What the Groom Wants by Jade Lee Page B

Possible, but not likely—certainly not well enough for the standards of this shop.
    “I knew the order was late,” she said to herself. “I stayed up all night finishing it.” She swallowed. Everything was late, and she’d felt bad about working on orders from their titled ladies before other women like Miss Claire Wickett. So she’d come in after working for Damon and would not let herself leave until the gown was done.
    As she stood staring at her disastrous handiwork, the bell over the door rang and in walked Mr. Lyncott. He was whistling as he entered, and his first sound when seeing them was to shift his tune to a long, low note.
    “That dress doesn’t seem right.”
    “It’s not,” Wendy said miserably, while Helaine whisked it out of sight. Then she stepped forward with a cool smile.
    “I’m sorry, sir. I’m afraid you’ve entered the wrong shop. We’re a ladies’ dress—”
    “He’s in the right place, Helaine,” Wendy said, wondering how she would explain this. Radley wanted to take their walk. But after seeing what she’d done to that dress, she knew she had to check every gown she’d done in the last week at least.
    Meanwhile, Radley was grinning, happier than she’d seen him in years. “You look very pretty, Miss Drew. Very pretty indeed.”
    Wendy flushed in embarrassment at being courted in front of Helaine, and at a moment when she felt so wretched. But she couldn’t deny that Radley’s words set her heart to fluttering. What a missish girl she’d turned out to be.
    “Helaine, please allow me to introduce Mr. L—um, no it’s not that anymore, is it? Helaine, this is the Duke of Bucklynde. Your grace, this is my very good friend Lady Redhill.”
    “A pleasure to make your acquaintance, my lady,” he said as he executed a florid bow. Wendy couldn’t help but feel her spirits lighten at the sight. He was being playful.
    Meanwhile, Helaine started at the introduction, her gaze scanning his seaman’s attire. “The Duke of… oh! Oh, you’re the new duke! Oh goodness, everyone’s talking about you.”
    He flashed her a rueful glance. “Yes, so I’ve gathered.”
    Then Helaine flushed. “Oh, forgive me. My wits have gone begging.” She dropped into a proper curtsy. “I am pleased to meet you, your grace.”
    “I am never going to get used to people calling me that. ‘Grace’ is a girl we knew as children. Remember her, Miss Drew? Bucktoothed—”
    “And a lisp, but the sweetest girl. Yes, I remember.”
    “Whatever happened to her?”
    “Married a sailor, had three children, and not one is cursed with her teeth.”
    He clapped his hands. “Well, that’s excellent then. Sailor’s wives are a lucky lot, aren’t they?”
    She picked up the rhythm of his joke without thought. “Best husband is one that’s gone.”
    They laughed, Helaine included. “Obviously, you two are well acquainted,” she said.
    Radley answered. “We grew up as neighbors. Her brother and I went to sea together twelve years ago. And Wind here has been a good friend to my sister, Caroline.” Then he grinned at Wendy. “Did I tell you? Caroline’s engaged to be married. To a Scottish lord, no less. The same fellow she’s been housekeeper to these last few years.”
    Wendy gaped, her breath whooshing out in stunned surprise. “Truly? That’s wonderful! That’s…” She had no other word than “wonderful.” After the events of twelve years ago, Wendy didn’t think Caroline would ever marry. “How did it happen?”
    “I haven’t the foggiest idea. Haven’t seen her yet. Spent all day with solicitors. And thank Heaven for Lord Crowle. If it weren’t for him, I’d have drowned for sure.”
    Helaine blinked. “You were with Lord Crowle?”
    “Yes. He’s son-in-law to my employer, Mr. Knopp of—”
    “Knopp Shipping. Yes. His daughter Irene is our purchaser here. I know them both well.” Then she stopped speaking to look between the two of them. “And you have come here