you be afraid to drive with me again?”
“Pooh! Do not be absurd. Of course I shall drive with you again...that is, if you ask me,” she said in confusion.
“I shall ask you,” he replied frankly.
“Thank you for bringing me back, Mr. Clinton.”
“You called my sister Dorothy.”
“Well, yes. Shall I call you Rowland?” she asked shyly.
“Certainly, for I intend to call you Felicia,” he said boldly, but with an embarrassed flush.
Felicia saw her mother approaching and beckoned her over to the phaeton. “Mama, I should like you to meet Rowland Clinton, Lord Stronbert’s nephew. This is my mother, Lady Coombs.”
Alicia liked the young man’s manner as they conversed for a few minutes. She agreed to the proposed riding expedition, though she raised a brow when Rowland enthusiastically described Dancer’s merits. She did not say anything, however, until she and her daughter were once more in their room. “You are to ride one of Lord Stronbert’s horses?”
“Yes, Mama, for I told him that I would have a hack from Hodges and he gave me one of those looks. I did not dare contradict him.”
“I know just what you mean, my love,” Alicia laughed.
Chapter Eight
Alicia officially became owner of the shop the next day. Mr. Dean spent part of his time working with her and the rest preparing to remove from the cottage. By now most of the residents of Tetterton and its surroundings were aware of the change of ownership. Alicia was faced with the curiosity that prompted an unusually large number of customers to visit the shop each day. Her demeanor assumed the respectful quality of most of the shop proprietors of the area and most of the gentry accepted her waiting on them as a matter of course. Lady Wickham from Tosley Hall, along with several of her cronies, did attempt to make matters hard for Alicia, demanding items which were not available, complaining of the price of stuffs, and generally relished making her uncomfortable with their comments. But Alicia bore this with a tolerable grace, only occasionally exploding with wrath when she returned to her room at the inn.
Felicia rode almost daily with Dorothy and Rowland Clinton, and frequently Matthew and Helen joined the party. The dowager marchioness’s gown was completed and Felicia complimented Miss Carnworth on it. The gown was set aside for Lord Stronbert to decide when to present it to his mother. Lord Stronbert himself had left for Leeds where business would occupy him for some days.
The dowager marchioness occasionally visited the shop and even Mr. Allerton commented on her reasonable behavior. Once she was dissuaded by Alicia from choosing an inappropriate fabric for her age; on that occasion she refused to purchase the other materials presented to her, but she made no disagreeable comment, either.
Within the week Mr. Dean departed and Alicia, with the help of the innkeeper and his wife, found help to get their belongings into the cottage and have it thoroughly cleaned. Mrs. Harper suggested a former maid from Tosley Hall as their only helper. “For Lady Wickham has turned her off, my lady, and it will be hard for her to find another position. But it were no fault of the young woman’s. ‘Twere Lady Wickham’s son kept pestering her until she lost her temper with him and tossed the handiest bowl at his head. Good aim she has, too, for it hit him and he complained to his mother and had Mavis turned off. But you need have no fear, for she is a hard worker and a pleasant person, daughter to one of Lord Stronbert’s tenants over Beverley way.”
“Would she cook for us? Neither my daughter nor I have the least experience in the kitchen. It would mean a great variety of work for her.”
“‘Twon’t be the least problem for her, my lady. Shall I send for her to speak with you?”
Mavis was in her early twenties and expressed her gratitude when Alicia agreed to employ her. “Nonsense! Felicia and I are the ones to be grateful, Mavis, for we will depend on you to run the household completely. I will be at the shop all day and Felicia intends to do some work about the cottage, making covers for the chair seats and such, but she will also be decorating hats from the shop and goodness knows what else.”
So the three women settled into a comfortable routine in the cottage, well satisfied with each other. On the day that Alicia received a letter from Lady Gorham, Felicia burst into the cottage at luncheon, her eyes burning with anger.
“Whatever is the matter, my dear?” Alicia asked anxiously.
