Page 64 of A Misguided Devotion

Kitty had the distinct feeling her friend wanted to be rid of her. But why? “I don’t think I should leave you here alone. Send Sutton instead.”

The younger woman stared down at her hands, which she was twirling in front of her. “The truth is, I dislike being watched. I would feel much more relaxed if you left me with my maid to make my choice. When you return, you can give me your opinion. Shall we say an hour?”

Though she didn’t care to leave Laura, Kitty had no wish to argue with her before Mrs Fisher. Besides, what harm could she come to in a milliner’s shop?

“Take Mr Merry with you,” she said. “I don’t want him fussing over me while I choose, however much his sisters might value his judgement. Please?”

Kitty glanced at the milliner who stood holding the next bonnet for her friend to try. Mrs Fisher could not be more than ten years her senior, but she exuded a quiet confidence that made her seem older.

It would be safe enough to leave Laura here with her maid while she went to Harvey’s Library. And it would enable her to execute an errand of her own as well, with no one being the wiser, provided she could discover the whereabouts of a pawnbroker.

“As you wish.”

Kitty exited the shop and saw William still talking to his friend. He broke off his conversation. “Finished already?”

“Laura asked if we could visit the library for her. She doesn’t want us bothering her while she chooses a bonnet.”

“Then I will take my leave,” said Mr Warren, with a bow, and he strolled off toward the harbour, whilst William and Kitty headed for the Esplanade.

She glanced up every street they passed, hoping to find a pawnbroker’s establishment without the embarrassment of having to ask directions. Just before they reached the seafront, she spotted what she was looking for up the road to her right. Three gold balls hanging outside a shop. The sign of the pawnbroker. She would need to slip away from William on their way back so she could visit the place alone.

Once on the Esplanade, Kitty was distracted by the sight of the sea, its breakers rolling in over golden sand. She wished they had time just to watch the waves—though, no doubt, if they stood for long, her companion would pull out his sketchbook and start drawing. It was a pity she always had to rush away because there was somewhere she needed to go.

William led the way to Harvey’s Library, whose pillared front made it stand out from the surrounding buildings. They were fortunate to find Pride and Prejudice was available, and they put the loan down on Mr Barrington’s account. With the three volumes tucked underneath his arm, they started back toward the milliner’s.

They retraced their steps up St Alban’s Row, and as they passed a print shop, William stopped to examine the latest cartoons on display.

This was Kitty’s chance. “Would you be so good as to wait here for me? I have an errand of a personal nature to make.”

He frowned. “I don’t like you going off on your own without a maid. Let me come with you, and I’ll remain outside while you buy what you need.”

Whilst she appreciated his chivalry, her cheeks burned with embarrassment at the thought of him discovering her plan to boost her funds.

No doubt attributing her blush to the awkwardness of him witnessing her private purchases, William relented. “Very well. I’ll stay here.”

Kitty turned into East Street and hurried along until she reached the shop with the three gold balls hanging outside. Inhaling deeply and setting her shoulders back, she stepped inside.

She had never visited a pawnbroker’s establishment before, and did not care for the atmosphere. A man with a greasy mop of dark hair and a toothy grin asked how he could help.

She took her mother’s pearls from her reticule and laid them on the counter. “How much can you give me for these, please?”

He picked up the necklace, while looking her up and down as if assessing whether it was honestly come by.

“I assure you they are mine to pawn.” Though she knew she was selling them. She would never be able to buy them back—unless she married Hugh. It was a sacrifice to part with them, but what use was a family heirloom when you couldn’t afford to purchase stockings or tooth powder?

The man took a long time examining the pearls. He shook his head from side to side. Did he think she had stolen them, or was he assessing how desperate she was? Perhaps he would not offer a great deal for them, and then she would have parted with her mother’s jewels for little advantage.

The door opened behind her. She wished the pawnbroker would hurry so they could complete the transaction before they were interrupted. The desire to grab her pearls and run was almost overwhelming, but necessity kept her feet rooted to the spot. With no funds, her options were limited.

This was the only way to provide for her needs without being beholden to Hugh—and that was something she must avoid at all costs. It would become increasingly difficult to refuse his proposal of marriage if she became indebted to him.

“How much?” Kitty asked, eager to get a price from the man.

“Two pounds.”

“Two pounds! They’re worth more than that.”

“You can take it or leave it,” he said, cradling the necklace in his palms. “The likes of me can’t be too careful.”