‘Higglestone,’ their aunt supplied obligingly.
‘Aurelia is used to rather more sophisticated diversions than the jugglers and swings of Sydney Gardens…’
‘Indeed! Though the Sydney Gardens picnic is commonly agreed to be one of the more entertaining events of the Bath season, Marchioness,’ a low tone interjected, ‘my brother and I certainly look forward to it.’
There was a moment’s silence while everyone looked across at the two new visitors standing just inside the open shop door, and Phoebe felt her every thought grind to a halt. It was so unlikely as to be impossible, and yet there was no denying the perfectly-tied cravat, the immaculate Hessian boots, or the same supercilious stare that took her right back to the roadside in a breath. And beside him, there was a younger gentleman in army regimentals, with dancing chestnut eyes and a mischievous smile, which Phoebe would have liked in any other circumstance.
‘Oh! Viscount Damerel, Captain Damerel!’ the marchioness gushed, the peacock feather dangerously out of control. ‘How fortuitous to see you here, for Aurelia has been quite disappointed not to see you both at the Assembly Rooms of late, have you not, Aurelia?’
Aurelia managed to simultaneously simper and look entirely unconcerned, while Phoebe stared, feeling as though she had slipped into some ridiculous parallel universe where all the most awkward people of her small acquaintance had suddenly decided to become the best of friends.
How long had they been standing there? How much had they seen? The door had been open for some time…
Swiftly, she hid the incriminating parasol behind her back and side-stepped behind a nearby mannequin.
‘It is kind of Lady Carlisle to notice my absence, when she herself has so many admirers,’ the viscount returned smoothly, ‘as I’m sure all the ladies here must – including Miss Fairfax?’
Phoebe re-emerged nonchalantly.
‘Viscount Damerel, Captain…’ she forced, sinking into a curtsey and ignoring her sisters’ glances.
‘I trust you are fully recovered Miss Fairfax, and finding Bath to your liking?’ the viscount asked.
Phoebe raised her eyes as far as the topmost shiniest button of his elegantly cut morning coat of dark olive green. Quite how one human being managed to achieve so much perfection on a daily basis, was beyond her understanding. No doubt he’d read all the books in his perfect library, too.
Without warning, a memory of his silhouette in the library firelight reached through her crowded thoughts. Her eyes flickered to his to find the same curious gleam reaching across the room between them now. She caught her breath and dropped her gaze, though she was aware of a dull flush creeping across her face.
‘I am, thank you, my lord … thanks to the generosity of my aunt and uncle,’ she mumbled, noticing her aunt turn pink with pleasure, while the marchioness just glowered.
‘That is most pleasing to hear,’ the viscount returned in a mellow tone. ‘I trust you and your sisters will make the most of your stay. I find Bath can be pleasing when it comes to light diversions, if a little lacking in …heroicadventures.’
Phoebe glanced up sharply while the captain grinned, yet there was no time to respond.
‘Oh, Viscount, you really are so droll!’ the marchioness crowed, securing his attention once more. ‘We find Bath the perfect antidote to the crush of the Ballrooms in London – not that Aurelia didn’t enjoy those, too.’
She paused to trill unpleasantly.
‘I’m sure she would be happy to share some of her favourite diversions with you, if you’d care to accompany us? Captain Damerel?’
‘It would be a pleasure,’ the viscount returned, just as Madame Paragon caught a parcel from the countertop and pressed it into his hands.
‘Here is your order, Viscount, thank you for your custom, as always!’
‘Excellent timing, thank you, Madame Paragon. Good day to you, Mrs Higglestaff,’ the marchioness closed with a triumphant, feathery nod.
‘Ladies,’ the viscount bowed, before turning to follow.
‘Higglestone,’ their aunt corrected, faintly, as the door closed with a thud.
ChapterNine
Eight weeks and one brotherly letter of concern until the wedding
Oxford, 28th March
And so, dear sisters, having learned that you managed to divert our dear eldest brother from his Monstrous Marriage Master Plan – at least temporarily – I feel it incumbent upon myself to pay our kindly relatives a visit, both to congratulate you on your escape, and to persuade you to show me a few of the delights of Bath.
Until then, I would be most grateful if you could desist from any more deadly duels or other pirating activities.
