Haunted by the Earl's Touch - By Ann Lethbridge Page 0,38

one the same way.’

‘I would prefer a higher neckline,’ Mary said.

‘No,’ his lordship said and walked out.

‘It is perfect the way it is, miss,’ the seamstress said, handing her down. She twitched at the skirts, checked the bodice and nodded. ‘Perfect. Let us see to the rest of your order now, shall we?’

Daisy returned to help her into her own gown.

* * *

By the time Mary was dressed and back out in the shop, his lordship was nowhere to be seen.

‘He bethought himself of an urgent errand,’ Mrs Hampton said at her look of enquiry. ‘He left orders as to the rest of the items to be purchased, however.’ She pointed to a pile of fine linens and gloves on the counter.

Mary tried not to feel disappointed he had left. She should be pleased, because while she was being buttoned into her gown, she’d had another idea.

‘I’ll have the two gowns sent up to the livery before the hour is up,’ Mrs Wharton finally said, when all the choices had been made. ‘I’ll parcel these up to go home with you now.’

‘I still think you should have that military-style riding habit made,’ Mrs Hampton said, sounding quite weary, but there was a sparkle in her eye, likely because Mrs Wharton had thrown in a gown for her as commission for bringing Mary to her shop.

‘I don’t ride,’ Mary said quickly. Her only experience on a horse had been sitting on the earl’s lap and, while the thought of it made her blush, it certainly didn’t count as riding.

Mrs Hampton glared. ‘You don’t play the pianoforte either, I’ll be bound, but that is no reason not to visit the music room.’

As a metaphor it didn’t really work. And Mary did play. Very well. It was one of her few ladylike accomplishments. But Mrs Hampton didn’t need to know that. She smiled sweetly. ‘If I decide to visit the stables, I shall be sure to order a riding habit ahead of time.’

The widow sniffed. ‘I will speak to the earl about it.’

‘It is none of the earl’s business,’ Mary said resolutely and prayed Mrs Hampton would leave it there.

Outside the shop, the street was bathed in the light of a sun that had barely lifted itself above the horizon and was already on a downward path. It hung so low that facing into it caused everyone to squint.

‘Do we return to the carriage now,’ Mary asked, ‘or is there time to explore a little? I would love to walk down to the quay.’

‘Certainly not. It reeks of fish. Next we go to the haberdasher. I am in need of some ribbon and a paper of pins.’

They walked a few yards down the hill to the next shop Mrs Hampton wanted to visit.

Mary glanced longingly down the hill where boats lay off shore. Boats carried passengers. It would take but a moment to slip aboard one of those waiting for the tide to turn.

‘I have never visited a seaside town before. It will take but a moment to walk down to the shore and back while you complete your purchases.’

Mrs Hampton looked doubtful. ‘If only one of the males of our party were on hand, I would be less concerned. The men on the wharf are dreadfully rough and ill mannered.’

‘I will just go as far as the next bend in the road, look at the harbour and walk back.’

Her companion let out a sigh. ‘You are a very determined young woman, Miss Wilding. I really do not have the energy to argue. If the earl does not like what I cannot stop, then let him take you to task.’

She disappeared inside the shop.

So, the earl had instructed Mrs Hampton to act as not only her chaperon, but as her guard. How annoying. In that case, she did not feel so bad about not telling her the truth.

She walked down to the corner and the harbour spread out below her. Fishing boats drawn up on the beach; nets drying in the sun; men and women plying their trade along the waterside. Just like the landscapes she had seen in books. Out on the sea, waves rippled, catching sunbeams and tossing them back with a glitter that would outdo a diamond necklace.

Breathtaking. Enchanting.

Nothing like the wild sea she had seen the other day from the top of the cliff near the Abbey. This sea looked friendly and enticing. After a quick glance over her shoulder, she hurried down to the wharf. A young man