Distracted by the perfume, Verity paused for a moment...her focus drifting back...
“Lady Verity...”
“Oh, yes of course. My mind was elsewhere. Sorry Sprocket.”
“Not at all, my Lady. I was wondering if you’d prefer the grey or the blue gown today?”
“Refresh my mind. What’s my schedule?”
“First thing this morning you’re to visit the Yardley House to see how the renovations are going. I believe Mr Tippick, your choice for the roofing repairs, will be there. You’ll be wanting to talk to him, of course.”
“Definitely.” Verity thoughtfully ran a brush through her hair. “I need to see what he thinks about skylights.”
“Ah.” Sprocket blinked. “After Yardley House, you’re to meet Mrs Monroe at the Hotpot Coffee house. She has estimated that will be around eleven o’clock. At that time, the two of you will discuss charity matters, and possibly decide to visit one or two of them for a spot check.”
Verity sighed. “A busy morning indeed.”
“And one you usually look forward to, with a great deal of enthusiasm, m’Lady. If you’ll forgive me for saying so.”
“I know. I’m just a little off my pace this morning, Sprocket.”
“Goodness.” The tickerkin opened her eyes wide. “I wonder what could be causing that? It couldn’t possibly be anything as simple as one certain gentleman, could it?”
Verity’s took a breath, ready to scold the cheeky thing. But then she blew it out in a gust from between pursed lips.
“I don’t know, dammit. I honestly don’t know.”
“He’s different, isn’t he? Nothing like any of the other gentlemen who have expressed an interest in you, my Lady.”
“You’re right there,” chuckled Verity. “He’s unique.”
“Well, if that’s the case, then maybe he’s worthy of you.”
“Why, Sprocket...” Verity stared at her, stunned. “That is the nicest compliment I think I’ve ever received.”
“Glad to hear it. Now could we please get back to getting you dressed for the day?”
“Of course.”
“About time,” muttered Sprocket.
After some discussion and collaboration, Verity decided on a pale grey gown trimmed with crimson ribbons. It wasn’t the height of fashion, nor was it striking enough to attract attention in a crowd. But it was the one ensemble that bestowed upon her a certain amount of self-confidence. And she liked the way the colour emphasized her eyes.
With that decision made, and a light breakfast consumed, it was time for her to gather her papers and prepare for the business end of the day’s schedule.
At her desk, with a cup of tea to one side, Verity pulled papers from the drawers, the ones she would need for her scheduled visits.
The Yardley House roof had a solid budget now, so she was in a good position to negotiate a fair price with her roofer, a man who had worked on buildings for her before. He’d do good work and not overcharge her.
Tabby would bring some of her own paperwork, and they’d share a pot of coffee and some intense conversation and possibly dunk a ringcake or two. Not the healthiest of lunches, but always a treat.
Thinking of Tabby brought finances to Verity’s mind, and she once again looked at the figures they’d discussed previously. The ones that didn’t sound right.
“Sprocket, I think I’m going to visit our bank on the way to Yardley House. I need to make sure all the funds have cleared and that our balance is what it’s supposed to be.”
Sprocket looked at her. “You’re worried, my Lady. Is something wrong with the accounts?”
“You’re astute, Sprocket.”
