Page 73 of Sleepless in Saunton
“The countess is aware, I assume. Considering it was her idea that I come to Chatternwell?”
“Sophia is aware of everything. She wanted to accompany me but, given her condition, it seemed unnecessarily trying for her to make the journey. Then, too, she is chaperoning Isabelle.”
Barclay nodded. Their family had grown even larger when the earl had recently uncovered a young sister living in Saunton, whom he was now hosting. “Why is this situation complex?”
Richard jumped to his feet, walking over to the window to stare sightlessly into the gardens. “Are you aware I was once betrothed to Annabel?”
“The duchess?” Barclay exclaimed.
“Caroline Brown was a maid in her father’s home whom I seduced.”
“During the betrothal?”
The earl flushed, his ears reddened, and he did not deny Barclay’s assumption. “Mrs. Brown was to receive a loan from Annabel, from her pin money once we were wed, to buy a shop … which obviously went by the boards when the duchess caught us together.”
Barclay choked, coughing as he sat up suddenly to soothe his throat. Fortunately, he had not been standing at this news, for he might have fallen over with the shock of it.
“And the duchess tolerates you after finding youin flagrante delicto?”
Richard blew a sharp breath. “Not at first. She eventually forgave my behavior once she heard of the amends I had made. To Mrs. Brown included. Which is why you are here. Tomorrow Mrs. Brown is holding an event to celebrate the shop I loaned her the funds for, and I am to show my support to help launch her new business. During our house party, the duke advised I needed to attend in the role of a family man lest I raise suspicion regarding our former liaisons. I must be seen as a patron rather than a former paramour to protect Mrs. Brown from scandal.”
“And is she … a paramour?” Barclay hated to ask, but he needed to know the character of the woman before he exposed his wife and daughter to what might be an unsavory element.
Richard exhaled. “The young woman was rather innocent when I seduced her, so I would say she is a good woman who made a mistake by dallying with the wrong man. She deserves the assistance, and the duke accompanied me to Chatternwell to make the arrangements during the house party but was not available to return at this time. Instead of accepting charity, Mrs. Brown merely requested that I lend her the funds that Annabel would have done.”
“Hmm …” Barclay considered his options. “I would plant you a facer, but you have already borne the consequences of your misdeeds to correct the situation, so …” Barclay raked a hand through his hair, before reaching a decision. “Jane and Tatiana will each be delighted to order a new gown. They have both recently complained that they needed a wardrobe more suitable for traveling, and we shall be here for a few days, so there should be sufficient time.”
“I shall pay for the gowns.”
“That is unnecessary.”
“It is a gift. And I can escort them to the fittings while you assess the manor.”
Barclay realized this was important to his brother, who had brought him together with his charming new bride. Richard had also brought Aurora and the duchess together, to his mother’s eternal happiness. So he relented.
“Agreed.”
* * *
Jane enteredMrs. Brown’s Elegant Millinery and Dress-Rooms, on Market Street in Chatternwell, she and Tatiana excited to see a display of gloves and scarves by the window set out on walnut countertops.
Bolts of fabric were fitted into neat cubbies painted in ivory, alongside drawers that soared up the walls to the very ceiling. There was an explosion of colorful silks, velvets, cottons, and tulle to be seen in the morning light. Jane’s eyes settled on the corner cabinet to marvel over an exquisite gown displayed within the walnut framework.
This was a very fine shop, and Jane was excited to leaf through fashion plates to find the newest in carriage dresses.
The proprietress was elegantly attired in a day gown of a rich mulberry which offset her wheat-colored hair and hazel eyes. Mrs. Brown left two older women to inspect silks, walking over to greet the earl and sinking into a deep curtsy. “My lord, I am honored to receive you.”
Richard gave a small bow of acknowledgment. “Mrs. Brown, I wish to present Mr. Barclay Thompson.” The earl had informed them during the drive to the shop that Mrs. Brown was yet unmarried but had earned the honorific when she was promoted to the role of housekeeper in a doctor’s household the year before and had retained it to open her shop.
Barclay bowed, tall and dapper in his new burgundy tailcoat and buckskins, to greet the young woman. “A pleasure, Mrs. Brown,” he said in that low, husky voice that still sent darting shivers of delight along the surface of Jane’s skin.
The earl then turned to Jane, who was holding Tatiana by the hand. “Mrs. Thompson, Miss Tatiana, may I present Mrs. Brown? She is the owner of this fine establishment.”
The young woman turned and curtsied once more to her and Tatiana.
Jane thrilled—she was still to grow accustomed to being introduced as Mrs. Thompson, but she loved the sound of it each time. She was married to Barclay Thompson, renowned architect, and she was pursuing her writing as Emma had recommended. They traveled together, seeing England, and she spent time with Tatiana, who was a child with intelligent thoughts and aspirations.
Beaming at the woman, Jane complimented her on the fine establishment and informed her that she and Tatiana were there to order carriage dresses.Our first time ordering clothes together!
