‘Thank you … for your observations. I am quite aware my behaviour has been vastly less than what it ought to have been.’
He spoke quite deliberately, his eyes so narrow she could barely make out their colour at all.
‘I assure you, I intend … wish to … make reparations.’
‘Good, well, do excuse me if I don’t stand by and watch!’
Without waiting, Phoebe urged Bluebell into a sprint up the rolling park lawn, and into a peaceful woodland glade beyond. She could barely think straight, let alone understand why he felt it necessary to tell her how he planned to make reparations to Aurelia. Well, he could do as he wished, but she didn’t have to know. That much she could control.
She galloped until the woodland glade surrounded them and then finally, slowed to a walk. Thankfully, there was no sound of pursuit, and exhaling heavily, she let Bluebell choose her own path among the closely knitted trees surrounded by buttercups and more wild garlic. The spring woodland was an instant balm to her furious thoughts, and she rode in the tranquil morning light until her chest stopped hammering, and her breath calmed. It was only when she began pondering whether she ought to start making her way back, that she heard the voices.
Low, urgent voices.
Frowning, she slid from Bluebell’s back and climbed a small bank to spy the ivy-clad roof of an old summer house through the branches of a thick peony bush.
‘You know how careful we’ve always been, but there are whispers – and they’re not the sort to just disappear, especially with you know who around…’
‘But surely she wouldn’t wish to marry into scandal?’ a softer voice returned.
‘Perhaps not, but she might seek control through it – I’m certain she wants Florence and me out of the way when she moves in, for a start.’
Phoebe caught her breath in disbelief.
‘Has anyonesaidanything, Elliot?’ the softer voice came again. ‘Might you be imagining some of the suspicion? You know how I feel, I love you and won’t give you up on a maybe…’
Everything went quiet, and Phoebe felt a strange prickling heat spread upwards from the nape of her neck. She was certain it was the captain and Dr Kapoor, and she would hazard a guess she knew who they were talking about, too.
Was this the real reason she’d run into the viscount? Was he actually looking for his brother?
Phoebe swallowed. She knew she was intruding, but the intensity of their discussion was intoxicating. She’d guessed the captain and Dr Kapoor were more than friends, but that they considered themselvesin love? And yet it made so much sense, too. It even explained Aurelia’s reaction when she’d asked if the captain could be responsible for her situation.She knew, too. And the captain knew she knew.
Silently, Phoebe peered closer through the branches and suddenly they were there, beneath the open facade of the summerhouse, a kiss finishing their conversation. A rush of blood stole through her. She knew she shouldn’t linger, but somehow it took her back to the magnolia tree, to the moment the viscount had almost kissed her – to the way she’d so wanted him to.
‘Phoebe!’
A third voice suddenly split the still of the woodland, driving the two men apart, while Phoebe spun in a panic. She was astride Bluebell in a heartbeat, and then cantering through the trees until they melted into wide grassy lawns, where finally, she started to laugh. So much for a quiet dawn ride. Prior Park appeared to be almost as popular as a Sydney Gardens picnic.
‘Phoebe!’
Her name rang out again, and this time it was accompanied by an approaching figure on horseback that filled her heart with misgiving. Muttering pithily about a universe that refused to give her any peace, Phoebe drew a deep breath and slowed to a walk.
‘What in the devil’s name do you think you’re doing?’ Fred demanded as he caught up, his fine bay making light work of the distance between them. ‘I saw you leave this morning and thought I might have to call the constable!’
‘Join the queue!’ Phoebe replied.
‘What do you mean?! What are you doing here, Phoebs?’ he ploughed on without waiting for an answer. ‘It’s risky even for you. And riding, too? Isn’t that against the rules? I swear if I hadn’t seen a barrel-boy on the way, I’d be at Bath races by now and have washed my hands of you!’
She gazed at her happy, carefree brother, and never felt more envious.
‘What’s it like, Fred?’ she asked after a beat. ‘To be able to choose what you do, and when and with whom you do it?’
He stared at her suspiciously.
‘Well, it’s not quite…’ he began before tailing off and exhaling. ‘Lord, Phoebs, I know this arrangement with the earl isn’t what you dreamed of when we were younger, but this marriage will mean your security. It’s how things work for you girls. Plus, if you don’t marry the earl, Thomas will feel he’s failed both our father and our sisters. Your marriage sets the bar for you all!’
‘I’m sure Thomas isn’t averse to having a countess in the family, either,’ Phoebe muttered as she encouraged Bluebell back towards the bridge.
‘No, but it was one of Papa’s last wishes, and as I understand it, you’ve not shown any inclination elsewhere?’
