CHAPTER 19: ONE STOP SHOP

~ MARIA BELGRAVE ~

Our first stop was the shops. This was going to be fun. I’ve been to these places many times with David’s money. Buying things with David in mind. But tonight, I was in a panic. The late hour and I needed everything. They knew me as a gold-digger, not a mourning heiress.

“Miss Bell. This is an unusual surprise.” The manager arrived, wearing his signature smile, aware that David would overspend.

“Giles, hello. Well, I need you discretion love. Can I trust you to keep this out of the media?” My question had him looking at my left hand. “Oh, grief, when this leaks, he’ll wish he had. No, I left David. Don’t worry, you won’t lose me as a customer. Can we go somewhere more private?”

“My dear, you’re in luck. You’re the only client. Now spill the tea.” He appeared eager, as if he had waited all day.

“I know you, Giles. You’ll need to sit for this. Oh, this is my best friend. Memorize her face as yo