The Lady Jewel Diviner by Rosalie Oaks

Author:Rosalie Oaks [Oaks, Rosalie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780645027815
Publisher: Parkerville Press
Published: 2021-01-10T16:00:00+00:00

That morning Elinor’s slumber was rudely disturbed by the sound of Samuel yowling. Elinor’s eyes shot open, and she rolled out of bed hastily. Samuel was hissing and batting at Aldreda’s basket, his fur standing on end. He crouched low and wriggled his rear slightly. Elinor leapt forward before he could.

“Samuel, stop!” She grabbed him. “That is Miss Zooth’s bed. You cannot disturb her!”

Hoping they had not woken Aldreda, Elinor bore Samuel downstairs and received a scratch on the arm for her pains. She placated him with some kippers, and she slipped back upstairs to dress. She had a task before her – to persuade Perry to stay away from the docks and villainous fishermen.

This was no mean feat and was only accomplished by pointing out it was the last day the Laberches were staying with them, and the ladies required the escort of a gentleman into Deockley to purchase a few necessities. Perry accepted this burdensome duty with some hesitation, only finally convinced by Elinor’s observation that Mademoiselle Laberche would be terribly bored without him.

“Can’t have that,” he acknowledged, grinning.

The marquise was quite determined to accompany them, perhaps thinking Elinor would not be sufficient chaperone for her daughter. Accordingly, they all set off on foot together, even Mrs Avely.

Deockley was becoming familiar to Elinor. The wooden framed houses gleamed in the sun, and the church tower struck ten as they approached. Mademoiselle Laberche exclaimed at the prettiness of the harbour, even though the tide was out and it looked much like a mud flat.

The first order of business was to visit the leathermaker, to purchase new bags and shoes. These were, of course, far from the fashionable accoutrements to which the Laberches were accustomed, but beggars could not be choosers, as Mademoiselle Laberche said rather proudly. Elinor was pleased to see Perry dancing attendance on the Frenchwoman; he appeared to have forgotten all the fishermen.

Next on the agenda was the haberdashery, where, true to the village’s reputation, an astonishing array of laces and silks were laid out for such a provincial port. Mademoiselle Laberche chose a few of the more serviceable fabrics, determined to make a few practical dresses, but was prevailed upon by Perry to buy some exquisite French lace to adorn them.

Elinor admired the purchases. “I believe Miss Trent, the companion to the countess, is handy with her needle,” she remarked. “Miss Trent avidly follows French fashions. Perhaps she can be prevailed upon to help you make some new dresses.”

“We do not want to impose,” said the marquise stiffly. Elinor wondered if this was humility or snobbery.

The marquise insisted on buying a small pistol as well, from the armoury, to offer them some protection in uncivilised England. “We have learned our lesson,” she said. “I will not be so ill-used again.” Elinor felt quite sorry for any smuggler who tried to steal the marquise’s jewels in the future.

Then it was the inn, as by this time the party was quite famished. They ordered a vast amount of pies and pastries and a hot pot of tea.

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