After a Fashion (A Class of Their Own #1)(9)
Something warm and unexpected shot through him when Miss Peabody turned and smiled a lovely smile in his direction—one that, strangely enough, seemed to steal the very breath from him.
He felt her press the bill into his hand, her touch leaving him frighteningly devoid of air, but then Mrs. Birmingham rudely shoved her way between them.
His lungs immediately began working again, as annoyance replaced the odd feeling of a moment before.
“That will be quite enough of that,” Mrs. Birmingham said, shaking her finger at Miss Peabody. “The behavior of you shop girls is truly appalling, which is why I’m going to demand you remove yourself from my presence at once.”
Instead of complying with that demand, Miss Peabody lifted her chin. “I would love nothing more than to ‘remove’ myself, but your daughter is currently residing in my employer’s carriage. Until you decide how to get her out of there, I’m afraid my ability to leave is severely limited.”
Mrs. Birmingham stopped wagging her finger and turned to Oliver, surprising him when she smiled. “Mr. Addleshaw, would you be a dear and summon a servant to fetch Lily something decent to wear? Her gowns, as you know, are currently in what used to be your office. I’m certain after she’s properly dressed and we find ourselves some tea, we’ll be able to look at matters with the right perspective.”
The only response Oliver seemed capable of making was allowing his mouth to gape open. Surely the woman couldn’t still believe there was the slightest chance he’d want to spend additional time with her daughter, could she? It was rapidly becoming apparent that he might actually have to inquire at the Long Island Home Hotel for Nervous Invalids as to whether or not they truly did have any available beds, preferably two—one for Miss Birmingham and one for her mother, because—
“I’m not getting out of this carriage, Mother,” Miss Birmingham said as she rolled down the window and tried to stick her head out, her attempt thwarted when the new hat she’d put on wouldn’t fit through. Drawing back, she yanked the hat off and then pushed her head back through the window. “I have no wish to become parted from my hats because I wouldn’t put it past Mr. Addleshaw to hold them from me simply out of spite. We’ll just take this carriage to the Grand Central Hotel.” She sent Oliver a glare. “That’s the hotel we were intending to stay at, until I foolishly decided I’d be more comfortable in your home.”
“You’re not suitably dressed at the moment, dear, to travel to the hotel,” Mrs. Birmingham pointed out.
“My current state of undress is another reason for not getting out of this carriage,” Miss Birmingham said with a sniff. “I’m sure that rabid dog is still on the loose, and I have no doubt he’ll go for my unmentionables next time I’m in his sights.”
Mrs. Birmingham looked as if she longed to argue with her daughter but then spun around and pointed a bony finger at Miss Peabody. “You, girl, go fetch an overcoat from the butler for my daughter, and make sure you use the back door.”
Oliver watched Miss Peabody hurry away before he turned to Mrs. Birmingham. “Don’t you think you’re being a little hard on her?”
“Absolutely not, but I don’t care to talk about that dreadful woman at the moment.” She stepped closer and patted Oliver’s arm. “What time may I expect you to call on us today at the hotel so we may discuss matters further?”
“I wasn’t aware there was anything left to discuss.”
“Of course there is. Even though you and Lily are currently at odds, I’m sure that, once we sit down and talk this situation through, you’ll come to the conclusion Lily is perfect for you.” She patted his arm again. “I’ve always been of the belief summer is a lovely time for weddings, which means we’ll have to start planning immediately, since it’s June.” She nodded to the carriage. “Lily will make a most beautiful summer bride.”
Miss Birmingham stuck her head back out the window. “I’m not marrying him, Mother. He’s impossible.”
“All gentlemen are impossible at times, dear,” Mrs. Birmingham returned. “But if you’ll only remember how generous Mr. Addleshaw has been, I’m sure your attitude will change.”
Oliver frowned. “I’ve been generous?”
Mrs. Birmingham, surprisingly enough, giggled. “But of course you have, my dear man. Why, it was quite generous of you to encourage Lily to secure herself a new wardrobe, and from Madame Simone no less, and agree to pick up the full cost for that wardrobe.” She batted her lashes at him. “Before I forget, I left Madame Simone’s bill on the very corner of your desk.”
Oliver turned and arched a brow at Miss Birmingham. To his amazement, she didn’t look chagrined in the least but actually had the nerve to smile back at him.
“You did mention that you expected me to be fashionably turned out while we went about the business of entertaining your duke. Surely you didn’t think I was going to be responsible for the bill to see that happen, did you?”
Oliver felt his teeth grind together. “I would have been more than happy to purchase a few new items for you, Miss Birmingham. However, you should have spoken with me before you ordered an entirely new wardrobe.”
“And here is yet another reason why I won’t be marrying you. I have no intention of spending the rest of my life with a man who is mean, stingy, and . . . did I mention mean?” She looked to her mother. “It’s time for us to leave.”