Chapter 17

When we reached the high-end shopping district, Isabella transformed. She became like someone possessed, paying for anything my gaze lingered on for more than three seconds. Hats, ribbons, earrings, bracelets, crystal beads whose purpose I couldn’t fathom—all the pretty, shiny things were suddenly mine. Then came the food: cakes, cookies, and pies. “No, Lady Isabella! I was just looking! You don’t have to buy it for me!” I cried out in protest. I had merely paused to admire a splendidly decorated cake in a shop window when Isabella strode inside and declared, “We’ll take one of everything from here to there.” I was stunned.