The clerk's look of disdain now pinched into one of horror.
"He also stole a book," she added. "I saw it hidden under his coat."
"B-but he has made several purchases recently, all properly paid for," protested the clerk. Another glance, another sniff. "You must be mistaken. By all appearances, he is a perfect gentleman, no matter that he is a foreigner."
"Well, he's not," shot back Arianna. "You may take my word for it."
His mouth thinned. "And who, might I ask, are you?"
"The Countess of Saybrook." Arianna held out the chocolate book. "Now, before you toss me out on my arse, kindly wrap that and write up a receipt. And do make it quick. My carriage is waiting, and the earl does not like for his prime cattle to take a chill."
end.