“They’re terrifying,” Catherine whispers, glancing aroundthe foyer as she adjusts the gloves. “And they’ve ten years together. I’m fresh meat.”
“You are more than up to the challenge of a little shopping, I promise you.”
Before she can spiral any further, there’s a knock on the door.
MissHenrietta Raught stands on the stoop, wearing a rose-colored pelisse, with a matching bonnet. She smiles brightly at them, her round face so open and inviting that Catherine feels her shoulders come down just a hair.
“Thank you so much for picking us up,” Catherine says.
“Of course!” MissRaught says happily. “Good to meet you as well, Miss—”
“Teit,” MissTeit says. “I’ll sit up top with the driver and stay well out of your way.”
“Oh, you needn’t—” MissRaught begins, but MissTeit has already closed the door behind them and started down the steps.
“She’s quick,” MissRaught says.
“My mother’s on a tear about decorating the sitting room. This will be much more fun for both of us.”
MissRaught giggles and gestures for Catherine to precede her.
The waiting carriage is enormous and gilded. It must belong to the Tisends. She can just see MissLinet and Lady Rosalie inside the open carriage door as she approaches. MissLinet is waiting patiently, staring out the opposite window to the street. But Lady Rosalie is looking right at Catherine.
In her burgundy jacket and short-rimmed bonnet, she’s striking. The look she’s giving Catherine just adds to the overall effect against her dark hair and eyes. Without doing more than sitting there with a droll expression, she’s imperious andintimidating. It’s enough to make Catherine hesitate there on the pavement.
Is she ready to be in such close proximity with Lady Rosalie all day? Is she really up to the task of extracting information from her without letting on that she’s trying to undermine her?
“Oh my word, would you just get in already?” Lady Rosalie exclaims.
Catherine jumps and hurries to clamber into the carriage, cheeks hot.
“You look lovely today, Lady Rosalie. Thank you for inviting me,” Catherine says as she sits down beside MissLinet.
Lady Rosalie’s eyes widen just a fraction. “As do you,” she replies.
MissRaught climbs in and settles beside Lady Rosalie, smiling at all of them. “I’m so excited. I love shopping,” she tells Catherine.
Lady Rosalie snaps the door shut and bangs on the ceiling.
“I do too,” Catherine tells MissRaught.
There’s a pause as the carriage rumbles forward, bumping on the cobblestoned street. The silence feels stifling in the small space.
“I look lovely too, you know,” MissLinet says abruptly.
Lady Rosalie snorts, and MissRaught giggles.
“The green suits you very nicely,” Catherine agrees, smiling at MissLinet. Her green pelisse and bonnet are very fetching.
“We’ll be sure to keep you well complimented throughout the day, Amalie, don’t you worry,” Lady Rosalie says, rolling her eyes as MissLinet sticks out her tongue. “We’re stopping at the haberdashery first, if you agree, MissPine.”
“Oh, of course,” Catherine says quickly. Who is she to dictate where they go? “I’ve been meaning to get a green ribbon for my favorite bonnet.”
Lady Rosalie’s brow wrinkles. “We’ll be getting you anewbonnet, MissPine.”
“That’s... very kind. But I don’t need—”
“Just say yes; it’s easier,” MissLinet says in an overloud whisper.
