Temperance’s mouth dropped open. “Good heavens. Do not tell me that you’re about to try and retrieve, or rather make off with, that painting Clementine’s been going on and on about, because...” She raised a hand to her chest. “That’ll get you a direct ticket to jail. Talk of that painting going missing has already been bandied about, thanks to dear Clementine, and if it goes missing now, the first person the police will interrogate will be you.”
For a second, Gertrude could only stare at Temperance, having absolutely no words at her disposal to respond to what was a farfetched deduction, until a thought struck that had her mouth moving again. “Do not tell me you suffered a slap from Clementine because you were arguing with her about my suspicious behavior.”
Temperance waved that directly aside. “Of course not. Clementine slapped me because I hadn’t disclosed to her that my very good friend, Mr. Gilbert Cavendish, is the half brother of an honest-to-goodness earl, and as such, he could, although it’s highly doubtful, inherit an earldom over in England.” She drew in a large breath before she continued. “She’s also annoyed that I never mentioned I wasgood friends with Mr. Gilbert Cavendish, grew up in a house right next to his, and ... I certainly never bothered to disclose that Gilbert, as the son of the Seventh Earl of Strafford, possesses the honorary title of Lord Cavendish, which Clementine evidently finds very appealing.”
“I thought Clementine was intent on securing Harrison’s affections?”
“Oh, she is, but Clementine’s nothing if not greedy. I do believe she’s now interested in securing the affections of both Harrison and Gilbert, and will then choose the gentleman who can give her the greatest advantages within society in the end.”
Gertrude’s brows drew together. “She certainly doesn’t seem to lack any confidence about her appeal to members of the gentlemen set.”
“Quite, although she’s a lady who doesn’t believe in taking any chances when she sets her sights on something she really wants. She’s intolerant of anyone thwarting her plans, which is why I set out to speak with you today because—” Temperance paused—“Clementine has apparently decided I’m standing directly in the way of something she may want to acquire, that something being Gilbert. And to make certain that my standing in the way doesn’t continue, she’s convinced her father, Mr. Wayne Flowerdew, that I’m going to ruin her chances of securing a happily-ever-after. That means I’ve been given one month to secure employment and remove myself from the Flowerdew residence.”
“You’re being kicked out of your home because Clementine believes you’re her competition?”
Temperance grinned. “I didn’t think of it like that, but yes, apparently, she does believe I’m competition. How lovely.” Her grin faded. “Although that’s hardly going to be of comfort when I’m cast out on the streets in a month with not a penny to my name.”
Gertrude took hold of Temperance’s hand. “While I do know that Mrs. Davenport is now in need of a new companion, I’m afraid I’m not comfortable referring you to her. She’s a peculiar woman, prone to unusual habits, but...” She smiled. “Miss Henrietta Huxley recently remarked that she would like to add you to her list of wallflowers she wants to take in hand, so she may have some suggestions for you on how to proceed with your life.”
Temperance’s eyes widened. “The very idea that Miss Henrietta Huxley longs to take me in hand is downright terrifying. However, returning to the far more troubling matter you mentioned first, do not tell me Mrs. Davenport has released you from service?”
“I haven’t been fired,” Gertrude said. “I tendered my notice because I’ve finally had enough of her questionable antics. Not to delve too deeply into the matter because the less you know the more believable you’ll be if I run into unforeseen circumstances, she’s now put me in the undesirable position of tidying up a mess that may ruin my friendship with Harrison, along with his entire family.”
Temperance looked out the window for a second, then nodded, just once. “It seems to me as if the only acceptable option is for you to divulge all to me, and then I’ll take over and tidy up Mrs. Davenport’s mess. That way you won’t be in danger of ruining your chances with Harrison, and I’ll be able to say I was of great importance in assisting you to the altar.”
Gertrude blinked. “I’m afraid you may be suffering from inaccurate information. Making it to the altar, let alone walking down it with Harrison waiting for me at the end, is highly unlikely. He enjoys my company as a friend, but that is as far as our relationship will ever go.”
Shoving the brim of her hat away from her face again, Temperance peered at Gertrude for a long moment. “How is it possible you haven’t realized Harrison holds you in the highest esteem?”
“I know he holds me in esteem, but it’s of thefriendshipvariety, and certainly isn’t the type of esteem where one expects a proposal.”
Thankfully, the hansom cab took that moment to turn down Twenty-Eighth Street, jostling Gertrude and Temperance in the process, but unfortunately, Temperance shoved herself upright and pinned Gertrude with a far-too-knowing gaze.
“I do not claim to be an expert on gentlemen, but I am a wallflower. That means I’m observant asmostof us are, and I’ve observed Harrison regarding you with more than friendship lingering in his eyes.”
Something that felt very much like hope slithered up Gertrude’s spine. “You truly believe he fancies me?”
“Indeed, but because I’ve also observed that he’s somewhat obtuse when it comes to feminine matters, I do believe you’re going to have to take the lead with him, delicately of course, and allow him to know you fancy him as well.”
Gertrude raised a hand to her chest. “I could never.”
“You can if you don’t want him to eventually end up with one of the many society ladies rumor has it are about to descend on him in hordes.”
“I wouldn’t know how to go about that type of business.”
Temperance smiled. “I’m afraid I won’t be much assistance, what with my limited knowledge of gentlemen, but perhaps Miss Henrietta Huxley will have some suggestions. She did proclaim an interest in taking some wallflowers in hand, didn’t she?”
Before Gertrude could do more than grimace at that thought, the hansom cab pulled to the side of the road and came to a stop. Glancing out the window, she felt her nerves begin to jingle.
“It seems we have arrived,” she said, reaching for the reticule that was tied to her wrist. She opened it and pulled out the note Harrison had sent her the day before.
“Have you written down instructions on how to proceed?” Temperance asked, holding out her hand.
“No, which means there’s no need for me to hand this over, nor is there a need for you to try and take it so that you can bolt out of the carriage and proceed in my place. This is simply a note Harrison sent me yesterday, asking me to look after Edwina. I’m going to use it to get on board theCornelia, saying I’m supposed to meet Edwina on the yacht.”
“What are you going to say when you’re told Edwina isn’t on board, or...” Temperance’s eyes widened. “What are you going to do if Edwinaison board?”
“She’s not on board, because Mrs. Davenport told me Edwina is spending the day shopping.”
