At Your Request (Apart from the Crowd 0.5)(20)
“For roller skates, and low quality roller skates, at that,” Mr. Rutherford countered.
Permilia’s lips pursed for a moment before she surprised Wilhelmina by nodding. “You might be right about that.”
“There’s no might about it,” Mr. Rutherford returned. “I know exactly what Bloomingdales charges for the majority of their items, along with what every other store in the city charges as well. What I’m asking for these skates—the convenience of which you’ll be able to enjoy at no extra charge today—is more than fair.”
“I’ll give you six dollars and thirty-two cents for two pairs of ladies’ skates,” Permilia said.
“Did you just pull that figure out of thin air?”
“Of course not. I noted that you purchased your supply—at least the skate I saw in that box—from Dame, Stoddard, and Kendal out of Boston, and they charge around two dollars a pair if you purchase from them directly. However, since you have incurred the cost of having that company send you the skates, as well as the cost of employees you hire to manage your stock, and have included those lovely pink boxes with the purchase of the skates as well, I’m willing to add a bit more to the final cost.”
“I don’t need a pair of skates,” Wilhelmina said before Mr. Rutherford could take to arguing with Permilia, something his expression clearly suggested he longed to do. “I only brought a few coins with me, so even at the discounted price, well, I’m afraid I don’t have enough to cover my share of the bill.”
“I wouldn’t expect you to pay anything,” Permilia said. “They’d be my gift to you—my new and delightful friend.”
Before Wilhelmina could insist that she wasn’t comfortable accepting charity, Mr. Rutherford stepped around his makeshift cash register and sent her a most charming smile—one that he’d certainly not been bestowing on Permilia a second before.
“Miss Radcliff, how delightful to see you this fine afternoon. I must beg your pardon for not recognizing you straightaway.” He sent a narrowing of his eyes toward Permilia, as if he blamed her for that unfortunate happenstance. When Permilia calmly began inspecting the stormy skies, Mr. Rutherford’s lips curved just a smidgen at the corners before he returned his attention to Wilhelmina. “Mr. Wanamaker arrived in Central Park about thirty minutes ago, looking for you, of course. But before you go off to find him, do allow me to extend to you my warmest congratulations. Edgar is one of my closest friends from my school days, and I couldn’t be happier for the two of you.” He beamed a charming smile Wilhelmina’s way, the beaming bringing two dimples popping out on either side of his mouth. “What size are those boots you’re wearing?”
“You want to know my boot size?” she asked somewhat weakly, even as she stuck a boot out from underneath the hem of her skirt to peruse it.
“Ah, that looks to be around a size six. So . . .” Mr. Rutherford turned from her, pulled out a glossy pink box, opened the lid, checked the skates inside, then turned and handed her the box. “These should fit just fine.”
Wilhelmina tried to give the box back to the gentleman, but he stuck his hands behind his back and simply wouldn’t take it.
“I’m not comfortable accepting these,” she said.
He smiled another charming smile. “Nonsense, there’s absolutely no reason for you to be uncomfortable about accepting a pair of skates from me. Especially since”—his smile, impossible as it seemed, turned even more charming—“Edgar already compensated me for those on the chance that you’d show up here at the park without a pair of skates. He wanted to make certain that you’d be able to enjoy a day on the ice.”
Wilhelmina’s eyes immediately filled with pesky tears once again, their appearance having Mr. Rutherford whipping a handkerchief from his pocket and pressing it into her hand. Snuffling into it, she managed to get out a word of thanks as Mr. Rutherford took to beaming back at her.
“I’m delighted to discover that Edgar has found himself such a sensitive young lady,” Mr. Rutherford said after Wilhelmina finished her snuffling. “And being a sensitive sort, I’m sure you’re anxious to seek Edgar out so the two of you might share a special moment over his considerate gesture. You’ll be able to make immediate use of the skates he provided for you since he’s currently to be found out on the ice, testing a new style of skates for me.”
Wilhelmina blinked. “I’ve never known Edgar to be what anyone could call proficient on the ice.”
“Which is why I’ve given him skates that sport two blades instead of one—a style that should see him finding more enjoyment in the whole skating business, since he shouldn’t spend as much time losing his balance.”
“I wouldn’t be so certain about that.”
Mr. Rutherford tilted his head and seemed to consider that for a long moment. “You might have a point. But do know that I didn’t send him off on the ice all by himself. He’s in the company of Mr. Harrison Sinclair, a gentleman possessed of a brawny figure and enough muscles to get Edgar pulled off the ice if he does have some difficulties with his skating.”
“I’m afraid I’m not familiar with a Mr. Sinclair. Is he new to the city?”
Curiously enough, Mr. Rutherford suddenly took to looking rather shifty. “Do forgive me, Miss Radcliff. I neglected to remember that the subject of Mr. Sinclair is a somewhat delicate one, especially since I’m not exactly certain what Edgar wants you to know about that particular man just yet.”