Once A Rake. Rona Sharon

Teddy snatched the blue scarf from Freddy and wrapped it around her shoulders. Freddy tried to wrest it back and a rowdy argument ensued.

      Isabel stepped in and confiscated the scarf. “Stop squabbling. You’re making a spectacle of us, behaving like a pair of fishwives. Choose your items and let us be off. Madam Bonnier closes her shop early, and we have yet to collect my gown. It must be ready by now.”

      Teddy exchanged sardonic looks with her twin. “You didn’t seem to care in which gown the Golden Angel would see you before the flowers arrived.”

      Isabel contained herself from muttering that she still didn’t care. Why would she fancy a self-enamored Adonis when she could have a strong, irresistible, generous man like Ashby? She had much better taste in men than the little monsters did when she was their age.

      As her sisters occupied themselves in making their final selections, Isabel held the cobalt blue scarf over her nose and stared at her image in the mirror. With only her eyes showing, she almost looked as intriguing as Ashby did in his black mask. Perhaps she ought to call on him wearing a veil. Then they would have something to negotiate over, she mused naughtily.

      Mrs. Tiddles’s clock struck the hour. Isabel’s stomach roiled. The nervous tightening in her chest was making it very difficult to draw a breath. Just a few more hours and she would see Ashby again. How would she survive that long? She would have to waste at least an hour on dances, commonplaces, and silly flirtations before it was safe to leave the ball. The gown Madam Bonnier had sewn for her was sure to make an impression on Ashby. Would he declare himself tonight? She hoped so. She couldn’t bear the wait.

      “May I see the same design in yellow?” Freddy asked the milliner.

      Isabel sighed with exasperation. “You’ve seen enough, Freddy. Make your choice.”

      “It’s quite all right.” Mrs. Tiddles smiled sympathetically. “My girls were just as exuberant at fifteen. I’m only sorry I can’t find another scarf just like that one. My assistant kept everything in order, but the ungrateful girl up and left me last week without a word of warning. Ran off with her bloke, she did, after all I’ve done for her—taught her a profession, given her a roof over her head.” The woman heaved a sigh. “Now I’m all alone again. My girls live up north, you see.”

      Isabel jumped at the opening. “Mrs. Tiddles, if I may, I would like to recommend someone to you, a young war widow, quiet and gentle-like, who is looking for such a post very keenly.”

      “Oh!” Mrs. Tiddles clasped her hands together. “Who is this young woman?”

      “She’s a skilled seamstress, presently employed in our household staff. She will suit your purposes very well, I should think. If you could provide lodging, I shall send her over today.”

      “Oh, no! I wouldn’t dream of robbing Lady Aubrey of her household seamstress.”

      “You mustn’t worry about that,” Isabel assured the woman. “She is a temporary employee. You see, I chair an organization that aids women who’ve lost their male providers in the war…” Isabel explained about her charity, offering the woman one of her calling cards. “So you see, you would be doing a great service to your country, as well. After all, this young woman’s husband gave his life so that we could go on with ours without fear of a French invasion.”

      Mrs. Tiddles’s eyes watered emotionally. “How good of you, Miss Aubrey! Indeed, I’d be delighted to employ this young widow. I shall be forever grateful to you.” She smiled at Isabel. “If you could spare her today, we’ll have this evening to get to know each other before we begin putting this place in order tomorrow morning. What is her name?”

      “Mary Higgins. Mrs. Frank Higgins,” Isabel emphasized. “She’s a delightful person. She’ll tidy up your shop in no time.” She couldn’t contain her smile; she was so pleased for poor Mary. This was indeed an auspicious day, she thought euphorically. First Ashby and now this. And if her luck persisted, she would be engaged to be married by midnight.