His Forbidden Debutante (15 page)

‘I’m not so sure I like the way that sounds.’ Apprehension laced each word. ‘I’d much rather choose my own spouse; a husband who is comfortable in all things, dependable and refined, polished and strong, and, of course, able to catch everyone’s attention by way of sharp appearance.’

‘Are we discussing a husband candidate or a pair of new slippers you’ve eyed in that edition of
Ackermann’s
?’

They shared a giggle over the comparison.

‘Well, the two apportion common qualities.’ Livie sighed, the admittance more true than false. ‘I wouldn’t object to being swept off my feet, although I’ve worked hard these long months to regain my independence and stand on my own.’

‘There’s no denying your struggle. You deserve the finest man, loyal and trustworthy, one who will treat you like a queen, bejewelled crown included.’

Together their eyes fell to the bracelet where Livie fiddled with the charms until the ornate silver crown balanced against her skin. The diamond chip near the scrolled edge twinkled as it captured light. ‘I’ll need a much smaller noggin, I believe.’

They burst into laughter at the notion, though as their merriment subsided, Livie couldn’t help but reflect how conversation with Randolph had contained everything: humour, sensibility, affection, and most of all a unique understanding connection, as if he could decipher the code which embodied her heart. Dare she hope to find the same quality in another?

The domed clock on the escritoire chimed in and, relieved to put away her pensive thoughts, Livie stood up and smoothed her skirts. ‘I promised Esme we would meet this afternoon. She’s anxious to hear the last-minute details for Saturday evening and as the weather is milder today we’ve arranged to meet at Gunter’s.’

‘Dash and I have an important errand as well.’ Wilhelmina rose and together they moved towards the door. ‘Will you be having tea or treating yourself to an ice?’

‘Half the fun is deciding once I get there.’ She gathered her shawl and reticule. ‘I’ll return early.’ The words drifted behind her as she hurried towards the hall, not wanting to be late. Her maid already waited and once they were inside the carriage and on their way to Esme’s home, Livie breathed easy. If only she could question Dinah about kissing experiences, but particular secrets were reserved for one’s closest friend and confidante.

Gunter’s bustled with activity, the most favoured location to see and be seen in all of Berkeley Square, West End. With pure serendipity the driver managed a spot across the street from the popular tea shop, adjacent to a park and under a group of shady maples. Gunter’s flavoured ice and fruit sorbet had become so popular, many of the shop’s waiters ventured beyond the roadway to take orders, return, and deliver the refreshments.

Livie and Esme enjoyed the crowd and atmosphere and, leaving Dinah behind, they exited the carriage to hurry across the street before a lovely barouche intersected their path. The conveyance was pulled by a stunning pair of magnificent horses, their sleek coats snow-white against the monotonous greys of London’s cityscape, conjuring the notion they existed as a figment of imagination rather than an actuality. The ladies stared after the barouche until the congested roadway prevented their view. Then stepping lively, they moved to the curb and took a place in the line snaking outside the doorway and into the popular tea shop. The enormous glass window reflected their approach, behind which a wide variety of extravagant pastries, cakes and confections were displayed to entice the most finicky customer.

‘I felt certain I wanted pineapple sorbet but I’ve changed my mind twice since we’ve arrived.’ Esme leaned closer to the window and examined the assortment in hope to narrow her decision.

‘The bergamot is delicious, as is the elderflower. I sample a different flavour with every visit but Whimsy always orders lavender.’ Livie sidled closer to her friend. ‘Now that we’re alone I have the most splendiferous news.’

‘Spill it.’ Esme squeezed Livie’s gloved hands tightly. ‘I feel as if I haven’t spoken to you in ages because you’ve been so busy of late.’

‘Last night I kissed a man.’ She savoured each word as if tasting the experience, and watched closely for Esme’s reaction.

‘A man?’

‘A gentleman.’ She took a cleansing breath. ‘An earl, actually.’

‘An earl?’ Esme squeaked with impatience, her eyes wide.

‘Lud, you sound like a parrot.’

‘I’m shocked and thrilled. Do tell. I must know every minuscule specific.’

‘It was…’ – Livie stalled in her mental search for the perfect descriptor – ‘…divine.’ She sighed the word more than enunciated it.

