While Fancy had made the most of her time at the finishing school and understood the need to learn how to speak, walk, and eat as those among the upper classes did, she had resented the time it had required to be away from her family. Although her brothers and Gillie were much older than she was and had moved to their own lodgings before she’d seen half a dozen years, they’d remained a constant in her life, frequently visiting, taking her on outings, bringing her sweets, dolls, and other gifts. They’d spoiled her rotten—still did—and she loved every one of them for it, didn’t want to let them down by not earning a place within Society that would make them proud. The magnitude of what she needed to accomplish weighed on her constantly. But she would see it through and not give her family any cause to be ashamed of her.

Enough thinking about that. She was going to spoil her dinner if all those thoughts kept rumbling around in her mind. She’d headed to the pub for the distraction it would provide. Opening the heavy door, she stepped over the threshold and stumbled to a stop, very nearly smashing her nose against the broad wall that appeared before her. Not a wall. A chest. One that had been in her shop only moments earlier. Plastering a smile on her face, she looked up. “Hello again.”

“Hello.”

Although undeniably handsome, if he would only sport a grin, he’d be quite devastating. “You ate rather quickly.”

“I’ve been waiting for a table. It seems none are to be had.”

“Oh.” She’d arrived later than usual. Glancing around, she could see he had the right of it, but then on the other side of the room—

“Look! One at the back there is becoming available now.” Two gents were heading away from a small square table nestled up against the wall.

“I’ll snag it for you.”

Before she could tell him that it was his by rights for being there ahead of her, he was gone, his long legs and lithe frame making short work of his edging his way between the crowded tables until he reached the empty one only seconds before the lad with a small copper tub did. Without being told, the young man who had probably seen fifteen or sixteen years began gathering up platters and glassware before using a damp linen to wipe the top of the table and the wooden seats of the chairs.