Page 31 of The Best-Laid Plans

“She’s far kinder than my mother,” Ellie said. “Would you consider adopting me, Rose? Or taking on the role of older sister? I also have a less-than-ideal one of those.”

“Promise you will be better behaved than Artemis, and I will accept.”

The two women were soon fully engrossed once more in the matter of Ellie’s wardrobe. They worked remarkably well together, both quickly understanding each other’s ideas and visions. How long had Rose been acting in the capacity of Artemis’s lady’s maid? Either they had known each other a long time to allow such familiarity, or they were simply remarkably well-matched.

Whatever the history there, Ellie was grateful for the two of them. Though she couldn’t be certain they were motivated by concern for her more than their love of fashion, she was still unspeakably happy they were helping her.

Chapter Twelve

Newton had laughed out loudwhen Charlie had read him the summons he had received from Artemis. “Summons” truly was the only way to describe the letter. Artemis Lancaster never did do things by half. Their presence, the note said, was required at the Lancaster house for a clandestine venture of utmost importance. Seeing as the last plot he’d been invited to join had been the courtship with Ellie, he was beside himself with anticipation about what this latest development would be.

Henson answered the door with as little pomposity as ever. Perhaps someday when Newton had a place of his own, he would find himself a butler exactly like this ragamuffin one.

How odd it was that he found himself so delighted to be in this house when he severely disliked being in his parents’ house. Family ought to be the people with whom one was the most at ease, the most happy. Based on Ellie’s explanation of her own family as well as his observations of them, he suspected she would not have found that to be true either. He worried about her, especially after the note she had received from her parents. Artemis had promised to prevent Ellie’s required return home, and Newton hoped Ellie was happy as a permanent guest in someone else’s home.

They were deposited in the usual sitting room with the usual lack of explanation. They knew from experience that Henson understood what came next, but he didn’t always acknowledge that he knew. He would learn in time.

“What do you think this latest scheme is?” Charlie asked. “Considering Artemis appears to be at the helm of it, I find myself rather terrified.”

“And yet you came so willingly,” Newton said. “You make quite a show of disliking her, but I find myself beginning to suspect that Miss Sham-caster does not meet with your disapproval as much as you have indicated she has.”

“I do not wholly disapprove of her,” Charlie said. “I simply do not mindlessly admire her as so many do.”

“When one considers the kindness she has shown our new friend Ellie and her sincere embracing of the Huntresses—young ladies often in difficult circumstances—then, no matter that she is a bit bold and brash in her approach, one cannot genuinely argue that she is not worthy of admiration.”

Charlie sighed. “I am not unaware of her good qualities.”

Interesting. “Then why do you feel such animosity toward her?”

“Because she is disingenuous. She’s playing a part, and in a way one does not generally see in Society. Most people assume more stiff and unyielding manners when mingling with theton, but she takes the role-playing much further than that. Her mask is more than mere politeness; it is deceptive, intentionally and unnecessarily so. I can’t like that.”

Newton kept his peace. Charlie’s oldest brother played a role as well, that of a dandy. Some of the persona seemed quite real. He clearly had a flair for fashion and had a remarkable sense of humor. He seemed to take great delight in absurdity. But there was an aspect of it that even a minimally discerning eye would recognize as being assumed. It seemed best, though, not to point that out. Charlie had a bit of a difficult connection with his family, a tension despite his very real love of them. It was possible that struggle influenced his reaction to their mutual friend.

The lady herself arrived in the room in the next moment. As usual, she wore an expression of such deep-seated mischief Newton couldn’t help but smile. He’d done that more and more often the past weeks. It was a change in him, a change that he liked.

Charlie stood quietly, watching Artemis with an expression Newton at first interpreted as unmitigated disapproval. But looking more closely, evaluating more deeply, he could see there was something else in his eyes. Charlie wasn’t entirely sure what to make of Artemis. He spoke as if he had decided the entirety of her character, but that wasn’t the case at all. Charlie was still trying to sort her out.

“What scheme have you thought up this time?” Newton asked.

Artemis sat. They followed suit.

“Not a scheme,” Artemis said. “I need your help.”

“Help?” Charlie asked, disbelief ringing in the single word. “I didn’t think goddesses ever needed help with anything.”

“Well, this is a task for mere mortals. So I thought immediately of you.”

Charlie leaned back in his chair. “Typical.”

Newton thought it best to head off any squabble before it began. “What is it you need us to do?”

“Practice.”

He suspected Artemis made the mysterious pronouncement on purpose. She did enjoy drama.

“Practicewhat, precisely?” he asked.

“I am tutoring someone who is in need of practicing what she is learning.”

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