Blame It on Bath Page 0,56
he clearly wanted something out of it. Gerard just hadn’t figured out what that was yet.
Sunk deep in thought, he wandered up to Milsom Street, where a number of fine shops were located. Perhaps he should buy something for Kate, sweets or a book or something. He remembered how earnestly she’d told him she wanted to be a good wife and felt a twinge of regret he had to spend the first few weeks of his marriage on this blasted blackmailing problem instead of introducing his bride to his family and setting her up in a proper home. She’d been so agreeable about everything—particularly last night, to Gerard’s deep satisfaction—he owed her some small token.
Half an hour later he was ready to admit defeat. A book seemed a fine idea; what did she like to read? He didn’t know. Perhaps a shawl, or a new bonnet; what sort would she admire? He didn’t know. Gloves? Music? A fan? Perhaps jewels, although he had intended only a small trinket. He’d never seen so much as a simple locket around her neck. Perhaps she didn’t care for jewels . . . unlike every other woman of his acquaintance. He was scowling at the jeweler’s window when the sound of his name roused him.
“Imagine meeting you here!” cried the man advancing on him. “I thought you were still in camp with the rest of the regiment.”
“I was.” Gerard shook hands with Daniel Carter, an officer in his regiment and a good friend. Carter had been shot in the leg a few months ago and still leaned heavily on a cane. “My father died,” Gerard explained. “I was given some leave to tidy up his affairs.”
“Ah. So sorry,” murmured Carter.
Gerard nodded in acknowledgment. “What brings you to Bath?”
“As you can see, I’m no good to the army yet.” Carter grimaced as he shifted his weight. “Another month, perhaps.”
“We shall return at the same time then, I hope.”
“Very good!” Carter’s face brightened. “Have you any time for pleasure in Bath? My sister’s been looking out for me, but I’m a dashed dull fellow, with this leg. She’s very good-natured about it, but I’m sure she’d be glad of a more jovial fellow’s arm from time to time. Ah—there she is now. Cora,” he called to a woman just leaving a shop behind him. “Come say hello to a most excellent friend of mine.”
She joined them and was introduced. Cora Fitzwilliam was a tall, slender woman with a dazzling smile and a warm, open manner. After a few pleasantries about the weather, Mrs. Fitzwilliam turned to him. “Captain, do you attend the theater? Much to my delight, they’re presenting a comedy this week.”
“Cora loves a farce,” said her brother. “And a good laugh is always welcome. De Lacey, you must join us.”
“I’d be delighted. I intended to take a box, in fact.” Gerard laughed, shamefaced, as a thought struck him. “For my wife.”
“Wife!” exclaimed Carter. “The most dashing bachelor in the army, wed? Have I been away that long?”
Gerard shook his head, still smiling. “No, not at all. It was a bit of a whirlwind courtship, and now I’ve made her come all the way to Bath. I was just contemplating a small token of apology when you saw me.” He cocked his head at the window.
“No one is better at choosing jewelry than Cora,” said Carter with amusement. “I daresay she could offer you a word of advice if you like.”
“I would be very glad of a woman’s opinion,” Gerard said in relief. “I’ve little experience of jewels.”
“Of course,” cried Mrs. Fitzwilliam. “And Danny shall be so pleased he doesn’t have to offer his opinion at all!”
“Ecstatic,” confirmed Carter, and they all laughed. “Then if you don’t mind, I shall walk up the street to the coffee shop and wait for you there,” he said to his sister. “A pleasure to see you again.” He bowed his head at Gerard and limped up the street.
“I hope I haven’t inconvenienced you.” He turned to watch his friend go. “He’s doing quite well.” Carter’s leg had been perilously close to amputation. Gerard remembered him swearing viciously at the surgeons when they were arguing over whether to dig out the bullet or take the whole leg off at the thigh. Only when Carter appealed to the regiment’s colonel did the doctors agree to leave it on. “I was told he would never walk again.”
“Yes, he’s doing very well,” she answered softly, also watching Carter, her face shadowed with