“Why would he mind?” Jane shrugged. “This is where he buys most of his clothing.”
Camilla sighed. “Splendid. Then I shall not worry.”
Jane joined the children as they wandered through the store, but Camilla’s attention shot to a full case full of beautifully crafted sabers and daggers. Hopefully, Malcolm wouldn’t think it too personal if she bought him a gift too. After all, she was his wife.
The store attendant came to her side. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Worthington. Are you finding everything you need?”
She smiled at the silver-haired gentleman. “Yes. You have such a remarkable selection I wouldn’t know which one to choose.”
“You are purchasing something for your husband?”
“I am.” She looked back at the shelf. “What do you think he would like?”
“Oh, madame, I can help with that.” He reached inside the glass case and pulled out a jeweled dagger. “Your husband has been eyeing this for weeks. This particular dagger came from a German trader. As you can see, the handle is littered with sparkling emerald and rubies, which was the very thing that caught Mr. Worthington’s eye.”
She nibbled on her lip, hesitating. The dagger was indeed the finest she’d ever seen.
“May I say, Mrs. Worthington, many men have come into the store and gazed upon this particular dagger in envy. Any man would love to be the owner of this elegant gift.”
Malcolm would certainly think her forward for purchasing this for him. She barely knew him. Then again, from what she’d observed so far, Kat hadn’t known him well either. And Camilla wanted to gain his trust any way she could.
However, she would eventually sell it and use the money to pay for Kat’s medical bills. The end result would be worth it.
“Shall I put it on your account, Mrs. Worthington?”
“Yes, put it on my account,” she said before changing her mind.
“Fine choice, Mrs. Worthington. Knowing your husband as I do, I believe he would appreciate a gift like this.”
While the man wrapped it, she clamped her mouth closed, trying not to withdraw her decision. She didn’t necessarily have togiveit to him. Although she hated to lie, she would tell Malcolm some excuse of how she bought it for him but lost it.
Guilt for what she was doing gnawed at her stomach. But when she remembered what her sister’s frail body in the unkempt room had looked like, Camilla hardened her heart. Not only that, but the box Kat had been buried in wasn’t fit for an animal.
Her sister’s memory came first, as it should be.
*
As Colonel Burwellflipped through the drawings, Malcolm held his breath, waiting for him to make a decision. He could ill afford another problem at this point, and he prayed the colonel wouldbe impressed with his work. The man turned the last page, and his eyes narrowed as if he were studying the final outline.
“Worthington?” He stood as a smile finally touched his mouth. “These sketches are fascinating. How soon can your company build these vessels?”
Relief poured through Malcolm and his heart hammered with anticipation. He wanted to shout with happiness, but kept focused on remaining serious in front of the man. “That particular matter we will have to take up with Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Crowley. Building the vessels is their part of the business. I only draw.”
Burwell laughed and slapped him on the back. “I like you, Worthington. You have a good head on your shoulders, and it’s refreshing to know a man who is not afraid to use his intellect.”
“Thank you. That is quite a compliment, colonel.”
“Since I’m already acquainted with Mr. Kennedy, I have no qualms about hiring your team to build new ships for the navy—if the sketches don’t get lost as they did the time before. We cannot wait for you to draw up new ones, you know.”
Inwardly, Malcolm grumbled. He would find the person responsible no matter what. “Of course, colonel. I shall make it my duty to guard them with my life.”
The colonel nodded. “I’m certain you will, Worthington.” He grabbed his hat and turned toward the door. “Have Mr. Kennedy pay me a visit and we shall discuss payment.”
Malcolm held his breath again, praying for the invitation he had been hoping would come for a couple of days now, but the arrogant Colonel Burwell just plopped his hat on his head and walked out of the office without another word.
Malcolm gnashed his teeth and stormed to his desk. The deal he made with Colonel Burwell would make him a very rich man, but if he didn’t find those responsible for stealing his drawings,Malcolm would be out of work permanently. Rumors alone could ruin him.
Sighing, he sank into his hard wooden chair and turned his gaze to the office window and the busy main street below. Although grateful for his partnership with Brandon Kennedy and Joseph Crowley, he longed for the freedom during the day to do whatever he wished. Before he married Kat, he’d had that kind of life. In fact, he could have made a decent life for his new wife and children, but Kat had to have more. She had to have a wealthier husband. Well, now she had one, yet she was still drawn to other men and thrived on their compliments—amongst other things.
