by Ella Quinn
After accepting a glass of wine, he said, “If we can be in Dover by evening the day after tomorrow, we can leave on the next tide.”
Dorchester put his goblet down. “That soon?”
“Yes, my lord,” Boman said. “The wind is beginning to turn and is expected to remain for only a few days.”
“Well, it’s a good thing you are ready to depart.” Dorchester pulled a face. “Although, I suppose it’s better that you leave sooner than later. I was able to convince Helen that you are playing least in sight because you wish to be alone to nurse your hurt feelings after being rejected by Lady Augusta.”
Boman raised his brows in a query.
“That won’t last long.” Phinn heaved a sigh. He wouldn’t want to be his brother when Helen discovered he’d left. He glanced at his secretary. “She wanted me to accompany her to some sort of event today. Fortunately, Musson warned me.”
“Ah, well,” his brother said. “That enabled us to finish what needed to be done.”
“What are we doing about a groom?” Boman asked.
Blast it to hell! They couldn’t leave without at least two grooms and an equal number of coachmen.
“Don’t look at me,” Dorchester said. “I don’t have any to spare.” He pulled the bellpull, and a second later his butler entered the room.
“My lord?”
“Where can I find grooms and coachmen in a hurry?”
“Allow me a few minutes and I shall have an answer.” Saddock bowed and left the study.
True to his word, he returned five minutes later. “The Everley Employment Agency has the best reputation.” He handed Dorchester a piece of paper. “Will there be anything else, my lord?”
Saddock’s question reminded Phinn he’d forgotten to mention his presentation. “I’m giving my paper to the Royal Institution tomorrow early afternoon.” Phinn couldn’t help but to puff his chest out a little and grin. The elation had finally struck.
“That’s excellent news!” Boman shook Phinn’s hand. “Well done.”
“Indeed it is wonderful news.” The butler bowed. “Your father would have been proud of you, sir.”
“The hell with our father. I’m proud of him.” Dorchester poured Phinn another glass of wine. “We will celebrate with champagne tomorrow. What is the topic?”
“It concerns an antispasmodic medicine the Aztecs discovered.” Phinn sipped the fine claret. Soon he’d have his choice of French wines. He would have to discover if Augusta liked wine.
After the butler left, his brother handed the note to Phinn, who gave it to his secretary. “Good luck.”
Boman rose. “I’ll inform you if I have any difficulty.”
“Arrange for them to stay in an inn near the stables,” Phinn said. “I want them there by tomorrow afternoon at the latest to help load the coach.”
“I have already organized a cart to take your trunks to the stable.” His secretary began to walk out then stopped. “Shall I have the carriage meet us in the mews at dawn?”
“That’s an excellent idea.” The clandestine aspect of this adventure appealed to Phinn. “Perhaps I’ll climb out the window so as not to be seen.”
His brother heaved a sigh. “You will not climb out the window, nor will you depart from the mews. You shall leave here as befits your station.”
“Spoilsport,” Phinn retorted.
“It is ever my role,” Dorchester grumbled. “Save your heroic larks for your lady. She will likely appreciate them.”
* * *
Now Phinn had to watch as Augusta danced with a tall, blond gentleman he’d not seen her stand up with before. He turned to his sister-in-law. “Who is that?”
“Lord Turley.” Phinn raised a brow, and a pained expression crossed Helen’s face as she briefly closed her eyes. “Viscount Turley. Why are you so focused on Lady Augusta when she is leaving?”
Because Phinn wanted Augusta as he’d not wanted another lady. And he hated seeing her with another man. Instead of answering her query, he shrugged.
“Dorchester was right.” She smiled at a matron accompanied by a young lady with light brown hair. “She hurt you badly. Well”—she linked her arm with his—“there is only one way for you to get over her. You must find another lady.”
Perdition! That wasn’t at all what he wanted. Yet, he couldn’t very well refuse to be towed along. Before he knew it, he had a partner for every dance.
