He knew Kitty’s favorite color was green, and with her personality, he assumed she would prefer a vibrant shade. Genie and Lydia had given him some advice as to what he might purchase, and he reached for his notebook where he’d written down the items. When the hackney pulled to a stop in front of the East India House, Ben gawked up at the huge building. All that space for cloth?
He entered a huge hall filled with dozens of customers. Giant bolts of cloth, stored in hollow spaces near the ceiling, lined the two walls above the long counters where smartly dressed, all-male clerks assisted the clientele. Long lengths were pulled from the bolts to drape across the walls so they could be pulled to an interested customer for inspection. There were muslins, satins, silks, tweeds, and linens of all colors imaginable, and various prints sported the flora and fauna of England and countries abroad. The noise level was high as people bickered about price or chatted with one another while they waited their turn.
I’m quite out of my element, thought Ben, joining a queue in front of a wall of shelves filled with bins of accessories. Conversations floated within hearing.
“Not that one, the blue above it.”
“You can’t really expect me to pay that much!”
“Will there be anything else, ma’am?”
Ben soon found himself enthralled with the hectic atmosphere. Huge swaths of brightly patterned cloth would be pulled from the wall, across a counter, and in front of the customer for inspection. Then the same would be rolled up again, and another would be unfurled.
“How may I assist you, sir?” asked the mustached, red-haired clerk.
Ben slapped down the list and gave the man a sheepish smile. “I need a variety of these for a gift.”
silk or satin ribbons
silk flowers, roses, small posies
feathers
delicate lace and netting
beads
paste gems
clusters of berries or fruit
gimp braid
He explained the purpose of the gift and what Kitty created with the items.
“Very good, sir. Give me an idea of what you’d like to spend, and I’ll choose an assortment of items for you.”
“Would a sovereign be enough?” he asked, not wanting to spend too much and make Kitty anxious.
“Yes, sir.” The man turned his back and began selecting items and placing them on a tray. He climbed a ladder that moved back and forth, like the type used in a bookshop, and soon had a nice collection.
“Would you like any cloth to go with these?” asked the clerk.
“How much and what type of cloth would make a green reticule?” He wanted Kitty to make something for herself, knowing it would be better than anything he could possibly buy.
With his purchases wrapped and tucked under his arm, Ben left the warehouse and joined the throng of people still filling the main thoroughfare. He wanted to stop in and visit with Mr. Felton, but Clayton had advised him not to be seen there. Ben might end up being followed.
Now that the mornings didn’t include Kitty’s bright smile, he’d decided he didn’t need a knocker-up. He felt silly having the older man wake him up. So unless Ben found Felton in the evening while on his route, he didn’t see him.
Once home, he settled into the parlor with a glass of brandy and a book. He’d rather be with Kitty, but the three women had an emergency order, and they were working extra hours today. When his lids drooped, he decided to go to his room and find sleep early.
As he unwrapped his cravat, idly wondering about men who didn’t dress themselves, he saw Mr. Felton passing by in his usual garb: long coat, lantern, and a thick staff for protection. Terry was at his heels, then in front, then next to him. As the duo progressed up the lane, he watched as the dog trotted to an opening between two buildings, staring at something. But when Felton called in a harsh voice, Terry obeyed and followed his master, the hackles on his neck raised. They disappeared into the night, the lantern a faint yellow glow.
Wondering what the canine had seen, Ben lingered at the window. He was rewarded with a figure in dark clothing coming out of the alley, moving in the same direction. The devil! He was following Felton. Ben was sure of it. He tossed his cravat on the bed, went to his wardrobe, and retrieved his pistol, tucking it into his waistband before donning his coat.
Ben hurried down the stairs and onto the street, heading in the same direction as the trio he’d observed. It had been several years since he’d done any surveillance, and he had to slow his step once he caught sight of the lone figure. He couldn’t see Felton or the dog.
The man turned to the right. Ben heard the sound of glass breaking and hurried his pace. When he came to the street, it was dark. He heard the low growl before he saw the dark forms ahead. Ben kept to the other side of the street, staying in the shadows. Felton was pushed against the wall of a brick building, holding his hand out to quiet Terry.
