Lady Elizabeth Bretton portrayed the idyllic picture of aristocratic perfection. Her cousin wrote of making a splash in London, embraced by the most desired social circles. Penelope never minded her status of country cousin until now when the division of weal and woe grew so veracious. She glanced to Aubry, a familiar expression of concern mirrored in her eyes. “And let’s not forget the irascible situation with cousin Carrick.”
“How could I? The very idea causes my stomach to wretch and it is you who would be forced to marry our cousin.” Aubry’s repellent tone equaled Penny’s ill ease.
Elizabeth’s brother Carrick had asked for Penelope’s hand twice before her dramatic collision with ruin. If Carrick knew she currently lived in such a pitiful manner without the supervision of her father, he would swoop in and force the marriage claiming familial responsibility and financial security. Penelope held no doubt her aunt would support the decision, no matter the thought caused Penny’s stomach to roil.
She walked to the window and glanced at the sunbathed gardens below. As of today, she held renewed hope everything would change. She’d arrived in London under the protection of Lady Fenhurst, and the opportunity to find Simon and recover her family funds seemed never more attainable. She would not allow the opportunity to slip away.
“So is Viscount Fenhurst handsome? You never answered me.”
Aubry’s question broke through Penelope’s reflective thoughts. Cured of giddy daydreams, she would be hard pressed to deny her sister the luxury of hopeless romanticism. Viewing the expectant look on Aubry’s face, she recovered her laughter and relented with an easy smile before sitting beside her on the bed.
Viscount Fenhurst was handsome. Very handsome. Their accidental brush convinced her thoroughly of that. My goodness when they collided, it was as if she’d walked into a stone wall. Who would have guessed fishing could develop such a hard muscular frame? If only she had met him a year ago instead of that horrid scoundrel Simon. How different her circumstances might be now.
Phineas found Maman and her guests within the wooden gazebo, the three a pastoral amongst the last roses of summer. He smiled, knowing his mother would enjoy having the ladies in house. How long would they be visiting? Would Julia have the opportunity to make their acquaintance? He’d overheard his mother arranging appointments from seamstresses to assorted tutors for Aubry’s lessons. Poor Jenkins. Phin stifled a laugh. It would appear both sisters meant to stay an extended period of time. If nothing else, life was proving unpredictable of late. With hope his mother’s intrusive arrival would not disrupt life overmuch.
“I knew we possessed the loveliest gazebo in London.” Phin took the two steps as one and entered. Conversation stopped as attention shifted in his direction. He lingered on the glittering green interest longer than was proper, recalling their earlier collision with full force.
“Phineas, you startled us.”
His mother rushed forward with the admonishment and clasped his hands. Phin flicked his eyes skyward before taking a step back in an attempt to release her hold.
“Penelope and Aubry were keeping me company as we awaited your arrival. The ladies are all settled in.”
He glanced at the two sisters, similar in many ways, and so very different.
“Allow me to introduce Miss Aubry, Penelope’s younger sister.” His mother trilled the words.
Taking Aubry’s offered hand, he stifled another chuckle. “I am pleased to meet you. I hope you’ll be happy here while you visit, even if my mother has planned your life away.” Maman, one of the most determined people he knew, would enjoy spoiling Penelope and Aubry as substitute daughters.
“It is wonderful to meet you. The Countess has shared the lessons she’s planned and I cannot be more excited.” Aubry eyed Victoria Betcham with adoration in her eyes. “She’s arranged for everything from academics to wardrobe. I feel as though my every wish has come true.” She nodded her head, her short wavy hair bobbing in agreement.
Phineas noted Aubry’s exuberance, belatedly catching Penelope’s eye and the curious note of concern hidden there.
“Let us eat. Cook has provided a delicious meal.” Lady Fenhurst took a step toward the garden, then turned back and nodded her head in his direction. “I neglected to mention Chef Pierre has agreed to join us. He should arrive by tomorrow evening.”
Phin’s brows climbed in curiosity as he stepped behind the ladies on the walking path. “However did you manage to convince him? It’s a small miracle whenever you’ve coaxed Pierre to leave Paris, never mind take residence in our London townhouse.”
Maman released an abrupt laugh. “He knows how much we enjoy his artistry in the kitchen. And too, he’s worth the price.”
No need to inquire about the latter portion of that statement. His mother knew what she liked and what she wanted. There would be no changing her mind.
Instead Phineas offered his hand to assist Penelope as she settled upon the flannel, but when he turned to do the same for Aubry, the gesture was lost, his mother having whisked the young girl toward the flowerbeds, their silhouettes disappearing among the yellow-throated roses. He sat down, chagrined, yet all too familiar with his mother’s whims.
“Lady Rosebery.” Phineas offered her a plate. “We have been abruptly dismissed.”
“I think you’re correct.” She returned an amiable smile. “It will be good for my sister to have some order in her life. As much as I regret to admit it, the past months have not been kind.”
Phineas watched as she placed the china plate upon the blanket, adjusting it twice before she was satisfied. She turned her concentration to the silverware next. Could she be nervous? His eyes swept up her slight form, stalling to admire her hair as she gave the place setting her full interest. Sunlight reflected off the caramel waves shadowing her face. Lush lashes swept against her creamy soft skin and captured his attention. Good thing her eyes remained cast toward the silver or she might wonder what he was about, yet it was only subtle interest that held his attention.
His mother best not have offered his assistance in whatever she’d schemed with the ladies. He clenched his teeth to evoke patience and then forced himself to relax. He was preoccupied with Julia’s issue and unwilling to invite further misery by way of female emotion. Still, congeniality would harm no one.
“Please call me Phineas. After nearly knocking you over and now sharing a picnic, I would like us to become friends. We are living in the same house.” An unexpected emotion coursed through him as he said the words aloud and he reached up to tug at the too-tight knot in his cravat.
“I know. This is more than I ever imagined.” Her admission, a beguiling mixture of whisper and awe, disappeared on a pleasant breeze. Then, as if riddled with uncertainty, she continued. “Phineas.”
“Well, now that’s better.” He handed her a linen napkin, although his mind twitched with the question of why he liked the sound of his name in her voice. “Let’s eat, shall we?” The words came out stronger than necessary.
He unwrapped the assortment of foods and strove for casual conversation. “Cook was generous. Clearly my mother is intent on strolling with Aubry this afternoon whereas I thought her famished.” His eyes followed the vacant path.
He’d be damned if Maman was orchestrating another matchmaking episode; having grown wary of any situation involving an unmarried female due to his mother’s unrelenting desire to see him settled and producing offspring. Relationships were messy business.
No wife, happy life.
He silently repeated his mantra and with swift vigilance dismissed the unpleasant thought of Maman’s interference.
“Thank