Of Night and Dark Obscurity

“That is quite lovely,” Caroline agreed.

“This one has bamboo stalks and bell-shaped flowers,” the assistant said. “It’s very popular with the new wife starting out in her new home.”

Caroline pinkened but only said, “It is attractive.”

“I have some rather delicate doilies here that you might like. I know that some women do make their own—“

“My grandmother does,” Caroline admitted.

“Of course. I have come cotton cloth sheets here. They are satisfactory for year-round combined with a warm quilt or blanket, when winter sets in they do very nicely.”

“Sheets?” Caroline asked.

“Yes. These are very economical.”

“I…“ She started to speak and then realized the woman probably thought she was a new bride buying for her home. She stared down at her hands and knew there was no ring upon it.

“Do any of these suit? Would you like me to place them on your account?”

“Caroline!” A voice called to her and she turned to see the Inspector crossing over to her.

He looked impossibly handsome in a dark suit with his hat under his arm. He had a smile upon his face as he joined her.

“Linens?” He looked across the counter. “You need linens?”

“I was looking for some items for myself and then remembered we are meeting. I saw these linens and thought of you,” she told him.

“Did you?” He looked very pleased at her words.

“Yes. My father is here as well looking at walking sticks.”

“Madam was just admiring the linen sheets,” the assistant explained. “I was explaining that the cotton sheets work well year-round and when the winter sets a blanket or quilt serves to keep you comfortable.”

Caroline felt her cheeks warm at the words, and when she looked up at Val his eyes were warm upon her.

“Do you like these linens?” He asked her.

“I-I…“ she couldn’t seem to say the words.

“The finest is the Irish and French linen,” the assistant was telling them both. “They have very handsome designs and all the hems are handstitched.”

Caroline ran her hand along the coolness of the fabrics. “They’re exceptional,” she told Val.

“But do you like them?” He repeated.

“They would make your home very comfortable. And yes, I like them.”

“I’ll take them,” he told the assistant. “Was there anything else you recommended?” He asked the young woman.

She nodded no doubt anxious to sell as much as she could to the couple. “The Marseilles spreads are quite popular,” she pulled out the blanket for inspection.

“They tend not to wrinkle and are easily washed,” she pointed out. “They come in many colors and patterns. This one is my personal favorite. I think it’s very pretty.”

Caroline touched the coverlet and admired the chrysanthemum center medallion with the small flowers that surrounded it and the scalloped edge.

“What do you think?” Val asked lowly in her ear.

“It is lovely,” she said imagining the bedspread draped across the large four poster bed.