Folding the letter, she set it aside. The seamstresses she had hired whispered between each other behind her and then giggled excitedly. Probably discussing some young man, Alice thought with a smile. Let them have their secrets; she certainly would not be the one to keep such wonders from young women.
She thought on the past year since she and Johnathan had been married. Mrs. Grant had delivered Alice’s wedding gown and, as she had promised, it was perfect. A gown of fine white muslin, it boasted a bounty of white beads, so many that the gown appeared to shine, and white lace around the hem. On the bodice, white roses had been embroidered and decorated with even more white beads, and a long train followed her as she walked. Now the gown was packed away, wrapped in thin paper, and Alice would pass it along to her firstborn daughter, if she chose to wear it.
As soon as the wedding was over, Alice and Johnathan returned to Cornwall. Not long after, Rhos Millinery opened to a small group of excited women. It did not take long for word to get around that St. Mawes finally had its own millinery, and each day welcomed new clients. Alice found herself quite capable of making her own business decisions, and she enjoyed the independence it gave her. Most of the women who frequented her shop were surprised that she was a woman of means and yet still chose to run her shop, but Alice cared not. This had been her dream, and she could not leave it in the hands of anyone else, not yet at least.
A light tickle on the back of her neck made her jump, and she turned quickly and gave a small laugh when she saw Johnathan holding a feather and a mischievous smile. He continued to help her with the business and oftentimes lent his ear when she needed advice on one thing or another. However, overall, he had stepped back and allowed her to build its success, and for that she was thankful.
She brought her hands to her chest theatrically. “Johnathan! Must you always startle me?”
He stepped forward and his eyes darted from left to right. The girls had left discreetly when he had come in, so they were now alone in the workroom. He smiled down at Alice, and Alice thought her heart would explode with love as he leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers. Even after a year, the heat that rushed through her was as strong, if not stronger, as it was the first time they had kissed.
“It seems word of your shop has traveled across England,” Johnathan said. “Many people now speak of Rhos hats.” He walked over to a counter and laid the feather on it. “Some people believe you should open another.”
“Another? And where would I do that?” she asked skeptically.
“London.”
Her eyes widened, but she could not help the smile that spread across her face. Could it be true that Rhos Millinery could open in London of all places? “Do you think it possible?” she asked, still not convinced that her tiny shop in the south of Cornwall could be quite that successful.
“I do not see why not.”
She began to pace the small space as her thoughts worked in her mind. “I know a few women who could run it,” she mused aloud. Then she stopped. “But where we ever find a landlord willing to rent to us? Not to mention, the rents are quite expensive.”
He placed his hands on her shoulders. “I know a gentleman who has properties in London,” he said. “Granted, he used to be a rogue, but if you can see past that, I believe one of these properties can be more than adequate.” His eyes now had a familiar glint to it. “I believe his wife might be able to convince him to let it for a very reasonable price.”
“Oh?” she asked in mock awe. “Is his wife beautiful?”
“Oh, I must not lie. Her hair is as red as fire, her eyes the color of emeralds, and her heart is finer than gold.” He leaned in closer. “However, I must tell you a secret about her.”
“A secret?” she whispered. “And what would that be?”
“I love her”
Alice put her arms around Johnathan and gazed into his eyes. Her love for him knew no bounds and could never be defined in any other way save one.
“It is a beautiful secret,” she replied. “And I will tell you mine.” She reached up on the tips of her toes and kissed him gently. “I love you.”
About the Author
Much like most Regency authors, Jennifer Monroe fell in love with historical novels of dashing dukes and women wishing to be swept off their feet. She believes that no matter how well a romance story is written, love must be the driving force behind the characters.
Born in France to parents who worked for the United Nations, she found herself traveling the world, until she settled down in New York whilst attending University. As she completed her degree in literature studies, she met and married her loving husband and they soon had two wonderful daughters. She chose to stay home and raise her children, and it was not long before she began to wonder about the novels she loved as a young adult and began to reread some of her favorites. This led her to reading newer authors and eventually to try her hand at writing the stories that bounced around in her head for many years.
If you love Regency that has heart, as well as characters who are fun and distinct, then she invites you to escape with her into her world. If you would like to drop her a line or join her exclusive newsletter, just enter the link below into your browser.
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The Spinsters Secret Page 23
