Believe in Me

by Ella Quinn

  Phinn was tempted to laugh. “Well, it’s a good thing we don’t have far to sail.”

  The man’s brow cleared. “Right ye are, me lord.”

  They retired directly after dinner, rose early the next morning, and went to the dory that would carry them out to the ship. The Catherine had moved to the outer part of the harbor to make the departure easier.

  Shortly after noon the following day, they anchored in Calais.

  * * *

  After the children went to bed, Augusta, Prue, Grace, Jane, Matt, Hector, and Walter convened their meeting in the drawing room.

  Hector glanced at Walter, who shrugged. “It’s too early for me to retire. I might as well listen to the plans. If I did not have to be right back at school, I’d go with you. I just came down to wish Augusta a good trip.”

  Matt handed around glasses of wine and his butler appeared with a large platter of cheese, bread, and fruit. Once everyone had settled, he nodded to Hector.

  “First allow me to say that I am pleased Prue is able to join us.”

  “I was delighted to be asked.” She inclined her head.

  “Very well.” He handed a piece of paper to Matt. “These are the hotels we’ll visit en route to Paris. Lady Harrington has offered to let us reside with her once we arrive in the city.” Hector waited until Matt had perused the note. “The Ship in Dover is well-known and perfectly safe. The Chariot Royal in Calais caters to the English and it is well respected. Naturally, whenever any of the ladies wishes to take a walk, at least one footman will accompany her.”

  Augusta would have her footman as well as her groom with her.

  “Being port towns, Calais and Dover are the most concerning, and we will not be in either place long.” Hector made a face. “As long as we don’t have to wait for wind. I do not expect there to be any difficulties in the rest of the towns.”

  Augusta knew the journey from Calais to Paris was approximately five days of easy travel. Naturally, they would want to stop and see the sights along the way.

  Hector glanced at his list. “I have sent the carriage horses and our hacks ahead so that they’ll be rested and waiting in Calais. The coaches were built in France.”

  She had already arranged for her riding horse to go. But she’d gone back and forth about her carriage. “May I take my phaeton and pair?”

  “I don’t have any objections.” Hector glanced at her brother. “Worthington?”

  “As long as you realize that at some point you might well have to abandon the carriage.” He raised a brow. He knew! Before Augusta could stop it, her jaw dropped.

  “I am not stupid. I am well aware that you will not remain in Paris with Lady Harrington when Addison continues on.”

  “Mama?” Augusta’s voice was weaker than she would have liked.

  “As far as I know, she has not a clue, and I would prefer to keep it that way.”

  “As would I.” Her mother would put a stop to her leaving. “I’ll leave them here.”

  Her brother held up his glass of wine, signaling his approval. “A good decision.”

  “Prue,” Hector said. “Do you have any cattle or carriages you wish to take?”

  “Not a one.” She took a sip of wine. “Aries, my old gelding, could not make the journey. I shall purchase what I need when we arrive on the Continent.” She set the goblet down. “We have not discussed finances, but I wish you to know that I was well provided for and can bear my own expenses.”

  “Thank you,” Jane said. “We will allow you to purchase your own horses and any other personal items. But it will be much easier if we take care of the travel.”

  Prue pressed her lips together for a second then nodded. “If that is what you wish.”

  “Well, it is,” Hector said. “There are times we will be occupying an entire inn. It would be unnecessarily complicated to figure out your share of that. We are also paying for Augusta’s travel, and, I assure you, her family is perfectly able to afford it.”

  “You have me there.” Prue’s lips relaxed and she smiled again. “I had not thought of all that.”

  “If you insist on spending your money,” Augusta said, “you may accompany me when I visit the modiste in Paris that has been recommended to me.”

  “Oh.” Prue clapped her hands together and a beatific expression appeared on her face. “To have French gowns again. How wonderful!”

  For the second time, Augusta’s jaw dropped. “You have been to Paris before?”

  “Yes, indeed.” Her cousin nodded. “After Napoleon was defeated the first time. But only for a month.”

  The talk turned to all the sights they must visit while in the city.

