William was busy today, but he suggested that Caroline and I should go
shopping together in order to get to know each other a little better, and I
have to say that I am glad that we did so. I was a little reluctant to
start with, but now I can see that I have been unfair in my previous
assessment of my brother's wife, and for that I cannot help feeling
ashamed. Caroline is very shy, but once she manages to get past that she is
really very pleasant company, and we had a very delightful day together.
"So Ginny, where you would like to go first?" she asked as we stepped down from the carriage where it had set us in Regent Street. I looked about, taking in the bustle and noise all around me and tried to get my bearings. It had been a while since I had last been into town to shop, and I was really quite overwhelmed at the vast numbers of people who were all trying to force their way down the same road that we were now standing on.
"You choose," I replied finally, deciding it would be better, for now at least, to defer to the judgement of someone who actually had some idea of where they were going in the seething mass of humanity that I had suddenly found myself thrust into. She thought for a moment before making her way towards a smaller side street, beckoning for me to follow as she did so.
"Less people, and many nice things to be found if you know where to look," she informed me, pausing to look at some shawls that were displayed outside a nearby shop. And after a short while I realised that she was right. The street was certainly less crowded than the main avenue, with a variety of smaller stores that each seemed to contain something guaranteed to catch my attention and my money.
"I cannot believe I have never noticed this before," I commented wondrously as I waited while Caroline purchased a pretty new hatpin decorated with stars.
"You like it then?" she commented with a smile, nodding at my own mounting purchases as she spoke. I giggled, enjoying the pleasure of female company in a way that I did not usually, and finding it surprisingly enjoyable.
"Yes. I am," I told her, smiling. "Thank you."
We shopped for a while longer, my various bundles and packages finally becoming so many that I knew I would have to limit myself to just looking before long. I made one further purchase though, a small broach with a butterfly design that immediately made me think of Mother. I hope that she will like her gift, as I really want to give her something that will show how grateful I am to her for letting me stay with William like this.
As we left the shop the distant sound of bells told us that the afternoon was more than half over and I looked up, surprised to discover that I had spent so long in a pursuit that I do not usually enjoy. Caroline, catching my expression, laughed softly.
"Easy to lose track of time down here isn't it?" she commented, smiling. "We should find somewhere to go for tea soon, I know a nice little establishment not far from here if you would like." I nodded, realising suddenly that I was actually quite hungry after all of my discoveries that morning. After pausing to browse in a tiny store selling beads, we made our way with some reluctance back out into the commotion of the real world. We hurried past the sellers and entertainers that always crowd at Covent Garden, and down past the theatre until we reached our destination.
"The Rose Rooms," I read as we approached a small but well kept tearoom. Caroline smiled at me, holding the door open so that I could enter in front of her.
"Again, small and quiet, but I have to admit that such things rather suit my tastes," she told me with a rueful smile. "And the lemon cake is just heavenly here. Mrs Turner will not share the recipe with anyone either, although I am sure she could make a fortune if she were to sell it. Will you order?" My concentration for the next few moments was completely given over to trying to choose from the vast array of delicious looking treats that the menu had to offer. Finally though we made our selections and I closed my eyes briefly, the excitement of the day suddenly catching up with me.
"A quite perfect day, is it not?" a familiar voice observed from somewhere close by, and I opened my eyes quickly to find Archie standing beside our table smiling down at me.
"Archie!" I exclaimed, unsure of why I was so pleased to see him but unable to deny the fact that his appearance was indeed a very pleasant surprise.
"Ginny," he replied bowing in that delightful little way of his that always makes me smile for some reason, "I could not help noticing you as I passed by the window, and thought I would take the opportunity to say hello." he trailed off as he turned to Caroline, "Forgive me. I do not believe I have had the pleasure of making your acquaintance before Madam?" I watched in amusement as Caroline coloured prettily while at the same time admiring the swiftness with which Archie had taken note of my sister-in-law's wedding band and addressed her accordingly. Seeing though that she was not about to answer I quickly made the introductions, the new companionship between us meaning that I did not want to see her embarrassed or uncomfortable.
