Page 60 of A Spinster to Heal the Duke
"There aren't many shops, but some of them look interesting. That's such a lovely dress in the window, Anne. You could wear something like that for the banquet if your family can afford it," Diana suggested. "Perhaps I shall have my brother purchase it for me. I looked through my things and don't know that I have anything suitable for a banquet, even here."
"What an eye you have, Lady Diana ," Anne said, not responding to the rest of the remark.
"Your Grace," Diana said in the kindest tone she had taken since arriving. She looked at her brother equally pleasantly and asked, "Might we walk over and look at the dresses in the window more closely?"
Noah joined his sister, but he did not share her now happy demeanor. While they looked at the dresses, the Drowtons discussed the order of stores they each intended to visit until they heard their party being beckoned by the Duke.
Diana approached them and looked red with fury as she reclaimed Charles' arm and demanded, "Buy me something sweet, preferably chocolate."
"I hope we haven't offended her, Grandon," Jeremy said.
"Not at all, but I have. But as her brother and guardian, since our parents passed from time to time I must so that she isn't any more spoiled than she already is by fault of position," Noah explained. Then, he looked to Anne and asked, "Would you excuse us that I might speak to your grandfather alone. Then, with his permission, I shall join you."
"Yes," Anne replied hesitantly. "Are you sure everything is all right?"
"It is as well as it can be in Diana's company," Noah assured with a forgiving smile as he looked toward the sweet shop his sister and Charles had entered. "She is upset because the dress in the window is spoken for. She asked that I go in and offer the seamstress more, and I refused. It is unfair to the woman who ordered it and would likely cost the seamstress a regular commission once Diana is gone."
"Very well, then. I shall see you two shortly," Anne said. "I had not mentioned it, but I did request a dress be made when webegan planning the banquet and simply needed an opportunity to collect it. Your sister does have good taste. The dress she was viewing is the dress I ordered."
Jeremy and Noah both laughed heartily at the unexpected turn of events.
Once Anne was out of earshot, the two men walked together slowly.
Noah said, "Reedley, I have come to think of you as a friend and I am very fond of your family."
"We like you very much as well, Grandon," replied the older man happily as he greeted people on the street in passing.
Noah continued, "Excellent, but I hope that what I am about to say does not offend you."
"You have to work rather hard to offend me, Grandon," Jeremy replied, and both men chuckled.
"Well," Noah said with pause, "I have been thinking about all your family has done for me, meals and room and board. Now, you are caring for my sister and footing a bill for a party that is thrice the size you envisioned for the sake of busybody neighbors."
"We have only done what we are able," replied the older man. "As one should."
Noah smiled. He really did like the Baron because he was genuinely good and happy, and he seemed to live by this way of thinking.
"Well, I would like to buy Anne some ribbons or a book and gift Charles a nice pen for his ledgers," Noah said.
If I gift Anne something truly thoughtful, then we are courting to some degree,Noah told himself.Presents for the family would be more sensible until things are clearer.
"That sounds very good. They will be pleased no matter what you give them," Jeremy said happily.
I shall also get him some tobacco and a pipe,Noah thought.Perhaps Anne can help me shop for her brother and grandfather while we are out, and I can find something special for her with one of them.
Then, the Baron said, "I believe Anne mentioned replacing her gloves or wanting a bracelet for the evening. We are only a few shops from the jeweler if you want to start there while I join Charles and Lady Diana . I should like to satisfy my own sweet tooth."
"Thank you, Reedley," Noah replied.
Jeremy smiled and said, "It's my pleasure, Grandon."
As the older man walked away, Noah entered the jeweler and saw the selection was limited. However, there were several pieces that were very attractive. When the attendant offered to help him, Noah had already set his sights on a cut steel bracelet with a floral design and a small jewel at the center of each flower.
"May I see this one please?" he asked.
"Of course," the clerk replied. "I should tell you that the quantity and variety of stones does give that bracelet a slightly higher price. That, and it is acrostic, so each stone was carefully selected to send the perfect message to your intended."
"Is that so? I've seen a few of these," Noah said.
