His brother, Henry, had been ready to join him for a brief shopping trip but realized he had some pressing unfinished business on his desk.None of Edward’s needs were very urgent, but his friend and brother-in-law, Thomas Morland, was soon to have a birthday, and he wanted to look for a gift. Benwick, the local merchant, could always be trusted for his wares, and Edward headed there first. If the trip afforded a stop at Gray’s tearoom before he left town, well, that was only a bonus.Dressed warmly, since middle March could be on the cool side, Edward kept the curtains down until they arrived in town. He’d told the coachman where he wanted to go, and when he saw that they’d pulled up in front of Benwick’s, he moved toward the door. The coachman beat him to it, holding it wide for him to emerge.“I think you’d better wait,” Edward requested.“Yes, sir.”His hat in place, he stepped toward the door, his mind already wondering what he might find. The chaotic order of the interior never failed to fascinate him.
