He unfurled tissue paper with a flourish and folded it around the shawl.
Meanwhile, Julia eyed the shop floor, happy to see plenty of room for her plan.
“Mister Smythe, would you think it terribly impertinent if I asked what you pay annually in rent?” Julia smiled at his startled expression. “I have a particular reason to ask.”
He coughed discreetly and murmured a sum.
“If I wrote a check for that amount, would you rent a quarter of your floor space to me for . . . say . . . two years? With an option to renew the arrangement indefinitely if we both agree. The far end of your shop is perfect for what I have in mind.”
“Why . . . that is to say . . .” He adjusted his spectacles, looked at Lady Aldridge, and back at Julia. “But for what purpose, Mrs. Lewis?”
“Hats.”
Twenty minutes later, a smiling Mister Smythe bowed Lady Aldridge into her carriage and watched the coach rattle down the high street. Julia stayed behind.
“Now, sir.” She took his arm and walked him to the foot of the stairs. “All I must do is persuade Miss O’Neill. I will return to write that check if I succeed.”
* * *
Downstairs in Annie’s flat, Julia said, “I preached a marriage of frocks and hats to Mister Smythe and converted him to something more than just a solitary bowler or two.”
“Hats in a dress shop?” Annie and Kathleen Morris looked at each other across the table.
“Yes, and like most converts, he is now an enthusiast. The idea is to match your hat designs with his frocks and fabrics.” Julia smiled. “Don’t look so surprised. Stores that carry a variety of merchandise are popping up in America and London. Soon, you and Mister Smythe could rival the likes of Harvey Nicols in Knightsbridge.”
“Think of that, now, Annie,” Kathleen said.
Julia nodded. “The Harvey half of the partnership is a woman, by the way.”
“There will be plenty of work for the two of us, Kath.”
“Between Wheatlands’ and Mister Smythe, you’ll be busy,” Julia said. “May I tell him yes?”
When Annie nodded vigorously, Julia raised her cup and said, “Here’s to new paths forward,” and they clinked teacups.
“I’m wishing my Aunt Maggie was here to see it,” Annie said, her eyes shining. “Her dream was to own a shop, and this is a step along the way.”
“That’s right, Annie,” Julia said. “The first in a journey.”
“And I’m wishing she was here to know you, a lady doctor. A grand thing, she’d be thinking.”
“Thank you, Annie. I wish I’d known her, too.”
When Annie refused her offer of help to clear the table, Julia settled back and smiled at Kathleen. “How are you feeling . . . better?”
“At first, I was knackered every afternoon, but I’m stronger now.”
“And you’re sleeping through the night?”
“I am that. Thank you, Doctor.”
Annie called from the sink. “She’s been remembering things, as well. Some of what happened to her early on with that first devil.” She looked at Kathleen. “I’ll crack on with the washing up while you talk to the doctor. Maybe she’ll be telling the inspector so he can catch the creature.”
While Annie busied herself with the dishes, Julia said, “Tell me about him, Kathleen. Anything you remember, in your own good time.”
She looked down. “An old fella, he was,” she whispered. “Straining at it, and not always able to . . . finish his business.” She colored, and her eyes flicked to Annie. “Keeping his shirt on all the time and falling exhausted on his back with his armsup over his head. And I’m seeing his strange cuff links staring me in the face.”
“What did they look like?”
