“Marzipan,” Beatrice said curtly.
“A pound of that, too.”
“The tins are extra,” she told him, “and we only accept ready money from new accounts. You cannot put it on credit.”
“Naturally. Credit, indeed!” he said as if he would never do such a thing.
Beatrice named the enormous cost, enough for three dinners out if Greer recalled her first coin lesson correctly.
The baron hesitated.
“I am sorely looking forward to beating the tar out of someone at Teavey’s,” Greer said. “I can hardly wait to get started.”
The man’s coin purse came out at once, and he placed the amount on the counter. Beatrice drew it toward her and then proceeded to fill the order in silence. It felt like a long, tense time while she filled three pound-size tins, which she finally placed on the counter.
Snatching them up and without a word of farewell, the baron left, leaving the door open wide.
Greer went to close it, feeling certain that particular rascal wouldn’t return to harass his toffee-maker.His? Where had that inappropriate and inaccurate thought come from?
In any case, he hoped she wasn’t too upset. The thought of a tearful, frightened Beatrice made his stomach knot.
When he turned to her, however, she smiled and then began to laugh. He watched her beautiful face, relaxed and happy after what had just transpired, and couldn’t imagine another female who would react in such a way.
After she caught her breath, she picked up the coins in front of her and bent down. He heard the cash box open and close. When she stood straight, she looked right at him.
“You were clever, Mr. Carson, even if I have no idea what a cocked hat has to do with it, or beating tar. Some American sayings, I suppose. When I saw you emerge, I thought you were adding to my woes, and then I realized you’d called me ‘sister.’ The rolled-up sleeves were an excellent touch. Pity we didn’t have a proper apron for you.”
“That’s what I was thinking.” He wanted to laugh off the entire incident, but deep down, he was disturbed by it. “What if I hadn’t been here?”
“I would have handled it as I have before.”
Before?“Does this happen often?”
“No, but each of us has experienced some unwanted advances, even when there are two of us here. I must admit, I felt comforted and emboldened, knowing you were in the back room...taking inventory!” She smiled broadly.
“I couldn’t think what else I might be doing,” he admitted. “I confess to a feeling of worry over what might have occurred.”
“As I said, it wasn’t the first time.” Beatrice bent down and retrieved something. “We use a bat when necessary, although that has happened very few times.” Reaching up, she wielded a cricket bat, waving it over her head.
“Most of the lecherous men are popinjays and don’t take kindly to being threatened. Sometimes, I honestly think the noblemen like the one today believe I will be honored to provide whatever service they demand, simply because they have a title. That idiot made sure to tell me he was a baron, and it seemed to go from bad to worse quickly after that.”
“It did. I apologize on behalf of my kind.” Greer felt a sense of outrage. She ought to be able to sell confectionery without fear of assault.
“Your kind?” she asked, sounding amused.
“Men, in general, particularly those who take advantage of—” he broke off recalling the kiss that now seemed a lifetime ago. With shame, he recalled taking hold of her and kissing her, the feel of her warm body pressed against him and her sweet lips under his.
Obviously, Beatrice could tell where his thoughts had gone, for she shook her head slightly and blushed. He hoped she didn’t include him in the lecherous men who sought to take advantage of her — or in his case, succeeded in doing so.
He swallowed. “Now, I must apologize for my own behavior. It was not well done of me. You should probably slap my face.” He took a few steps in her direction so she could do so if she wished.
“Probably,” she agreed, looking solemn but not angry.
“I would prefer you didn’t use the bat, however.”
In answer, she put it away behind the counter.
“And we shouldn’t be alone again if I am going to behave like an uncivilized animal,” he added.
