Chapter Twelve
When they arrived in London, gray, dark clouds greeted them. The rain had not started, and it was taking real effort not to spill open.
The two women were chattering among themselves. Charles had hoped they would become friends, and it appeared to be exactly what they were doing.
The house had been cleaned and aired out for their arrival.
The suite of rooms they’d be staying in had two large vases filled with flowers.
Charles had accompanied Cathryn in case she got turned around.
The main room had been done in a soft shade of sage green and one wall had a silk wall covering. It was cozy and not overly feminine.
“This is elegantly done, don’t you think?” she asked.
He arched a brow pensively. “Yes, I’m particularly fond of the colors chosen.”
“They are soothing.”
“Would you like to have a cuppa tea?”
“Sounds good. I’ll have it sent here.”
The tea was exactly what was needed. It also gave them some time to talk about anything they felt comfortable with.
They would all be busy while here. He and Arthur were going to have a meeting about her dowry and the funds.
Charles was due to meet with the Oxford representatives and had been looking forward to the encounter.
He would also try to meet with his editor about his novels, and there were also some things Cathryn had mentioned wanting them to do together.
He’d make sure to see them done so he didn’t disappoint her.
One thing he’d learned about the female sex was that they got their feelings hurt easily, and they would either wear it on their sleeve or would act as though nothing had happened.
Either way, he found both reactions unfamiliar.
As time went by, he hoped to understand her better than he did now.
He was getting to know what she liked and what she didn’t. The piano made her quite happy but unfortunately, women were limited in their options for performing. She was daring and bold and fiercely protective of those she loved and cared about.
Suddenly, Charles cursed himself. How could he have been so forgetful?
When they married in Gretna Green, he hadn’t a ring for her.
There hadn’t been time for him to get one for her.
Not once did she complain. She hadn’t mentioned it.
He had no idea if her feelings were hurt or what she thought of his forgetfulness.
While they were in London, he’d go out to a jeweler and see if he found something. Or perhaps bring her along and let her choose what she liked.
For now, he and Arthur were off to speak with the family man of business to find out about the validity of the dowry papers he signed and the money that came with it. The other questionable item was Cathryn’s brother signing off as though he were her legal guardian.
They were led into the inner office, where they sat down and waited. When their man entered the room, they exchanged pleasantries before moving on to the task at hand.
“So far, the dowry is straightforward. I’ll keep reading the dowry agreement. I’ll be in touch if an issue arises,” Arthur said.
“What about the money?” Charles asked.
“I thought to put it into your account for now,” their man of business stated.
He watched his brother nod. “That’s probably the safest place for it, don’t you agree, Charles?”
“Absolutely,” he replied.
For a moment, Charles wondered why he’d even come along. It seemed like Arthur had everything under control, and he was merely an afterthought. True, he hadn’t been exposed to business much, but this had the markings of impatience.
He and Arthur left almost as quickly as they had arrived for their appointment.
As they began their departure, his brother stepped back to have a quick word.
Charles continued to the door leading to the outside.
Stepping out into the fresh air made him realize how confining some circumstances could be.
That was why he walked as much as he did.
“That was easier than I anticipated,” Arthur said from behind him.
Charles pivoted on his heel to face his brother. “I was surprised we didn’t actually have more of a conversation than we did. But I understand we were added in at the last minute, but I would have liked to have asked some questions I’ve been pondering.”
“I can see if we can see him again before we return to Kent.”
“No, it’s nothing important.”
“Come. Let’s go to my club and have lunch.”
Charles shook his head. “I’d rather go and get fish and chips. It’s been ages since I had that.”
Arthur stared at him for a second. “You fancy fish and chips over a steak?”
“Today I do.”
“Fish and chips it is,” Arthur replied. “Next time, it’s my choice.”
“Very well. Now, do you know of a good chip shop?”
“As a matter of fact, I do. It’s within walking distance from here. If we leave now, we’ll arrive before the crowds.”
“That’s a sign of a good place to eat.”
What’s that?” Arthur asked.
“The crowds.”
They continued to walk through the crowds of hustling and bustling masses of humankind.
Arthur led them to a street just off the main one they’d been on.
It appeared there were small stalls offering things like pasties.
