‘Perhaps,’ he returned with a wink. ‘Though I’m sworn to secrecy – a matter of family honour and all that – proving that even confirmed bachelors can be trustworthy, occasionally!’
‘Well, we all know youarethat,’ their aunt laughed indulgently, ‘and we won’t press you on the matter, either. I’ll just see what I can do about the soirée, though I won’t make any promises just yet. My eldest nephew can bequiteprotective of his wards.’
* * *
‘I still don’t fully understand why Aurelia would give you fairy snuff and spook your horse, if she needs a favour?’ Sophie repeated doubtfully. It was nearly midnight, and they were in bed, discussing events of the past few days. ‘I thought she wanted to resume your friendship.’
‘She’s not interested in friendship,’ Phoebe muttered sleepily from where she lay.
‘And isn’tMrs Mary Smitha slightly dubious companion for Aurelia now? I mean, after the Assembly Ball scandal?’ Sophie added in a hushed voice.
‘I really don’t know,’ Phoebe shrugged, ‘but apparently not enough for it to matter when Aurelia needs an alibi. I have thought about leaving her in the lurch – but that would make me little better than her, and besides, a part of me really wants to go. When am I ever likely to go backstage at a real theatre again?’
There was a brief pause.
‘Well, I suppose as long as you stay away from soldiers and cards and snuff and poniesyou should be fine!’ Sophie giggled. ‘And whatever you do, don’t agree to any more games of Questions and Commands.’
Phoebe swatted her with a pillow, unable to help laughing too.
‘Definitely no more soldiers,’ she groaned, ‘especially those resembling kitchen utensils!’
She paused, as a thought struck her.
‘It’s a little ironic that this whole adventure started with a theatre and a disguise,’ she mused. ‘Back then I wanted nothing more than tobe someone else, somewhere else, but now I’m just grateful to be here with you all, instead.’
Sophie rolled over and hugged her sister fiercely.
‘As well as the rest of Bath, of course!’ Phoebe added.
They laughed again, while Phoebe eyed her sister thoughtfully.
‘You like him, don’t you?’
‘Who?’ Sophie replied, making a big pretence of puffing up a feather pillow.
‘You know who,’ Phoebe returned.
‘Well, I don’t dislikehim,’ she replied, playing for time, ‘I mean, who could? He’s like … human honey!’
‘Phoebe knew exactly what she meant. She pictured the captain’s immaculate uniform, his beaming smile and the way his eyes seemed to understand before any words were uttered. But all that was for nothing if he thought to compromise a lady, and then return to his regiment without a second thought.
‘Sophie…’
‘Okay, okay I do like him! I think him the kindest and most good-natured man I’ve ever met.’
There was a short, poignant silence.
‘But … what of Aurelia?’ Phoebe murmured after a beat.
‘What of Aurelia?’ Sophie challenged, before sighing. ‘Look, the captain could be entirely innocent for all we know. Plus, it was kind of him to take the time to call and invite us to his family soirée. And if we’re discussing the Damerels, what about the viscount?!’ she added in the next breath.
The frankness of her question took Phoebe aback.
‘What do you mean?’ she quizzed. ‘Whataboutthe viscount?’
His derision at the canal flickered through Phoebe’s thoughts, stirring the most violent array of feelings. She gritted her teeth, picturing the way his eyes had raked over her soaking wet dress, instantly reducing her to the ignorant girl she’d felt that night in his library, wearing only a nightie and wet booties. He had the innate ability to make her feel every bit as foolish as he clearly thought her, and why the universe seemed determined to cross their paths at all was a mystery of epic proportions.
‘He’s quite the rudest, most condescending gentleman I’ve ever had the misfortune to meet,’ she muttered, rolling onto her back. ‘He and Aurelia are perfectly suited, and I’d rather marryEarl Crusty-Roll of Onion Manorthan spend any more time in the company of such a man!’
