Page 65 of A Touch of Charm
“And Dr. Fernando’s service offsets the rest of the inconvenience you’ve put a price on here, Madame. Or should I request that he send you a bill?”
“No, Your Royal Highness.”
“Very well. Then I will pay for this dress and ensure that my friends and family never find out that you refused to hear the doctor out and threw a tantrum because a little girl lost a toy cat in your shop. It wouldn’t sit well with the higher classes of customers, I’m sure, to know that your nerves are so easily frayed, would it?”
“No, Your Royal Highness.”
“Then I’m glad it’s been settled. As much as I regret that the fabrics have been unrolled, it seems as though nothing has been damaged, and a little clean-up work is all that’s needed. Poor Margaret will be able to keep track—on paper”—Thea gave her a grave look, and the girl blushed—“to ensure it’s all been done.” Then she turned to Margaret. “Do you earn a commission for pieces you sow?”
“Yes,” Margaret tried to curtsy, but she winced.
Thea reached out and helped to steady her. “I need a whole new outfit. Now that Margaret has my measurements, can you send me three new dresses to Cloverdale House by the end of the week?”
“Oh yes, yes, of course!” Madame Duchon answered hastily.
Thea held her hand up in the air to stop her. “I’d like to clarify that I’m purchasing Margaret’s handiwork. She’s exceptionally talented, and her good work should be rewarded.” Her gaze drifted to Madame Duchon.
“Yes, Your Royal High—”
“Let’s go.” Thea turned to Andre. “I’m finished here.”
Mary’s eyes were so wide, with her mouth agape, that Thea nearly laughed.
The little bell over the door chimed when Andre held it open, and Thea escaped the tension in the shop.
Thea felt a wave of relief wash over her. The confrontation had been intense, but they had managed to navigate it. She glanced at Andre who offered her a reassuring smile. Then, Thea reached for Mary’s hand and gently squeezed her.
“That was…” he said softly, his eyes reflecting pride and admiration. Then his face brightened into a broad smile, donning perfect rows of white teeth.
Thea smiled back, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. “I couldn’t have done it without your support,” she admitted, her voice tinged with gratitude.
Andre waved for a hackney.
A black carriage stopped, and he called to the driver, “Abbotsberry Road. The eastern park gate.” Then he held the door open for Thea. “If you don’t want to be recognized, perhaps it’s best not to stand on the street in a ballgown.”
They quickly lifted Mary into the carriage.
But he winked at her just before she accepted Andre’s hand to climb in herself. “Not that I mind, Your Royal Highness.”
“Will this cost Margaret her position?” Thea asked when they were safely in the carriage.
“Probably after she’s healed, yes. I don’t suspect Madame Duchon will want to risk her reputation as a shop owner until after I declare Margaret healed.”
“For less than a shilling an hour—” Thea shook her head.
“You mean a shilling a day?” Andre said gravely. “But I can ask someone for a new position for Margaret.”
“Oh yes! The old man with the trembling hands?” Mary asked clasping her hands together.
“Yes.”
Thea knew she had forced Madame Duchon into softening the bill, but it was Andre who had truly left a lasting mark amid the chaos. While she floundered with her title and strained diplomacy, his actions had spoken volumes. He’d cared for Margaret with steady hands after the fall, exposed Madame Duchon’s lie about the ladder, and ensured Margaret’s wages until she recovered. And when she did, Andre would see to it personally, making sure Margaret was strong enough to stand again before using his connections to secure her a new job with the old tailor.
His ability to weave kindness and pragmatism together left Thea breathless. Andre wasn’t just calm under pressure—he was magnetic, a figure who commanded attention and respect without asking for it. He had a touch of charm that softened even the harshest moments. It was everything she admired—everything she desired—and yet, Thea forced herself to tear her gaze away before her heart could betray her. Would being near someone like him undo everything she’d built to protect herself, as easily as she’d used her title today?
Chapter Twenty-Three
Another week hadpassed, and Stan felt better, to Thea’s relief. Yet her heart grew heavier as she noticed that Andre spent less time at Cloverdale House.
