Not Quite Darcy Read Free

minutes. We have a proposal for you. After which, should you choose to accept or reject our offer, the gown shall be yours for the ridiculous sum of fifty dollars.”
    Eliza shook her head. She knew she should feel victorious, but the whole situation kept twisting and turning in such odd ways she had difficulty keeping up.
    She stepped back and eased herself into the chair. Her stomach twisted. She only hoped her exterior projected calm and cool, since her insides were currently in freak-out mode. “Okay, it’s a deal,” she said. “Give me your pitch.”
    â€œMy…pitch?” Lancaster asked.
    â€œYeah. Your spiel. Go ahead and try to sell me some Amway or make me listen to your indie demo or whatever it is you’re building toward here.”

Chapter Two
    Both men stared at Eliza. Neither said a word.
    â€œWell, yes,” York said. “Quite. Direct and to the point, American-style.” He raised a white eyebrow at Lancaster and some kind of silent communication pass between them.
    The younger man nodded thoughtfully, then flashed his gray eyes upon Eliza. His lips quirked in the hint of a smile and Eliza’s breath caught in her throat.
    â€œPlease forgive us, Miss Pepper. This must seem an exceedingly strange circumstance to you.”
    â€œIt’s the first time I’ve been interviewed to buy a dress.” She returned his gaze. When he didn’t look away, she felt a rush of discomfort. “But the dress had nothing to do with why I got called into the back office, did it?”
    â€œIntuitive too.” Mr. York clucked.
    â€œYes, I know, Archie. You needn’t sell me on the girl any longer.”
    â€œSo what is it about?” Eliza asked. “Have you considered using Craig’s List? ’Cause they have sections for just about everything and you’d be way less likely to scare off potential customers.”
    Mr. Lancaster smiled at that. His teeth were brilliantly white. What else would they be?
    â€œMr. Craig’s list wouldn’t suit our purposes. The situation we offer requires a meeting and a very specific type of person. Someone similar to yourself, Miss Pepper.”
    â€œWell, I know you’re English and just coming right out with it seems indelicate or something to you people, but how about you tell me about the situation, I say no, I give you fifty bucks and leave the store with my dress?”
    â€œDeclining an offer without first hearing it doesn’t seem terribly prudent.” Lancaster leveled a dark glance over her shoulder at his partner. Eliza had to admit the haughty English lord demeanor played a little better in the pages of a book than it did in real life.
    â€œSo, let’s hear it. Good god, if it takes you two this long to get to the point, it’s a miracle you’re still in business.”
    â€œVery well. You’ve expressed a fondness for and a knowledge of the nineteenth century. That would be correct, would it not?”
    She nodded.
    â€œWould you be interested in experiencing that time for yourself?”
    â€œExperience it? You mean like a theme park or a kind of Renaissance fair?”
    He rubbed his chin and shook his head. “Not something as contrived as that. I mean to ask if had an opportunity to go back in time and actually experience life in the Victorian era, would you take it?”
    â€œTo actually live in the nineteenth century? That’s what you’re asking?”
    Lancaster nodded, watching her carefully.
    â€œCarriages and balls and dashing young lords?”
    â€œNineteenth-century London,” he replied with an even tone.
    â€œYeah, sure. If I were given a chance to actually go back in time, I think I’d have to go for that.”
    â€œYou merely think you’d do it? You’re not certain?” The older shopkeeper interrupted. He sounded disappointed.
    Eliza twisted her purse strap, unsure what the pair of men were trying to get