The line shuffled forward and they moved inside the doorframe, the clamour and conversation pushing in from all sides of the shop. Behind the counter, waiters hawked orders in brisk baritone to help move the customers forward.

‘Perhaps I’ll have pistachio this afternoon.’

‘Do not toy with me, Livie. What happened? I expect every delicious detail as soon as we are seated at a table.’

‘Then you should order a large serving. You’ll need the refreshment to cool down, no doubt.’ Livie heated every time she reflected on the experience.

Esme laughed before she responded. ‘It was just a kiss.’

‘Just a kiss? You know some people claim to see their whole past flash before them when faced with a moment of fear or danger?’ Livie’s insistent whisper caused heads to turn.

‘Yes, and…’ Esme’s expression echoed the incredibility in her voice.

‘I saw my entire future in that kiss.’ A thrilling shiver accompanied the declaration. ‘Some people wait a lifetime for a single moment of pure truth. Now I understand why.’

‘It’s possible, I suppose.’ Esme craned her neck to scan the line ahead, before she returned attention to Livie. ‘Good heavens. The waiting is torture, and I’m no longer discussing the sorbet.’

‘So is the living after the kissing. I can’t get the life-changing encounter out of my mind. I believe I am well and truly lovesick.’ She folded her hands over her heart in dramatic fashion.

They’d reached the front of the tea shop where a waiter took their order and the twosome hurried to a corner table, newly vacated and partially separated from the other guests who enjoyed their sweets.

‘I’m happy to regale you with a complete review of events in exchange for your advice, because truly, Esme, I want to be kissed by the Earl of Penwick for the rest of my life.’ Truer words were never spoken.

‘But does he want to be kissed by you?’ Esme whispered the question in an urgent tone.

A waiter arrived with their ices and the two ladies tasted a spoonful before uttering another word. Then Livie dabbed at her mouth with the napkin and tapped her finger to her lips in devout determination. A slow, sly smile of mischief arched her mouth. ‘Does the Earl wish to kiss me again? There is only one way to find out and, as long as Dash kept his word, my debut will be the defining truth.’

The sudden burst of laughter which erupted soon after had many eyeing the corner in curiosity, but no one could overhear the clever plan underway.

Chapter Twelve

‘What ‘appened to the diamonds, eh? Who ‘as ‘im?’ Hawkins delivered a solid punch to the shopkeeper’s midsection, though the man had crumbled against the back wall of the shoe shop two strikes before. ‘Gulliver, search the rack over ‘ere.’ He jerked his head to the right and indicated the last corner of the store which remained intact. Otherwise every carton, crate and box had been opened, broken and discarded in their search for the missing stones, the shelves and display compartments left in a crippled shamble.

‘Got it.’

‘Last chance to speak up, ol’ man.’ Hawkins nudged Horne’s chest with the tip of his boot, but the old man remained silent, barely conscious and bleeding from a bruise on his temple. ‘Looks like we’re goin’ to ‘ave to do this the ‘ard way then.’

Wilhelmina entered Allington Diamonds ahead of her husband, anxious to look at the glittering jewellery displayed in each case, an array of sapphires, rubies, and the finest gemstones available for sale. She wished to choose the ideal gift for her sister now that she had the means to do so. With the assistance of Aunt Kate, they’d overcome hardship and adversity, coupled with Livie’s physical ailments, and now were once again secure and happy. Such a worthy accomplishment deserved a memorable gift to herald the occasion. She thought to add a charm to the recovered silver bracelet but discarded the idea as soon as it formed. Something new and entirely belonging to Livie seemed necessary and the finest jeweller’s in London was the location to discover the perfect gift.

Tossing a glance over her shoulder to where Dashwood conversed with a well-dressed elderly gentleman near the front of the establishment, she meandered through the showcases, awed by the sparkle and shine. Two young clerks milled about assisting other customers and polishing glass, but otherwise the shop was quiet. Light flooded the cases from the overhead windows and Whimsy smiled at the reflective beauty twinkling around her. Walking past a display of betrothal rings, she paused beside a small display case featuring clever bracelets and pins in every design imaginable. Dash joined her soon after.