"Archie, may I introduce Caroline Dewhurst, my sister-in-law. Caroline, this is Archie Kennedy, a friend of mine." I felt my face redden at the last, but forced myself not to heed that or the amused grin which formed on Archie's face at my words.
"A pleasure to meet you," he told her, glancing at the assortment of bags surrounding us as he did so. "I would ask what brings you to the city on such a fine day, but I think I have found my answer," he added with a laugh.
"I am staying with my brother until the end of the month and Caroline has been showing me some new places to shop," I told him, gratified to notice that I did not blush this time I as I spoke to him. "It is really quite amazing, I have been shopping here many times before but so much remains hidden unless you know where to look." Archie nodded in agreement.
"Never a truer word spoken," he commented, "For instance, there is a delightful little bookshop that I frequent regularly, but most people seem to walk right by it without even noticing it exists. Not that I am complaining mind you, makes it a lot less crowded for the rest of us." My attention had be caught by the mention of books as he must have noticed as he paused a moment, considering me. "It really is a most fascinating place," he added, "Do you like to read?"
"Ginny is the bookworm of the family," Caroline volunteered suddenly, and I looked at her, slightly surprised, but pleased that she felt comfortable enough to join in the conversation.
"Well then, perhaps you would allow me to show you this place?" he suggested, glancing from Caroline to myself as he spoke as if asking for permission before continuing hurriedly, "Only if you would like to that is, I would hate to impose upon."
"I would be delighted," I cut in quickly, surprised at myself. "Though I am afraid it may have to wait for another day, as I think this morning's activities have quite tired us out!" He laughed at that, looking once again at our many purchases.
"Yes, shopping takes a great deal more effort than we men often give it credit for, I believe," he joked, reaching down as he spoke to catch a bag that had at that moment chosen to escape from where it had been set. "Perhaps then you will allow me to be so bold as to ask where it is you are staying so that we may arrange it at your convenience?" I glanced quickly at Caroline to see what she thought of such a suggestion, but she merely smiled. Reassured, I proceeded to tell Archie the address of William's house which he acknowledged with a slight nod and a smile.
"Well, now that is settled, I will leave you in enjoy the remainder of your tea in peace," he informed us. "Delightful to meet you Mrs. Dewhurst, I do hope I will have the pleasure of repeating the experience soon. I look forward to our engagement Ginny. Good day ladies." And with that he departed, leaving both Caroline and myself to watch after him in silence for a moment before we both looked at each other and burst out laughing.
"He seems to be a very nice young gentleman," Caroline observed a few moments later after we had managed to calm ourselves.
"Yes, yes he is." I agreed, realising suddenly that I had just arranged for a gentleman to call on me, and not only that, one of whom my Mother strongly disapproved and had forbidden me to see ever again. I only hoped that this would not reach her ears, although I had a rather strong feeling that it would. I considered asking Caroline not to mention the incident to anyone, but rejected the idea when I realised that would only serve to make her suspect something was amiss. I would just have to hope that no one felt the need to inform my Mother of this afternoon's arrangements and deal with the situation as best I could if she were somehow to learn of it.
We returned home soon after, both feeling the need for a rest and wanting to be there when William should return in order to tell him of our day. I have to admit that I have thoroughly enjoyed myself spending time with Caroline, and would welcome the chance to do so again. I will make sure to tell William, as I know it will please him to hear that we are getting along well. After dinner we again played cards, although not to such a late hour as the previous night as we were all rather tired by that time. If the rest of my stay here goes as well as today, then I will find that I do not want to go home at the end of it!
As I write this I cannot help recalling how I had said I would in all likelihood never see Archie again, and now here I am planning to spend a day with him. I wonder when he will choose to call? Oh I really should not think so, he may have made the offer only to be polite and quite probably has no plan to follow through with his suggestion. I must not let myself think on it otherwise I will only be horribly disappointed when it all comes to nothing. But no, Archie is a man of his word, he has already proven that to me and I have no reason to think that he will not do the same in this. He will call, and I will look forward to it.
