Do not let Papa down on this, Phoebe. You are to be a countess, and your sisters will rely on you for introductions and husbands. Do I make myself clear? It is time for you to do your duty.’
Phoebe stared dully at her eldest brother, wishing with all her heart that she were Fred, standing by awkwardly, searching for words to make it better.
But, of course, he couldn’t, Thomas was her legal guardian, and she was but a pawn in the world of men until she grew old and useless.
‘Can I return to Knightswood, until the day?’ she asked quietly, suddenly wanting nothing more than to ride on the moor, while she still could.
‘I think not,’ Thomas returned bluntly. ‘I’ve made arrangements for you and Sophie to attend the Assembly Ball next week in honour of the new King George, where you shall both be presented. I understand most of the haute ton will be there, and I will require you, Alfred, to ensure the Assembly Room patronages talk of no one else.’
‘Capital!’ Fred smiled nervously. ‘There’s nothing I enjoy more than spending time with ambitious mamas! By the time I’m done, not one of them will be in any doubt about the vivacious new countess who will be eclipsing their dull daughters in Almack’s before the month is out!’
He threw Phoebe an anxious smile.
‘You’ll do no such thing,’ Thomas returned, flicking an imaginary speck of dust from his sleeve. ‘You will restrict your conversation to the quiet propriety of Phoebe’s upbringing, and the earl’s preference for an unaffected young lady who is not prone to fainting, dramas, or distraction by the politics of the day! Breeding, duty, and family commitment is all he requires, so there will be no more climbing trees, wild swimming, or indeed, riding at dawn! The earl wishes for a quiet life with his new bride, and that is what he shall get. Our family name depends upon it. I trust this is all understood, Phoebe?’
There was a brief silence while Phoebe recalled the morning she left Knightswood in Fred’s clothing, never more certain that there was time for everything.
‘Indeed, brother,’ she returned icily. ‘After all, you have been the very model of brotherly virtue, since you inherited our father’s title.’
The words were out before she could stop them and, briefly, it seemed as though Fred shrank a little.
Thomas’s eyes bulged.
‘I thought I’d made myself perfectly clear, Phoebe,’ he returned, ‘but let me spell it out for you, anyway. Youwillmarry the earl and youwillbe the obedient wife he wants and youwillbe grateful for it. My conduct, or the conduct of any of your brothers, is no matter for you. You’re my sister and my ward, and this match was our father’s dying wish, so for once in your life, youwillobey me!’
He ground the words out as though engraving them, while a wave of wrath rose within Phoebe. Their father was a quiet, bookish man who’d shown little interest in society or its rules. Why he’d left such a wish in his will, she would never understand, and yet now it was her obligation for life – because of an old promise between two men who didn’t even know her.
‘Have no fear, brother,’ she seethed, ‘I will marry the earl, and do all that is required of me in the name of duty, but do not mistake it for obedience! I will do it to honour Father’s promise – never for you!’
Then she swept from the room with a grace that belied her turmoil, leaving her brothers in silent awe.
ChapterTwenty-Two
Three weeks and lying to everyone until the wedding
‘I’m almost grateful we weren’t presented at the beginning of the season now,’ Phoebe murmured, swirling her glass of steaming water. ‘All the primping and preening, and dos and don’ts, just for an Assembly Ball in honour of the new King George – it’s enough to give anyone the headache!’
‘Almost as much as the gossip in the Pump Room!’ Sophie added, gazing up at the statue of Beau Nash.
‘Or themud water!’ Matilda interjected.
‘Or the goddess Minerva!’ Josephine added thoughtfully.
They all looked quizzically at their most bookish sister.
‘I readsomethingabout there being an ancient Temple to the Roman goddess in these parts,’ she clarified, ‘possibly even beneath our feet!’
‘You think the goddess Minerva is slowly poisoning us?’ Matilda scowled, staring into her cloudy glass. ‘Perhaps she disapproves of Phoebe’s wedding as well!’
‘Matilda!’ Sophie hushed, glancing around.
‘What? Harriet said the Roman goddesses loved blood sacrifices!’ Matilda protested.
‘That may be, but I’d hazard they also know whatsecretmeans!’ Sophie retorted.
‘Blood sacrifices apart, I’m very happy you’re here today.’ Phoebe smiled at Josephine, changing the subject. ‘We’d all but given up hope of you being allowed.’
‘Aunt gave me strict instructions not to cough!’ Josephine rolled her eyes. ‘Which is a lot trickier than it sounds.’
