Her father’s eyes widened. “Perhaps you should speak to her about this,” he said hastily. He never did like getting involved in their sisterly business.
Phoebe crossed her arms. “Yes, perhaps,” she murmured distractedly.
Though if Freddie was seriously considering moving across an ocean without bothering to mention it to her, there was noperhapsabout it.
Once they rejoined the others, Will suggested they walk over to his home and tell Cal their news. Freddie immediately offered to come, which would provide the perfect opportunity to confront her about New York.
Not confront. Ask, Phoebe reminded herself.
But as soon as they reached the footpath, Phoebe whirled on Freddie. “Is it true you’re going to marrying Hank Junior and move to New York?”
Freddie stopped short and turned to her. In the strained silence that followed, Will looked between the two of them.
“I… I think I’ll just go on ahead,” he mumbled and hurried along without waiting for a response.
“So, you and Father are each other’s confidants now,” she said once they were alone. “That was fast.”
Phoebe ignored the jab. “Why didn’t you say anything?”
“I didn’t realize I was supposed to tell you every thought in my head. Especially when you haven’t been very forthcoming withme.”
“But Freddie—”
“No,” she insisted. “That isn’t fair. You’ve said barely a word about Will for all these months and now you’re gettingmarried.”
“I’m sorry. You’re right. And I wish I had confided in you about Will more—”
“At all, you mean,” Freddie snapped. “And to be perfectly honest, I didn’t tell you because I didn’t think you’d care. You’ve been wrapped up in your own life for years now.”
“Freddie,of courseI care,” Phoebe said thickly. “I know it was difficult because of my quarrel with Father, but I never meant for you to think I didn’t care about you.”
Her sister squeezed her eyes shut and took a breath. “Sorry. That was too harsh.” She then took Phoebe’s hand and met her gaze. “You have your teaching and Alex has her uncanny ability to make money, which has left me feeling like a dolt in comparison.”
“That’s not true.”
“What am I good at?” she demanded with a sudden intensity far removed from her usual breezy manner. “Flirting with men? Being charming at parties? Making sure rich people feel important?”
“Well, I can barely do any of those things,” Phoebe pointed out. “And Alex wouldn’t even try.”
“Because you don’t need to,” she countered. “You have abilities and accomplishments.”
“What about the fencing,” Phoebe said weakly.
Freddie rolled her eyes. “The fencing is a pastime. And it doesn’t even have any practical use, as I have yet to find myself in a duel. I’m talking about meaning. About passion. A life’s work. So, yes. The idea of moving to New York and starting anew sounded exciting. That’s the whole point of America, isn’t it?”
“Sounded? Then… you aren’t considering it anymore.”
But despite the hopeful note in her voice, Freddie only shrugged. “Hank Junior hasn’t proposed yet. I guess I’ll decide when and if he does. And now may we please focus on youractualengagement? Really, Phoebe. Can’t you enjoy being the center of attention just this once?”
Phoebe managed a smile and patted her sister’s hand, though that did little to assuage her worry. “If you insist.”
Yet she had every expectation her sister would find herself in a similar position very soon. But it remained to be seen what she would do from there.
Chapter Thirty
Three weeks later
London, England
