Charity work. That’s what they think I’ve been up to. They don’t yet know the truth.
Fi’s relief was halted by her father’s continuing lecture.
“In case you plan to participate behind our backs, I will be paying Lady Fayne a visit and making my wishes clear.” Menace threaded Papa’s voice. “Her reputation may be spotless, but my instincts tell me that woman is hiding something. If she chooses to involve you in her schemes any further, she will answer to me.”
“You cannot threaten Charlie,” Fiona said, aghast.
“Watch me.”
Hands balling at her sides, Fi narrowed her gaze; Papa did the same. Neither backed down.
“Now, my dears. There is no need to get overworked.” Mama got in between them in a rustle of rose-colored silk. “Let us discuss the situation like reasonable adults.”
“That would require that youtreatme like an adult,” Fi blazed.
“Act like one, and we will,” Papa clipped out. “What in blazes do you think you’re doing, Fiona? You look like a prizefighter, for God’s sake. You are a debutante, not a bloody daredevil. I don’t care how important your so-called charitable cause is: I will not have you getting hurt and ruining your reputation over it. And that is final.”
“That is dashed unfair!” Fi fought back tears of frustration. “For once in my life, I am doing something meaningful—something Iwantto do. Why can’t you support me? Why are you always so disapproving?”
“Because you are too stubborn and reckless for your own good,” Papa fired back.
His censure felt like a blow. Yet pride kept Fi’s chin up.
Mama wrung her hands. “We love you, Fiona. We want you to be happy butsafeas well.”
“If you loved me, then you would understand how important the Society of Angels is to me,” Fi said bitterly. “Livy, Pippa, and Glory get to participate without being interrogated by their families.”
“Livy and Pippa are married,” Mama said with infinite patience. “You know that married ladies have more freedoms. They can do what they wish, if their husbands agree.As for Glory, well, every family has its own rules…”
Despite Fi’s turmoil, a lightning flash went off in her head.
Married ladies have more freedoms. They can do what they wish…
She blinked as the solution to her problems flared in her head. She couldn’t believe she hadn’t thought of this sooner. While she had considered marriage as a way of gaining her freedom, she’d balked at the idea of tying herself to an imperceptive fool. Now she realized she had another option.
What if she found aconvenienthusband?
A gentleman who would agree to lead separate lives. Who had his own hobbies and interests to keep him out of her hair. Who would not question her activities…because he had his own secrets to keep.
“Why do you have that look on your face?” Papa’s gaze was narrowed.
“What look?” Her tone was innocent, her mind performing calculations.
Hawksmoor could use a wife to fulfill his duty, couldn’t he? Especially a wife who would look the other way when it comes to his unorthodox pursuits. I, myself, need a husband to give me freedom. And there is the undeniable attraction between us…
“The look that says you are up to something. Whatever is in your head, get it out,” Papa ordered. “I bear the blame for being too lax with you. You need guidance, and as your father, it is my duty to ensure that your future is a happy one. You will trust me on this.”
“Yes, Papa,” Fi said.
She needed guidance like she needed her shiner. Now that a plan was forming in her head, however, she kept her expression guileless. She didn’t know if her stratagem would bear fruit…if Hawksmoor would be open to her proposition. Botheration, she had dozens of suitors; why was the fellow best suited to her purposes the one she was least certain of?
If only I had a sign that my proposal would be welcomed.
A rapping sounded on the door.
“What is it?” Papa said.
The butler entered. “My apologies for interrupting, sir. A visitor has arrived.”
