The Rake and The Recluse: A Tale of Two Brothers by Jenn LeBlanc

Author:Jenn LeBlanc
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Illustrated Romance

The ladies started at Harrods. Francine enjoyed perusing the displays, but it didn’t look much like the giant conglomeration that she had seen in the news. She assumed this was the original building, by the way it had overtaken several neighboring structures. Inside was a veritable labyrinth of merchandise from home furnishings to groceries and ready-to-wear clothing. She smiled as they moved from department to department. She had never really been much for shopping in her other life, but could see how it could become an obsession for some, especially in a place that seemed such a magical patchwork as this.

Keeping track of the sisters was like wrangling cats. One would see something and the other would rush over, only to have a newer and shinier item catch her eye, leading her off in the opposite direction.

Francine was excited to find clothes that didn’t need so much primping and preparation, not to mention assistance. She and Miss Faversham helped the girls choose some comfortable ready-to-wear dresses—simple, easy frocks for the country. She picked out doeskin riding trousers, shirts, jackets, hats, gloves, and boots to match, for all of them.

They purchased everything they could possibly need and then some, having everything sent to Roxleigh House.

They eventually left Harrods and returned to the bustling London streets. “I need a bookstore,” Francine said suddenly. They continued walking, avoiding the horse patties and dodging delivery people who were oblivious to their finery. Halfway down the block, Francine spotted a large bookstore. The sun was shining and the only clouds in the sky were from the coal burning fires at the factories.

Grover moved to follow in the carriage, but Francine waved him off. The street was so crowded with hacks and other carriages, it would be easier for them to walk back.

“We’re only going to that bookstore,” she said, pointing it out. “There’s no need to follow.”

The men nodded but kept a close eye on the ladies as they wandered their way to the shop. As they approached the bookstore, the sisters looked around, a bit disgruntled, and Francine glanced at Miss Faversham.

“Would you mind? Maybe you could take them to the shop across the street? I won’t be long,” she said.

Miss Faversham nodded and Francine thanked her. She heard a muffled squeal and turned, smiling at the sisters.

A bell rang at the door as she entered and a small, bespectacled man greeted her from behind a small counter. “Well, miss, what can I help you find today?”

“Can you show me where the most recent publications are?” He walked around the counter and led her to a shelf beside the front window.

“These are the newest periodicals and news sheets. The books are here on this shelf,” he said as he inspected some of the titles.

“Thank you,” she said, nodding. “Are you familiar with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle?”

He looked puzzled. “No, I regret I’m not, though I can add the name to my notes and—”

“No, no. No, please, don’t trouble yourself.” She began pulling books from the stacks and soon carried an armload to the counter.

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