And she had married his money.
My youngest sister Joanna had put her husband Richard in a similar position, but with a few less bags to carry. His forehead glistened under the noonday sun, sparkling like the surface of the sea. I could sense Richard’s protest as Joanna led him toward the large department store.
I, on the other hand, was enjoying my stroll behind them without a wife to put a strain on my finances, my patience,andmy arms. It was a freedom that my poor brothers-in-law would never sense again, and I intended to savor it. I didn’twant or need a woman hearing gossip about my inheritance and deciding that I was suddenly some great catch. I was not gullible enough to be charmed by a few sweet smiles and flirtatious glances in exchange for my estate and fortune.
I had learned my lesson and had narrowly made my escape. The same could not be said for Loftus and Richard.
“Jon!” Penelope glanced behind her shoulder, dark chocolate eyes settling on my face. “Have you not made any purchases?” I could barely see her face behind her bonnet trimmings.
“I have not.”
Her dark brows drew together, and she exchanged a glance with Joanna. Both my younger sisters seemed to take personal offense to my resistance to spend money frivolously. Perhaps if I were so frivolous, they would feel more justified.
“You must buy something before we retire for the day, or I shall declare you to be the most boring man of my acquaintance.” Penelope laughed, her upper lip curling high above her teeth. Joanna shared in her amusement. Loftus smiled, but the expression looked pained. He adjusted the bags on his arm, leaning partially against the facade of the department store.
I stopped outside Hannington’s, casting a sympathetic look in Richard’s direction before addressing my sister. “You may declare me boring all day, and I shall not be affected.”
“Ugh.” Penelope cast her gaze heavenward. “Youareboring, aren’t you? Nothing affects you, nothing can persuade you, and nothing vexes you.” She sighed. “You are far too temperate.”
I gave my most sedate smile, knowing my calm acceptance of her assessment would only frustrate her further. “I thought we agreed that if I accompanied you to Brighton, you would stop pestering me.”
“I believe it was Joanna who said those words, not me.” Penelope grinned. “Istill plan to pester you.”
I cast my gaze down the street, squinting against the sun. “Well, at least my favorite sister has kept her promise.”
Penelope gasped in dismay.
Joanna covered her mouth with a laugh.
As much as I enjoyed teasing Penelope, I loved all my sisters dearly—and equally—most of the time. For their sakes, I was glad Loftus and Richard had been fooled into marrying them. At least I knew they were happy and taken care of. I could see the contentment in their faces—hear it in their laughter. It put my heart at ease to have such evidence of their well-being. But my third sister, Margaret, who remained at home at my estate in Kent, was not so easily understood.
I caught sight of a shop a few doors down, with a stand of coral jewelry, shell trinkets, and small sketches of Brighton. Since Margaret had been unable to accompany us, finding a souvenir for her had been my sole purpose in accompanying my siblings to the shops on North Street. As much as I wished I could continue vexing Penelope with my lack of purchases, I didn’t actually want to leave empty-handed.
The moment my sisters and their husbands stepped through the doors of Hannington’s, I strode down the street toward the shop I had been eyeing. The stand outside gave only a small sampling—small trinkets, toys, and prints. I picked up a fan, unfolding it to reveal a scenic drawing of Brighton. It was stunning, but not something Margaret would enjoy. Through the window, I could see a far greater variety of items…
And a familiar face.
I paused, setting down the fan and stepping closer to the window. Yes, it was her. Miss Alice Kellaway, with her auburn hair, fair skin, and vibrant blue eyes. The woman beside her must have been her mother, and the two of them were examining a small trinket of some sort that Miss Kellaway held in her hand. Perhaps it wouldn’t be wise to enter the shop.
If I startled her, she might throw it at me.
A smile crept onto my lips at the memory of our interaction a few days before. Miss Kellaway had been obviously mortified, and I had been thoroughly entertained. I hesitated outside the shop, but suddenly, her gaze lifted to the window. I looked away fast, picking up the fan again. Had she seen me watching her? Perhaps it was my turn to be mortified. I couldn’t go without acknowledging her now, that much was certain.
Keeping the fan in hand, I stepped through the shop doors as confidently as I could—but casually at the same time. There was a fine balance, and I was of the firm belief that I had mastered it. My nonchalance was the reason Penelope had described me as ‘far too temperate.’
There were a few ladies and a couple inside the shop, perusing the shelves and stands. I brought the fan to the front desk, speaking with the clerk there about the price, even though it was purely a way of explaining my entrance to Miss Kellaway. I felt her gaze on me as I turned around, leaving the fan with the clerk, who was wrapping up my spontaneous purchase in a sheet of paper.
Miss Kellaway’s eyes met mine briefly before flickering back to the object in her hands. I could now see that it was a sachet of dried herbs inside a glass container ornamented with shells. She certainly loved her shells. She had collected a hearty pile that day on the beach.
With a few cautious steps, I approached the other side of the display. I couldn’t blame her for not acknowledging me first. I could see her lingering embarrassment in the flush on her cheeks.
“Miss Kellaway,” I greeted with a bow.
She looked up, her eyes rounding as if to pretend she hadn’t noticed me before. I held back a smile.
“Mr. Croft.” She set down the herbs, giving me her full attention. Her mother discreetly wandered a few paces away, examining a row of books and novelty sea charts, though I had no question she would listen to every word that passed between us. There would be no speaking of our first meeting—and especially not the crab if I hoped to spare Miss Kellaway her mother’s questioning.
“Do you see anything you like?” I asked, gesturing at the display.
