After a Fashion Read Online Free PDF Page B

then spun around and pointed a bony finger at Miss Peabody. “You, girl, go fetch an overcoat from the butler for my daughter, and make sure you use the back door.”
    Oliver watched Miss Peabody hurry away before he turned to Mrs. Birmingham. “Don’t you think you’re being a little hard on her?”
    “Absolutely not, but I don’t care to talk about that dreadful woman at the moment.” She stepped closer and patted Oliver’s arm. “What time may I expect you to call on us today at the hotel so we may discuss matters further?”
    “I wasn’t aware there was anything left to discuss.”
    “Of course there is. Even though you and Lily are currently at odds, I’m sure that, once we sit down and talk this situation through, you’ll come to the conclusion Lily is perfect for you.” She patted his arm again. “I’ve always been of the belief summer is a lovely time for weddings, which means we’ll have to start planning immediately, since it’s June.” She nodded to the carriage. “Lily will make a most beautiful summer bride.”
    Miss Birmingham stuck her head back out the window. “I’m not marrying him, Mother. He’s impossible.”
    “All gentlemen are impossible at times, dear,” Mrs. Birmingham returned. “But if you’ll only remember how generous Mr. Addleshaw has been, I’m sure your attitude will change.”
    Oliver frowned. “I’ve been generous?”
    Mrs. Birmingham, surprisingly enough, giggled. “But of course you have, my dear man. Why, it was quite generous of you to encourage Lily to secure herself a new wardrobe, and from Madame Simone no less, and agree to pick up the full cost for that wardrobe.” She batted her lashes at him. “Before I forget, I left Madame Simone’s bill on the very corner of your desk.”
    Oliver turned and arched a brow at Miss Birmingham. To his amazement, she didn’t look chagrined in the least but actually had the nerve to smile back at him.
    “You did mention that you expected me to be fashionably turned out while we went about the business of entertaining your duke. Surely you didn’t think I was going to be responsible for the bill to see that happen, did you?”
    Oliver felt his teeth grind together. “I would have been more than happy to purchase a few new items for you, Miss Birmingham. However, you should have spoken with me before you ordered an entirely new wardrobe.”
    “And here is yet another reason why I won’t be marrying you. I have no intention of spending the rest of my life with a man who is mean, stingy, and . . . did I mention mean ?” She looked to her mother. “It’s time for us to leave.”
    “I have the coat,” Miss Peabody called as she rushed across the courtyard, coming to a stop a few feet away from Mrs. Birmingham, probably because the woman was glaring at her again. She held out the coat and didn’t even flinch when Mrs. Birmingham stalked her way and snatched it out of her hand.
    Marching back to the carriage, Mrs. Birmingham wrenched opened the door, shoved the coat at her daughter, and threw a few hatboxes out. She held out her hand, sent Oliver a tellinglook, and then smiled ever so sweetly at him when he helped her into the carriage. Once she got settled, her smile disappeared right before she snapped her fingers in Miss Peabody’s direction. “Make yourself useful and get those boxes up on top of the carriage.”
    “There’s no need for that,” Oliver said, summoning the young man who was standing off to the side of the carriage. “May I assume you’re the driver?”
    “I’m Timothy, sir, and yes, I’m Mrs. Fienman’s driver.”
    Oliver drew out his billfold, extracted a few bills, and handed them to Timothy. “I would appreciate it if you’d see these two ladies safely delivered to the Grand Central Hotel for me.”
    “But what about Miss Peabody? If I put those boxes on the top, she won’t have a place to sit.”
    “I’ll send her along in one of my carriages.”
    Mrs. Birmingham sniffed,