“You have one more set for which you do not have a partner,” Helen said, scanning the ballroom.
“I do not.” She glanced at him. “I asked Lady Augusta for the second waltz.”
“You are making a fool of yourself. Everyone knows she rejected you.”
Rejected was such a harsh word. He much preferred put him off. That was much better. She’d put him off until he changed her mind. “It is my decision to make.”
“Very well, but be prepared to start looking for a new lady.” Not waiting for a response, she glided off.
He had one dance to suffer through before his waltz with Augusta. The lady was one he’d not met before this evening, a Miss Caldwell. Phinn bowed. “Miss Caldwell, shall we?”
“My lord.” She curtseyed and took the arm he held out. They were halfway through the set when she said, “Did you know that you follow her with your eyes?”
Damn. He didn’t know he was so obvious. “My apologies.”
“Another lady could help you get over her.” The dance parted them again, and he tried to focus on his partner. Then she laughed. “Oh, dear. Your expression. Not me. I assure you. I am only here because my parents are making me come. I already have a gentleman I wish to wed.”
Phinn wondered what his expression had been. He attempted a smile. “That is what my sister-in-law said. That I was making a fool of myself.” It occurred to him that if he was making such a quiz of himself, he needed an explanation as to why he would not be in Town after tomorrow. Otherwise, Augusta was sure to find out he’d left the country. “I think I need a few days to myself. A visit to my estate seems to be in order.”
“Running away?” Miss Caldwell said.
“You might say that. Then again, I have not been to the country since returning to England. Surely there is an argument to be made.”
“I believe you have the right of it. Waiting until after she leaves would make you appear pathetic.”
Little did she know. “You are correct, of course.”
Several minutes later, he found himself repeating the lie to Augusta.
“I think you would have rather visited Elsworth when you first returned. It is a shame you were made to come to Town.” She searched his eyes, and his chest began to ache.
He held her closer during a turn. “Yet, I would not have wanted to miss meeting you. I’ve never had a friend as erudite and clever.”
“I have enjoyed spending time with you as well.” Her eyes met his. And he was trapped in her brilliant blue gaze. “I will admit that I shall miss you.”
“I will likely not see you again.”
“Oh.” Augusta was silent for a few moments. “I have decided not to attend any more evening entertainments.”
If only he could kiss her. “Is it horrible for you?”
She gave a rueful laugh. “Other than you, this evening all my dance partners are friends of my sisters and their husbands.” They made another turn and her lips tilted up a little in a travesty of a smile. “If I was staying it would be truly terrible.”
If she was staying she’d be marrying him. “You will have fun in France.”
That was the right thing to say. This time her smile was real. “I am hoping to see the original Oaths of Strasbourg.”
“They were written in Old French?” What other facts did she have stuffed in that head of hers?
“Yes.” Her smile grew broader. “Of course. I have never before seen an original document. Only copies.”
That’s what he’d do. When he arrived in Paris, Phinn would arrange for her to view the do
cuments. Even if she was angry at him for following her, she might forgive him if he did that.
“I wish you luck.” Luck he’d arrange.
For a second she appeared sad, then she blinked several times. “I shall miss you.”
“I’ll miss you as well.” Devil it, he’d better change the conversation or they’d both become maudlin. “Everything will work out as it was meant to be.”
“That’s what Grace said.” The dance ended, and she curtseyed as he bowed. “I am going home now. I hope you enjoy yourself in Lincolnshire.”
“I’m sure I will.” Phinn would enjoy taking her there after they married.
He accompanied Augusta and her family to the hall. Drawing her off to the side, he wished he could kiss her. Their gazes caught briefly, then she lowered her thick, dark lashes. He’d never before noticed how they curled up at the tips.
For several long moments, she seemed determined to study the marble floor. “I suppose this is good-bye.”
