by Wendy Vella
“I saw Miss Langley earlier today. She is a lovely lady, Finn.”
Luckily, he had good balance as Alex’s words made him miss a step, but Finn recovered before they noticed.
“Which Miss Langley?” he said, knowing very well it was Phoebe.
“The goddess.”
“By God, she is isn’t she,” Ben sighed.
Finn listened as Ben listed Phoebe’s virtues. He neither agreed nor disagreed until the last one.
“Elegant manners?” Finn queried. “She spends her nights speaking her mind. I have never met a woman who has such little regard for the rules of society.”
The twins both stopped to stare at him.
“That was quite a bit of emotion behind that statement, Finn. Care to tell us what Miss Langley has done to raise your ire?”
“Nothing,” he said calmly, realizing he had let his emotions get the better of him. “We are not that well acquainted. I have merely heard talk.”
“How interesting, when you often declare vehemently that you loathe gossip,” Alex said.
“Where did you meet her?” His insides always seemed to be a constant simmer these days, and usually reached boiling point when Phoebe was mentioned or nearby.
“We bumped into each other walking along Bond Street earlier. She was with Miss Wooller.”
“You went shopping before we met you? Then shopped again with us, Alex? I swear, you spend more money on your clothes than the average household on food.”
“Looking at your waistline, Ben, we know where your money is—”
“About the investments we discussed, Alex,” Finn interrupted before they started bickering in the streets. He was also more than happy to move the conversation away from Phoebe.
“I have it under control. Thank you, Finn.”
Alex smiled up at him and then nodded his head to a lady passing by.
“I think you should take my advice on this, Alex. The locomotive industry is on the cusp of booming and now is the time to invest.”
“I have a few things I am looking into, Finn. You shall have to trust me.”
Finn stopped. “What things?” He felt a chill at his bother’s words. “The last time you invested without my advice, it did not go well for you.”
“Tis hardly my fault that man was a fraudster. Those diamonds looked real,” Alex protested.
“Alex, you should have asked me to look into it for you,” Finn added. “I would have told you it was not a sound investment, like this one is.”
“Ben and I have since made several sound ones with good yields, haven’t we, Ben?”
Finn watched his other brother nod but add nothing further. He was happy not to have Finn’s attention and more than happy for it to be focused on his twin.
“I’m twenty-two, Finneous. For pity’s sake, let me live or fall on my own sword, not yours.”
Finn felt protective of the twins, and perhaps he came across heavy-handed at times, but he had their best interests at heart, and he was damned if he’d stand by and see some unscrupulous bastard lure them into another unsound investment.
“Tell me of these investments and I will check them out for you.”
Alex turned to face Finn, folding his arms in a defensive gesture; he then narrowed his eyes before speaking. “I can look after myself, brother. There is no need for you to meddle.”
“Meddle!” Finn snapped. “Had I not meddled in your life at least a dozen times you would probably be on a ship bound for the colonies, shackled to your brother.”
“That’s harsh,” Ben said, moving to Alex’s side.
“Everyone makes mistakes, Finn, and those of us with a modicum of intelligence learn from them,” Alex snapped back. “So leave me alone to make my choices.”
They stood in the street glaring at each other. Arguing with them wasn’t anything new, but usually Finn remained in control; however, at that moment he would have happily thumped some sense into his brother.
“So shall Alex slice you to pieces or knock some sense into your head, Finn?”
Inhaling deeply as Ben spoke, Finn pulled his eyes from Alex and looked up at the Boxing Saloon and then to where Angelo’s Fencing Academy was located. Finn thought that some exercise would do him good and taking his brother apart with a blade would be just the thing. He seemed to be filled with a great deal of pent up anger and frustration today.
“Usually the maker of such sweeping statements ends up on his ass, and I may be just the man to put you there, brother,” Finn said, taking the change in conversation.
He would talk with Alex again tomorrow, make him see reason. Yes, he had assured they would never go without in their lives and their futures were financially secure, yet he would not have them being idle noblemen with little or no purpose in life other than self-indulgence. He’d raised them better than that. He’d also be damned if he would let some fraudster take them for their money again.
“You should lend me your new rapier,” Alex said, apparently his humors were now restored.
Walking through the doors to Angelo’s, Finn shook his head. “The discussion of your investments is not over, Alex. And why would I lend you my new rapier if I am trying to beat you?”
“Yes, it is over and it would be quite a coup to beat me with your old foil, don’t you think?”
“I could beat you with my hair brush, Alex. However, I wish to use my new rapier and that is the end of the matter.”
Alex made a clucking noise to which Finn refused to comment.
“Ben has gone to talk with Thompson. You remember him, Finn. We were at Eaton together. I must say hello, and then I shall return to take you apart shortly, brother.”
“No hurry, Alex. Take your time. It will make my thrashing you all the sweeter.”
Laughing as his brother hissed something foul beneath his breath before walking away, he watched as Alex slapped his old friend on the back. Only Alex fenced. Ben liked to box and both were actually very good at what they had chosen, Finn was just better, which in all honesty he should be, seeing as he many years their senior.