“We met Lady Wickham’s son while we were out riding this morning. He was so rude to me!” Felicia burst into tears.
“Then he is only taking a cue from his mother.”
“He refused to acknowledge the introduction and rode off with Dorothy in such a way as to suggest that he would not be seen with me,” Felicia sobbed.
Alicia gathered her daughter in her arms and murmured, “You must not let such an incident bother you unduly, love. You have been very fortunate to be so well received. It has made you forget that we expected this sort of snub. Having met Lady Wickham I am not at all surprised to learn that her son is odious.”
Alicia wiped away her daughter’s tears and held her at arm’s length. “Perhaps it was shaming you in front of Rowland and Dorothy which bothered you so much.”
“Oh, Mama, I wanted to sink into the ground! Rowland was red with embarrassment for me and I would not have him discomfited for the world!”
“Rowland Clinton is a sensible young man and his sister has become your good friend, so I am sure they will understand.”
“But, Mama, Mr. Wickham had the nerve to tell the others that there was to be a ball at Tosley Hall and they were to be invited. He sneered at me.” Felicia furiously wiped away the new tear that formed.
“Well, we shall not have him to our housewarming then,” Alicia declared grandly.
Felicia uttered a watery chuckle. “Do not be so absurd, Mama. I should not invite him to a rat chase!”
“Of course not, my dear. Beneath our observance, I assure you.”
Felicia had recovered her spirits by now and agreed to sit down to her meal. Over the cold meats and fruit Alicia informed her that Lady Gorham was intent on visiting Tetterton. “And you will never guess with whom she has been invited to stay.”
“The dowager marchioness.”
“However did you know?”
“Dorothy said this morning that her grandmother is expecting a visitor with a daughter our age, and it turned out to be Lady Gorham. I can hardly wait to see Cassandra again.”
“Is the dowager marchioness aware that Lady Gorham is acquainted with us?”
“No, and I told Dorothy not to tell her. I thought it would be a superb surprise for the dowager,” Felicia admitted impishly.
“Not a particularly pleasant one, I fear,” Alicia replied ruefully.
* * * *
Less than a week later a traveling chaise rolled down the High Street piled with trunks and luggage. Lady Gorham and her daughter, accompanied by two maids, were seated within and the coachman was directed to halt the chaise in front of the shop which still bore Mr. Dean’s fading sign. The footman leaped down to place the steps and Lady Gorham and Cassandra stepped out into the muddy street. Picking their way carefully they entered the shop with only slightly muddy slippers and surveyed the scene with curiosity.
Alicia, who did not immediately perceive them, was intent on explaining to a slightly deaf old man that the bicorne ha
t he was regarding with aversion had replaced the tricorne which they no longer carried. Mr. Allerton was attempting to placate a sharp-eyed elderly woman, the vicar’s sister, who found it upsetting that she had found undergarments displayed in the rear room. Felicia had been importuned by Miss Helen into bringing her to the shop to look for a present for her father’s birthday, and the two of them were discussing the merits of a gnarled walking stick versus a stick pin for his frilled shirts.
Lady Gorham cleared her throat magnificently and all three assistants turned their startled gazes to her. “Cassandra!” Felicia squealed and hastily excused herself to Miss Helen to throw her arms about her friend.
Alicia plunked several hats before the elderly man and murmured that she would be back in a moment, a statement which she was required to repeat at high volume.
She approached Lady Gorham with a sparkle in her eye. “You have caught us unawares, Lady Gorham. Welcome to Tetterton.” Alicia caught a glimpse of the overladen chaise and exclaimed, “You have not been to the Court yet? You are too kind.”
“Much too kind,” her older friend sniffed. “We have come at an inopportune time.”
“No worse than any other,” Alicia admitted as she led Lady Gorham to a comfortable chair provided for customers who had to wait. “Please do not leave. I can be with you in a moment.”
Lady Gorham shrugged and said, “I have no intention of leaving, my dear, until I have had a word with you. But I do not need to seat myself; I shall be much happier having a bit of a look around.”
