Page 20 of An Enchanting Kiss (Captivating Kisses #5)

Claiming her reticule, she stepped outside the shop, where Lord Cressley waited for her.

“I used to frequent Mr. Shaft’s store when I was not much older than Celia. His shop is just a stone’s throw from here.”

He offered his arm to her, and she took it, trying to ignore the physical feelings stirring within her.

When they entered the shop, they were greeted in a friendly fashion by Mr. Shaft. Lord Cressley introduced the two of them, and the older man broke out in a wide smile.

“I recall you coming to see me when you were a boy, my lord. It is good to have you back in Kidsgrove. The previous viscount never came around. We are happy you are in residence at Crestbrook”

“I plan to remain in the country, only going to town for the Season each spring,” the viscount replied. “I have inherited a niece, along with my title, Mr. Shaft, and she is in need of entertainment. Would you please show us some toys and books? She is five years of age.”

The shopkeeper took them to a section with some toys.

“I will defer to you, my lady, in what we should select,” Lord Cressley said.

Mr. Shaft fetched a basket. For the next few minutes, Lia studied the toys for sale, thinking which ones would be appropriate for Celia. She chose a doll, a ball, and a few other small items that she thought would please the girl.

After those items had been placed in the basket, she looked at the small selection of books and chose three.

“Oh, I wish you carried one which was read to me when I was Celia’s age. It was full of fables, and the illustrations were magical.”

“I know the one you speak of, my lady,” Mr. Shaft said. “I could order it for you if you’d like.”

“That would be wonderful, Mr. Shaft. Miss Celia would enjoy it quite a bit.”

“Would you have these items sent to Crestbrook, Mr. Shaft?” Lord Cressley asked. “I want to surprise my niece with what we have chosen today.”

As the shopkeeper took the basket to the counter, she said, “My advice, my lord, is to not give all these to her at the same time. It might be too much, too soon,” Lia explained.

“You know she already enjoys playing with a ball. I would let her have that and perhaps the doll. Not only will she enjoy playing with the doll, but she also most likely will sleep with it.”

“Excellent idea, my lady.”

They started to leave the shop, but the rest of their party entered. Mr. Shaft quickly set the basket on the counter behind it so that Celia would not see what was inside it.

“We finished at Mrs. Penny’s, “Tia shared. “Celia was also fitted for a pair of slippers and some boots by Mr. Penny.”

“You will need to bring her back to Kidsgrove in a week, my lord,” Verina said. “A few of her gowns will be ready by then, along with both pairs of shoes.”

The viscount looked to the three and said, “Thank you for handling this matter. You have my gratitude.”

“We have shopping of our own to do at Mr. Shaft’s,” Justina said.

Tia asked, “Did you finish getting what you needed here, Lia?”

She nodded.

By now, Celia had found the toy section, which was depleted after their visit. “Look at this,” the girl said.

She and Lord Cressley moved toward her, seeing a single tin soldier in her hand.

“What is this?”

“It is a soldier, Celia,” her uncle explained.

The child studied the small figure and said, “He looks a little like you, Uncle Rupert.”

Everyone laughed at her remark, and Celia asked, “Can I have him?”

“Of course. Would you like a few more soldiers to accompany him? He might be lonely by himself.”

“Yes, please.” Looking on the shelf, she said, “But I don’t see anymore.”

Mr. Shaft stepped up. “I have no more now, Miss Celia, but I can order some if his lordship agrees.”

“How many soldiers would you like to have?” the viscount asked.

Celia thought a moment. “Five.”

“Then order four more soldiers if you would, Mr. Shaft. Send word when they come in, and Celia and I will come and claim them.”

Tia said, “I know you have completed your shopping, my lord. Why don’t you and Lia go to Mrs. Shaft’s tearoom and wait for us there? We will be along shortly. ”

Lia didn’t have to wonder why Tia had suggested this, knowing her twin was trying to give her time alone with the viscount. Then she watched as Tia took Celia’s hand and said, “Come look at the ribbons with Lady Justina and me. We might find a pretty one to buy for you to wear in your hair.”

Her sister led the girl away, and Lord Cressley chuckled. “I suppose we are no longer needed here. If you would like, we could stroll for a few minutes and allow you to see what else is in Kidsgrove.”

They left the shop and went down what was not only the main street—but the only street of the village.

Shops lined both sides. At one end was the church.

At the other was an inn on one side and Mrs. Shaft’s tearoom and bakery opposite it.

They entered, and Lia saw that it was empty of customers at the moment.

A short, stout woman with lively blue eyes greeted them. “How might I help you today?” she asked.

“It is Rupert Cummings, Mrs. Shaft. Now, Lord Cressley. And this is Lady Lia Worthington, cousin to Lord Traywick. Lady Lia’s sister and cousins are at Mr. Shaft’s shop as we speak, along with my niece. We have come ahead of them to find a table for our party and look at your heavenly baked goods.”

She beamed at him. “It is wonderful to have you at Crestbrook again, my lord. We are not used to the viscount being in residence. My condolences on the loss of your brother.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Shaft. It is good to be home again after so many years.”

“I recall you came in often as a young boy, my lord. You were particularly fond of the toffee buns.”

“You have an excellent memory,” he praised. “I still have a fondness for a sticky bun, especially toffee. You also baked the best bread I have ever eaten. I was disappointed that Crestbrook no longer purchases it.”

“They stopped ordering from my bakery many years ago, my lord. It was after you left for university.”

“Then I will have them start again at once.”

She brightened. “That would be much appreciated.”

“I have a large household. Send ten loaves a day to Crestbrook. Rather, I shall have a footman come into town each morning to pick them up from you.”

Her eyes widened. “That is most generous of you, my lord.”

“Yours is the best bread to be found, Mrs. Shaft. It will also save my cook hours of time.” He smiled. “Then everyone at Crestbrook can reap the benefits of eating your loaves of tasty bread.”

“How many will be in your party, my lord?”

“Counting Lady Lia and myself, four more, Mrs. Shaft. We will need tea and sweets.”

“I will put on water to boil now, my lord. Have a seat.”

The viscount led Lia to a table and seated her, saying, “All the tables in here are small. I will push a few together in order to seat all of us.”

He spent a moment moving the furniture about and then took a seat next to her. Their thighs brushed together, and she caught the intoxicating scent of bergamot again, which she had smelled in the carriage earlier.

“Thank you for agreeing to join us on tomorrow’s ride,” she said. “I know it is hard for you to leave Celia behind. You will have to think of temporary care for her, however. It will take time for your inquiry to reach town, much less for a governess to be found and sent to Cumberland.”

Then an idea struck her. “I would be happy to care for Celia until her governess arrives.”

He looked startled. “You do not have to volunteer to do so, my lady. I will keep Celia with me when I can. At other times, I will ask a maid to watch her for me.”

“I am going to be here until mid-November, my lord, and I adore children. You see how much she and I enjoy one another’s company. Let me help you until you have a more permanent arrangement in place.”

The viscount studied her a long moment, his eyes seeming to penetrate to her soul.

“If you do not believe I would be taking advantage of you, Lady Lia, then I would be happy for you to help with the care of my niece.”