He clears his throat and mumbles, the tips of his ears the color of ripe strawberries. Needless to say, he doesn't do a lot of looking below the neck as far as Rachel's concerned.

"No expense is t'be spared," Kate smiles, as if nothing is out of the ordinary. "Show us the finest boots you've got."

"Y–yes, of course. Right this way, ladies."

The man disappears inside his shop, and Kate holds the door open for Rachel. The look on her face is downright puckish.

She hands Rachel another handful of bills, and drops her voice conspiratorially.

"Y'want gratitude? How 'bout I duck into the tailor's while you're gettin' started in here, an' make sure they keep their doors open a li'l later tonight?"