Chapter Sixteen – Shopping Adventure

And so Amelia's shopping adventure – or horror trip – started.

They stepped into the men's wear store, the opulence of the establishment overwhelming. Every item screamed wealth, from the polished mahogany shelves to the velvet drapes.

Amelia marveled at the variety of boots, ties, and other accessories displayed. They started with Ethan, who obediently tried on everything Amelia picked out for him. His tiny feet slid into shiny leather boots, and he tried on a range of ties, each one making him look more adorable than the last.

"Look at you, Ethan! You could charm the queen herself," Amelia said, clapping her hands in delight.

Ethan blushed and gave a shy smile, glancing at his uncle for approval. Alistair nodded, his stern expression softening just a fraction.

Then it was Alistair's turn. They moved to a private room, away from the bustling store. Alistair began changing into the usual outfits without glancing at the catalogue.

While he was occupied, Amelia and Ethan flipped through the pages of the catalogue. Amelia was entranced by the array of beautiful suits. She discussed each one with Ethan, trying to imagine which would look best on the duke.

"What do you think of this one?" Amelia asked, pointing to a sleek, dark suit.

Ethan nodded enthusiastically. "I think Uncle Alistair would look very handsome in that."

Alistair stepped back into the room, dressed impeccably, but he paused when he saw them engrossed in their activities. He listened quietly as Amelia continued to chat with Ethan.

"Oh, look," Amelia said, her eyes lighting up as she flipped to a page featuring matching outfits. "They have matching outfits!"

Alistair noticed the glint in her eyes. He beckoned a fitting person over discreetly.

"I'll buy all the suits my wife has looked at," he instructed, keeping his voice low so Amelia wouldn't hear. "Tailor them perfectly."

The fitting person nodded and left to arrange the order.

Alistair glanced at the catalogue himself, his eyes landing on the couple's outfit Amelia had admired. "And make a couple outfit. The one my wife is looking at."

When Alistair rejoined them, Amelia looked up, slightly startled but pleased.

"We should get going," Alistair said, his tone gentle. "There's one more place I want to take you."

They left the store, Amelia's mind buzzing with the day's excitement.

"Where are we going now?" she asked, curiosity piqued.

"A coffee shop," Alistair replied. "I thought it might be nice to relax after all the shopping."

They made their way to a quaint coffee shop nestled in a quiet corner of the town. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air as they entered, the cozy atmosphere a welcome change from the grand stores.