Lady Helen pressed her hand to her lips. “And Anise? I fear he would not remain faithful long.” She sank back into her chair, her brow furrowed. “A most vexatious business. I am tempted to chastise him myself; perhaps then he would see reason.”
Elizabeth touched her aunt’s hand. “I see that Phillip enjoys the chase. He seeks the challenge in Anise because she resists him. But if his purpose is truly Abby, he must take care. Women are not prizes to be won by sport, and Abby will not endure being toyed with.”
Lady Helen sighed heavily. “He is like his father, too certain of his charm, too sure that he can have what he sets his mind upon.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “Then perhaps it is well. If Phillip means to have her, he must learn restraint. And if he cannot, then it is better for Abby, and for Anise, that they see his true nature now.”
For a moment, neither spoke. Then Lady Helen straightened.
“Please, if you are able, speak with Abby and try to discover how she feels. If Phillip is in danger of losing her, he must be warned before it is too late.”
Elizabeth agreed. “I shall do so, for Abby’s sake. They are my friends, and I will not let them be injured. I only hope he does not squander what might be his happiness.”
Lady Helen spoke her feelings. “He walks a knife’s edge, Elizabeth. I pray he does not cut himself upon it. Most society ladies are entitled, spoiled by wealth and by the constant attentions of fortune-hunters sniffing after a dowry and a name. It is a tiresome marketplace, and Abby is a rarity within it.”
Chapter 85: A Timely Admonition
The cavalcade had been on the road for three hours when Darcy called a halt to rest the horses. Phillip dismounted and handed off his reins. “Miss Anise, come. A stream runs through the Oak Grove. It is not far.” Without waiting for an answer, he took Miss Stanton’s arm and led her toward the creek.
Elizabeth called her sister. “Georgiana, I brought my rod. We may fish while the horses rest.” She turned to Abby. “Do you fish?”
Abby shook her head. “No, I have never even held a rod. But I will come and learn. Perhaps I will like it.”
The groom held Elizabeth’s rod, tackle box, and creel. Elizabeth said, “Ladies, Peter has everything in hand. Come, let us see if we can catch anything.”
Elizabeth set up her rod for Abby, while the footman prepared Darcy’s for Georgiana.
“I shall demonstrate first; then it shall be your turn,” Elizabeth said to her friend. She cast the line, and the fly landed at the far end of the stream. She reeled the line in and then handed the rod to Abby. “Hold the rod in your right hand. Then, with your left hand, collect the line, like this. Now, draw a length of line off the reel. Good. Now then, flick your wrist.”
Abby gave a small shriek. “The line is caught in the shrubbery.”
“Hold the rod, I will free it,” Elizabeth replied, laughing as she ran to untangle the hook. On her second attempt, Abby cast again and caught the hook on Elizabeth’s slipper. Both burst into laughter as Elizabeth struggled to free herself.
Within moments, Phillip stood at Abby’s side. “You are not accelerating the rod forward on the back cast. Let me show you.”
Elizabeth walked the line back to where Phillip now stood next to Abby, providing instructions.
Two hours slipped by as Darcy, Richard, Phillip, and Abby fished, while the others strolled or rested on blankets. Their leisure ended suddenly when rain began to fall. All was hastily gathered, and the men took their places in the carriages alongside the women. Phillip placed himself between the two sisters, then bent his head to Anise and spoke quietly into her ear.
“Miss Anise, what do you think of your sister’s skill?” He grinned at Abby, but Anise only looked down at her folded hands.
“Abby’s lesson was very entertaining, my lord.”
“Shall I teach you to fish at our next stop, my dear?”
“No, thank you, my lord.”
“Why not? Do you not like the sport?”
“Fishing is not a sport I would enjoy, my lord.”
He took her hand. “Miss Anise, you would find it enjoyable if I were your teacher.”
Lady Helen coughed.He is just like his father, a flirt and a prattle. What is he thinking of?But aloud she asked, “Phillip, do you know how many more hours lie ahead of us before we stop for the day?”
“Darcy says it will be another three hours before we reach our lodging for the night, mamma.”
The Countess turned to Abby. “Did you catch any fish, my dear?”
