Chapter Thirteen
Alex was not nearly as divorced in his mind from Apple’s troubles as she supposed. He’d made good his escape on purpose to avoid becoming involved in explanations before he had a chance to think. With the arrival of the Greenaways, matters had taken a turn he’d not anticipated, and he needed time to work out what to do before Apple started bombarding him with questions.
He’d no intention of withholding anything Vergette had said, but the man had been right. He must tell it with care. He wasn’t such a nodcock as not to see Apple’s rising disquiet the moment he’d spoken of the mystery. She knew more than she’d told him, that was certain. How much more remained to be seen. He might have to find out before he said anything himself.
Would she tell him? He was confident he’d gained her trust, but she was clearly in the habit of keeping her own counsel. No wonder with that pair of schemers in the frame. Whether she’d tell him all remained a question. Mind, it was clear her knowledge was limited. To tell true, he was as much intrigued on his own account as on hers by what Vergette had hinted. Intrigued and a good deal troubled.
He’d not forgotten the astonishment exhibited by his friend Wintringham when he mentioned Vergette. Nor could he shake off the suspicion engendered by the lawyer’s saying he served only Apple and not her father. And by Vincent’s account, Vergette only served the highest in the land. What had little Miss Appoline Greenaway to do with dukes and marquises?
The last thing he wanted was to burden Apple with the only thing he could think of to explain it. Yet if he was right, his position vis-à-vis the chit was invidious, to say the least.
Alive to all the potential consequences of taking her under his protection, Alex knew he was playing with fire. Yet he also knew he could not abandon the chit. As well kick a puppy. No, not quite that. A resilient little thing, young Apple. She’d not hesitate to take her life back into her own control, especially if she knew she’d put him in a difficult position.
He recalled his exasperation when she’d burst from her hiding place, followed almost instantly by a cascade of warmth in his chest when he realised why she’d done it. Whether it was a sense of obligation or something more was a question he preferred not to attempt to answer. Bad enough as it was. No need to complicate matters even further.
Shoving this aside, he bent his mind to solving the immediate problem. And discovered the idea had crept into his head while he wasn’t thinking about it.
He gave it some attention as he completed his toilette, twisting it this way and that, and could find no flaw. Besides, it was only for a matter of two or three weeks. Risky, but better than the notion he’d had while driving back from London. To leave the chit with Mrs Reddicliffe might be safer, but Alex knew it would only result in him chafing because he wouldn’t know what Apple might take it into her head to do.
No, this was better. She’d find it more entertaining, for one thing. And for another, it would keep her under his eye. She wouldn’t do anything rash while he was by to stop her, and he could take her down to London immediately after her birthday to see Vergette and get the whole business settled all right and tight.
Relieved to have the thing all tied up before he saw Apple again, he went into the parlour to await the announcement of dinner in a much more optimistic frame of mind.
Seated in the chair by the fire was a prettily clad female in whom he barely recognised Apple. Her hair was swept up into some kind of knot, exposing a slim neck and a small expanse of flesh above the slight mound of those pert little breasts.
Cursing a most inappropriate response, Alex hastily lifted his gaze to her face and was surprised to find a look of uncertainty in her eyes. They were emphasised by the hairstyle, seeming enormous in a countenance now piquant with its stubborn little chin and the kissable mouth. Suppressing this thought, Alex found his voice.
“That’s a fetching outfit, Apple. Suits you.”
She smiled and Alex’s mind went blank.
“Thank you. I hoped you might approve. I’ve never worn such a gown, though Georgy says the cut is far from fashionable and anyone would guess it was made by a country modiste.”
The resumption of her usual manner enabled Alex to pull himself together. This was the incorrigible little chit of a girl who’d boldly demanded a ride in his carriage, not some available debutante he might with propriety make the object of his attentions.
Her words floated into his head and he came to the fire. “Just as well for the scheme I have in my head.”
Apple’s chin jerked up. “What scheme? Have you thought of somewhere to hide me?”
He leaned his elbow on the mantelpiece, relaxing. “Ain’t going to hide you. Got a much better notion. I’ll tell you at dinner.”
A crease appeared between her brows. “And Mr Vergette? Tell me quickly before Georgy comes.”
“No time. We’d best talk about that tomorrow.”
“I don’t think I can stand to wait until tomorrow.”
“Then we’ll talk after dinner. Georgy won’t mind being excluded.”
Amusement leapt into Apple’s eyes. “She’ll be as mad as fire. Don’t you know your own sister?”
He had to laugh. “True. Well, she’ll have to lump it. Can’t trust that wench not to blab it out at the wrong moment. She don’t think, that’s Georgy’s trouble.”
“What’s my trouble?” demanded his sister from the doorway. “Are you talking secrets? I’ve a very good mind not to aid and abet you any more, if you are going to do things behind my back.”
Apple erupted into giggles and Alex warmed to the chit. She was nothing if not astute. He eyed his sister. “I’m saying I won’t talk of my visit to Vergette in front of you, that’s all.”
Georgy was predictably indignant. “How mean of you, Alex. When I’ve done everything possible to help.”
