Shipwrecked With The Captain. Diane Gaston

hat.’

      Claire donned the bonnet Mrs Molloy had given her and returned to the hall with Lucien.

      ‘I sent a messenger with the letter to your brother,’ he told her as they waited for the hackney coach. ‘He should receive it tomorrow.’

      That gave her a whirlwind of nerves and no pleasure. Meeting her brother and losing Lucien.

      ‘I do appreciate that, Lucien.’ Although she felt disingenuous saying so.

      ‘And I have arranged ample funds,’ he added. ‘We can purchase whatever we need.’

      She lowered her gaze. ‘You must let me repay you.’

      He shook his head. ‘I said before. No need.’

      But there must be some way to repay him.

      * * *

      When they entered the shop, a male clerk greeted Lucien by name. ‘Captain Roper? Mr Castle said to expect you today or tomorrow. What may we show you?’ Obviously Mr Castle had provided his name when he arranged the visit.

      ‘We need everything,’ Lucien said.

      A female clerk took Claire in hand, while Lucien went with the man.

      ‘You were in a shipwreck, we were told, my lady,’ the woman said. ‘How very frightening for you.’

      Perhaps she was lucky not to remember it. ‘Yes. But we were saved.’

      ‘Well.’ The clerk pressed her hands together. ‘We shall have to find you a new wardrobe. You will see, of course, that all our garments are clean and mended.’

      The items were, indeed, almost like new, but Claire had no idea what to select. She feared the cost as well. These appeared to have been very expensive dresses.

      The clerk suggested she at least purchase two of everything. Two shifts. Petticoats. Stays. Stockings. Another pair of walking boots and two pairs of slippers. Another nightdress to add to the one Mrs Molloy had given her. A robe to wear over it. A shawl. A cloak. The list seemed staggering.

      * * *

      After nearly an hour she’d selected the other necessities, but still had not settled on dresses or hats. She loved the finest dresses, much like the one she’d been wearing when she woke up on the raft, but her eye kept being drawn to more sensible, simple, nondescript designs.