"So Ginny, where you would like to go first?" she asked as we stepped down from the carriage where it had set us in Regent Street. I looked about, taking in the bustle and noise all around me and tried to get my bearings. It had been a while since I had last been into town to shop, and I was really quite overwhelmed at the vast numbers of people who were all trying to force their way down the same road that we were now standing on.
"You choose," I replied finally, deciding it would be better, for now at least, to defer to the judgement of someone who actually had some idea of where they were going in the seething mass of humanity that I had suddenly found myself thrust into. She thought for a moment before making her way towards a smaller side street, beckoning for me to follow as she did so.
"Less people, and many nice things to be found if you know where to look," she informed me, pausing to look at some shawls that were displayed outside a nearby shop. And after a short while I realised that she was right. The street was certainly less crowded than the main avenue, with a variety of smaller stores that each seemed to contain something guaranteed to catch my attention and my money.
"I cannot believe I have never noticed this before," I commented wondrously as I waited while Caroline purchased a pretty new hatpin decorated with stars.
"You like it then?" she commented with a smile, nodding at my own mounting purchases as she spoke. I giggled, enjoying the pleasure of female company in a way that I did not usually, and finding it surprisingly enjoyable.
"Yes. I am," I told her, smiling. "Thank you."
We shopped for a while longer, my various bundles and packages finally becoming so many that I knew I would have to limit myself to just looking before long. I made one further purchase though, a small broach with a butterfly design that immediately made me think of Mother. I hope that she will like her gift, as I really want to give her something that will show how grateful I am to her for letting me stay with William like this.
As we left the shop the distant sound of bells told us that the afternoon was more than half over and I looked up, surprised to discover that I had spent so long in a pursuit that I do not usually enjoy. Caroline, catching my expression, laughed softly.
"Easy to lose track of time down here isn't it?" she commented, smiling. "We should find somewhere to go for tea soon, I know a nice little establishment not far from here if you would like." I nodded, realising suddenly that I was actually quite hungry after all of my discoveries that morning. After pausing to browse in a tiny store selling beads, we made our way with some reluctance back out into the commotion of the real world. We hurried past the sellers and entertainers that always crowd at Covent Garden, and down past the theatre until we reached our destination.
"The Rose Rooms," I read as we approached a small but well kept tearoom. Caroline smiled at me, holding the door open so that I could enter in front of her.
"Again, small and quiet, but I have to admit that such things rather suit my tastes," she told me with a rueful smile. "And the lemon cake is just heavenly here. Mrs Turner will not share the recipe with anyone either, although I am sure she could make a fortune if she were to sell it. Will you order?" My concentration for the next few moments was completely given over to trying to choose from the vast array of delicious looking treats that the menu had to offer. Finally though we made our selections and I closed my eyes briefly, the excitement of the day suddenly catching up with me.
"A quite perfect day, is it not?" a familiar voice observed from somewhere close by, and I opened my eyes quickly to find Archie standing beside our table smiling down at me.
"Archie!" I exclaimed, unsure of why I was so pleased to see him but unable to deny the fact that his appearance was indeed a very pleasant surprise.
"Ginny," he replied bowing in that delightful little way of his that always makes me smile for some reason, "I could not help noticing you as I passed by the window, and thought I would take the opportunity to say hello." he trailed off as he turned to Caroline, "Forgive me. I do not believe I have had the pleasure of making your acquaintance before Madam?" I watched in amusement as Caroline coloured prettily while at the same time admiring the swiftness with which Archie had taken note of my sister-in-law's wedding band and addressed her accordingly. Seeing though that she was not about to answer I quickly made the introductions, the new companionship between us meaning that I did not want to see her embarrassed or uncomfortable.
