“No, I think a classic rose. Pretty but prickly.”
He huffed, but he cupped her face, brushing a thumb across her cheekbone. “You would be a sunny daffodil. The first sign of spring, harbinger of new beginnings.”
For all his gruffness, Hart could be surprisingly sweet. “Come on, you, let’s go stretch our legs and you can treat me to an ice from Gunter’s.”
It was indeed a beautiful day outside. Lucy tipped her parasol back and let the sun warm her face for a moment. She reveled in the simple pleasure of walking down the street with her husband. She was married to Alexander Barclay, the Duke of Hartwick. She was Hart’s wife. Her smile felt ever present these days. They stepped into Gunter’s and the gaze of every patron seemed to swing their way. Hart tugged his hat lower on his brow. She squeezed his hand and led him to a small table for two.
“What flavor is your favorite?” she asked as waiter handed them two menus.
“I have no idea. I’ve never been in here.”
Lucy lowered her menu. “What? Never?”
His lips twitched in amusement. “Gunter’s didn’t exactly fit with my reputation. This is a place to woo innocents.”
She rolled eyes before raising her menu to pick a flavor. “I like to choose something new each time. I will choose lavender today.”
Hart ordered lemon for himself. He glanced around. “It’s not a bad place, a bit crowed for my taste. I will admit to wondering what all the fuss was about.”
“I have been here three or four times, mostly with friends and once with a suitor.”
“Who?” Hart demanded.
“No one who matters,” Lucy replied, secretly glad at hearing the gravel in his tone. How nice to be the object of jealousy. “I thought since we are out, perhaps we should stroll to some of the shops and find something new for your study. Something to put into the room that would make it feel more yours.”
“Shopping? I guess so.”
“Nothing too taxing. I know of this curiosity shop that has all sorts of interesting things.”
“Well, I do owe you a birthday present.”
Their ices arrived. Lucy scooped up a bite. She scrunched her nose, yuck. She tried another bite and then set her spoon down. It tasted like soap. How disappointing.
Hart slid his lemon ice across the table switching it for hers.
Lucy smiled up at him and then dug into the delicious lemon ice.
*
Hart ducked toenter the front door of Howelsen’s Curiosity Shop. Inside was a maze of shelves and aisles that disappeared into the back of the long narrow building. Lucy grabbed his hand and gave him a wide grin over her shoulder.
“There are two floors. This one has most of the furniture, but the second floor is full of knickknacks. Come on, let’s explore!”
Her enthusiasm was infectious, and he followed her down an aisle to their right. There was all manner of objects crammed together in every nook and cranny of the store. A long sofa covered in deep purple velvet held a collection of porcelain dolls that stared at him with glass eyes as they walked past. Hart smacked his head against something as they turned to go down the next aisle. Glancing up he saw a balsawood dragon hung from the low ceiling. It breathed bright red paper fire as it swung to-and-fro.
After exploring the ground floor, Lucy led the way up an iron circular staircase. Hart put a hand on her waist to keep her steady as they climbed. Or perhaps it was to keep him steady. The twisty stairs made his head swim by the time they reached the next floor. More light flooded this level thanks to large sky lights. They spotted a rack full of masquerade masks at the same time and exchanged grins. Lucy browsed one side of the rack as he perused the other. A matte gold mask painted with intricate black vines and sporting an exaggerated long nose caught his eye. It covered his whole face as he held it up and turned to show Lucy.
“Miss, may I have your next dance?”
She turned to face him. “That soundspurrr-fect.” The mask she had on sported silver whiskers and a pink nose.
He chuckled. “Wait, I have the perfect partner for you.” He turned back to the shelf and traded the gold mask for a grey one painted with the furry face of a wolf with snarling lips and sharp white teeth. He turned and grabbed Lucy around the waist to pull her up against him. “Beware, of the wolves, little pussy.”
Lucy howled with laughter. “Oh no! Don’t eat me!”
Hart pushed the mask up onto his head then leaned in to capture her earlobe between his teeth. “I thought you liked it when I nibbled on you.”
More giggles erupted before she pushed him away. “Behave.” Lucy untied her mask and put it back on the rack. “Let’s look over here.”
