Her Wicked Proposal novel Chapter 67

Anne paused before a dressmaker's shop on the Steine not too far away from Donaldson's Library. Everywhere around them were people in colorful clothes. Shop windows decorated the sides of the streets and crowds moved in throngs. Many flocked to Brighton to visit the sea, others to ride through the picturesque streets in their barouches and make a social display. Anne found it all amusing and oddly delightful to watch.

"What do you think about me buying some new gowns?" she asked.

Cedric smiled. "Only so long as they are brightly colored."

Thank heavens we didn't stay in London. My lack of proper mourning attire would scandalize everyone. Anne peered closely into the window, studying the fabric reflections and the styles.

"Well if you wish to go in, I'll wait outside."

Before Anne could reply, Ashton joined them outside the shop.

"Cedric, I'm off to Donaldson's if you'd like to accompany me."

Anne smiled, relief sweeping through her at Ashton's thoughtfulness. She didn't like Cedric to be on his own when they were away from the house. He wasn't familiar with the streets, and he could easily get turned around, hurt or lost, set upon by footpads-even hit by a coach. The fears of what could happen to him were almost endless, and difficult to put out of mind.

"You should go, Cedric. Keep Lord Lennox out of trouble. I'll join you at the library." Anne stood up on tiptoe and brushed a kiss on his cheek.

"Are you sure?"

"Quite sure."

Anne turned back to the shop when the two men departed.

"Excuse me. I don't mean to be presumptuous, but are you Viscountess Sheridan?" A buxom lady with a cheery face and dark hair smiled down at her.

Anne blinked. "I am."

"I'm terribly sorry to be so forward. I am Lady Pickering, wife of Sir Edward Pickering. We live not too far from you and your husband. I've been meaning to send you a letter, to invite you to dine with us tonight. I apologize for the late notice, but I couldn't resist now that I've happened to meet you."

"It's a pleasure, Lady Pickering. I am ashamed that I haven't thought to write to you myself. Cedric has spoken at length about you both. My husband and I would be delighted to attend your dinner."

"Wonderful! Edward will be so pleased." Lady Pickering joined her at the shop window. "Lovely aren't they? The modiste here is so much better than those in London. Are you going in? I'd love to join you. I need a few gowns myself." Lady Pickering's eyes swept over the window display of fine fabrics and stylish hats.

There was something about the woman that felt warm, motherly even, something Anne had little experience with but had always longed for.

Lady Pickering smiled, though it was tinged with sadness.

"That was all I wanted to know. Now, about dinner, what would his lordship prefer to eat? I will happily alter the menu since I suspect some foods must be difficult for him."

Surprise flickered through Anne at the woman's astuteness. There were plenty of foods that made dining difficult for Cedric, but Lady Pickering was thoughtful enough to realize this. It only made Anne adore her all the more.

"Anything eaten easily by spoon is preferable," she answered, though in truth he'd found it less and less trying to manage a knife and fork as of late.

"That shouldn't be too difficult." Lady Pickering handed the plates back to the modiste, gesturing her interest in some of the styles. Anne did the same.

After an hour, the ladies had ordered several excellent gowns. Anne didn't want to leave Lady Pickering, who was perusing a few hats on display in a window at the milliner's shop next door, but she felt it was time to rejoin Cedric.

"Lady Pickering, I hate to leave, but I must find my husband."

The other woman laughed. "Of course, my dear. Off you go. Dinner is at eight."

"Thank you!" Anne bid her goodbye and crossed the busy street toward Donaldson's Library.