Catherine noticed the young man staring at the shop assistant and didn't know whether to smile or be irritated. Then when the girl said the footman's name, he almost dropped the books, and Catherine exclaimed: "Matthew!"

"A thousand apologies, ma'm," the flustered footman muttered before hurrying out of the shop with the book.

"How embarrassing," Catherine muttered and she felt it. She would have decided then and there to report the incident to her father, only she felt a little sorry. "No, I shan't need anything else for now. Thank you for your help, my dear. Those books are delightful."

And with that, she left the shop. Matthew hurried to hold the door for her, but was feeling too sheepish to risk another glance in at the shop assistant. Within a minute or so, the carriage rolled away.