From Lies Read Free Page B

measurements which hadn't changed that much. They discussed what he'd wear—something relatively plain, even if his mother had strictly written he should pick something bright, since that was the fashion, and the tailor apparently agreed with her—and when Rafe would come in for his first fitting.
    Not long after Rafe left the shop, the first few raindrops began to fall. He made his way quickly to the dressmaker's, glad he arrived just before the rain fell in earnest. When he opened the door, he heard a few notes of laughter, then it was cut off, a deafening silence ringing through his ears. He turned his nose up at the group, Greta looking apologetic behind the stiff forms of the dressmaker and her apprentice.
    "It's raining," he declared, as if they could not hear the pounding of droplets crashing into the roof. He watched the apprentice roll his eyes. Rafe forged on. "I will need an umbrella once our business has been concluded here."
    "And if I don't have an umbrella?" the old dressmaker asked sickly sweet.
    Rafe curled his lip in distaste, something he didn't have to feign, at the old woman. He was a customer, and no matter what she felt toward him, she should still act with manners instead of hostility. "Greta." He waited for her meek response. "I believe the tailor has an umbrella. Go fetch it and inform him that I shall repay him for the kindness."
    Greta rose to follow his order, but the dressmaker snarled, snapping at her apprentice, "Go get an umbrella." Her hostile gaze never left Rafe's face.
    Rafe refused to be baited and stared at the woman blandly. It didn't matter what she thought of him, though he might have to begin looking into the other dressmakers in the area. They might not produce clothing as fine as this woman, but they would certainly treat him better, especially if he decided to let this little encounter spread. It wasn't truly like him to do that, but this old woman was being too rude to ignore. He might even have to tell Duncan to change the dressmaker he should go to.
    "About my sister's dress," he started, pausing for a moment when the apprentice returned with two umbrellas. "Bright colors are in this season, but I want something unique for my sister, something that will set a new fashion trend."
    The woman snorted at him. "What would you know about fashion? If you want a new trend, then it will be extra."
    Rafe wanted to snort at the audacity of the woman, but he held it in. "We will negotiate the price. Greta, come." He turned away, knowing Greta would take both umbrellas from the apprentice.
    "She's not a dog," the old woman shrieked.
    Rafe turned around, giving the woman a cold look. "And you have no say in any of this." He turned his gaze to Greta. "Pay the man." Then he strolled from the shop as if nothing untoward had occurred.
    Outside, he paused beneath the slight overhang and breathed deep the scent of rain and dampening earth. He had never done anything to warrant that sort of behavior from a business person. Certainly some of them glared at him, tried to inflate the prices, but none had ever been as hostile as the dressmaker. It seemed her old age was reminding her of memories better left buried. An arm brushed against his, and he looked to the side, the concerned frown on Greta's face something he didn't deserve.
    "Are you all right?" she whispered, handing over one of the umbrellas and opening her own.
    He didn't respond as he opened his umbrella and stepped out into the storm. Making up his mind, Rafe strode quickly to a nearby dressmaker. If the old dressmaker was happy showing her hostility, then he would be more than happy to take his business elsewhere. He kept his mouth firmly shut as he entered the new shop and looked around, taking in the bright colors. There was a part of himself that was tempted to stomp back out, but he wasn't a child, and he needed to make sure his sister would have a dress that would impress Lord Shaften at the ball.
    "Can I help you?" a young girl,