Page 7 of Allured By a Lord's Touch

Chapter 3

Lady Sarah Crawford and Lady Lisbeth Crawford walked down the streets of Hamel. Although the town was small, it was charming in the afternoon light. Pedestrians walked by to and fro, and Sarah tried as best as she could to put on a pleasant disposition. But Hamel was not London, and Sarah frowned to herself, not anticipating the ball in two days’ time.

Her father had insisted that the girls come early before the ball so they could shop in town, get situated in their rooms at the Duke of Faversham’s estate, and not feel rushed in any way to prepare themselves for the celebration. All in all, Sarah was determined to do as much shopping as she possibly could before enduring the tedium at the Duke of Faversham’s schedule of events.

“Oh, Sarah!” Lisbeth exclaimed. “There’s a milliner.”

“I’m sure it’s charming.”

“Can we go inside? Please … ”

“I suppose we can. We’re not expected at Lord Edward Guilford’s estate until four when I’m told that tea will be served.”

“But I’m famished,” Lisbeth said.

“You ate two scones at breakfast. No complaining.”

Lisbeth skulked, “Very well.”

Although Lisbeth could sometimes act like a ninny, Sarah loved her sister. They were identical in many ways, although Lisbeth was shorter and four years her junior. She was not yet of marriageable age and had not come out into society, but she made a lovely companion, and the girls were always getting into mischief with one another.

Entering the Hamel Haberdasher and Millinery, Sarah was immediately surprised and impressed by the wide array of caps, bonnets, turbans, and gentlemen’s tall hats in various shapes, sizes, and colours. It was so rare to combine a haberdashery and a millinery, and Sarah immediately questioned the proprietor.

“Is it the Hamel custom to combine these two shops?” she asked the man with the measuring tape around his neck.

“Very uncommon,” he explained. “I run this side of the shop.” He pointed to the men’s hats, fabrics, and tailoring section. “And my wife runs this side of the shop.” He then pointed to the other side, where it was all women’s hats.

“How charming and novel,” Sarah said, looking about the store. “If you don’t mind, I’ll proceed to this side of the shop.” She pointed towards the section where the walls were painted pink.

“That would be most appropriate,” the proprietor said.

Making her way to the ladies’ side, Sarah whispered to Lisbeth. “Only in the country would they combine the two.”

Lisbeth whispered back. “You’re most right. Quite odd.”

Despite the strange layout of the shop, the ladies’ millinery was impressive, and Sarah was in desperate need of a blue cap with a brim. Within moments, the proprietor’s wife came out and helped Sarah make a selection.

While Sarah was engaged with her shopping, there was a loud ruckus, and four young men entered the haberdashery side of the shop. They made a great deal of noise, and Sarah wasn’t pleased with the distraction.

Lisbeth said, “Whoever could they be?”

“Oh, Lisbeth. How am I supposed to know?”

Sarah eyed the men with curiosity. One was short and stout, another looked quite sullen, and the one that struck her attention the most was a rather tall fellow with broad shoulders who was considerably handsome. That was the one that turned her way and locked eyes with Sarah before she looked away.

“That one was staring at you,” Lisbeth said.

“Don’t be silly.”

Even though she didn’t want to admit to it, Sarah gazed back at that young man through the corner of her eyes and noted that he was indeed staring.

Sarah went about her business, trying on hats, before overhearing some conversation on the men’s side of the shop.

The stout one said, “We need to array this fine man here.” He clapped the back of the tall, handsome one. “Fine apparel is required, but we are on a budget.”

“I’m sure I could be of assistance,” the proprietor said.

Sarah cleared her throat and spoke to the haberdasher’s wife. “Have you a fine hair ornament that my sister Lisbeth could wear to Lord Faversham’s ball?”

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