Then a thought dawned on her, and she called out to him, “However, we need to have confectionery for our deliveries. I fear if we don’t continue them uninterrupted, those establishments might seek their sweets elsewhere.”
Edward didn’t respond.
“Can you tally up how much we need for five days?” she requested. “I’ll go over the amounts later and make certain. But five days will give your uncle plenty of time, and then we’ll do nothing but deliveries until the dust clears. Once the sawing and hammering has ceased, we shall begin again to sell down here and, at the same time, we’ll start to decorate upstairs.”
Still, Edward said nothing.
“I’ve already ordered tables,” she persisted. “Six of them. I saw one in the window of Chunley’s Emporium with a square marble top and black lacquered legs that have the sweetest gilt decoration. I think they’re perfect.”
Only silence met her remarks.
“Edward, are you there?”
“Yes, miss.”
Charlotte sighed. She had to work this out herself. She must continue to supply the hotels and restaurants but close the shop to regular customers. Perhaps she should put a sign on the door saying where one could find their chocolates.
She frowned. Customers would not stay at The Langham in order to eat Rare Confectionery, but they might go to one of the restaurants.
There was so much to think about. Not just with the shop but also with Lord Jeffcoat. When she was alone with a few minutes to examine her emotions, she could honestly say she now had atendrefor the man. More than that. Her heart leaped when she saw him and beat a little faster when he was near. Or when he spoke to her. Or when he gave her a certain look and smiled crookedly. Moreover, she was desperate for him to kiss her again.
She knew she shouldn’t let him take liberties with her person, but it was such a nice liberty.
With the tinkling of the bell, her thoughts were wrenched from such pleasant thoughts to the matters at hand. Mr. Tufts stopped by as promised.
“I would like to hire you,” she said, “but I shall pay you half the total cost at the start, and the rest after the work is completed.” The duke had suggested such a compromise, and when Mr. Tufts agreed, Charlotte shook his hand firmly, feeling as though she’d driven a hard bargain.
“I’ll be back tomorrow to begin,” he said and left with a bank cheque.
“Edward,” she called out. “You just missed your uncle.”
After a moment, his face appeared at the velvet curtain.
“He’s starting tomorrow.”
The boy nodded. While she wouldn’t say he was grim-faced, he’d definitely been quiet recently, even a tad sullen.
“Is there anything you wish to speak to me about?”
His eyes widened. “No, miss. I must get home.”
“Very well. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Yes, miss.”
After he left, Charlotte turned the sign, locked the door, and began to write out a notice to put in the window explaining about their temporary closure. She ought to have built time into her schedule to have one printed, but it would have to do.
When her stomach started to growl, realizing she’d skipped lunch, she sucked on a large piece of toffee, hoping Lydia would have something hot and delicious for dinner. At that thought, she put another piece into her mouth and then heard a knock on the glass.
Lord Jeffcoat!
Waving to him, she rushed around the counter, then slowed her steps. He would think her a silly goose, indeed, if she went running to the door. With dignity, she let him in, smiled, and drooled golden brown toffee onto her apron.
“Rajb!” she tried to exclaim, her teeth partly stuck together.Double drats!
“Miss Rare-Foure, are you all right?”
Pointing to her mouth while fishing a handkerchief from her pocket, she wiped her chin, dabbed at her otherwise white apron, and said, “Offee.”
