He tossed back the rest of his drink, relishing the burn. He’d faced many adversaries in his years on board a ship, but this might be his most difficult. But then, even he knew that when a man was fighting for a cause he believed in, the stakes were much higher. He rose to his feet. “I’m afraid that I’ll have to regrettably decline.”
Frank also stood, his mouth turned down at the corners in disappointment. “Ye’re makin’ a mistake.”
“It wouldn’t be the first time,” Cornell mumbled; as he headed back downstairs, putting an end to the meeting.
As Frank was getting ready to head out the door, he turned back to Cornell with a grim expression. “Ye might be makin’ several enemies by choosin’ t’ decline our offer.”
His eyes instantly narrowed. “I don’t appreciate threats, Mr. Ottfield,” he said softly.
Frank shoved his hat on his head. “Then consider it a friendly warning to change your mind.”
Cornell uttered a curse as the man left. This entire uprising was going to get out of hand unless he contacted someone who had enough power to nip this revolution in the bud.
It looked as though he was going to pay a call on Lord Haverton after all.
Chapter 6
After a relatively mild day, Pleasant awoke to a light snowfall the next morning. By the time she made it to work, her bonnet and cloak were covered in white. But as she walked into the warm shop, she was instantly enveloped in a sensation that wasn’t far from the feeling when she greeted her family.
After yesterday, Cornell Reed was quickly becoming much more to her than just an employer. The kisses he’d given her had turned her knees to jelly, and she found that her dreams were filled with thoughts of him. She had taken this position as an apprentice to try and give her siblings and her stepmother a deserving holiday, and yet, she was the one who was finding something altogether different in the process.
However, when she walked in the shop, Mr. Reed was pacing the floor, almost impatiently. He glanced up when she entered. “Good. I’m glad you’re here. I have something to ask you,” he announced brusquely.
She slowly removed her outerwear and waited for him to continue.
He hesitated, shoved a hand through his hair, and then blurted, “I have accepted an invitation from Lord Haverton for a private dinner this Saturday.”
Pleasant smiled. “Oh, but that’s wonderful! I’m sure you’ll have a fabulous time, but I don’t see what that has to do with—”
His eyes nearly bored into her. “I’d like you to come with me.”
Pleasant’s mouth fell open, but she quickly snapped it shut. She glanced down at her serviceable, woolen dress and her cheeks instantly warmed. “I’m not sure that I have anything appropriate to wear,” she demurred.
He waved a hand. “I’ll take care of it. Just say you’ll come.”
“I—” She swallowed, ready to refuse again when she saw the abrupt swirl of emotion in his green eyes. It was a combination of determination and…something else, something almost…yearning. Unfortunately, when her siblings gave her the same look she was helpless to deny them anything. She clasped her hands together. “Of course, Mr. Reed. I’d be honored.”
Relief flooded his face and he walked toward her. “I’m indebted to you, Miss Hill.” He lifted his hand and she steadied herself for another kiss, but suddenly, the little bell above the shop tinkled. His arm fell as a customer walked in.
Pleasant used the interruption to duck into the back of the shop.
For the rest of the morning, she threw herself into her work, desperate to push Mr. Reed out of her thoughts.
It wasn’t until lunchtime that he approached her again. “Do you know where Madame Caron’s shop is?”
Pleasant set down her tools and wiped her hands on her apron. “Yes. Mother does quite a bit of seamstress work for her.”
He handed her a slip of paper. “Good. These are my instructions for your gown. Tell her if she has any questions to contact me directly.”
She visibly swallowed. “About that, Mr. Reed.” She paused. “It seems I spoke rather hastily earlier. I’m sure Mama can alter one of my current dresses so that it’s acceptable—”
His mouth kicked up in a grin. “I’ll see you shortly, Miss Hill.”
With that, he promptly turned on his heel.
Twenty minutes later, after a short walk, Pleasant entered the modiste’s shop. A middle-aged woman who was slightly plump with deep red hair and wearing a fashionable empire gown of burgundy velvet turned. She looked Pleasant up and down and scrunched her nose slightly; as if she was disappointed Pleasant wasn’t some well-to-do lady upon whom she might wait.
Even so, she was courteous enough when she said, “Good day, Miss Hill. I trust there isn’t any issue with the commissions I gave your mother.”
“None at all,” Pleasant returned.
The modiste eyed her curiously. “In that case, how may I assist you?”
For reply, Pleasant held out the missive Mr. Reed had given her. The lady lifted a brow, but she broke the seal and read the contents. “Ah. The cordwainer.” This time she peered at Pleasant with a bit more interest, and it made her wonder what he’d written. “He has very good taste.” She gestured toward the back room. “Come with me.”
Pleasant was soon stripped down to her stays, chemise, and drawers, while the lady and her assistant measured and chatted amongst themselves in French. It made her feel entirely self-conscious, especially when the modiste lifted a hand and touched the hem of her chemise as if it was distasteful. “Are these cotton…garments the only ones you have?”
She glanced down at her worn and mended underthings and lifted her chin. “They are for necessity, not appearance.”
The lady clucked her tongue. “These will not do for the dress Mr. Reed is requesting. While it is fine not to wear a petticoat with your current fashion, a satin gown must have a full ensemble to be acceptable in polite society.” She turned to her assistant and began to list everything from new stays to silk stockings.
Pleasant started to panic, and tried to cut in. “I’m sure that’s not necessary. If it is only for one evening, I can alter—”
“No. You must be outfitted properly.” The lady held up a hand. “Mr. Reed specifically said that no expense was to be spared.”
Pleasant clenched her hands, but didn’t try to argue further. She would merely take it up with her employer.
