“Mm. What did this Mr. James tell you about himself? Who are his people? What is his occupation?” What does he hope to gain from you?
“Randall has no grand lineage or wealth to recommend him to my parents. He works for a living as a… Well, I’m not quite certain what he does. Anyway, when weighing a tradesman against a title, there is no comparison, so we have been forced to keep our association a secret.” Again she sighed extravagantly, obviously relishing her role as the beleaguered damsel risking all for love.
“So you don’t know anything about his business?” Harriet pressed.
Miss Pruett shrugged. “Something to do with importing, I believe. But Randall’s background or how he makes his living do not matter to me. Our romance will stand against the battering winds of a hurricane.”
Doubtless a line from a novel she’d read. Naive Miss Pruett needed to be disabused of her foolish beliefs before she did herself and her reputation permanent harm. It was up to Harriet to gently steer her course. “My dear, I fully understand your devotion to this young man. He is likely very handsome and attentive.”
“Oh, he is, Mrs. Glover. He is so thoughtful, and his eyes are like stars, brilliantly shining whenever he looks at me.”
Unaccountably, Hattie recalled the fellow who had just left the shop. Hardy’s eyes too had created a dazzling and distracting display. It was far too easy to fall under the spell of magnetism and good looks. Rarely did anything good come of it.
“Trust me, I know how it can feel when a man’s attention is focused solely on you.”
“Was that what it was like for you and your husband, Mrs. Glover?”
Her non-existent husband.
Hattie nodded. “How many times have you met with James? How… closely… have you come to know this man?”
Miss Pruett lowered her voice. “I will confide in you, we have kissed most passionately, but nothing more than that. Randall would never take advantage of me.”
“Has he asked you to marry him?”
For the first time, doubt and disappointment clouded those wide, hopeful eyes. “Well, no. Not yet. But when he does, I will elope with him. Once we are wed, my parents will have to accept him, don’t you see? But it must happen soon or it will be too late. Lord Bellamy has already asked for my hand, my father has approved his suit, and I cannot put off saying ‘yes’ for long. Father and Mother fear he will be insulted and withdraw his offer if I don’t agree quickly. I am at my wit’s end about what I should do to stall them.”
Hattie sat for a moment, assembling her thoughts. Common sense told her to urge the girl to abandon any rash plans and follow her parents’ directive. If Mrs. Pruett ever learned her milliner had abetted her daughter’s rebellion, it would effectively ruin Hattie’s business, for word would spread among all the society ladies. On top of that, Hattie guessed the secret suitor was a ne’er-do-well taking advantage.
This poor girl should not choose either candidate. She was clearly too young to make any life-altering decisions.
“Have you spoken to your mother about your feelings concerning Lord Bellamy? Perhaps she would aid you in convincing your father he is not right for you?”
Miss Pruett shook her head so emphatically. “Mother would never dare cross Father. He might cut her allowance or demand she not attend any social events for a time, any action to make her unhappy. He knows how to maintain her obedience.”
For the first time, Hattie glimpsed cold steel beneath Pruett’s dreamy exterior. The young woman understood what she was up against and truly feared a marriage that might cast her in the same role as her mother. The thought placed a despairing weight on Hattie’s spirit. Would society ever offer relief to women suffering under the yoke of oppression? Good grief, she ought to join Mrs. Pankhurst’s ranks. Her sentiments echoed the suffragette’s so closely.
“I’m not certain how I can help you, Miss Pruett. I recommend you express your reservations unequivocally. Perhaps your parents will surprise you and accede to your wishes.”
Miss Pruett stared at her as if she’d suggested the cow actually could jump over the moon.
Hattie reached to cover the girl’s hand which rested on the table. “Please try. If that doesn’t work and you desire more counsel, at the very least, I will offer a sympathetic ear.”
“I don’t expect my wishes will matter much, but I shall try,” Miss Pruett said glumly, clearly disappointed that Hattie had not waved some magic wand. “It has been good to share my troubles with someone. I would never have imagined that person would be my milliner.”
“Friends may be found in unexpected places.” Hattie rose to put an end to the conversation so Miss Pruett would do the same. “If you ever feel at wit’s end and want to chat, I will be here,” she reaffirmed.
What a foolish thing to offer since it placed her in an awkward position, but Hattie couldn’t help feeling compassion for the poor girl. She wished she had had a confidante when she’d been a silly girl in love.
Hattie picked up the cherry-draped straw hat before they left the workroom. “Don’t forget what you came here for.”
“Oh, that,” the young lady said sadly. “To think only a week ago I was excited by the prospect of a new hat. I planned to wear it the next time I met Randall. But this threat of engagement to Lord Bellamy has ruined everything. If I have to marry that man, I don’t believe I will ever be happy again in my entire life.”
“Then, together we shall make certain you will never be forced to do so,” Hattie replied firmly.
The foolish promise, once spoken, was impossible to retract. As she saw Miss Pruett to the door, Hattie scolded herself for her sentimental moment. A
