Garden of May

Chapter 67

“….”

For a fleeting moment, Vanessa clearly saw the distinct flicker of emotion in the woman’s eyes. Was it wariness, or perhaps envy? The woman pressed her painted lips together, then in the next instant, bloomed a picture-perfect smile. A polite mask settled over her features, the previous emotion vanished. “It’s good to see you again, sir. You’ve brought company today.”

Today. The implication was clear. River Ross had been here alone at least once before. Judging by his casual acceptance of the woman’s greeting, it wasn’t a secret he seemed particularly eager to hide.

“Last time, you ordered such an elegant, lovely periwinkle suit… I believe your measurements were 25 D and 31 A.” The seamstress’s gaze, flitting up and down Vanessa’s figure, held a faint trace of malice. Then, as if losing interest, she smiled brightly and rounded the counter. “What are you looking for today?” She moved with a graceful stride, drawing closer to River Ross. Vanessa, awkwardly displaced, observed them.

Even to another woman’s eye, she was quite captivating. Late twenties, perhaps early thirties. Not breathtakingly beautiful, but with an elegantly styled appearance, a confident posture, and a direct gaze. In some ways, she seemed even more aristocratic than the aristocracy. Just like River Ross.

“Will it be a crisp, tailored shirt this time, something that complements that handsome face? Or perhaps a vest of fine blue silk?” The woman’s fingertips reached out, almost grazing River Ross’s shoulder. She looked at him with eyes as sweet as if he were a confection. “I also have cufflinks set with the finest sapphires. Imported from Atuli, at a considerable price. I simply had to have them the moment I saw them. They’re the exact shade of your beautiful eyes….”

Though relegated to the sidelines, Vanessa watched them with a dazed expression. Contrary to her outward appearance, she was rather excited. The sight of River Ross in this setting had ignited her stalled imagination.

“….”

Vanessa narrowed her eyes, mentally drawing the two closer together. The “naval officer” character, which had been stuck in the planning stages for days, finally began to take concrete form. An elegant rake, risen from humble beginnings through sheer talent. Ambitious, willing to do anything for success, and true to no one. Such a man would feel both intrigue and contempt for the righteous “Welsh Lamb.”

And if he needed clothes, he would come to a place like this. Perhaps the “Welsh Lamb’s” first encounter with him, while investigating a case, would be in this very shop. How often would he have come here? What would he have ordered? Tailored suits for himself? A lady’s handkerchief? And if a handkerchief, for what kind of woman…?

“Is this not to your liking either? You’re rather particular today. Well then, I also have hunting caps and belts of the finest leather. Anything you desire….”

Anything you desire. In her increasingly fanciful daydream, Vanessa pictured River Ross purchasing lingerie. With that elegant and noble face, ordering a woman’s garter belt and matching undergarments. And then, with utmost gentlemanly composure, asking if he might see them worn.

“Not for me.”

Just as the proprietress’s hand was about to brush against him, River Ross turned and caught Vanessa’s shoulder, drawing her forward. “Perhaps you could show this young lady something suitable.”

Vanessa was abruptly pulled back to reality. The proprietress smiled, as if she had forgotten Vanessa was even there. Or perhaps she was simply amused by Vanessa’s dazed expression. Either way, her composure quickly vanished.