“This will be a very short ride.”
She nodded, lifting a slat on the shuttered windows to see their progress. The coach turned onto Cheapside Street, then Lombard. Finally, they went right onto Clements Street and stopped in an alley across from St. Clement Church.
“I’m hiding in the open?” she asked, realizing with relief that she was still within her own neighborhood.
Mr. Walters grinned. “I always say keep it simple. You know where we’re at?”
“Of course, I’ve passed this lane often. Am I to stay at the church?” She imagined a rector could be sworn to secrecy.
He laughed, a deep, warm sound. Kitty decided she liked this “old man” and wondered if she’d recognize him if she saw him again.
“You will be staying at Madame Chapelle’s shop. She’s a modiste?—”
“She’s brilliant! I’ve seen her work,” gushed Kitty, temporarily forgetting the gravity of her situation. “I will live in her shop?” How would that work? Hide in the backroom?
Another rumble from Mr. Walters, his dark eyes twinkling. “We’ve arranged for a proper bed, miss. Genie, er, Miss Chapelle has made it known she is hiring an assistant due to the growth of her business. If anyone catches a glimpse of you, she will tell them you are her new employee.”
Kitty closed her eyes for a brief moment. A dream come true if she was the assistant. Perhaps…
“I will also insist your hair be tucked up under a cap of some type. The midnight color is lovely but too easily remembered.” He rose in a crouch and opened the door, peeking out. “Wait here, and I’ll make sure the door is unlocked, and they are ready for you.”
When Mr. Walters returned, he opened the carriage door, which blocked any view from the street, and escorted her into the building. To the right was a staircase, and in front of them a short hallway, leading to a door that she assumed was the modiste’s shop. Mr. Walters led her up the stairs and knocked on the door.
It was answered by an older woman with frizzy light-brown hair and brown eyes that sparkled with bits of gold. “Here you are,” she said with a bright smile. “Welcome, Miss Felton.”
Behind her was Miss Eugenia Chapelle, whose reputation for excellence at a fair price had put her in high demand by the residents of Cheapside. She was younger than Kitty had expected, slender and beautiful, with the same eyes as the older woman—mother, perhaps?—and shiny wheat-blonde hair.
“This is Mrs. Peckton,” said Mr. Walters, indicating the woman who’d answered the door. “She is part-owner of the business downstairs. And this is her niece and the modiste, Miss Chapelle.”
Kitty, in awe and not knowing how to behave in this absurd circumstance, gave them both a quick curtsy. “I’m so grateful to you both for taking me in.”
“Nonsense, and don’t do that again. We’re all of the same class here,” said Mrs. Peckton. “Mrs. O’Brien is a close friend of mine, and we’re happy to help any way we can.”
“Of course we are,” added Miss Chapelle. “We didn’t hesitate when Clayton asked.”
Kitty looked to Mr. Walters, not knowing who Clayton was. “My brother, Clayton Pierce.”
“Soon to be my husband,” said Miss Chapelle with a grin. “Would you like some tea, Harry?”
“I wish I had the time,” he said, taking Kitty’s traveling bag from beneath his great coat. Then he removed his spectacles and the wig, rubbing his short, almost-black hair.
Kitty noticed gray already coloring the tips and accentuating the temples. She also realized he was a striking man. Were all of Mr. Cooper’s brothers so good-looking?
“Mattie will skin me alive if I’m late for our walk with her brother and mother,” he said, nodding to each woman as he backed toward the door. “I’ll be checking on you, Miss Felton. If you need anything at all, let these lovely ladies know, and I’ll have it sent right away.”
“A small portion of sanity, perhaps?” Kitty asked, trying to lighten the awkward moment.
“I’ll take some of that too,” said Miss Chapelle with a smirk. “Aunt Lydia?”
Mrs. Peckton laughed. “I gave up being sane years ago. It’s not as necessary as one might think.”
Kitty was shown to a small room, tastefully decorated with lavender rugs, a matching counterpane, and drapes. The wallpaper had lavender sprigs painted in rows against a cream background, as did the fireplace curtain. There was a wardrobe with one door open, showing half of the space empty.
“We weren’t sure how much you would bring or how long you would stay. So I moved some of my things into Genie’s, where I’ll share her room.” Mrs. Peckton set Kitty’s bag on the top of the bed.
“Oh, no. I don’t want to take your space.” Kitty was grateful but horrified to put someone out of their own room.
“Nonsense. Besides, the other bed is bigger and will fit us both fine. Make yourself comfortable, then join us in the kitchen for tea.” Mrs. Peckton squeezed Kitty’s shoulder. “Everything will be fine, my dear. No one better to take care of you than Maggie’s boys.”
