“You’re interested in almost everything I say? What, pray tell, have I ever said, or done for that matter, that didn’t interest you?”
His collar suddenly felt unusually snug. “If you must know,” he began as Theo glowered at him, “I don’t find it all that interesting when you show me those fashion advertisements from different newspapers.”
“I showed you an advertisement one time because I was trying to seek your opinion on whether or not your mother would find me more acceptable as your escort to that charity ball we attended last February if I wore one of the gowns displayed in the advertisement instead of the gown I always wear.”
“Why didn’t you tell me that instead of leaving me to try to decipher on my own why you were taking an interest in fashion?”
Theo’s nose shot straight into the air. “One would think, what with that stellar mind of yours, that you wouldn’t have needed me to explain why I was asking you about fashions. You must know that I’m challenged in that regard, but you do have two sisters, so I assumed you’d be able to lend me at least a smidgen of advice, but sadly, that didn’t happen.” She blew out a breath. “And because your mother looked me over at that specific ball as if I was something unpleasant one finds on the bottom of her shoe, I’ve concluded I was quite right to consider purchasing a new gown, although I truly have no idea which style, or . . .” Her voice trailed off as she shot a look to Beatrix, then immediately descended into silence again.
Beatrix leaned closer to Theo. “If you’re in need of a new gown, Miss Robinson, the second floor is where you should visit next. The saleswomen will have models parade in front of you with styles they believe will suit you. All you’ll need to do is allow them to measure you after you settle on a gown and they’ll have it made up for you.”
Absolute horror flickered through Theo’s eyes. “I don’t really need a new gown. The one I have is fine.”
Beatrix winced. “Forgive me, Miss Robinson. I’m not supposed to offer advice to our customers unless asked. I was being far too forward.”
Norman shook his head. “You weren’t. She does need a new gown because I noticed the last time she accompanied me that the gown she always wears is becoming frayed around the, ah . . .” He gestured to his chest. “Bosom area.”
Beatrix gave a very uncalled for rolling of her eyes. “I hope you realize it’s really not quite the thing to embarrass Miss Robinson like that in public.” She lowered her voice. “Besides, did you ever consider that Miss Robinson may not care to spend the funds required on a new gown right now?”
“Theo has an entire fortune to her name, and doesn’t even need to seek out her father’s permission to access that fortune.” He nodded to Theo, who was once again looking annoyed with him, so he quickly returned his attention to Beatrix. “Her father, Gus Robinson, is a brilliant engineer in his own right, but his father, Theo’s grandfather, very kindly left him the fortune he’d made in shipping, which Gus wisely invested in George Pullman’s railroad company.” He glanced to Theo. “That means there’s no reason for you to not indulge in a new gown, which may allow you to get a small bit of enjoyment out of the Palmer ball since I doubt you’re going to enjoy the company of Mr. Harvey Cabot.”
If he didn’t know Theo so well, he would have sworn she was fighting an urge to strangle him, given the increased temper in her eyes.
“I’m sure I’ll enjoy Mr. Cabot’s company.”
“You won’t. Harvey doesn’t come close to being as intelligent as you, and don’t even get me started on all the inventions he brags about to one and all, even though I’ve never seen him complete an invention or receive a patent for one.” He narrowed his eyes on her. “I imagine you’re only going with him because you know it’ll please your father since the Cabot family has recently invested in the Pullman company, which has allowed George Pullman to expand his operation, thus increasing your father’s profits.”
Instead of replying to that, Theo stepped up to the counter, looked over the pair of gloves Beatrix had spread out over the glass, then lifted her head. “I’ve decided I will need to purchase some new gloves for the Palmer ball, Miss Waterbury. In fact, I may decide to purchase numerous pairs.” She glanced to Norman. “It shouldn’t take me more than an hour or so, but because this glove business was your idea, I expect you to wait patiently. And do not even think about trying to give me your opinion as I look through the selections Miss Waterbury shows me. At this moment, your opinion is the very last opinion I’d put any stock in.”
Chapter 12
It took Beatrix a mere two minutes to discover that Miss Theodosia Robinson had not been exaggerating when she’d claimed to be challenged when it came to fashions.
Theodosia had not known there were different styles of gloves, her eyes widening when Beatrix pulled out a glove Theodosia had pointed to, and then explained that the glove wasn’t appropriate to wear to a ball because it was meant to be worn while riding a horse.
“Is that why it only goes up a short distance from the wrist?” Theodosia asked, admiring the driving glove she was now wearing.
“It is. Makes it easier to handle the reins if your arm isn’t encased in fine leather.”
“Fascinating,” Theodosia breathed, stripping the glove from her hand and laying it aside. “I’ll take it.”
“Are you sure you want it in this particular color?” Beatrix asked. “Red is a bold color, unless, of course,
