19. Chapter 19
Anthony crossed his arms and glared at him. “Mr Merry? Tired of your title already? Just what game are you playing, Will?”
William walked a short way along the pavement, away from the door of the shop, in case one of the ladies came out. “Keep your voice down. I’ve been painting, and I didn’t want to draw attention to where I was staying. We thought it would stop people asking too many questions.”
“We?”
“The girl’s father suggested it.”
“That sounds serious.”
“Don’t make too much of it. I’ve been working on her portrait and believed it would be pleasant to be myself, instead of being labelled with my title.”
“Where have you been hiding? Charlotte has been remarkably calm about your disappearance—”
“It’s hardly a disappearance.”
“Really? How is it that nobody knew where you were? I expected Lotta to have an attack of the vapours when we arrived at your grandmother’s house and discovered you weren’t there, but although she was concerned, she was convinced she’d know if you had been hurt. Something about being a twin.”
“Why didn’t Rowson tell you I had followed my grandmother into Devon?”
“Which you clearly haven’t.”
“It was my intent, but I got distracted. How did he learn I wasn’t there?”
“Because the Duchess sent word to inform you, should you arrive in Weymouth during her absence, that she intended to return within the week and hoped you would still be here. A message she wouldn’t have dispatched if she’d already seen you.”
“Ah…” Guilt pricked William’s conscience. Poor Charlotte. No wonder she was worried about him.
“Even Hetta has been concerned about you—”
William jerked around to face Anthony. “I find that hard to believe. I would expect her to make some grand announcement that summed it up, rather than to waste time worrying.”
“Well, she may have said something to the effect that there was probably a woman involved. It would seem she was right.”
“She’s stunning, isn’t she? The moment I saw her, I knew I had to paint her.”
“So that’s what you’ve been doing? Painting her?”
“Yes.”
“Nothing more?”
William raked a hand through his hair. If only he could be sure that Miss Barrington realised his attentions weren’t serious.
“No…I mean, I’ve been flirting with her, trying to tease out the expression I wanted to depict, but she was immune to my charm.
Later, she started responding in kind, but I do not believe her heart is in it any more than mine. ”
“That doesn’t guarantee that she won’t try to trap you into marriage. Does she know who you are? Is she fishing for a fortune?”
Was she? “I don’t think so—but her father might be. I had to tell him something to get invited to her home so I could paint her. It was worth it, Ant. It’s the best portrait I’ve ever done.”
“Sounds risky to me. Where are you staying?”
“Portland.”
“Very helpful. Where? Come on, Will. Didn’t your mother warn you not to go off on your own without telling someone where you’ve gone? Mine certainly did.”
“Rufus House,” William said with a grin. “But there’s no need for you to tell my sisters. I don’t want them getting ideas. The portrait’s finished, and you can expect me to join you within the week.”
“Take care, Will. If you find you’re in too deep and require help to get out, send me word.”
Anthony’s words unnerved him more than he cared to admit. He would be able to leave without Mr Barrington pressuring him into proposing to Laura—wouldn’t he? He’d done nothing but flirt with her a bit. Well, quite a lot. Had he raised expectations he was honour-bound to meet?
Perhaps he should confide his misgivings to Anthony. Maybe he’d know how he could extricate himself gracefully.
No. If he found himself in a predicament, that would be soon enough to beg his friend’s advice. “I don’t foresee the need—but thanks.” William hoped his confidence was not misplaced.
Kitty drummed her fingers on the table, wondering if Laura intended to try on every hat in the shop before choosing which to buy. It was a hard choice. She would have used price to help her decide, but her friend hadn’t even bothered to find out how much each one cost.
Laura pointed at a poke bonnet adorned with an enormous bunch of silk flowers. “Try this on, Kitty. I’m sure it will suit you.”
It didn’t, which was something of a relief. She had no intention of buying anything unless she had to. Because, however inexpensive, the number of coins in her reticule wouldn’t even cover the personal items she required, and she did not want Mr Barrington to finance her purchases.
“What do you think of this one?” Laura asked, examining her reflection, wearing yet another hat.
“You look very fine in it.” Which was not surprising, as she looked well in everything she tried on.
