Page 88 of A Silence in Belgrave Square
“Have ye, now?” Hannah eyed me speculatively. “You’d do well with it, I’d wager.”
“Not every day,” I said quickly. “Or even every week. I’d start with perhaps one day a month, and see how things go.”
“Good on you.” Hannah pressed her hands together. “I’ll help you any way I can, Katie. You can depend on it. And I know just the spot.”
* * *
Before we took our leave, Hannah showed me the place she had in mind, a space halfway down Portobello Road she said she could help me get the lease for. There was plenty of foot traffic in that area and no other food stalls too close.
I collected Grace, who’d chosen a porcelain brush and comb set from Hannah’s stock. Grace thanked Hannahsincerely, and I handed Hannah a half dozen scones I’d brought for her in my basket. Hannah accepted them with eager thanks, already sharing them out with Sean as the three of us started back down the road.
Once in the hansom, packages piled around us, I turned to Grace.
“What would you say if I told you your old mum has decided to marry Daniel?” I asked her.
Grace studied me, her blue eyes serene. “I would say it was about time.”
I stared at her in surprise. I’d worried mightily over this moment, but I should have known Grace would take the news without turning a hair.
“Is that all?” I demanded, while Daniel chuckled in high amusement.
“No, I think it is splendid.” Grace pulled me into a firm hug. “I’ve wanted this for so long. You and Daniel belong together.”
I held my daughter tightly, fears easing. “I’m glad,” I whispered. “Thank you, my love.”
Grace released me and turned to embrace Daniel, who returned the hug with wonder.
“Does this mean James will be my brother?” Grace asked when we all were finished gushing.
“I suppose it does,” I answered, watching her carefully.
“Good. I’ve always wanted a brother.” Grace leaned to me, confiding. “Though I believe he’s sweet on Jane. He’s always finding an excuse to come around for a visit.”
“Is he?” Daniel asked in consternation. “Well.”
I tried not to laugh at Daniel’s expression, but it was no use. Grace and I both fell about while Daniel shook his head, a father befuddled by his swiftly growing son.
When we reached Joanna’s, she raved about my choice offabric and trimmings, and immediately fetched her scissors and sewing box.
I gazed about her sitting room as we unfolded the fabric and began to fit the pattern pieces I’d copied from the book I’d bought, and realized how rich I was.
The houses of luxury on Belgrave Square couldn’t compare to Joanna and Sam’s happy and crowded abode, with Grace next to me and Joanna’s daughters eagerly reaching for pins to help start my new gown.
Daniel sat apart with a cup of tea, chatting to Joanna’s boys with unfeigned ease. Daniel, who’d known no parents, had learned to find family and enjoy them wherever he could.
As the afternoon waned, Sam returned from his new post at the solicitor’s office and joined in the male conversation, smiling at his wife with true joy. Daniel’s gaze at me held the same amount of tenderness.
My life was full and stood to become even fuller. As I basked in the warmth of my friends, my daughter, and my love, I knew that there was no woman in London better off than I was at this moment.