The place Arthur had in mind was at a corner with tables outside for customers to enjoy their meal.
Though it was still early, a crowd was beginning to form.
Luckily, they were able to get a good spot and placed their order quickly.
Two mugs of ale and two orders wrapped in newspapers came, and once again Arthur led the way. This time to a table outside.
“This okay with you?”
Charles nodded and pulled out a chair. “It will do just fine.”
“Good,” Arthur replied.
“How did you find out about this place?”
“It’s quite popular with local businessmen. MPs even come here to eat.”
“Have they been here long?”
Arthur handed him a wrapped newspaper as he contemplated his answer.
“As long as I can remember. Papa would bring me here when I accompanied him to Parliament.” He shut his eyes for a brief moment as though it occurred to him that mentioning their father and what they did together hurt Charles’s feelings.
He might not show it, but his brother did have feelings.
Charles bit down on the hot, crispy fish. He grabbed his ale to wash down the fish and the chips. “This is some of the best.”
“Told you so,” Arthur replied with a grin. “Anything you’d like to do this afternoon?”
Shaking his head, Charles looked about at all the people surrounding them. “I’m not sure.”
“I need to go to my tailor to pick up some shirts I ordered.”
“Then let’s do that.”
“You’re sure?” Arthur knew his brother had problems when it came to crowds or unfamiliar situations.
“Positive.”
“Why don’t you see about getting a couple of suits made?”
Charles nodded but didn’t make an attempt at replying. He knew he had to learn to tolerate things that otherwise would have made him uneasy. “That sounds like an excellent idea since I’m speaking at Oxford soon.”
“Of course. Any other stops you’d like to make?”
“Do you know a good jeweler? I need a ring for Cathryn.”
“I can do you one better. I have most of Mother’s jewelry. You’re welcome to go through it.”
“That’s a thought.”
Arthur grinned at his brother. “You’d still like to go to a jeweler to look?”
“Yes,” Charles replied. “You don’t mind, do you?”
“Not at all. The gentlemen I use are near where my tailor is.”
“Thank you.”
“You don’t need to thank me. I’m more than happy to introduce you to the merchants I use.”
Charles nodded and finished his last chip before tidying up the newspaper. “I am ready any time you are.”
They both rose from the table and threw the newspapers away and placed the empty mugs on a nearby table. The crowd waiting to get inside to the counter had grown considerably since they arrived.
Arthur’s carriage was parked at the end of the side street. Charles took his brother’s cue and ascended into the vehicle after Arthur had told the coachman where his next destination was. Slowly, the coach started to pull away.
“It’ll just be a few minutes,” Arthur said.
Nodding his head in acknowledgement, Charles said nothing.
“I know somewhere you could take Cathryn some nice afternoon,” Arthur said.
“Where is that?”
Nodding, Arthur continued. “Take her to Hyde Park and afterwards to Gunter’s for ices or sorbet. She’ll love it.”
“She’s mentioned it in passing before. I’ll surprise her and take her there before we leave London.”
The carriage pulled to the side once again. Looking outside, Charles saw several tailor shops and wondered which one his brother preferred.
“Mr. Sims has a shirtmaker on staff. It makes it easier to have them all together rather than go from shop to shop.”
“That makes sense to me. I would think one would like to be able to see what a shirt might look like next to a particular fabric or suit.”
The pair entered the shop and were quickly greeted by Mr. Sims himself.
Arthur made a point of mentioning what Charles needed.
For the next three hours he spent being measured, going through bolts of fabric for not just one suit but three.
Shirt fabric was shown, and Charles was in luck that Mr. Sims had a couple of shirts already made that fit him perfectly.
Given an appointment for both of them, they said their farewells and returned to the inside of the carriage.
“That was an invigorating experience,” Charles announced.
“Yes, it was, and now you’re set up with him, so any time you need something, he’ll have your measurements and likes and dislikes.”
“True.”
“The jeweler is just up ahead,” Arthur said.
“He’s good?”
“Yes, and if he doesn’t have it, he can scour the competition or have something custom designed for you.”
“Interesting,” Charles replied, his mind a thousand miles off as he looked out the coach window with fascination. It was a thriving city, and people from all over the world came to see it for themselves.