‘Is the older gentleman you spoke with someone you know?’ She didn’t look up as she asked the question, her attention snagged by a lovely brooch composed of emeralds and brilliant oblong diamonds. The arrangement resembled a caterpillar with intricate gold scrollwork around the edges and head. How befitting a pin, considering Livie’s complete transformation. A spark of an idea took hold.

‘Yes. I will introduce you as soon as he has a free moment.’ Dash peeked over her shoulder to view the case which held her attention. ‘Do you see something you favour? I know I do.’

She felt his smile against her cheek. Good heavens, would she ever grow accustomed to his proximity? Butterflies fluttered to life in her belly no matter she’d begun to think of them as she stared at the case. ‘All the pieces are grand, but I hope to find something meaningful and significant. We’ve travelled a long road to reach this point.’

‘And in those travels I found you.’ He sounded amused.

‘Dash.’ She bowed her head, inordinately pleased by her husband’s heartfelt sincerity. ‘If I may correct the retelling, you were stubborn and hardheaded for most of our courtship, if one can even label our association in that manner. You proposed to me while I sat in the bath after I’d thrown you off the porch. Now do you recall?’ She offered him a smile, delighted with her husband’s uxorious doting, but, regardless, pulled the conversation back to the matter at hand. Time was limited and she wanted to accomplish the task and return to Kirby Park with Livie none the wiser. ‘We are lucky indeed. I truly hope Livie discovers a love like ours. Thank goodness she’s stopped mooning over those old letters. I had no idea she’d invested such sentiment and regard into their existence until I attempted to question her one day.’ She narrowed her eyes, still trying to work through the devout secrecy Livie practised concerning her correspondence. ‘She deserves a husband who will cherish every facet of her personality and treasure her above all else.’

Dash leaned in and dropped a secret peck to her cheek. ‘Indeed, I agree.’

They may have been married over a year, but his tender affection never failed to warm her from the inside out. He chuckled as he noticed her fluster.

‘Perhaps we should make quick work of this errand and return home with haste.’ His voice dropped low with the husky suggestion.

‘A proposition worthy of consideration.’ Offering a coy grin, she returned her attention to the jewellery, not missing his rakish wink. ‘Is there someone who can help us make a selection?’

Acting on her enquiry, Dash pivoted towards the gentleman he’d previously greeted at the door, and with a nod the elderly man approached.

‘Mr Allington, may I present my wife, a rare and precious gem in her own right.’

Wilhelmina flushed a shade darker as she greeted the owner of the establishment. ‘I’m pleased to meet such a talented goldsmith. Your reputation as the finest jeweller in London is showcased here in every piece. My sister is having her debut and I hope to find something very special.’

‘Then we shan’t be looking at ordinary emeralds and rubies.’ Allington snapped his fingers and an ambitious clerk appeared with expedience to execute his bidding. He issued instructions to the worker before requesting her attention. ‘If you would accompany Hoskins to the far corner of the store, he will show you my private collection. The designs are created from the finest gemstones and exist as one-of-a-kind pieces. No one will have the same bauble and I believe you will find each remarkable. With luck, you’ll discover the perfect gift for your sister.’

Wilhelmina looked towards Dash for subtle affirmation before he continued conversation with the jeweller. She began after the young clerk, her attention drawn to the front door as a dashing, well-dressed fellow entered to a friendly greeting from an assistant near the door. She heard Mr Allington make his excuses in her wake.

‘Pardon me, Dashwood, my future son-in-law has arrived and I’ve promised to discuss a special consignment for his wedding gift to my daughter. Nothing but the rarest find to celebrate their joyous union.’

Mr Allington brushed past Wilhelmina on his way to speak to the newly arrived gentleman and she thought little of the remark, confident a multitude of suitors and grooms frequented the storefront to purchase expensive presents for their sweethearts. But in her slowed steps as she considered the man of her heart, she turned to sneak another glance at her handsome husband left idle near the far wall. It was then his expression made her breath catch in alarm. Dashwood stared towards the threshold of the store and his face reflected enraged concern, something gone terribly wrong.

‘Esme, which shoes complement my gown best?’ Livie indicated two pair of slippers waiting on the foot of her bed. ‘The ivory silk matches the skirt colour exactly, but the seed pearl trim is hardly visible.’ She flicked her pointer finger towards the left. ‘The champagne pink mules are marvellous and the heels are higher, although I’m not sure I can dance well in them.’