Robert visibly relaxed when he heard that the other young lady was with friends. The consequences of Pearl's wandering off alone were all too fresh in his memory. He couldn't stand the idea of another young lady assaulted by some thug, and another good family's name dragged through the mud.

He looked at the dress, not particularly interested. Before he could reply though, she had made another request. Certainly chatty, this one, though he supposed that too much conversation was better than a want of conversation skills in a young lady. The latter would get awkward with her morning calls surely.

"Of course, whenever you are ready." He turned his gaze back on the dress. It was a fine item an it would look good on her, no doubt. "I daresay you hardly need my opinion, as it seems you have already made up your mind that you like it. Why don't you buy it?"