  “I have been told that Sir Charles and Lady Elizabeth entertain quite frequently,” Jane said. “We are sure to be invited to one of their events.”

  “At least one, my dear.” Hector chuckled. “I would expect many more than that.”

  Augusta had not thought about having to attend balls and other parties while in France. Stupid of her really. “I wonder how I should go about obtaining access to some old treaties I wish to view.”

  “You must ask Lord Harrington to assist you,” Hector said. “If anyone is able to help you it will be him.”

  “Yes, of course. I should have thought of that.” It would make sense that an Englishman or -woman would have to go through the embassy. She would like to ask Louisa what she knew of Lady Harrington’s life in Paris. But Louisa would bring up Phinn again, and Augusta did not wish to listen to any more discussion about him. He had left for his estate in the country, and in just a few days she would be far away. Then again, Charlotte or Dotty would know as much as Louisa did about Elizabeth’s life in Paris. Augusta would just have to decide which one of them to approach.

  Chapter Nineteen

  The next morning after breakfast, Augusta called for her footman and headed to Grosvenor Square, walking all the way to Brook Street so that no one in her sister’s household could see her. Louisa would not waste a minute crossing to Merton House to discover what Augusta was doing. The door opened as she climbed the steps to Merton House.

  “Good morning, my lady.” The butler bowed. “Her ladyship will be pleased to see you.”

  She stifled her laugh at the twinkle in the butler’s eyes. Her cousin, Merton, always decried that his butler was not as somber as her brother’s butler. “Thank you, Kimble. I can find my way.”

  “I should hope so, my lady.”

  Despite herself she let out a peal of laughter. “I wish Thorton was more like you.”

  Kimble’s lips twitched. “It would not serve. We have different roles. Please tell her ladyship I shall bring tea immediately.”

  “I will.” She found Dotty seated at an elegant walnut-burl desk with scroll legs. “Good morning.”

  Dotty glanced over her shoulder. “Good morning to you.” Rising from the chair, she came over and hugged Augusta. “What brings you here?”

  “I have some questions about Elizabeth Harrington’s life in Paris. You know I will accompany Jane and Hector.”

  “Yes, I do. Allow me to ring for tea.” She started toward the bellpull.

  “There is no need. Kimble is bringing it.”

  “Very well. Please”—she motioned toward the sofa—“have a seat and tell me what you require of me.”

  “Does she attend a lot of entertainments?” Augusta knew the answer was most likely yes, but it did not hurt to ask.

  “They are very busy.” Dotty took the sofa facing Augusta. “Not only do Sir Charles and his wife entertain a great deal, but there are other parties to which the senior embassy staff are invited. Elizabeth is required to do her part as well. So, the short answer is yes, she does.” Kimble entered with the tea tray. When he left, Dotty said, “I take it you had hoped for a reprieve.”

  “I did, but now I see that I was being naïve.” Augusta sighed softly. “I just do not want a repeat of what occurred here.” She took a cup of tea from her cousin. “With so
many gentlemen thinking they should marry me.”

  “I am quite sure Matt will provide Hector with all the necessary information.” Dotty tilted her head slightly to one side. “Louisa seems to think Lord Phineas would like to marry you.”

  “Oh, I know he would.” Was this part of the conversation truly necessary? “Unfortunately, he does not love me. Even if I was not set on . . . on enjoying Europe, I could not wed a gentleman who does not love me.”

  “Nor should you.” Dotty placed a biscuit on a plate. “You have not given up your idea to study in Italy.”

  How in Heaven’s name did she know that? “I had no idea I was so transparent.”

  Dotty chuckled. “Only to those of us who know you well. You can be very single-minded. You do remember when you insisted that Matt have a telescope built like the one Mr. Herschel used so that you could see . . . What is the name of that planet?”

  “Uranus,” Augusta supplied.

  “That’s the one.” Her cousin took a bite of the lemon biscuit. “Then you made him arrange an introduction to Herschel himself so that you could quiz him about astronomy.”