“Hmm. I’m not sure. There are so many beautiful bonnets to choose from, and I want to try them all.
Mr Merry was quite right to recommend we come here, but I fear it will take me so long to decide that I won’t have time to visit the circulating library.
I’d be obliged if you could go to Harvey’s on the Esplanade and see if they have a copy of Pride and Prejudice for me?
I’ve been meaning to read it since it was published, but it’s never been available when I’ve looked. ”
Kitty had the distinct feeling her friend wanted to be rid of her. But why? “I don’t think I should leave you here alone. Send Sutton instead.”
The younger woman stared down at her hands, which she was twirling in front of her. “The truth is, I dislike being watched. I would feel much more relaxed if you left me with my maid to make my choice. When you return, you can give me your opinion. Shall we say an hour?”
Though she didn’t care to leave Laura, Kitty had no wish to argue with her before Mrs Fisher. Besides, what harm could she come to in a milliner’s shop?
“Take Mr Merry with you,” she said. “I don’t want him fussing over me while I choose, however much his sisters might value his judgement. Please?”
Kitty glanced at the milliner who stood holding the next bonnet for her friend to try. Mrs Fisher could not be more than ten years her senior, but she exuded a quiet confidence that made her seem older.
It would be safe enough to leave Laura here with her maid while she went to Harvey’s Library. And it would enable her to execute an errand of her own as well, with no one being the wiser, provided she could discover the whereabouts of a pawnbroker.
“As you wish.”
Kitty exited the shop and saw William still talking to his friend. He broke off his conversation. “Finished already?”
“Laura asked if we could visit the library for her. She doesn’t want us bothering her while she chooses a bonnet.”
“Then I will take my leave,” said Mr Warren, with a bow, and he strolled off toward the harbour, whilst William and Kitty headed for the Esplanade.
She glanced up every street they passed, hoping to find a pawnbroker’s establishment without the embarrassment of having to ask directions.
Just before they reached the seafront, she spotted what she was looking for up the road to her right.
Three gold balls hanging outside a shop.
The sign of the pawnbroker. She would need to slip away from William on their way back so she could visit the place alone.
Once on the Esplanade, Kitty was distracted by the sight of the sea, its breakers rolling in over golden sand.
She wished they had time just to watch the waves—though, no doubt, if they stood for long, her companion would pull out his sketchbook and start drawing.
It was a pity she always had to rush away because there was somewhere she needed to go.
William led the way to Harvey’s Library, whose pillared front made it stand out from the surrounding buildings.
They were fortunate to find Pride and Prejudice was available, and they put the loan down on Mr Barrington’s account.
With the three volumes tucked underneath his arm, they started back toward the milliner’s.
They retraced their steps up St Alban’s Row, and as they passed a print shop, William stopped to examine the latest cartoons on display.
This was Kitty’s chance. “Would you be so good as to wait here for me? I have an errand of a personal nature to make.”
He frowned. “I don’t like you going off on your own without a maid. Let me come with you, and I’ll remain outside while you buy what you need.”
Whilst she appreciated his chivalry, her cheeks burned with embarrassment at the thought of him discovering her plan to boost her funds.
No doubt attributing her blush to the awkwardness of him witnessing her private purchases, William relented. “Very well. I’ll stay here.”
Kitty turned into East Street and hurried along until she reached the shop with the three gold balls hanging outside. Inhaling deeply and setting her shoulders back, she stepped inside.
She had never visited a pawnbroker’s establishment before, and did not care for the atmosphere. A man with a greasy mop of dark hair and a toothy grin asked how he could help.
She took her mother’s pearls from her reticule and laid them on the counter. “How much can you give me for these, please?”
He picked up the necklace, while looking her up and down as if assessing whether it was honestly come by.
“I assure you they are mine to pawn.” Though she knew she was selling them. She would never be able to buy them back—unless she married Hugh. It was a sacrifice to part with them, but what use was a family heirloom when you couldn’t afford to purchase stockings or tooth powder?
The man took a long time examining the pearls. He shook his head from side to side. Did he think she had stolen them, or was he assessing how desperate she was? Perhaps he would not offer a great deal for them, and then she would have parted with her mother’s jewels for little advantage.