-12- Shopping and A Chance Encounter

The next day Lady Laura, accompanied by her maid, walked a short distance to browse the friendly shops of Brighton. It was a glorious day. The sun peeped out occasionally from behind the fluffy white clouds. The birds were singing and the ocean breeze cooled their outing. Brighton was such a delightful town, with colorful displays by vendors, the ocean’s sparkling surf and the relaxing ambiance, which was the main reason so many flocked to the seaside.

They both carried parasols to protect their complexions and to deflect some of the heat from the sun. Sarah walked directly behind her young mistress, as was her wont. They were just about to enter a modiste's shop when a man bumped right into Laura. “Oh!” she cried out, just as his strong hands shot out to grab her arms, keeping her from toppling over.

“I am so sorry, Miss,” the young man stammered, “I did not see you until it was too late." Releasing her immediately, he stepped backward, placing a discreet distance between them.

Sarah began righting Laura’s bonnet, which had been knocked askew. Now fully recovered, Laura smiled shakily saying, “That is quite all right, Sir. I am now recovered, although it was rather a shock at first." Then she looked at the man, tilting her head back, because he was well over six feet tall. When her eyes met his, she felt as if all of the breath had been knocked out of her. Standing before her was the most handsome man she had ever beheld. Black hair, worn not stylishly, but long, reached his broad shoulders. It was cut shorter about his face and enhanced his high cheekbones, dark brows, and piercingly blue eyes. He possessed a mouth that curved into a smile displaying full, sensual lips, and brilliant white teeth. There was a moment of silence while he, too, took in her perfect beauty. They were as if spellbound.

Sarah came to the rescue by speaking up in an unnaturally loud voice, “Miss, we should be on our way,” she urged the young girl, tugging on her arm. Laura came to her senses, smiled uncertainly and agreed. “Yes, we must be on our way. Pray excuse us sir,” she said as she made as if to pass by him.

But he delayed their progress by insisting, “I apologize once more. It was entirely my fault in not checking the walkway before exiting the shop. I should wish to make myself known to you. My name is Sir Robert Rothschild, of Berkshire Folly, and I have recently arrived from New York. There was that engaging smile of his again. “May I please be so bold as to ask your name?” he inquired smoothly.

Laura was entirely enchanted, almost as though a spell had been cast upon her. Once again Sarah came to her rescue, and ushering her mistress into the shop answered for her. “Her name Sir Robert, is Lady Laura Winter. Now, if you will be so kind as to allow us to enter the shop, we will bid you farewell.” Laura was so surprised by her maid's taking control of the situation, that she meekly allowed Sarah to move her through the doorway. Sarah eyed Sir Robert with a suspicious glare, and in moments her charge was safely out of the man’s reach. She attempted to distract Laura by pointing her in the direction of the ribbons and laces. Noticing Laura’s dreamy expression, and since no harm was done, she quietly chose things for Laura to inspect.

Outside the shop, Sir Robert Rothschild mentally shook himself, whistled under his breath and tried to recall where he had intended to go before all of this happened. He wondered how long it would be before their paths would cross again, for he was entranced and believed he had just fallen in love. This would indeed complicate matters he thought. He had returned to England to travel to London on a pressing matter. Love did not fit into his plans. It might be better had he not bumped into the alluring beauty just now. He did not need complications.

Confirming his resolve, he set out to find the gentleman, with whom he had become friends on board ship, while crossing the Atlantic. He walked back toward his hotel to ask the front desk clerk for the room number of Lord Sebastian Stanton.