Page 19 of A Potion for Passion

This was the moment. Flora might as well make herself plain. Straightening her shoulders, she said, “I want to propose going into business together. I’d like to buy a share in the shop and work here trimming bonnets—which I’m good at—while you teach me more about millinery.”

Ah, millinery! Her favorite word. As she looked around the shop, her heart swelled at the sight of the well-stocked shelves, the jaunty hat boxes, the sprays of silk flowers, the colored threads, and the nodding ostrich plumes. This place was just…wonderful!

“Oh!” Flora exclaimed, looking at the bow window which formed the shop front. “I see you are…what do they call it? Diversifying? You have some of Dr. Campaign’s cures for sale. How intriguing.”

“He gave them to me to sell for him a couple of days ago. But that’s no business of yours.” The unfriendly timbre of Sally’s voice brought Flora’s attention instantly back to her. She was pulling such a horrid face… Surely, the offer of going into partnership wasn’t that ludicrous?

“Miss Hartington,” Sally said haughtily. “I wouldn’t teach you my trade if you were the last person on earth.”

“But…why not? You haven’t seen my designs yet.”

“No.” Sally waved a dismissive hand as Flora rustled around in her reticule for the sketches she had with her. “I’m not interested. I shan’t change my mind.”

Flora felt her hopes trickle away like sand through her fingers.

Sally went on, “I won’t have anything to do with a wanton who kisses itinerant mountebanks, and God knows what else. This is a respectable establishment.”

The blood drained from her face, and Flora clutched at the counter for support. “Y-you s-saw us?” she stammered. “Oh, heavens, what must you think of me!”

“Believe me, you wouldn’t want to hear it.”

“What you saw was not my doing, I assure you.”

“It didn’t look like that to me. Are you having an affair with him?”

“Of course not!” Flora struggled to beat down the panic in her breast. If Sally knew, it would be all around the village in an hour. Both villages. And when Lucinda found out—

Sally snorted in disbelief.

“I hardly know the man,” Flora said truthfully. “He ambushed me. Believe me, that kiss meant nothing,” she added, somewhat less truthfully. Suddenly, it hit her—she knew exactly what was going on. Narrowing her eyes, she said, “It is you who has been indulging in an affair with Dr. Campaign, and now you’re jealous. But there’s absolutely no need. I’ve no claim on him whatsoever, nor do I want one.”

“That remains to be seen,” said Sally darkly.

“Honestly, Sally, are you seriously going to reject my proposal out of hand because of some imagined relationship?”

“He kissed you. And from what I could see, you were enjoying it.”

Yes, she had enjoyed it. It had been a long time since anyone had kissed her like that. And it might never happen again. But it had shocked her, too, and she made sure to tell Sally so.

It made no difference.

“I’m surprised at you,” Sally said. “I thought you were respectable.”

Flora’s hackles rose. Summoning up all her self-control, she replied, “You’ve quite mistaken the matter, Sally. What you saw was spur of the moment foolishness on Dr. Campaign’s part. I never encouraged him, and I never would. If you don’t believe me, let’s go over to the inn yard now, and ask him.”

That seemed to take the wind out of Sally’s sails. She looked at Flora uncertainly.

Flora had worked it out now. Lawrence must have seen—or heard—Sally coming, and that kiss had been designed to put off the interloper. Flora assumed, therefore, the pair had been involved in a liaison, but he had ended it.

By kissing her, however, the man had completely ruined her future hopes. Was there any chance of talking Sally round?

“I don’t particularly want to see Lawrence at the moment,” Sally demurred.

“Do you genuinely care for him?” Flora asked softly.

“Not overmuch. I haven’t allowed him to get too close, and nor should you. The man’s a rake who’ll break your heart and steal your money.”

“He hasn’t taken any of my money. Well, except on that first day, when I bought the tonic.”