At half five, the bells jangled. After the quiet of the afternoon, her heart gave a lurch of nervousness mingled with a speck of joy. Could it be Matthew? Had he spent the day tearing apart their encounter that morning, analyzing every word said, striving to determine how everything had gone so wrong and what was now needed to make it right once more? She wasn’t certain she knew precisely what to say, how to greet him, but was confident when she set eyes on him, everything would fall into place. Love had that sort of power.

But when she stepped out into the shop it was to see Mr. Tittlefitz leaning on the counter talking with Marianne.

“Hello, Mr. Tittlefitz.” They both gave a startled jump like they’d been caught doing something they ought not. She certainly knew how that felt.

“Miss Trewlove, I was just asking Marianne if she’d like to go with me to the music hall this evening.”

Fancy couldn’t help the swelling she felt in her chest. She’d known these two were right for each other. With a raised eyebrow, she looked at her clerk, who was blushing profusely.

Marianne lifted a shoulder shyly. “I told him I’d be delighted.”

“Then you must be off to get ready.”

“I don’t want to shirk my duties.”

“No duties to shirk. No one’s about. Off with you now— No, wait right there.” She dashed up the stairs to her bedchamber, went to her vanity, opened a drawer, and pulled out a pair of silk gloves that she had yet to wear. When she returned downstairs, she offered them to her clerk.

“Oh, Miss Trewlove, I can’t take them. They’re far too lovely.”

“I have another pair.” Several in fact. “They’ll make you feel elegant on your outing.”

“If you’re sure . . .”

“I am.”

Her clerk took the gloves and stroked them. “I’ve never had anything so fine. I’ll wash them and bring them back—”

“They’re yours to keep. Who knows? You may have other occasions to wear them.”

“Thank you, Miss Trewlove. You’re always so generous.”

“Nonsense. I hope you both enjoy your evening.”

“I’ll walk you home,” Mr. Tittlefitz told Marianne.

“I’ll just get my reticule.”

She disappeared into the office, and Fancy turned to her brother’s secretary. “I’m so glad things are going well between you and Marianne.”

“She’s a lovely lass. I’m sorry Mr. Sommersby won’t be assisting any longer with the lessons. I’d begun to like him.”

Fancy’s stomach dropped down to her toes as a wave of dizziness along with a spot of dread hit her. “Why will he no longer be helping?”

He seemed taken aback by her question. “I assumed he’d spoken to you about his plans. He’s moved on.”