"Archie, may I introduce Caroline Dewhurst, my sister-in-law. Caroline, this is Archie Kennedy, a friend of mine." I felt my face redden at the last, but forced myself not to heed that or the amused grin which formed on Archie's face at my words.
"A pleasure to meet you," he told her, glancing at the assortment of bags surrounding us as he did so. "I would ask what brings you to the city on such a fine day, but I think I have found my answer," he added with a laugh.
"I am staying with my brother until the end of the month and Caroline has been showing me some new places to shop," I told him, gratified to notice that I did not blush this time I as I spoke to him. "It is really quite amazing, I have been shopping here many times before but so much remains hidden unless you know where to look." Archie nodded in agreement.
"Never a truer word spoken," he commented, "For instance, there is a delightful little bookshop that I frequent regularly, but most people seem to walk right by it without even noticing it exists. Not that I am complaining mind you, makes it a lot less crowded for the rest of us." My attention had be caught by the mention of books as he must have noticed as he paused a moment, considering me. "It really is a most fascinating place," he added, "Do you like to read?"
"Ginny is the bookworm of the family," Caroline volunteered suddenly, and I looked at her, slightly surprised, but pleased that she felt comfortable enough to join in the conversation.
"Well then, perhaps you would allow me to show you this place?" he suggested, glancing from Caroline to myself as he spoke as if asking for permission before continuing hurriedly, "Only if you would like to that is, I would hate to impose upon."
"I would be delighted," I cut in quickly, surprised at myself. "Though I am afraid it may have to wait for another day, as I think this morning's activities have quite tired us out!" He laughed at that, looking once again at our many purchases.
"Yes, shopping takes a great deal more effort than we men often give it credit for, I believe," he joked, reaching down as he spoke to catch a bag that had at that moment chosen to escape from where it had been set. "Perhaps then you will allow me to be so bold as to ask where it is you are staying so that we may arrange it at your convenience?" I glanced quickly at Caroline to see what she thought of such a suggestion, but she merely smiled. Reassured, I proceeded to tell Archie the address of William's house which he acknowledged with a slight nod and a smile.
"Well, now that is settled, I will leave you in enjoy the remainder of your tea in peace," he informed us. "Delightful to meet you Mrs. Dewhurst, I do hope I will have the pleasure of repeating the experience soon. I look forward to our engagement Ginny. Good day ladies." And with that he departed, leaving both Caroline and myself to watch after him in silence for a moment before we both looked at each other and burst out laughing.
"He seems to be a very nice young gentleman," Caroline observed a few moments later after we had managed to calm ourselves.
"Yes, yes he is." I agreed, realising suddenly that I had just arranged for a gentleman to call on me, and not only that, one of whom my Mother strongly disapproved and had forbidden me to see ever again. I only hoped that this would not reach her ears, although I had a rather strong feeling that it would. I considered asking Caroline not to mention the incident to anyone, but rejected the idea when I realised that would only serve to make her suspect something was amiss. I would just have to hope that no one felt the need to inform my Mother of this afternoon's arrangements and deal with the situation as best I could if she were somehow to learn of it.
We returned home soon after, both feeling the need for a rest and wanting to be there when William should return in order to tell him of our day. I have to admit that I have thoroughly enjoyed myself spending time with Caroline, and would welcome the chance to do so again. I will make sure to tell William, as I know it will please him to hear that we are getting along well. After dinner we again played cards, although not to such a late hour as the previous night as we were all rather tired by that time. If the rest of my stay here goes as well as today, then I will find that I do not want to go home at the end of it!
As I write this I cannot help recalling how I had said I would in all likelihood never see Archie again, and now here I am planning to spend a day with him. I wonder when he will choose to call? Oh I really should not think so, he may have made the offer only to be polite and quite probably has no plan to follow through with his suggestion. I must not let myself think on it otherwise I will only be horribly disappointed when it all comes to nothing. But no, Archie is a man of his word, he has already proven that to me and I have no reason to think that he will not do the same in this. He will call, and I will look forward to it.