"Simon!" A bright, playful voice called from within the pavilion, and a figure in pink descended the steps quickly toward us. It was Lady Ann Leigh, the daughter of the house.
She paid no attention to me, going straight to Simon, her voice soft and sweet. "Simon, would you join me for a walk by the gardens?"
Simon glanced briefly at me before replying, "No."
The rejection, in front of so many onlookers, made Lady Ann's smile freeze, though she quickly forced it back. "Are you still upset that I couldn't stop my father? I never meant—"
But Simon had already lost interest. Only his good manners kept him from walking away. "Lady Ann, when our engagement was broken, whatever connection we had ended. I suggest we avoid speaking so familiarly."
With that, he turned and walked toward a group of young men standing nearby, leaving Lady Ann staring after him, her face stiff with shock and anger.
I watched her out of the corner of my eye, a smirk tugging at my lips.
Her family had broken their word first, and now, after losing face in public, she couldn't bear it. How amusing.
Just then, a pleasant voice interrupted my thoughts.
"Miss Sheppard, your gown is simply lovely. Where did you buy it?" A lady approached me as I stepped into the pavilion, apparently unaffected by the earlier drama.
I smiled, glad to oblige. "I've just come from Goldenrose Hall. They have the most skilled seamstresses and musicians. You can order custom gowns and enjoy a performance while you wait."
Storytelling had become all the rage in London, and many noble ladies were intrigued.
Before long, more ladies gathered around, asking questions about Goldenrose Hall. I knew it wasn't me they were eager to impress, but the sister of the Duke's heir.
By the next day, Goldenrose Hall welcomed its first noble clients. Their patronage spread my business's name throughout London. With their endorsement, I doubled the price for custom gowns, and soon, I was earning a fortune.
With money in hand, everything became easier.
While I managed Goldenrose Hall, Simon buried himself in his studies, just as I had hoped.
Everything seemed to be going smoothly. But I never expected that trouble would come so soon.
