Page 45 of A Foolish Endeavor

“Speaking of mothers, what are you hoping to buy for Mrs. Morton’s new baby?”

“It ought to be hand-made, of course. I had begun to embroider a lovely baby’s gown some months ago, but after my son became ill, I quite forgot it. Silly me. I might have worked on it while I watched Dickie all day, but it is far too late for that. So, I thought we might look for a comb and brush set at Mr. Slade’s sundries shop. He carries a few such luxury items.”

By now, the two were entering the village. Lavinia found herself surprised at how much she was anticipating her little trip. Shopping was always something she took pleasure in, and these past months she had locked herself at Clayton House, unable to spend even a penny. She and Ellen entered the sundries store, where a few other ladies were shopping. One of them gasped at the sight of Lavinia, and whispered something to her companion, after which the two smirked and moved swiftly away. Odd, thought Lavinia. She knew them well enough to offer a greeting, but clearly, they did not wish to converse with her at present. She moved towards the counter where the clerk, a middle-aged lady with a full, florid face and a plump figure, greeted them with a look of surprise.

“Gracious, me, Mrs. Kendall, how nice to see you. It has been an age since we have had the pleasure of waiting on you. What may I assist you with?”

“Good morning, Mrs. Brecks, it has been a while since I was in. I am wondering if you have a lovely comb and brush set suitable for a baby? As you may know, my husband’s sister, Mrs. Morton, has given birth to her son.”

Mr. Gordon, the manager, stepped up, rudely pushing the clerk aside. “I shall handle this sale, if you please, Mrs. Brecks. Go attend to those other customers.”

Mrs. Brecks nodded to Lavinia and did as she was instructed. Mr. Gordon gave an oily smile to Lavinia.

“Such a pleasure to see you again, Mrs. Kendall. Indeed, we have heard the happy news of your sister’s safe delivery of a son. I understand her husband, the rector, was away for the occasion. That’s a pity.”

“Not the only absent husband in the family,” a nearby lady muttered, loud enough for Lavinia to hear. She turned a puzzled face to Ellen, who averted her eyes and pretended she had not heard the remark.

Mr. Gordon shot the lady a stern look, then came from behind the counter and guided Lavinia to a nearby cabinet. He unlocked it, opened the door, and pointed to a small silver comb and brush nestled in a satin-lined box. “That’s a lovely set, Mrs. Kendall, beautiful detail work as you can see. I can send it out to be engraved with the baby’s initials, if you like.”

Lavinia picked up the brush, studying it with a practiced eye. It was of superior quality, she noted, and the bristles were extremely soft—perfect for a baby’s tender scalp.

“Yes, these will do very nicely. As for engraving them, well, there simply isn’t time for that. However, I can tell my dear sister that we will be happy to pay for the expense of it later if she wishes.”

Mr. Gordon took the box out of the cabinet, closed and re-locked it, then moved back to the counter. “Do you wish for me to wrap it for you?”

“Thank you, yes.” Lavinia pointed to some ribbon behind the clerk. “Use that blue ribbon there, please. Mrs. Morton looks very well in that shade and she can use it for herself after she unwraps the gift.” She dug into her reticule for the money.

The transaction complete, Lavinia and Ellen departed the shop. Lavinia stood a moment, considering. She turned to Ellen and said, “Miles has been so sweet of late. He gave me some extra money to buy myself a treat. I believe I shall go to Mrs. Wicks’s shop and see what new bonnets she may have.” She walked up the street, Ellen trailing just behind.

The milliner’s shop also had several ladies inside, examining the goods. Lavinia spied a friend and called out a greeting as she approached her.

“Mrs. Gorley, how nice to see you. I hope you are well.”

“Yes, thank you. Better than you, I think,” came the reply.

Puzzled a moment, Lavinia laughed and said, “Oh, you are referring to my staying at Clayton House, due to my dear son’s illness. Yes, it is true—I have been away from Doddington for some months and have been neglectful of visiting friends.”

“Your husband has been here quite regularly, though, which has made up for it, somewhat, I believe. At least to one ‘friend’ here.” Several women nearby snickered. Mrs. Gorley looked smug as she continued, “Pray, excuse me, Mrs. Kendall, I have appointments.” With a cool nod, the lady departed.

“What on earth could she mean, Ellen?” Lavinia asked in a low voice. “Why were those other ladies laughing? Was it at me?”

Ellen lowered her eyes. “Oh, I am sure I do not know, ma’am.” She moved towards a display of fancy bonnets, fingering the maroon ribbon on one. “This color always is flattering to you, ma’am. You should try it on.”

Distracted from her concerns, Lavinia set her own bonnet aside and tried it on, pleased at her reflection in the mirror. She examined a few more bonnets before settling on the first and taking it to Mrs. Wicks.

“My dear husband is so sweet to insist on my spending a bit on myself, Mrs. Wicks. This one is nearly the most costly in the shop, but he will not mind.”

A nearby clerk giggled. “It’s a wonder he has the money to spare for you, Mrs. Kendall—as he’s been spending a bit in town of late.”

“Shut your mouth, girl. Such things are none of your business. Go help Mrs. Randall there,” Mrs. Wicks said harshly to the girl, whose face burned red as she hurried away. Mrs. Wicks took the bonnet, wrapped it in tissue paper, and put it in a box for Lavinia. She took the money, handing the package to her customer. “There you go, Mrs. Kendall. I hope you will be most happy with your purchase.”

Lavinia gave a weak smile as she took the box and handed it to Ellen. “Thank you,” she murmured and quickly exited the shop. She turned to Ellen. “What did that girl mean, Ellen? What an odd thing to say. Indeed, several of my acquaintances have acted in a most unusual manner today.”

The door opened behind them, and Lavinia turned to see Nancy Slade holding a small package as she left the shop.

“Good morning, Mrs. Kendall. How nice to see you out and about. I hope you are well,” Nancy said.

“Miss Slade, good morning. I did not notice you in the shop before,” Lavinia replied. She paused a moment, considering the young woman. She was a close friend of Gilbert’s, she knew, and might speak the truth. Lavinia swallowed hard before asking, “May I ask, did you happen to overhear that clerk’s comment? Or note the peculiar behavior of the other ladies towards me?”