The Crimson Skew Read Online Free Page B

with the breeze from the ocean, the air felt packed and stale.
    Calixta’s enthusiasm was not dampened by the foul weather. As soon as they had dropped anchor, she left the
Swan
in the hands of the skeleton crew that had manned it and hurried to secure two coaches. “Before we go to Maxine’s,” Calixta announced, “I must purchase a few things in the shops.”
    Burr groaned.
    â€œIt was your idea!” Calixta protested.
    â€œI only said that to persuade you to leave.”
    â€œWell, it was very sound advice, and I intend to take it. Sophia rides with me.”
    â€œI don’t need anything.” Sophia had changed back into her worn travel clothes at the first possible moment, and she had no desire to find herself trapped once more in an elaborate silk cocoon, no matter how fashionable it might be.
    Calixta eyed Sophia’s footwear meaningfully. “What about new boots?”
    Sophia looked down. One of the laces was torn and knotted in several places. The heels were worn down by half-moons. “Well,” she admitted, “maybe new boots wouldn’t be bad. If we’re going to be traveling north for so long.”
    â€œExcellent!” Calixta bustled Sophia into the waiting coach and waved merrily to the others. “We’ll see you at Maxine’s in a couple of hours. Maybe a little more,” she amended.
    Burr rolled his eyes. “Before nightfall, Calixta. Do try.”
    Calixta settled into her seat, tapping the roof lightly. “Henri’s boot shop on Rue Royale, please, driver,” she called.
    As the coach jostled forward, Calixta pressed Sophia’s knee. “You must be thinking of the last time we were here. With Theo.”
    Sophia nodded. “Yes. It seems so long ago.” She lookedout the window at the retreating harbor, remembering how she had lost track of time trying to find the pirates’ ship. She recalled the sudden appearance of Burr, the mad scramble to climb the gangplank, the Sandmen in pursuit, and Theo taking aim at a barrel of molasses. The last thought brought a smile to her face.
    â€œYou’ll be back in Boston soon, sweetheart,” Calixta said. “And won’t Theo be envious when he learns of all your adventures!”
    Sophia’s smile grew wistful. “I think he will be. Especially that I’ve spent so much time with you and Burr.”
    Calixta laughed. “Poor thing. I’m sure he’s bored to pieces these days. Now,” she said, with a businesslike air, “apart from boots for you, we both need to get some new hats, petticoats, at least a pair of dresses, slippers for the evening, stockings, small clothes, not to mention a brush, hairpins, soap . . . what else?”
    â€œThat seems quite enough.”
    â€œAh!” Calixta exclaimed. “Stop here, driver!” She tapped the roof. “Perfume, of course.”
    As soon as they came to a halt, she pulled Sophia from the coach. “I really don’t think—” Sophia started.
    â€œPlease, don’t question me when it comes to purchases. It isn’t wise.” Calixta looked up at the driver. “Wait here.”
    They were on the outskirts of the city center, and a long street lined with shops stretched before them. A millinery stood open across the way, and a pair of ladies carrying parasols looked in the window, admiring the hats. Next door, a girl in a white apron swept the steps of a pastry shop. Sophiaglanced up at the sign over the doorway through which Calixta was leading her: VINCENT PULIO’S FINE FRAGRANCES .
    Scents of orange blossom and almond, musk and cinnamon, gardenia and rose wafted through the air. Calixta headed toward the counter while Sophia looked around her. Delicate tables dotted the room like little islands, laden with glass bottles. The walls were lined with shelves, where heavy jars labeled
Magnolia
and
Honeysuckle
and
Meadow
stood side by side. A