Raising her hand, he kissed her small, delicate fingers. “Not good-bye. I shall see you tomorrow.”
Augusta raised her eyes to his as if she would say something else, then shook her head. “How could I have forgotten? This evening has been more difficult than I thought.”
Tomorrow could not come soon enough. Seeing her again could not come soon enough. If only he could offer her what she wanted rather than what he must have.
* * *
Before Augusta entered the coach, she turned her head to see Phinn return to the ballroom. She would miss him and his conversation. If only he cared enough for her to wait for her return, but he had a duty to his family.
“You like Lord Phineas a great deal.” Louisa’s words made Augusta turn toward her sister. “And he likes you.”
Likes, not loves. I must remember that. “Yes. He is a good friend.”
“He could become more than a friend,” Louisa said in a cajoling tone.
“Louisa.” Rothwell’s low tone rumbled through the coach. “Now is not the time to be matchmaking.”
“I merely want Augusta to be happy,” she said.
Good Lord. She sounded like Mama. “I shall be happy traveling.”
“You could travel with a husband.” Louisa sounded so sure of herself. Then again, she always did.
Augusta wanted to pound her head against the coach wall. “Like you and Charlotte and Dotty have?” This was outside of enough. “I thought you agreed that I should go to Europe.”
“That was before I knew you were in love.”
Augusta wished her sister had not seen Phinn and her say their almost good-byes. If only she’d remembered their appointment tomorrow. “I am not in love!” She could be, but that would not do her any good at all. Phinn wasn’t in love with her.
Even in the dim coach light, she could see her sister’s chin firm. “I do not believe you.”
“Well, it is true. Aside from that I would not be able to travel if I had a baby. Look at you, Charlotte, and Dotty. None of you have even visited Paris.”
“That is because we have responsibilities here.” Louisa raised a brow. “You and Lord Phineas do not.”
That might be true for her, but not for him. Still, one extremely pertinent fact remained. “Louisa, he does not love me. I challenged him about it when he proposed, and he told me as much.”
Rothwell’s brows shot up. “Are you sure?”
What was that supposed to mean? Augusta scowled at him. “Very sure.”
“Would it make a difference if he did love you?” Her sister prodded.
“It would make it harder to leave.” She could admit that much. “I want something more before I settle down to have babies.” Why was that so hard for others to understand? “Still, the fact remains that he does not love me. And he has a duty to marry. Dorchester is relying on him to have the heir.”
“For Heaven’s sake.” Louisa sounded so disgusted Augusta almost laughed. “They only have four children. Lady Dorchester is bound to have a son at some point.”
Augusta had to put an end to this conversation. “I am going to Europe, and I do not wish to discuss it any further.”
“Very well.” Louisa threw up her hands. “Have it your way.”
“Good. I shall.” That should be the end of that. Although with Louisa one never knew.
A low chuckle emanated from Rothwell. “She is as stubborn as you are, my love.”
Augusta hid her smile as her sister crossed her arms in front of her chest. That was one more hurdle she had successfully cleared. She only hoped there would not be any more.
She wished she could depart tomorrow. Unfortunately, she still needed luggage, and her clothing was not quite ready. Not to mention that Cousin Prue had not yet arrived, or that Jane and Hector still had things they had to do.
There was nothing for it; Augusta must be patient and trust that her journey would proceed as intended. As for Phinn, however much she’d grown to care for him, their fates lay down different paths. She’d simply have to put him and their friendship out of her mind.
Chapter Seventeen
The next day Phinn arrived at Worthington House promptly at quarter after the hour. Naturally, Augusta was ready to depart. “I’m glad the rain cleared the air.”
“I am as well.” As she had the first time they’d gone for a ride, she strode straight to the phaeton. He had a deal of work to do if was to get back in her good graces. “My carriage has a hood that can be raised, but I’ve never used it.”
