Page 3
“Exactly,” Freddie agreed. “Their company requires twice as much to repay it.”
“But it’s Yorkshire,” Stan whined. “Besides, my father has already committed me to other plans.”
“Find a way out of them,” Freddie said bluntly.
Stan glared at them. “It’s my father. He’s harder to dissuade than yours. I’m sorry. But I’ll not be attending your aunt’s house party.”
“Fine.” Freddie crossed his arms. “Do not expect me to come to your aid the next time the LaRosches have a party.”
“It was only Northampton,” Stan said through clenched teeth.
“You’re coming to Yorkshire. Make your excuses to the Marquess.” Freddie speared them both with a serious look. “And you’re coming as well, Fin.”
“Fine,” Fin grumbled. “I’ll be there. But you both owe me…and I’ll make you pay up.” Then, as an afterthought, he added, “And it won’t be pleasant.”
“Thank you, Fin.” Freddie shook his head, not completely listening. “I’ve not even told you the worst of it.” He leaned forward and put his elbows on his knees as he told them about the conversation with his father.
“You’re in jest,” Fin said, his nose crinkled in distaste. “I never thought the good earl so high-handed. He’s usually such a reasonable man.”
Freddie stared at his friend. “I have no recollection of this reason you speak of. He’s always been a bit of a tyrant—lecturing me for hours on the Corn Laws and other such drivel.”
Stan snorted. “I should love to be lectured only on the Corn Laws. My father is far more demanding.”
Freddie scowled at him. “Yet your father is not forcing you to marry.”
“It’s only a matter of time.” Stan clasped his crossed knee. “I’ve simply enjoyed a stay of execution. It won’t last much longer. Why do you think I stay in London all winter?”
Freddie breathed out through his nose. “What am I to do?”
Fin shrugged. “What is there to do?”
“I summoned you here to help me devise a plan. You helped Miles with his situation—” He paused. Could what they’d done for Miles be considered help? It was more like Grace had married Miles despite their interference. Still, three minds were better than one. “And you tell me there’s nothing to do? What good are you?” He sucked in a breath. “You have some of the most devious minds in all England, but what good is it to me when I need it?”
“Thank you?” Fin said with a question in his voice.
Stan flicked a glance at Fin and gave a defeated shrug. “I just don’t see that there’s a plan to make. We can’t change your father’s mind. What other option is there?”
“You could flee to the continent…” Fin blurted, then he grinned.
“That’s your suggestion? The continent?” Freddie’s gaze flicked between Stan and Fin. “The two of you are possibly the worst friends in the world.” He threw back the rest of his drink and pushed out of the chair. “I asked for one thing, and you provided no help. Good day, gentlemen.” He sidestepped the low table in the middle of their grouping as he headed for the staircase.
“Will we see you at the Goodmans’ card party?” Fin called after him.
Freddie lifted a hand in acknowledgment.
While the Goodmans’ party would surely offer no usable plan, it would at least provide some entertainment to take his mind off his current woes. And that was about all he could hope for just then.
Two
LONDON—DECEMBER, 1817
Lady Phoebe Greenborough looked through the bolts of fabric stacked against the wall, pulling out the softest and most luxurious of the silks. The deep blue and green colors were perfect, even if silk was a little lightweight for a London winter. The closeness of the buildings seemed only to create paths for the wind to blow harder.
But as Pippy ran the fabric between her thumb and forefinger, she knew she had to have them. The colors were perfect to highlight her dark hair and brown eyes. And she would never find that kind of selection in the little haberdashery in Allonby. It’s why she loved London.
She looked around, assuring herself she had missed nothing, but then added a spool of lace to her pile. Dropping the bolts unceremoniously onto the counter, she smiled at the man barely visible behind them. “I shall take these, please.”
From the corner of her eye, she noticed Miss Kensington and Lady Mary off to the side. They watched her and whispered behind their hands, their gazes flicking from her to the fabric stacked in front of her.
