Any hint of annoyance disappeared from Elsy’s face as she sent Phillip a smile right before they began staring into each other’s eyes, quite like Ivan and Judith had recently done.
Unable to decide if she should slip out of the library to give the two lovebirds some privacy or perhaps clear her throat to remind them they weren’t actually alone in the room, Eunice was spared either choice when Phillip kissed Elsy’s hand and sent Eunice a somewhat sheepish smile.
“Sorry, I fear Elsy and I are being rather rude by ignoring you. What were we discussing?”
“I believe you had mentioned eating goats, an unfortunate choiceof words with Daphne, who probably won’t return to the room for the foreseeable future, what with how green she was,” Eunice said.
Phillip ran a hand through his hair, leaving it standing on end, which was quite an unusual look for him. “I’ll definitely be more mindful of my word choices, but I have to wonder with Daphne and Gabriella both being expectant if they’ll continue working at the agency.”
“We’ve never talked about the matter before,” Eunice admitted. “I suppose that’s a discussion we’ll have soon, but one thing is now abundantly clear—there’s no possible way I can leave the agency to trek off to Montana. I’ll need to remain in New York so that the agency can continue operating in an efficient fashion.”
“And while I know you’ve been dying to find the perfect excuse to ignore the situation in Montana, know that I’ve found the perfect solution for you in regard to managing your agency while you’re gone.”
Eunice stilled for the briefest of seconds before she forced herself to turn, finding Arthur standing in the doorway. “I wasn’t expecting to see you here today.”
Arthur smiled. “I’m sure you weren’t, but I knew you’d disappear last night, which is why I had Grandfather get Herman Henderson’s direction for me.” His smile turned into a grin. “I could have come after you last night, but I thought that really would come across as stalkerish behavior, which is why I waited until today to join you.”
“How is waiting half a day not stalking me?”
“I’m not sure that it isn’t, but I’m here now, and as I’ve said, I’ve a solution to your dilemma about the agency. Chase is going to step in for you.”
“Your younger brother has experience with managing an inquiry agency?”
“Not exactly, but he’s been volunteering at a mission for months. From what I understand, he’s very good with speaking to people possessed of horrible problems, something that will come in handywhile dealing with potential clients at the agency. He’s also good with scheduling.” Arthur rubbed his hands together. “So, that’s that, and now shall we get on our way?”
Phillip shook his head. “I’m afraid Eunice isn’t going anywhere until I say she’s ready.” He moved up to Arthur and held out his hand. “I’m Monsieur Phillip Villard, and you’re Arthur Livingston, the man Eunice fondly refers to as the scourge of the earth.”
“She does seem to have a way with words,” Arthur said, shaking Phillip’s hand before he sent the barest hint of a grin to Eunice. “May I ask why a renowned dressmaker has to say you’re ready before we can travel to your mother’s artist colony?”
“He’s decided to take me in hand.”
“And you’ve agreed to that?”
“I believe I’ve been overruled.”
“How delightful,” Arthur said, moving to a chair and taking a seat. “I’ll just wait here for you, and ... Eunice?” He smiled. “Know that I’m waiting with bated breath to see exactly how Monsieur Villard takes you in hand. I have a feeling he’s very good at what he does.”
“I’m not good,” Phillip scoffed. “I’m exceptional.”
“Then I imagine we’ll soon see some exceptional results.”
Eunice narrowed an eye on Arthur. “You realize I never invited you to stay to witness the results of Phillip taking me in hand, don’t you?”
He grinned. “Of course, but I have no intention of leaving, so you might as well get on with it. As I mentioned, I’ll be waiting with bated breath.”
“You’re very annoying.”
“Now there’s a clever retort.”
Since she had nothing resembling cleverness at her disposal to say to that, Eunice sent Arthur a roll of her eyes, which only had his grin widening before she spun on her heel and stalked out of the room.
As she made her way down the hallway, though, she couldn’t resist a grin of her own, which faded when she realized shedidenjoy her somewhat contentious exchanges with Arthur, which seemed to suggest that Daphne had been right about Eunice’s animosity toward Arthur being so much more.
The question of the hour now was exactly what that so much more actually was.
CHAPTER
Seventeen