Lengthening his stride, he skirted the footman and reached the vehicle in time to assist her. He held his arm out to her. She stared at it for several seconds before placing her fingers gingerly on his coat sleeve. “I hope you enjoy the lecture.”
“With you giving it, I’m sure I shall.” Augusta threw Phinn a quick smile. Once her groom climbed onto the back, she gave the pair the office to start.
“I trust you know the way.” The streets were busy with carriages, drays, and other conveyances. Not to mention boys cleaning the way for ladies and gentlemen crossing the roads.
“I studied a map of London this morning and consulted with my brother’s coachman before selecting my route. I have never been so close to the river before.”
Twenty minutes later they drew up in front of Somerset House.
“You did an excellent job.” But he knew she would. Augusta was nothing if not thorough. “I won’t be a minute.”
Phinn jumped down, strode through the door, bid the footman good day, and went back out to the carriage. He’d had no business at all with the Royal Society, but he had wanted to spend more time with Augusta, and he couldn’t very well have asked her to drive him the extremely short distance from Berkeley Square to Albemarle Street.
He climbed back into the phaeton. “On to the Royal Institution.” They arrived almost ten minutes before his appointed time. He jumped down and went around the phaeton. Before she could object, he clasped her trim waist and lifted her down. It might be wrong of him, but he enjoyed the way her color heightened and her breath caught as he kept hold of her a little longer than necessary. “I shall ensure you have a place to sit before I begin.”
“Thank you.” Blushing adorably, she dropped her gaze before taking his arm.
“My lady.” Her groom had gone to the heads of the horses. “How long do you think you’ll be?”
She glanced at Phinn and he answered. “No more than an hour.”
“Right, my lord. I’ll just walk back and forth.”
“There you are,” Dorchester called as Phinn and Augusta attained the door.
Her eyes narrowed suspiciously. “You did not tell me your brother was attending.”
“Honestly, I didn’t know.” What the devil was Dorchester doing here? “I only mentioned it to him in passing yesterday, and we were interrupted. He never said a word either at dinner or this morning.”
Her eyes met Phinn’s as she studied him long enough to make him want to squirm. “Very well. I trust
he will drive you home.”
“I don’t know that either.” Phinn glanced at his brother, who’d joined them. “I thought you had to be at the Lords or somewhere.”
“I wouldn’t miss this.” His brother bowed. “Lady Augusta, I believe I must apologize to you for not informing my brother I could have driven him.”
The tension that had bracketed her mouth eased as she curtseyed. “Not at all, my lord.”
“I must request that you return him at the end of his presentation. Unfortunately, I need to dash immediately to a committee meeting.”
“I am here.” Phinn truly disliked when his brother acted like he was an errant child. Or was that what Dorchester was doing? Had he noticed the disgruntled look on Augusta’s face?
“Yes, of course you are. I apologize to you as well. This was obviously not well done of me.”
“As long as you’re here, you may sit with Lady Augusta.” The front door opened and Phinn led them in.
“Lord Phineas?” A neatly dressed gentleman with dark hair who was around his age hurried up to him.
“I am.” He indicated Augusta and his brother. “These are my guests.”
“I am Mr. Turner, one of the secretaries. Come this way, if you please.”
He led them to two chairs in the back of a large room with windows lining one side. A fireplace blazed at the other end of the parlor. The chamber was already more than three-quarters full. “If you please?”
Augusta and Dorchester took their seats.
“I’ll see you after I’m finished.” Phinn followed Mr. Turner to the front of the room.
The secretary introduced Phinn, explaining the change for those members who had not been notified. After which he launched into his topic. Strangely enough, the only person he noticed was Augusta. Perched on her chair, she leaned forward slightly. When her brows drew together as if something he said did not quite make sense, he explained himself, finding that he had indeed needed to add more information.
An hour later, after being congratulated by the gentlemen and few ladies present, he made it to the back of the room.
She took his arm. “You gave an excellent presentation. But I didn’t know you wore eyeglasses.”