Page 81 of Rogue’s Holiday

“She would, indeed, sir.”

The older man set down his cup and got to his feet. Robbie noticed his beautiful boots. “Are those boots one of your own designs?”

“Yes, would you like to see more?”

Robbie stood. “I would. There is nothing I like so much as a fine pair of boots.”

“Well, then, young man, let us retire to my workshop.” He began to stride toward the door, then turned. “Oh, and, yes, you have my permission to seek Chastity’s hand in marriage.”

Chastity stroked Crispin’s fur and gazed out the window of the carriage that was taking her and Rose home. No matter the day was fair, the atmosphere in the carriage bespoke gloom. Neither of them seemed to be eager to return to Northampton. The same had been true of their one night in London. Grillon’s Hotel had brought back so many memories that Chastity had been glad to leave it behind that morning.

“We don’t seem to be very lighthearted today,” observed Rose.

“No,” said Chastity. “And I don’t look forward to Pen’s wedding either. Mother will parade all the eligible men in Northampton before me with unsubtle hints of my need to accept one of them.”

“If it will help, I will stand by you, Chas.”

“You must. I would die without your company. Too, Mother will not be so verbal of her desires to have me wed one of those men if you are there.”

“Then we shall face the onslaught of your suitors together.”

“I expect many of them would be happier to court you,” said Chastity with a pointed look at her friend. “Or my younger sister, Lucy.”

“After M’sieur Donet, I don’t think I can find a man in Northampton to compare, much less appeal.”

“You did not favor Mr. Cairo?”

“No, though he was very charming. Besides, Chas, it was you with whom he was smitten, not I.”

Chastity recalled the watchmaker’s effusive praise but attributed it to the kind of thing any man would say. And though she, too, found him charming, he never had her heart, not like Sir Robert. “Very well,” said Chastity, “we shall face the music together.”

“What do you mean gone?” asked Robbie stunned.

Lady Sanborn lifted a bejeweled hand into the air. “She returned to Northampton at her mother’s request to prepare for her sister’s wedding.”

“And Miss Crockett?” asked Jack with a forlorn expression.

“Gone with my great-niece, I am sad to say. Even the cat. It’s been very lonely since they left. Why, if Muriel hadn’t decided to stay, I would be quite dispirited.”

Robbie’s brow furrowed. “Muriel is here still?”

“Oh, yes. She is upstairs just now having a lie down. Why don’t the two of you join us for dinner and you can visit with her then?”

Without consulting Jack, Robbie inclined his head. “We accept.” There was much he wanted to ask The Grand Countess.

“Good. In the meantime, you might enjoy a brandy in the library.” She gestured toward a door a short way down the corridor.

“Most appreciated,” said Robbie and signaled Jack to follow.

“Oh,” said Lady Sanborn, “I nearly forgot. The young ladies left messages for each of you. I will have Featherstone bring them to you in the library.”

Inside the library, Robbie shut the door and poured them each a glass of Lady Sanborn’s brandy.

“I shall have to send the countess some of the Saintonge cognac,” remarked Jack.

“She would appreciate that, I’m sure.”

Featherstone knocked and entered with a small silver tray. “The countess wished you to have these.”