Finding the Artisan's Future by Penny Fairbanks

Author:Penny Fairbanks [Fairbanks, Penny]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-03-04T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

The carriages in the distance grew closer with each step they took and Daniel’s melancholy grew to match. His day at the beach with Rosamund neared its end and soon they would have to part and continue about their lives. He wished the outing would last forever. He could never be sure if or when he would see Rosamund again.

They had lapsed into a comfortable silence after he finished his basic lesson on perfume making and answered her thoughtful questions. She seemed genuinely interested in what he had to say, her eyes watching him with curiosity the entire time.

Perhaps Rosamund would even be interested in learning to craft a scent. She had admitted that she felt no passion for any of the hobbies or pastimes she had tried so far; perhaps she would enjoy his craft.

Daniel’s mother had been quite involved in the shop, though women usually only worked as dressmakers or milliners. She kept to the office or studio upstairs where they made their perfumes so most customers never saw her. But all of their other merchant friends knew very well that Williams’ Perfumes was not Williams’ Perfumes without Mrs. Williams.

She helped Daniel’s father choose ingredients and she offered her opinions on all the new scents and cases. She even once suggested that they update and repaint their storefront sign. And sure enough it had brought in more customers. Daniel and Mr. Williams had held their own since her passing, but everyone agreed that it just wasn’t the same.

Perhaps Rosamund would enjoy having a role like that. Daniel knew she would readily give her opinions on their products and presentation. He could even show her how to make the perfumes if she wanted to learn. He knew she would not bat an eye at anyone who thought it inappropriate for a woman to take part in her husband’s business.

Her husband…. Those words sent a shiver through Daniel’s body. He’d allowed his thoughts to get too far ahead of him now. They had indeed had a lovely day and it felt more like a real courtship than ever before. Rosamund’s curiosity about the business—and her valiant defense of his station and the way she’d touched his palm and the way she’d laughed with him as they collected shells on the beach—did not mean she wanted marriage, or a marriage with him.

All too soon they had returned to the carriages. Miss Richards said her goodbyes and allowed Elijah to help her into the Henshells’ barouche. Elijah said his goodbyes and got onto his horse, leaving just Rosamund and Daniel lingering on the side of the beach. Rosamund’s eyes darted everywhere but his. She looked as though she wanted to say something but couldn’t.

Daniel took it upon himself to say the thing it seemed neither of them really wanted to say. “Goodbye, Rosamund. I had a lovely time with you. And be sure to give Lady Henshell my regards and tell her what a superb time you had today,” he chuckled but even he could hear the gloom in his voice.

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