I bent to stroke one of the slippers and felt an odd little thrill. The design on the toes must be some sort of Chinese symbol, then, if the fabric was Oriental silk. I could envision Solomon’s wife painstakingly copying the patterns, and I was touched by her efforts. “Did he say why he thought of me, in particular?”

Flora shrugged. “I never know why old Solomon says what he does. One cannot trust everything he says. After all, he is not French, for all that he tries to fashion shoes.”

I covered a smile.

“Did Catherine Ransom say anything about this mysterious stranger that is to visit tonight?” Flora said.

I shook my head, and she sniffed. “Thankfully she is already married, though I would not put it past her to steal this man’s attention too.”

“Flora! She is a lady, after all. As well as my friend.”

She sighed. “I am sorry to speak of it, Miss Isabella, but she is no friend to you. I cannot find it in my heart to forgive her. Or Mr. David.” She waggled her finger in my direction. “And I do not doubt for one moment that Catherine Ransom has some other mischievous plan tonight. It is far too suspicious that she would advise you about a male visitor to tonight’s party-she who has never had your interests at heart!”

Studying the mirror, I adjusted a dark ringlet at my cheek. “She wants only to pair me for the evening with someone suitable. Is that implausible?”

Flora’s reflection scowled at mine.

“Very well,” I said, turning to face her. “I will be en guard tonight against Catherine Ransom and her wiles.”

Flora cocked her head. “Truly? Do you pledge it?”

“I do,” I said firmly, with the certainty that one day soon-surely!-I would be repeating that expression in the matrimonial setting for which it was properly intended.