What man would want a wife with four big brothers watching his every move? And yet she knew if she did not marry, then her life would be spent going from one household to another and being at the mercy of whomever they married. What happened if the women were not to her liking or they wanted no part of her in their lives? No, she must marry.
“I’m not sure why you have to come here every week,” Mrs. Secomb said. “You should let those in your household select the flowers, Lady Abigail.”
“As I am your employer, I’m unsure why that is a concern of yours, Mrs. Secomb. I have always undertaken selecting the flowers, and that will not stop because you wish it.”
Dimity had told her to stop being so cowed by the woman. Actually, what she’d said was “You’re the bleeding employer, not her!”
“Of course, if that is your wish.” Mrs. Secomb’s lips puckered.
“It is.”
They left the carriage, and Hogan once again annoyed Mrs. Secomb with several provoking comments. Abby loved coming here. The colors and scents were wonderful, but it was the people she really enjoyed. The yelling, the conversations that flew back and forth. Most knew her now and what she liked. Unfortunately, today it also reminded her of the last time she’d seen Daniel. That day, she’d been surrounded by flowers also.
In time, I will forget him.
Wandering down the rows of blooms, she stopped to select some from a stall before moving on to another.
“Good day to you, my lady.”
“Mr. Henk, I will have some of the crocuses, snowdrops, and pansies, please.”
“They’re sweet just like you, my lady.” The grizzled man offered her a pansy.
“Why, thank you, kind sir.” Abby swept into a curtsey that had him chuckling and Mrs. Secomb sniffing in disapproval.
They walked, she laughed and talked, and felt lighter inside than she had in days.
“Well now, isn’t this a lovely surprise.” Dimity was waiting for her at the next stall. Of course, Abby had known she’d be there, as they’d been sending each other notes through Hogan.
“Dimity, how wonderful to see you.”
“Lord Raine has no wish for you to—”
“That will do, thank you, Mrs. Secomb,” Abby said, tucking her arm through her friend’s. “I wish to walk with my friend. Please accompany Hogan.”
“Hello, Hogan.” Dimity waggled her fingers at the footman, who replied with a nod. “I like this new assertiveness in you,” Dimity whispered as they walked on. “Mrs. Sourpuss did not look pleased. Now, tell me how things are going for you in the house with those heathens who share your blood?”
Dimity wore a plain beige dress, nothing flattering, but on her it was anything but plain. She exuded courage and beauty, and not for the first time, Abby wondered about her friend’s past. Dimity had shared little of her life, saying only that it was complicated.
“Yes, I am standing up to her and also taking direction from you in my behavior. I am now all that is correct and proper.”
“And how are your brothers coping?”
“They don’t like it, and it’s making them nervous. Michael said that I am a different person in the same body.”
“I bet you’re making them nervous.” Dimity laughed. “Wonderful!”
“I am going to get you back into my household, Dimity.”
“As much as I would love that, I was only your piano teacher three days a week, Abby.”
“And I miss you. Are you all right?” Dimity’s eyes weren’t twinkling as they normally did. “What has happened?”
“Nothing has happened. I miss you also.”
They stopped briefly while Abby got something out of her reticule. “You will take this, and I don’t want to hear a word against it.” She handed over some money.
“You don’t owe me money.” Dimity tried to push it away.
“And yet you will take this as I wish it so, my friend. I owe you more than a few coins, but for now this will have to suffice.” Abby closed them inside her friend’s hands.
“Thank you, Abby, I cannot deny it will go a long way toward alleviating my situation.”
“Have you found more work, Dimity?”
“Not yet, but I have a few prospects which I expect to explore today. Papa has gone away for a while, to teach, so it is just me in the rooms.”
“You must be lonely?”
“Not at all. You know me, I am never without someone to talk to.”
Something niggled about her friend’s overly cheerful expression.
“You will come to me, Dimity, if you need help, won’t you?”
“Of course. Now enough of this talk. Look at those peonies. Come, we must inspect them, as they are your favorite.”
“Well now, if it isn’t the most beautiful woman in all of London.” The young man selling the flowers was smiling at Dimity. Abby had noticed that when her friend was near, men were overly attentive.
“Two of the most beautiful women in London,” Dimity corrected.
“Begging your pardon, two,” the man said quickly.
She waved his words away and moved on while Dimity flirted with him. Picking up a beautiful pink rose, she inhaled the scent and saw him. Daniel Dillinger. He was staring at a table of flowers with an intensity that told her something else was on his mind.
His hat was in one large hand, and his hair ruffled gently in the breeze. The lapel on his dark gray jacket was raised on one side, suggesting he’d donned it in haste. Why was he here? Was he selecting flowers for a woman? Family member? She hoped it was the latter.
He looked a lone figure standing surrounded by people. She wanted to approach, but as she’d lied to him, she doubted he would welcome her. But oh, how she felt the pull to do so. The man made her feel things deep inside.
Shooting a look behind her, she saw that Hogan and Mrs. Secomb were having a heated debate over something, and Dimity was still flirting. Her eyes returned to Daniel in time to see him