  “I did not ‘quiz’ him. I wanted to learn. He introduced me to his sister, Caroline, who taught me a great deal.”

  “I have no doubt.” Dotty’s shoulders shook. “That led to you wanting to learn how to navigate by the stars, so you convinced Hector to find a sea captain who would teach you.”

  Augusta sighed. “If only I could have gone on just one passage so that I could have put it all into practice.”

  “Perhaps you will be able to make use of your knowledge on this journey.”

  Augusta hoped Dotty was right.

  “Now that I have satisfied your curiosity concerning Paris, is there anything else?” she asked.

  “Not at the moment.” Augusta put her cup on the low table between the sofas, then rose. “Grace is planning a small bon voyage party, just family and close friends.”

  Dotty came around and bussed Augusta’s cheek. “I’ll see you then, but if you have any more questions, please come by or send a note.”

  “I will.” She gave her cousin a hug. “Thank you.”

  A crease formed on Dotty’s brow. “There is one thing Elizabeth did say of which you should be aware. The French men tend to be quite a bit more persistent in pursuing a lady than our English gentlemen.”

  That was something Augusta had not considered. “I suppose I will have Elizabeth to guide me. What I really wish to do is to study some of the old documents housed in Paris. I have written Elizabeth about gaining access to them.”

  “I am sure you will have a splendid time.”

  Augusta gathered her footman and started walking home. She was glad Dotty had warned her about the gentlemen, but what a bother. Somehow Augusta would have to find a way to avoid the entertainments in Paris without seeming churlish.

  * * *

  Phinn was happy to find that his brother had sent a message to Le Chariot Royal, reserving rooms for them. After discovering he intended to travel to Paris, the manager recommended the Hôtel Meurice on Rue Saint-Honoré and offered to send a letter to the hotel with Phinn’s requirements.

  They spent a day in Calais resting the horses before heading southeast to Paris.

  Despite wishing to arrive in good time, he could not resist studying the cathedral’s architecture in Amiens. They, or rather he, spent two days asking questions about Robert de Luzarches’s design that allowed so much light into the building. Finally he was able to look at some of the original drawings.

  Before dark on the sixth day after leaving Calais, they arrived at the Hôtel Meurice. Phinn and Boman were offered glasses of wine in a parlor set aside for guests while Musson made the room arrangements.

  Several minutes later, a servant appeared at the door. “My lord, your man has your chamber prepared.”

  “Thank you,” Phinn murmured to his secretary as they climbed the stairs. “I can speak French.”

  “I think they pride themselves on speaking English to us.”

  “I suppose it doesn’t matter. At this point, all I want is a bath and dinner.”

  “You’ve read my mind,” Boman said.

  Phinn wondered when Augusta would arrive and how long she’d remain in the city. He would have only a short time in which to convince her they should travel together.

  The following morning, he and his secretary went to the British Embassy and were immediately shown to Lord Harrington’s office.

  “Good morning, my lord, sir,” a young gentleman said as they walked in. “My lord”—the man bowed—“Lord Harrington will see you now.” The man turned to Boman. “Please take a chair. Tea will be up in a moment.”

  Phinn was ushered into his lordship’s office. “My lord.” Phinn bowed and handed Harrington the letter his brother had written. “This is from Dorchester.”

  “Yes, I received a missive from him a few days ago apprising me of your pending arrival. Please have a seat. We are always happy to see our countrymen.” As Harrington popped open the seal and perused the note, Phinn surveyed the room. It was bright, and resplendent with plaster work. Long windows lined the outer walls, and small balconies were set outside them. Gold and blue curtains complemented the light blue walls. At one end of the room, an elaborately carved marble fireplace dominated the wall.

  After several moments Harrington raised his head. “Your brother asks that we give you any assistance possible in viewing various cathedrals and their architectural renderings throughout the country.”

  “Indeed. It is one of my passions.” Harrington’s secretary entered with a tea tray. “Two sugars and a splash of milk, please.”

  Harrington drummed his fingers on the walnut desk. “Have you done any work with ancient documents?”