Alicia smiled gratefully and returned to the old man who grudgingly agreed to purchase the bicorne hat and presently left the store. Felicia explained to Cassandra that Miss Helen was searching for a present for her father, and her friend accompanied her to where Miss Helen waited patiently.
“What does your father like to do?” Cassandra asked Miss Helen.
“Oh, he does everything,” she confided shyly. “He reads books in the library, and does accounts with the steward, and visits tenants. He likes to ride and he drives a glorious new phaeton with the most beautiful chestnuts.”
“And does he have some handsome driving gauntlets?” Cassandra asked.
“Just some plain ones that he has worn for years,” Helen admitted. “Do you think he would like some?”
“I gave my brother a pair for his birthday and I vow he has used them every day since,” Cassandra remarked.
Helen lifted shining eyes to Felicia and said, “Yes, I think that would be just the thing. Might I see some?”
While Felicia took out the driving gauntlets and Mr. Allerton discussed the weather with the vicar’s sister as she studied the linens, Alicia joined her friend before the Irish poplins and colored paduasoys.
“You did not mention to the dowager marchioness that you knew us,” Alicia said quizzingly.
“Well, you know, she is such a strange woman that I thought it better to simply mention that I had a friend in the area. You have quite a selection of materials for a country town mercer.”
“Mr. Dean stocked even the most expensive fabrics. It seems the neighborhood people rarely bother to go to York or Leeds for their dressmaking.”
“This is a very attractive French brocade,” Lady Gorham commented.
“Hopefully you will see the dowager marchioness in it before very long,” Alicia said with a grin.
“Truly? Her taste must have improved since I knew her,” the older woman replied caustically.
“The marquis purchased it for her and had it made up without her knowledge. In fact, Felicia chose the style. It is all a secret, you understand.”
“Not a word shall pass my lips. Tell me, Alicia, how are you managing?”
Alicia considered the question carefully. “Very well, actually. The shop is rather fun, the cottage is charming, and we have been accepted very well on the whole. Lord Stronbert allows Felicia to run tame at the Court with his niece and nephew who are staying there. She has been upset a few times by snubs and rudeness, but for the most part leads a remarkably genteel life. I fear things will be harder when the niece and nephew return to their home, but now all is well.”
“And you, my love? Have you made friends in the neighborhood?” Lady Gorham bent her penetrating gaze on the younger woman.
“You know, I have not even thought of it. I have been so busy with the shop and the cottage that there has been no time for socializing. But I will make time while you are here, I promise. I am finally caught up on the books and have been working on the inventory. No matter. That would be of no interest to you.” Alicia flushed and realized that she had become so involved in her work that she spoke of little else these days.
“I think it is more than time that you had a diversion,” Lady Gorham commented pungently.
“I dare say you are right. Plan to come to tea tomorrow and I will broaden my horizons,” Alicia teased.
“I shall accept, young lady, for Cassandra and myself.”
“I would extend the invitation to all at the Court, but Felicia said when she attended tea there that no fewer than a dozen people were assembled. And it was her impression that they were all resident. I should dearly love to meet Miss Carnworth, though,” Alicia admitted.
“I shall induce her to come with me, whoever she is. And the dowager marchioness? She is my hostess, you know.”
Alicia regarded her ruefully. “I doubt you could convince her to come, but you are willing to try. And do bring Dorothy and Rowland.”
“I shall. Now I must be going, my dear. We are overdue at the Court already, but I wished to see you straightaway.”
“I am so glad you did.” Alicia placed a salute on her wrinkled cheek. “I shall arrange to have time free to spend with you while you are here.”
“See that you do,” the older woman said gruffly, and bustled off to retrieve her daughter.
Felicia was delighted to hear that they were to entertain the next day. She was sent off to advise Mavis, who would need help from the inn. Mr. Allerton assured Alicia that he could manage in her absence but business had been so heavy recently that she hesitated. “Do you know of anyone who could come in for the afternoon? I think you should have some help.”
