The Bounce in the Captain's Boots by Jayne Fresina

Author:Jayne Fresina
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance, historical, historical romance, regency romance, ladies most unlikely
Publisher: Twisted E-Publishing

Chapter Fifteen

Guy followed her around the shop, hands behind his back, nodding politely to a few folk who glanced their way as they passed.

"What is it we seek, Miss Chance?" he asked, having watched her examine a number of increasingly ugly fabrics.

"I am seeking worsted for a new winter cloak, Captain. Please do not feel that you are obliged to follow me about." She stopped and looked over her shoulder, her small face grim. "I am quite capable of looking after myself and do not require an escort at the haberdasher's. Or has your sister told you that I am so weak and sickly that I can't be trusted out alone? That I need a sentinel?"

He caught just a slight twinkle of wry amusement before she turned away again to run her hand over a sample of rough grey worsted wool. That brief hint of humor was enough to quicken his pulse. Odd how she need do so very little with her lips and it made him feel honored. He had the sneaking suspicion that Miss Emma Chance, despite her downtrodden demeanor, was quite capable of getting her own way whenever she wanted it. If she wanted it badly enough.

The only question remained: was she aware of that power?

He probably ought to hope that she was not, he mused. It could be dangerous for him if she was.

Beside her the two younger girls waited impatiently, occasionally rolling their eyes at each other, clearly having no interest in dull, practical worsted and anxious to explore the other prettier offerings.

"Aha!" He pointed across the shop, "I see some exquisite apricot satin and gold gauze over there. And lace. Machine made, but affordable. I often think there is nothing more suited to a youthful complexion in the evening than apricot satin with a hint of gold laid over it, especially this time of year when the candles are lit earlier."

At once they applied to Miss Chance for her approval and then hurried off to inspect these treasures.

She looked at him. "Another surprise, Captain. You not only indulge in contemplative strolls, but you are also an expert in fabrics?"

Ah, she was becoming confident with her sense of humor. That too was new.

"Not in fabrics." He lowered his voice to a whisper. "I am an expert in distracting young ladies."

"Not a very challenging sport." She smiled. "I'm afraid they seldom concentrate on anything for very long."

He stared at her lips until she looked uneasy and turned back to the wares displayed on the counter.

"I wanted to give you my opinion on the worsted, Miss Chance. And I wanted to do so out of your students' hearing."

"Your opinion?"

"It is grim and unflattering." He took it away from her and tossed it along the counter out of her reach. "Time to stop hiding. What we need is crimson velvet."

"We?" She looked as if he'd suggested silk rosettes on her garters. "Captain, I—"

"Velvet, if you please," he said loudly to the shopkeeper. "Your finest branched velvet in crimson. None of this riff-raff.

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