“Finn.” Will wandered in with his usual smile in place.
Finn watched his brothers to ensure no ruckus ensued, satisfied with the general air of back slapping and camaraderie, he then turned to greet his friend.
“I saw your sister-in-law riding in the park this morning,” Finn said, swinging his rapier between his fingers.
“Did you see her fall, too?”
Finn nodded but said nothing further. He wanted to see what Will knew before saying anything about the incident he had witnessed.
“I have a groom who used to ride in a carnival and no one will confirm or deny my suspicions. However, it’s my belief that by the bruise on her cheek and sore wrist, that she has been doing tricks.”
“I think it’s safe to say she is indeed practicing tricks in the park in the morning. But I will add to that.” Finn raised a hand when Will started to speak. “That she is extremely competent, and in fact only hurt herself as I disturbed her this morning. So if anyone is to blame for her injuries, then it is me.”
Finn wasn’t sure why he had said what he had. Maybe because it was true and she was a good rider, or maybe because he did not want to bring trouble down upon her head, knowing how much she obviously loved her morning rides. Whatever the reason, he did not want to be the one responsible for Will stopping her.
“I would, however, add that it would be in her best interests to keep an eye on her. She does appear to have a reckless streak.”
Will’s curse was whispered. “It would be easier watching over an eel. Phoebe is always slipping out of the house without my knowledge, and rarely tells me where she is off to.
“Ho there, Will, come to see Alex trounce Finn?” Ben said, appearing beside Will.
“Absolutely, Ben. I have complete faith in your twin. Finn has lost some of his edge lately.” Will then put a hand on Ben’s shoulder and walked him to where there were seats, thus leaving Fi
nn alone to limber up.
He spent the next few minutes preparing for his fencing match and forcing Phoebe, in her breeches, from his head once again. It seemed everyone wanted to talk about the woman, first Alex and Ben, now Will, although in fairness it had been he who’d mentioned seeing her riding in the park.
Looking for his brothers, he found Ben with Will. Both had found a drink and a place to lounge. Flexing his fingers, he then stretched his arms and legs as he looked for Alex, who was chatting with anyone who would listen. A few minutes later he wandered over to where Finn stood.
“Can’t you take anything seriously?”
Collecting his gloves, Alex shot his brother a cheeky smile.
“If I took it seriously and still you beat me, then I could not stand the humiliation, whereas now if you beat me, it will simply be because I was not prepared.”
Finn stopped his movements to look at his brother. “If I did not look at you and see myself I would question that we came from the same parents.”
“Yes, it is one of life’s little puzzles.” Alex picked up his foil and checked the button was secure. “Imagine though, Finn, just for a moment,” he added, balancing the tip on the floor. “If I were as tyrannical as you, we would spend every day arguing.”
“I’m not tyrannical!”
Finn spun round to glare at Will as he snorted. His friend then fished a bag of roasted chestnuts out of his pocket and popped one into his mouth.
Finn knew many people liked to watch him and the twin’s fence or box, because Will had always told him it was like a good play.
“Not tyrannical. Tut tut, brother. It is not I that haul you from your bed every morning to share your morning meal.”
“If I let you and your brother sleep you would still be there for your evening meal,” Finn ground out.
Finn watched Alex lean on his foil and then only just managed to leap into the air to avoid being skewered as it sprang free and hurtled straight for him.
“En garde!” he howled, rage narrowing his eyes as he watched his brother slowly retrieve his foil and move opposite him.
“Salut,” Alex said, offering him an innocent smile before lifting his foil slightly to indicate he was ready.
Finn drew in a deep breath and tried to focus. If he let his guard down Alex would get under it, as he’d often taught him to do.
“Excellent contre-riposte, young Alexander!” Lord Gray shouted.
“You have improved, brother,” Finn rasped minutes later.
“Its b-because your getting old, Finn. We mortals are catching up.”
“That was a mistake, Alex!” Ben called. “He’s angry now.”
Finn shut out the sounds of bets being placed, which he was sure Ben had instigated, and focused on the movements he had been taught and practiced for many years. His shirt began to darken with sweat as did Alex’s. He saw the concentration in his brother’s eyes but did not show his pride; that would come later. When the moment came and Alex lowered his guard, he leapt forward and took the opportunity to win the match. He and Alex then lowered their foils and sucked in deep lungfuls of air.
“I don’t suppose you would take me on now. I’d probably beat the both of you,” Ben questioned, coming to where they stood.
Both brothers merely grunted and then, gathering their things, walked from the building.
CHAPTER SIX
Phoebe collected Bella, who had been reading in her room, and together they made their way downstairs to take tea with Livvy later that day. She wanted to talk with Will as soon as she could and hoped he was at home also. Her mind was filled with designs she wanted to put down on paper, but before she did this she needed to secure her share of the money to invest in the business. Hannah had said it didn’t matter, as she had more than enough, plus Alex’s share, to start with. But it mattered to Phoebe, very much.
“You cannot keep it from them, love. They will soon know, after all.”
