An Unconventional Countess (Regency Belles of Bath 1)

‘You sound surprised.’ She lifted her own eyebrows to mirror his.

‘I am. I’m not usually fond of biscuits, but I could eat a dozen of these. Definitely my favourite.’

‘You haven’t tried the others.’

‘I don’t need to.’ He rapped his knuckles decisively on the countertop. ‘I’ll recommend this one whatever the consequences.’

‘Consequences?’ she couldn’t resist asking. ‘Are you likely to face those?’

‘Oh, yes. She’s quite a tyrant in her own way.’

‘Of course she is.’

‘But open-minded, too.’ He popped the last of the biscuit into his mouth. ‘I admire that in a person. Being judgemental is such an unattractive quality, don’t you think?’

‘I think it depends. There’s a difference between being judgemental and having high standards. Now, if that’s all, that will be four shillings.’

‘Ribbon?’

‘That costs more.’

‘Ah, but she’s worth it.’

‘Naturally.’ Anna narrowed her eyes, reaching under the counter for a roll of blue ribbon and then coughing loudly as she saw Henrietta’s companion touch her elbow.

‘That sounds nasty.’ Her own customer sounded amused. ‘Perhaps you ought to consult a physician about it.’

‘I’m perfectly well, thank you.’ She narrowed her eyes even further, though it was difficult to do so without actually closing them.

‘I’m relieved to hear it. Otherwise I’d have to suggest a visit to the Pump Rooms to take some of the waters, and it’s not an experience I’d recommend.’

‘Indeed? Then I wonder what you’re doing in Bath, sir?’ She gave the ribbon an aggressive snip with her scissors. ‘Isn’t it the start of the London Season soon? Perhaps you ought to be there, preparing yourself for balls at Almack’s and picnics at Vauxhall Gardens?’

‘Perhaps I should be.’ He gave a careless-looking shrug. ‘But what can a man do when his grandmother summons him?’

‘Your grandmother?’ She paused in the act of curling a ribbon.

‘My special lady, yes.’ The corners of his mouth curved upwards. ‘Who did you think I was talking about?’

‘I...’ She cleared her throat, willing the sudden onslaught of heat across her cheeks to subside. ‘Your wife, perhaps?’

‘Alas, I haven’t found a woman willing to put up with me yet. Hard to believe, isn’t it?’

‘Unfathomable.’ She finished curling the ribbons, trying to ignore an unwelcome frisson of excitement at the words. ‘There you are. I hope that your grandmother enjoys them. They were baked fresh this morning.’

‘Do you bake them yourself?’ He seemed in no hurry to be leaving, extracting a few coins from his coat pocket.

‘I do everything here myself. It’s my shop.’

‘You’re the proprietor?’ He looked impressed.

‘Yes.’

‘And the baker?’

‘And everything else.’ She lifted her chin proudly. ‘I do whatever needs doing.’

‘Then I compliment you, Mrs...?’