Page 11 of Love Abandoned

Chapter Five

Friendship is constant in all other things

Save in the office and affairs of love.

—Shakespeare,Much Ado about Nothing

“You’re limping,” Catherinenoted, staring at Elizabeth’s feet.

“It’s not so bad. The right one is bound in soft cotton. But it makes my boot much tighter.” Elizabeth hadn’t wanted to miss the shopping expedition, especially for baby linens. They’d had such fun picking out lace to trim gowns, and those tiny bows were worth enduring a bit of pain to see.

“New shoes,” Sophia declared, waving to her man, who followed at a discreet distance, carrying packages. Luckily, he had big hands, for Sophia had made more than her fair share of purchases. He disappeared around the corner, and Sophia turned her attention back to Elizabeth. “Soft ones,mia amica.”

“Oh, I don’t want anyone to see my feet! They are terribly wretched and”—she lowered her voice—“big and wide.”

“Soft, big jester shoes,” Sophia said merrily, and Catherine hit her lightly on the arm before joining in the laughter. Elizabeth couldn’t help but smile.

Sophia’s carriage pulled to the side, and her man jumped off the hind bench and opened the door, assisting each of them into it. “Wood’s,” Sophia said before he closed the door. The carriage rocked as her man joined the driver, and they rattled out onto the road.

It was a biting day outside, typical for the time of year, but the carriage exuded warmth from her friends. Sophia always had a way of brightening the dullest of times, and although Elizabeth did not know Catherine as well as she did Sophia, she was enjoying her positive companionship. She was especially relishing living vicariously through Catherine’s current situation, the joyous memories of her own first confinement rushing back with every gush from Catherine.

“Tomorrow, I’d like to go to Papworth’s,” Catherine said. “The nursery needs refreshing. I don’t believe it’s been touched since Nicholas and Daniel were in leading strings. It’s too somber. I don’t want our child spending time in such antiquated darkness.”

“You should send someone to do that,” Sophia said, brushing at her pelisse.

“But I am not here long enough to arrange such things. Besides, I am quite capable of choosing wall hangings myself.” Catherine looked to Elizabeth for confirmation, then back to Sophia.

Sophia looked up and shrugged. “Papworth’s it is.” The carriage began to slow. “Oh, here we are.”

The carriage stopped, and the door opened. They each alighted and stood in front of the shop. They chatted amiably until Sophia’s man opened the door, and they went inside.

“My ladies.” An elderly gentleman bowed elegantly. “Please, do come in.”

Sophia wasted no time in describing Elizabeth’s needs, and Elizabeth soon found herself sitting on a chair, the man’s bald pate all she could see of him as he measured her feet. He politely refrained from commenting on their condition. She selected a style and some fabric and gave him direction for delivery, ensuring she was willing to return should they not fit properly. Which was a distinct possibility considering he was working with wrapped feet.

“Bella, you need shoesrapidamente,” Sophia said, her back to Elizabeth as she and Catherine perused the shoes on display in the front window.

“I will make these a top priority,” the gentleman said, not looking up from where he was making notations.

“How about these?” Sophia turned from the window, a pair of blue satin slippers in hand.

The shopkeeper glanced up, scooted around the counter, and took the shoes from her, shaking his head. “It is better to have custom-made. These are far too big, my lady.”

Sophia grinned. “Perfect,” she said, touching them as she looked at Elizabeth. “And soft.” Catherine giggled, and Elizabeth joined in. She had her promised jester shoes.

Sophia invited them to join her at her townhouse for refreshments, but they both declined.

“Mie bellezze, you disappoint me,” she said with a perfect pout. “I will have to accept calls. So many cards this morning.” She waved her hand in front of her face as though she was too hot and smiled mischievously. “Shall I pick one of them to bring tonight?”

“Oh, do,” Catherine said as she got out of the carriage. She turned around and stuck her head back in, looking directly at Elizabeth. “Youarecoming tonight? I know it was last minute, but you must join us.”

Elizabeth hesitated. She’d left the invitation for Richard to see, but she doubted he would agree to attend. “I have not talked to Richard about it.”

Sophia made a dismissive sound, and Catherine smiled.

“I will see to it that Nicholas ensures his compliance.”

Compliance. From Richard?The best of luck with that.

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