Page 80 of My Kind of Scoundel
“It’s beautiful.”
Theo moved to stand beside her. “It’s yours if you want it.”
She looked at him, tempted to say yes so she could thank him later. “You’ve spent enough money already.” She turned to the assistant. “Are they made by a local seamstress?”
“They’re made by my cousin. She’s a budding designer.” The lady explained she was the proprietress and introducedherself as Miss Franklin. “Those in the window are the first Anna has had the courage to sell.”
“Anna?” Eleanor feigned curiosity. “I’m quite sure I know her, assuming her surname is Franklin. I live in New Bridge Street and taught my neighbour Anna Franklin to sew.”
The lady clapped her hands in surprise. “You must be Miss Darrow. How wonderful. Anna speaks so highly of you. You’re her inspiration.” Her smile faded. “There’s been some terrible business in the street lately. Thieves running amok. It’s bound to ruin livelihoods.”
“Anna believes the men on the merchant ships are to blame.”
“I fear it’s a problem throughout the city. Anna’s friend had me make a paste version of her grandmother’s diamond necklace.” She gestured to the display of costume jewellery in the cabinet. “The poor lady was terrified to wear the original in case someone snatched it from around her neck.”
The cogs in Eleanor’s mind began turning. There would be an uproar if Lady Lucille’s family knew she’d sold her jewels. The only way to avoid detection was to have copies made.
“Ah, you speak of Anna’s friend Lucille.”
The proprietor tapped her finger to her lips. “It’s supposed to be a secret. Anna is quite protective of her new friend. Different social backgrounds can be a problem. Few members of the aristocracy are accepting of the working classes.”
“Of course. Lucille asked me to deliver a letter here for Anna, but a thief stole it when he ransacked my shop.” Eleanor slapped her hand to her chest as if she had spokenout of turn. “Forgive me. I swore my involvement would remain a secret.”
The lady offered a reassuring smile. “Yes, Anna was expecting the note. Her brother Geoffrey is very protective and would have bombarded her with questions if it had been delivered to the house. He would assume someone of Lucille’s standing was mocking Anna and then tear up the missive.”
“I’m sure that’s not the case,” Eleanor said. But how had the women fostered an unlikely friendship? It can only have been when they met at her modiste shop. “But you have my word. I’ll not mention our conversation.”
The shop bell tinkled, and two women entered.
The proprietor greeted the newcomers before returning to their conversation. “It’s hard for Anna, living with her brother. She is keen for Geoffrey to marry in the hope a sensible woman might curb his frivolous ways.”
Frivolous ways? Mr Franklin seemed the practical sort.
“Well, I shall not say a word. I’m pleased Anna’s sewing is giving her a small income.” As the lady had been so helpful, Eleanor decided to make a purchase. “I don’t need a reticule, but might I look at that gold cannetille brooch with the cluster of green stones?”
When the owner went to fetch the brooch, Theo whispered, “I shall buy you one with real emeralds. One with a price tag of more than twelve shillings.”
“I like simple things. The cost doesn’t matter.”
Eleanor made the purchase, although Theo insisted on paying.
He stopped outside the shop and pinned the brooch to her pelisse, his fingers brushing her breast. “The need to see you smile is becoming a compulsion.”
She touched his hand, her heart fluttering with the depth of her affection. “Good. You can treat me to coffee and a slab of seed cake. There’s a quaint little coffeehouse on Bishopsgate, a short walk from here.”
“Remember we’re dining with Aaron tonight.”
She chuckled and gripped his arm. “Any lady will tell you, cake never spoils one’s dinner.”
They were about to walk away when the other Miss Franklin burst out of the emporium and thrust a package into Eleanor’s hand. “Would you mind giving this to Anna? It will save her the walk here.”
Eleanor turned the wrapped item over, confident it was a book. “I might not see her until tomorrow.”
“Perfect. I doubt she’ll have time to call before the weekend.” The lady patted Eleanor’s arm. “The brooch looks marvellous on you, Miss Darrow.” And then she dashed back to the shop.
They sat in Pickins coffeehouse eating cake and discussing the unlikely friendship between Lady Lucille and Anna Franklin.
“It makes no sense,” she said, licking crumbs from her lips. “They met once, maybe twice, while Lady Lucille attended a dress fitting. They couldn’t have exchanged more than a few words.”