“Young Jeremy Tomkins might be willing, ma’am.”
“Yes, see if you can get him. I do not like to leave you shorthanded.”
“I am used to being here alone. Mr. Dean was often too sick to spend much time in the shop,” he explained.
“I know,” she sighed, “but those such as Lady Wickham do not like to be kept waiting, even when they see that we are all busy.”
Mr. Allerton allowed himself a grave grin. “As you say, ma’am.”
* * * *
Mavis, with Felicia’s enthusiastic assistance, produced a vast array of cakes, biscuits, and tarts. The cottage gleamed with polish and several new seat covers adorned the chairs. There was a fire burning in the grate to offset the autumn chill, and its light glowed in the glass-fronted bookcase. Mr. Dean had even left a delicate little writing desk of mahogany inlaid with brass which had belonged to his wife. The handsome clock in its marquetry case chimed the hour and Alicia commented to her daughter, “You have wrought a miracle here these last weeks, my dear. I fear I have not thanked you as I should.”
“I have enjoyed it. There are still several seat covers to be replaced, and you can be sure they will be noticed.”
“But not commented on, thank heaven. Lady Gorham is well aware of our recent arrival. There is a carriage now. In fact, it sounds very like two carriages.”
Felicia skipped eagerly to the window and twitched back the draperies, which would need to be replaced. “Three, Mama. Lady Gorham and Cassandra have Rowland and Dorothy with them. The dowager marchioness is riding in state, and Lord Stronbert has Miss Carnworth with him in the phaeton.”
“Lord Stronbert! Perhaps he does not intend to come in but merely to leave Miss Carnworth,” Alicia suggested hopefully.
“Oh, no, he is hand
ing the reins to a groom. Do you not wish him to come, Mama? He is ever so nice.”
“It is just that I did not expect him,” Alicia admitted as she unconsciously patted her hair to make sure that it had not been tousled. “I did not invite him.”
Lady Gorham was announced and whispered to her hostess, “I was sure you had forgotten to mention Lord Stronbert so I took the liberty of including him.” She smiled mischievously. “It was the only way to get Evelyn here, and I felt she should be with me so early in my visit.”
“Indeed,” Alicia said with mock aloofness, then with more concern, “I doubt we have enough chairs.”
A cool, lazy voice at her side said, “I shall not mind standing.” But she had no time to respond as she greeted the rest of her guests. Finally she turned to Lord Stronbert and said, “How do you do, my lord? I am so pleased you could come.”
“Are you? I thought you seemed rather horrified.” He laughed down at her and resisted the impulse to raise her hand to his lips.
“I have just realized that we will need another chair. If you will excuse me, I will have the maid bring one.”
“Do you have another?” he asked curiously.
“Frankly, I do not know,” Alicia admitted helplessly. Chairs had already been brought from the dining room and she was not sure if the bedrooms had been canvassed as well.
“Go and entertain your guests. Let me see to the matter.”
“I cannot do that,” she protested.
“Your guests are awaiting you,” he replied firmly.
“Yes, sir.” Alicia retreated to the tea table and began to pour out as she spoke with Lady Gorham and Miss Carnworth. The dowager marchioness stayed a bit aloof, but not disapproving.
Lord Stronbert wandered into the dining parlor and found no chairs there. At the kitchen door he surveyed the activity within and drew back. He returned to the hall and hesitated before ascending the staircase. The first bedroom he entered was tidy if somewhat shabby. It contained no chairs. The second was strewn about with clothing, material, ribbons, and bonnets and contained a barely presentable chair. He surveyed it exasperatedly and bore it down to the drawing room with him. When Alicia saw him slip quietly into the room, she recognized the chair from her daughter’s room and bit her lip with vexation. The man had had the nerve to invade her daughter’s chamber, and probably hers as well! He gave an apologetic, helpless shrug and came forward to receive a cup of tea. “Thank you, Lord Stronbert. You might have sent a maid.”
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