Bella looked at Phoebe as they heard the deep rumble of Will’s words through the open door. Phoebe raised one eyebrow, but Bella shrugged as if to say she had no idea what the conversation was about.
“Know what?” Phoebe said moving into the room towards her sister who sat beside her husband on one of the sofas.
“Ah—”
The eldest Langley sister was blushing. Her cheeks red as she turned to glare at her husband who was laughing. Their love was a wonderful thing, and while it had taken a while and several trying months to reach a point where Livvy would acknowledge it, she was now a very happy woman.
Bella moved to Phoebe’s side and then both stopped before their sister. They looked at her for a few seconds then both said at once, “You’re going to have a baby!” which made Will laugh harder. Livvy, however, sniffed and gave her sisters a wobbly smile.
“I had wanted to wait a bit longer before telling you. However, it seems I cannot conceal anything from either of you.”
“Oh, Livvy,” Phoebe whispered, dropping to her knees and wrapping her sister in her arms while Bella hugged Will.
“When will it arrive?” Bella questioned once they had all regained their composure and were seated.
“I’m not sure, but I will see a doctor soon.”
“You must take it easy, Livvy. I have heard that these early days are the most important.”
“Thank you, Bella. I have been trying to tell your sister that for days,” Will said, his eyes crinkling in the corners as he smiled.
“How was your new friend, Miss Wooller?”
“Actually, Will, I need to discuss that visit with you,” Phoebe said in answer to his question.
“No better time than now,” he said, spreading his arms wide.
Phoebe looked at her sisters. It was true they had no secrets, yet she felt strange about discussing this one, perhaps because it meant so much to her.
“Hannah has asked me to go into business with her. We are to start a fashion establishment making dresses.” She said the words in a rush, fearing how they would sound. “She has, of course, been looking into this for sometime with the help of her father, who I believe you know, Will?”
“I do,” he said, but nothing further, so Phoebe continued, outlining the plans they had worked through briefly today.
Will wrinkled his brow when she finished and she knew he was thinking. He then looked from his wife to Bella, and lastly back to Phoebe.
“There is much to think through, Phoebe. It is quite a big venture, surely?” Livvy said before he had a chance to speak.
“Yes, but we have the premises, and Hannah has already done so much of the planning as she has been thinking this through for over a year. Of course we need to sit and plan many things, but—”
“You’re excited,” Will said softly. “Because this is what you need, isn’t it, Phoebe? Something that interests and excites you.”
“Yes,” she whispered, because it was true.
“It certainly sounds exciting, Phoebe. Can I help?”
“Of course, Bella, I would love that so much. You have a wonderful eye for fashion.”
“I think your shop name should be French. The silly society ladies believe only the French know how to really sew.” This came from Livvy who was looking thoughtful.
“You think it might work?” Phoebe said, clutching her hands together because she was nervous.
“Yes, with your flair for fashion I fail to see how it could not. However, I will temper your excitement by saying that if anyone finds out what you are doing you will be ridiculed and possibly shunned in society, Phoebe,” Livvy cautioned.
“I promise no one will find out as there will be only family who know, and I’m sure you will not tell anyone.”
“And you would like to take a loan from me to start you off, Phoebe, is that correct?” Will joined the conversation. Her brother-in-law had eyes that could pin a person in place.
“Yes,” Phoebe said.
“I have no problem with that. I will also offer my services in
any capacity you require. I have considerable knowledge on business, and of course my warehouses have plenty of stock you could use.”
Phoebe, who had been about to start pouring tea, stopped and stood upright once more.
“You’re saying yes without knowing more, Will?”
“I’ll lend you money to invest, and we shall discuss my return at a later date.”
Phoebe’s legs felt wobbly all of a sudden, so she stumbled backwards and landed on Bella, who groaned theatrically and then nudged her into another seat.
“You’re an intelligent woman, Phoebe. Perhaps it’s about time you believed in yourself.”
Will’s words were gently spoken and while Phoebe’s eyes were on the cup still clutched in her hand, everyone else in the room was looking at her. Could she be trusted to look after Will’s money until she could pay him back?
“I’m a woman,” she said, and had no idea why.
“So you are, and as such isn’t it your job to pour my tea?”
Livvy and Bella giggled as Phoebe finally raised her eyes.
“I won’t let you down, Will.”
“I know.”
Her hands trembled, but she managed to pour the tea and they chatted about nothing and everything for awhile as she got her thoughts under control. It had been a day of surprises, wonderful surprises, and the excitement inside Phoebe told her it had been far too long since she had felt this way.
“Will I be able to bring Hannah to visit your warehouses tomorrow, Will?”
“Absolutely.”
It was all so simple to him. She was family, therefore he said yes. No if’s or buts. Just a simple, ‘absolutely.’
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome again.” His eyes twinkled and Phoebe wondered if she would ever find a man like William Ryder to love her.
Lord and Lady Harrington’s little musical was a horrid crush which made Phoebe irritable, because she had been in an excellent mood before arriving. Having spent two enjoyable hours in her room sketching designs for Hannah and Alex, and making lists and devising plans for there business, she had not wanted to leave, but Livvy had insisted.