Too Pensive to Notice

Chapter Seven

The next day was such a busy day that Ophelia didn't have time to consider the other night's events. She had planned to stay up late and ponder some things, but sleep took over her thwarted body.

Ophelia had woken up early at her mother's request to entertain some relatives who had come for an elongated visit and were not supposed to arrive that early.
She spent most of the day in the drawing room with the ladies and her only break was her already promised afternoon shopping trip with Renditia. She was indeed thankful that she had mentioned the trip earlier to her mother that week on several occasions so her mother could do nothing but ask her to hurry back home.
She scurried to her room and donned her light blue walking dress that had a matching parasol. She usually didn't pay much attention to what she wore to her shopping trips, but she felt extra giddy and cheerful today and so she decided to reflect that.

Fifteen minutes later, she was waiting down in the hall for Renditia who took the term "fashionably late" to its extremity. However, today was an exception and so Ophelia found herself in the carriage and on her way to Oxford Street in less than ten minutes.
"You really didn't need to accompany us," Renditia said looking at her husband.

"I prefer your company to anyone else my dear," Jack replied.

Ophelia was completely overwhelmed with emotions when she heard that statement, but was soon brought back to reality by Renditia's retort.

"Hmmphhh I don't believe that for a second."
Ophelia usually would not get involved in an exchange between a husband and wife but couldn't help but call out Renditia's name in reprimand.

"Ophelia you shouldn't believe it for a second either. He is only here today because I accidentally mentioned that I felt a little bit sick in the morning, and so he is here as my guard."

"You should have told me, we could have cancelled the trip today," Ophelia said with obvious concern on her face.

"Not you as well Ophelia, you were supposed to be on my side. I am fine; I promise you both I am completely, absolutely and entirely capable of finishing this shopping trip," Renditia protested.

While Ophelia and Renditia went from one shop to another, Jack stayed behind a few shops. Not too far behind, of course, but he couldn't possibly go into every ribbons shop. The ladies were just about to cross the street when they ran into Andrew.
"Hello dearest Andrew, what brings you here?" Renditia asked with a sunny smile on her face.

Andrew didn't answer quickly enough and was rather staring at Ophelia who was trying to avoid looking at him. Renditia knew something was amiss, those two never behaved as such around each other. She had to investigate and so asked, "What is the matter with the two of you?"
"Nothing of course," Ophelia said hastily.

Andrew decided to refrain from answering the second question, "I was in a meeting with my solicitor and thought to take a stroll to my carriage."
Jack had just caught up to them and was slamming Andrew on the back as greeting when Renditia clung to her husband's arm and said, "Dear, I'm suddenly feeling ill so can we please cut the trip short and go home. I'm truly sorry Ophelia; maybe Andrew could finish the trip with you."
Ophelia could do nothing but stare at her friend, for everyone knew that Renditia was far from being subtle when she was matchmaking, but she never really imagined she would sink so low.
"It is quite fine actually, mother is expecting me home and I promised her not be too long gone," Ophelia said between clenched teeth.

Jack was almost going to double over from laughter, but he held himself because he really was concerned for his wife's welfare and even if she was a little bit exaggerating about her state, he was sure Renditia was at least a little ill.