  Documents? Not really, but Phinn knew someone who had. He raised his cup to his lips and took a sip before answering. “Why?”

  “We have a guest, actually several of them, coming to stay with us for a few weeks. One of them is a lady who is quite intent on viewing the original Oaths of Strasbourg. Unfortunately, the director of the Bibliothèque nationale de France will not allow a woman to view them. He is of the opinion that only those who are doing serious research should be allowed access.” Harrington took a drink of tea. “Normally, I would accompany her myself. After all, her request is unusual for a lady, and many would not approve.” He rubbed his hand over his chin. “I am not sure I approve. But my wife tells me that I am not being open-minded enough, and that the lady’s scholarly tendencies are supported by her family.” Phinn waited patiently while the other man drained his cup and poured another. Harrington was obviously having trouble getting to the point. “Well, you see it is a delicate matter. Her being a lady.”

  Finally, Phinn decided to help the man along. “Would this female be Lady Augusta Vivers?”

  Relief swept Harrington’s features. “Ah, yes. Yes, indeed. Do you know her?”

  “I have had that honor.” Phinn placed his cup on a small round table next to him. “It would be my pleasure to escort her to the Bibliothèque.” Not only would it make Augusta happy, but it might make her think better of him. Once she recovered from the shock of seeing him in Paris.

  “My wife seems to think she is quite bright.” Harrington sounded dubious.

  “She is one of the most learned and intelligent people I know, man or woman.” Bright? Augusta would outshine a diamond, she was so brilliant. “When I was in Mexico, the Spanish told me that when Isabella of Spain died, an extra dent was put in the pillow of her effigy to denote her superior brain. Lady Augusta would have two dents at least.”

  Harrington gave Phinn a long, considering look before rising. “Excellent.” He held out his hand. “Lord Phineas, welcome to Paris. We are planning a small party when Lady Augusta and her group arrive. Sir Charles and Lady Elizabeth entertain a good deal as well. If you leave your direction with my secretary, he will ensure that you are invited to the embassy entertainments.�
��

  Phinn shook the man’s hand and left the office.

  Bright indeed. He scoffed.

  He found Boman having a discussion with Harrington’s secretary. “Are you ready to go back to the hotel?”

  He took a piece of paper the other man handed him. “I am now. I have a list of the most important sights, recommendations for restaurants and taverns, a tailor, and a hatter. I also gave Mr. Turner our direction.”

  “One word of warning,” Medbury said. “I’d stay away from the Latin Quarter in the fifth and sixth arrondissements. The students are not happy with the king.” He grimaced. “They aren’t the only ones. There is still support for Napoleon here.”

  “Thank you.” That was one thing Phinn had not heard. Thus far, everyone had been welcoming. “We’ll be careful.”

  When she arrived, he’d make sure Augusta was kept safe as well.

  * * *

  “Worthington, you wanted to see me?” Hector Addison strolled into the study. He’d been expecting to have a conversation about Augusta with his cousin by marriage.

  “Yes. I meant to have the power of attorney for Augusta to you before now.” The man looked as if he’d aged five years in the past week.

  “There is no need to worry. Jane, Prue, and I will take good care of her.” He took a seat on one of the leather chairs in front of Worthington’s desk.

  “Claret?” He’d gone to a small sideboard and held up a glass.

  “Don’t mind if I do.” Hector accepted the goblet.

  Worthington slid a sheaf of papers across the desk to Hector. “Here is the power of attorney as well as a settlement agreement that I would require if Augusta were to wed.”

  Wed! Hector had just taken a sip of wine and had to press his handkerchief to his mouth to keep from spitting it out. “I thought one of the reasons Augusta is accompanying us is because she does not wish to marry yet.”

  Worthington drank half the wine in his glass. “You know she was supposed to be the easy one?”

  “I always thought you were deluding yourself when it came to her.” Chuckling, Hector started to take another sip of wine and decided to wait. Who knew what his cousin would say next, and the farewell party was starting soon. He did not want to have to go home and change clothes. “She’s as smart as a whip, as the Americans would say. No female that clever can be easy to guide.”