“I wouldn’t dream of taking her away from her home, although I’m sure she wouldn’t be opposed to doing a touch of traveling.” Leopold leveled another smile on Camilla. “I could take her to Europe and meet up with your aunt and Vernon.”
Camilla gave Leopold’s arm a pat. “I think you’re getting a little ahead of yourself. Why don’t we simply work on ascertaining that the two of you truly do share a spark and see where that spark leads?”
“I definitely don’t want to hear any more about sparks when it pertains to my grandmother—or my sister, for that matter,” Owen said.
Camilla turned and pattedhisarm. “Of course you don’t, which is why we’ll now shelve this conversation for later since I’ve just spotted Thomas Hughes and Company across the street.” Shenodded to the storefront. “Edward told me that’s the best place to purchase quality clothing for gentlemen.”
“Says on the doorgents furnishing goods,” Leopold said, squinting in the direction of the store.
“Then that’s where we’ll start with Owen’s new wardrobe,” Camilla said. “You’ll, of course, accompany him, Leopold.”
Owen frowned. “I thought we were focusing on Luella today.”
“Your sister hardly needs you tagging along to the department stores to help her shop for new gowns,” Camilla argued. “And since your time is limited as you do run the largest nail-producing company in the country, I thought we’d split up to optimize our shopping expedition.”
“I’m not going to leave you unprotected just so I can find a new suit.”
“You’ll be ordering more thanasuit, all of them custom-made, unless Thomas Hughes and Company happens to have a suit or two on hand that would fit you properly.”
“Custom-made?” Owen repeated.
“That’s the only way you’ll get a satisfactory fit,” Camilla said. “And, before you argue that you don’t need a new wardrobe, know that as a titan of industry, you’ll garner more respect from others if you look the part of a successful man of business. You’re currently taking meetings while wearing ill-fitting suits, and not because you can’t afford the best, but because you don’t want to take the time needed to have them custom-made.”
“Not one industry titan has ever remarked on the fit of my jacket.”
Camilla shrugged. “Perhaps not, but they’ve definitely taken notice, even if they’ve never said anything, and perception is important in business. My father taught me that, so off you trot to the haberdashery, and no, it’s not up for debate.”
Owen glanced to where Luella and Charles stood in front of Stone and Thomas department store, their heads still bent closely together—too closely together in his humble opinion.
“I’m really not comfortable leaving you without proper protection for any length of time,” he finally said, returning his attention to Camilla. “I can always return to the gentlemen’s store tomorrow to place an order.”
“Absolutely not,” Camilla didn’t hesitate to argue. “I’m not going to have time tomorrow to return to town, not since Elma wants me to whitewash her fence, and I’ll also be immersing myself in etiquette lessons with Luella. That means I won’t have a moment to spare to come with you, and not to offend you, but I don’t trust your judgment when it comes to picking out new clothing.”
She glanced over her shoulder and nodded to Lottie and Mr. Timken, who were taking in the sights as Andy, who was pushing Nems in his wheeled chair, acted as tour guide. “And, before you mention inadequate protection again as a reason to avoid shopping for yourself, I’m quite well-guarded, so off you go. I’m sure you and Leopold will have a lovely time choosing jacket styles and patterns.”
Owen glanced at Charles again, who was now whispering in Luella’s ear. “Perhaps Charles should come with me instead of Leopold.”
“Charles, while an utter darling, isn’t what I’d call fashion motivated, whereas Leopold”—she gave a wave in Leopold’s direction—“is always dressed in the most sophisticated of styles. He’ll make certain you don’t come out of Thomas Hughes and Company dressed like an undertaker, a dismal look Charles adopts on a rather frequent basis.”
“There’s nothing wrong with looking like an undertaker,” Owen muttered.
Camilla grinned. “Will you be more receptive to the idea if I make Leopold promise to avoid waxing on about how extraordinary your grandmother is, or trying to convince you to speak to her on his behalf?”
“I doubt he’ll be capable of that, seeing how enthralled he seems to be with Meemaw.”
“Indeed I am,” Leopold said cheerfully. “But I’ll tell you what, I’ll try to curtail my enthusiasm for your grandmother, at least until after we see you sporting an entirely new wardrobe.”
Owen frowned. “What exactly comprises a new wardrobe? Three suits ... five, perhaps?”
“We’re looking, at a minimum, at ten suits, plus overcoats, cravats, and shirts. A few walking canes wouldn’t be remiss either.”
“Absolutely not.”
“Think of it this way,” Camilla said, her eyes twinkling once again. “Your sister is now determined to get herself accepted by the Wheeling elite, done mostly to avenge your mother. What kind of example would you be for her if you refuse to do what it takes to firmly cement your standing—and in essence, your entire family’s standing—in Wheeling society, especially when you must know your mother would appreciate any effort you make? Why, your mother might even decide to return home if she knows Ada Mae hasn’t won the battle of ostracizing your family, something you know Luella wants your mother to do.”
When put that way, there was no arguing the point, which was exactly why Owen found himself a scant ten minutes later shucking out of his ill-fitting jacket, a salesman almost rubbing his hands in glee as Leopold explained exactly what they needed to accomplish that day.
Unfortunately, as soon as Leopold finished his explanation, he immediately returned to the subject of Meemaw, apparently having forgotten his promise to keep all talk away from how lovely he found her, which resulted in Owen having no choice but to turn his full attention to a fashion catalog that had drawings of the latest styles for gentlemen, something his attention would have never settled on before he’d made the acquaintance of Miss Camilla Pierpont.
