* * *
“It’s official, I was born with two left feet.” Sabrina lowered her bonnet over her still-red face. “I don’t know how you can still call me your friend after I repeatedly bumped into you, stepped on your toes, and elbowed you in the ribs. I make Mr. Collins look like a prima ballerina after that shoddy display.”
Nora walked gingerly. “You did well at the end. You managed to make it through an entire count of eight without issue.”
“I don’t have any hope for the assembly tonight, much less the ball.” Sabrina hung her head. “It’s like my brain is disconnected from my body. I can picture how the movements are supposed to appear, but when I actually try them in real life, they come out awkward.”
Like me and kayaking.
“It wasn’t nearly as bad as you think it was.” Nora held up the screen of her phone. “Would you feel more confident if we signed up for the ‘As Danced on Television’ workshop? It’s marketed for dancers of all abilities and includes a mixture of both slow and fast dances.”
“An absolute yes for me.”
Nora’s fingers flew across the screen. “Perfect. I snagged the remaining two spots. It’ll be held in the Guildhall at eleven thirty, just after the ‘Austen Undone! Walking Comedy’ tour.”
Sabrina and Nora joined the end of the queue ten people deep for the Sally Lunn bakery. A red sign to the left of the doorway read: “The Oldest Bakery in Bath, c. 1482.” Through the aqua-tinged panes of the window display, Sabrina observed a basket of larger-than-average buns, a tea service, and two candlesticks set atop a Union Jack place mat. The scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the air.
“I was under the impression Bath buns were small and contained fruit,” she said.
“Don’t let any of the employees hear you say that.” Nora put a finger to her lips. “They’ll be the first ones to correct you that the pastry you’re thinking of is theLondonBath bun. TheoriginalBath bun is supposedly the bun this bakery sells, the Sally Lunn bun.”
“Go figure.”
The line advanced quickly. Walking away with a pale pink box in their hands, the two friends found a shady bench near the Jane Austen Centre and tucked into their afternoon treat. The bun was the size of a dinner plate, and to Sabrina, it resembled a French brioche. Dividing it in two, they each took a bite.
The butter gave the bread all the flavoring it required. Sabrina thought the addition of fruit might be too sweet or overpowering. She could see why the Bath bun was a favorite of Jane Austen.
“How is your prep coming along for the JA writers’ panel discussion at the end of the week?” Sabrina asked.
“I’m excited to meet writers from across the genres”—Nora chewed and swallowed slowly—“but I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I’m nervous. I’ve always been able to hide behind my pen name. Tomorrow, I’ll be putting my face to it.”
Sabrina tilted her head to the side. “Mark my words?.?.?. you’ll have nothing but positive support. Offhand, MistressofPemberly57, AustenForever, NoblePatroness, and DreamingofDarcy05 will all be present. TheLadyEmma is even going to be on the panel with you.”
Nora sat up taller.
The manuscript we spent so long brainstorming together was masterfully written. Everyone on the Never Far From Netherfield forum adored it, and since Nora allowed me to self-publish it for her two weeks ago, it hasn’t dropped out of the top one hundred ranked books. That’s unheard of.
“Have you glanced at any of the spreadsheets or reviews I’ve been sending you? You’re listed as a number-one bestseller. All the public reviews have been four or five stars. I couldn’t be any prouder.”
“It’s a team effort.” Nora’s cheeks flushed red. “You’ve been putting in so much work on the back end for me. I hope you know how much I appreciate it.”
“All I did was play with some images to craft a cover for you and format your manuscript.” Sabrina grinned. “It’s been a fun challenge for me to learn new skills.”
They gathered their rubbish.
“We have one more stop to make before we return to the hotel,” Nora said.
Sabrina winced.
I love shopping, but I’ve had more than enough of it today. All I want to do is nap and video chat with my prince.
“If I offer you a foot massage, can we skip the final stop?” she said hopefully.
“The last stop is the most important.” Nora tapped her foot. “When you were shopping for your hair clips earlier, I happened ontheperfect ball gown for you. It was supposed to be rented by another client, but they cancelled last minute. It’s all been arranged.” Nora clapped her hands together. “The stall owner has kindly agreed to let me purchase the garment and to perform any alterations it might require. It’s a part of my gift to you.”
Taking her turn to carry the basket of items from their shopping haul, Sabrina said, “Thank you, fairy godmother. Lead on.”
Eighteen
