Free Lady In Distress (The Langley Sisters Book 3) by Wendy Vella

it’s nice to know there is always a special place in the world that is where we belong.”
    “Shall we buy a length of ribbon from Mr. Todd, to go on the shawl that Phoebe is making for our niece or nephew, Thea?” Bella veered towards the shop that had many trims and buttons displayed in the window, plus a bonnet that Phoebe would have pulled all the ribbon off and replaced with something prettier.
    “That’s a lovely idea,” Thea said. “I wonder why Mrs. Todd lets her husband dress the bonnets sometimes?” she added, pointing to the window where a hideous creation of pea green and orange sat. “She has a better eye, don’t you think?”
    “Undoubtedly,” Bella whispered as they entered.
    “Miss Langley, how wonderful that you have returned to us.”
    “Thank you, Mr. Todd.” Bella smiled as she looked around the brightly colored displays. She’d loved this shop as a child, loved everything about it, but most of all she loved that Mr. Todd let her touch things. “We are here to buy Phoebe some ribbon, Mr. Todd.”
    The proprietor flushed with color at the mention of her sister. He had always done so, and was worse when Phoebe was present. She had that effect on men.
    “I would like yellow, white or cream, Mr. Todd, if you please.”
    They spent the next ten minutes studying various lengths of ribbon until they both finally agreed on one. With the purchase tucked into her reticule, Bella and Thea were soon back out on the street to continue their walk.
    “Good day to you, Mrs. Fletcher.”
    Bella smiled as Luke’s mother approached. She did not look overly happy to see them, which surprised Bella, as they had always been on good terms, or so she thought.
    “Lady Althea, Miss Langley.” Her curtsy was swift and then she was gone with no more words spoken.
    “Well! That has to be the first time that Esmay Fletcher has not spent time talking with us.” Thea watched the rigid back of Luke’s mother as she spoke.
    Bella urged her friend on, and as they continued to walk through the village, she wondered what was behind Esmay’s reaction to them. Did it have something to do with Luke, or more importantly her?
    “One hopes her son is in a better mood today.”
    Bella stopped as Luke walked out of the bakery before them with a large package in his hands.
    “I hope you have a bun in there for us, Luke Fletcher. As I’m sure I have brought you your fair share in the past.” Thea was all smiles but Bella struggled to find one. She felt off balance around him now; their relationship had changed after that kiss and she knew it would never again be the same.  
    “Lady Althea, Miss Langley.” She watched him bow elegantly. “You may of course take a bun. My siblings will not mind sharing, I’m sure.”
    “Now I am stricken with guilt and shall not take one. No sibling likes to share.”
    “That’s true. I can’t imagine Will sharing with anyone.”
    He’d never really been one to converse openly, yet Luke seemed comfortable doing so with Thea. This was another thing that had changed about him.
    “Is your mother all right, Luke? We just greeted her, but she did not stop for her usual chat. In fact, she seemed in a hurry to leave,” Thea said.
    His eyes flicked from Bella and back to Thea again, and she knew then that the reason for Esmay Fletcher’s reaction was indeed because of her. But why?
    “She has a few things on her mind at the moment,” was all he said. “My family is moving to a new home shortly, and my mother is busy organizing that.”
    “How wonderful.”
    Bella listened as Luke and Thea conversed. He’d kissed her yesterday and now she wanted to feel those wonderful sensations again. The hot pressure of his lips on hers, his chest pressed against hers.  
    Oh, bloody bothering hell.
    “Come, Thea, Luke is probably busy helping his family, too. We shall procure some buns of our own. Good day to you.” Bella urged Thea past Luke and into the bakery. Once inside, she brought buns