Page 29 of A Perfect Engagement
Charlotte playfully slapped his arm. She perused the books on the shelf. Daniel walked around, examining the titles. Most were classics; a few Bibles tucked in here and there. The shelving of books appeared to have no rhyme or reason. Weren’t the books meant to be in order by subject or by the author? He came upon a book on the local flora and fauna of Hertfordshire and plucked it out to flip through its pages. He was surprised to find many beautifully hand-drawn pictures among the pages of text.
“That’s lovely,” Charlotte said from his elbow, as she glanced at a drawing of milk thistle. She held a book clasped tightly against her chest.
“Did you find something you like?” he asked.
Her cheeks flamed red. She looked down at the book and then up to meet his eyes. “It’s my turn to do something I’ve never done, is it not?”
He nodded.
“I’ve always wanted to buy this book, but my mother would never approve.”
“What kind of book is it?” His mind flipped through the possibilities. Perhaps a book of ghost stories or maybe her mother didn’t approve of Mrs. Radcliffe. His curiosity piqued, he tugged the book from her arms. She let out a small gasp of indignation.
Turning it to see the cover, he read the title—A Miscellany of Poems and Limericksby Tom Bell. Daniel recognized the title from his school days. The minx wanted to read bawdy poetry? This book had been passed around the dorms at Eton, the salacious poems read out loud after lights out.
Charlotte seized the book back from him, her eyes downcast. He tipped her chin up with one finger. “You won’t get any judgment from me, love. Can you do it? Or would you like me to buy it for you as a present?” He gave her a grin. He couldn’t help it, Little Miss Perfect wanting to be naughty.
She huffed. “Of course, I can do it. I’m a grown woman. I can read what I want.” She turned and began slowly walking toward the front of the shop. At the threshold between the two rooms, she paused, her indecision evident. Then she squared her shoulders and moved in front of the desk, setting the book down with a soft thud. Daniel moved forward to join her in front of Mr. Buxley, just to be sure the man didn’t think of handing out any censure. He needn’t have worried. Mr. Buxley completed the transaction with complete disinterest.
Daniel handed his book of local flora and fauna to the older man. “I’ll get this one. Perhaps you could wrap both books together in brown paper for the ride home.” The shopkeeper nodded as he took Daniel’s money.
“Of course, my lord.”
As they exited the shop onto the cobblestone sidewalk, Charlotte placed her hand on his arm. “Thank you. Once paid for, I had no idea how I was going to walk around town with such a title in my arms.”
He tipped his hat. “I’m at your service.”
“Now, have you ever been inside a tea shop?”
Chapter Thirteen
Charlotte tugged onDaniel’s arm. “Come on. It’s your turn.”
“Tea shops are for ladies only.” He balked on the sidewalk, the look of horror on his face making Charlotte giggle. “It would be like me inviting you into White’s.”
“Nonsense. Unlike men, we do not make asinine rules about gender. Just because tea shops are generally attended by women does not mean you are not allowed. Besides, Mrs. Buxley bakes the most divine cakes.” She gave his arm another firm tug. “You don’t want to deprive me of much-needed sustenance, do you?”
He let out an audible sigh, and she grinned in triumph.
“All right. But only because you mentioned cake. I can never turn away an opportunity for cake.”
He did indeed cause a stir when they went inside. There were only three other tables with patrons seated. Conversation stopped as all the ladies stared at the tall, good-looking visitor. Daniel turned to her with a wry look, which said,see, I’m not supposed to be here.
Brushing off the shocked glances, Charlotte led them over to her favorite table in a private alcove by the fireplace. Mrs. Buxley came rushing over.
“Miss Grisham, I am surprised to see you, dear. I did not think I would see you this week with all the guests up at Markham House.” She glanced nervously at Daniel as he settled himself gingerly on the delicate wooden chair.
“Mrs. Buxley, may I introduce you to my fiancé Lord Hawksridge. Lord Hawksridge, Mrs. Buxley, the proprietress of the tea shop.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Buxley.”
Mrs. Buxley dipped into a deep curtsy. “Welcome, my lord. What can I get for the two of you?”
“A pot of tea and whatever the cake of the day is today, thank you,” Charlotte said.
She studied Daniel as they waited for their tea to arrive. He sat back in his chair, one leg crossed over the other knee while he surveyed the room. The room was decidedly feminine. Silk curtains framed the windows, and lace covered the tables. Floor-to-ceiling shelves lined one wall behind a long counter. On the shelves sat clear glass jars holding various blends of tea.
Daniel appeared to have shed any unease he felt at the prospect of coming into the tearoom. His eyes settled on her with a clear focus, which always made her feel as if she were the only person in the room.
