Ellie's face did not entirely hide her amusement at the footman's clumsiness. Poor lad... but she kept enough of her wits about her to nod at the girl's announcement that business was concluded. The farewell entreaty to return to Pennyweather's Papers soon went unchallenged.

As the carriage rolled jerkily out of view, Ellie's face broke into a wide smile. The shop was a pound richer, and she got to make eyes at a boy. Not a bad morning's work.