Page 6 of Swindled By a Spinster
Unable to deny her, he nodded and answered, “Very well. I shall await your arrival atourspot at the usual designated time.” He wasn’t about to give her a chance to negotiate for the simplereason that he knew he’d agree to her demands and he’d be left with no choice but to face the facts she’d prefer to remain a spinster than wed him. With a bow, he bid Phoebe goodnight and slipped out of the ballroom through the servants’ entrance rather than risk the chance of being caught by his matchmaking host Lady Osbourne.
Flankedby Ruth on one side and Lillian on the other, Phoebe sat on the edge of her seat mulling over her earlier conversation with Kilman.
Ruth tapped Phoebe on the arm. “Whatever did you say to Lord Kilman that had the man storming across the ballroom?”
“Shh…you know I can’t talk about such matters here.”
“We saw you chasing after him.” Lillian looked to her right and then back at Phoebe and lowered her voice to a whisper, “The gossip mongers have already started spinning vicious rumors that Lord Kilman no longer wishes to be seen with you due to our little escapade.”
The rumor mill was highly efficient when it came to disparaging an individual’s reputation or spreading news of a scandal. Phoebe huffed and crossed her arms over her chest. Let others believe what they wanted, she knew the truth—she’d done nothing of which to be ashamed. Yet the guilt that had settled upon her shoulders would not abate no matter how many times she told herself that it was a mere misunderstanding and she’d be able to clear matters with Kilman once they were alone and need not speak in riddles. Eyes closed, she attempted to recall the conversation with Kilman in the carriage earlier in the day. She’d assumed it was her fault Kilman was forced to leave the Home Office, but what if she wasn't the reason behind hisdecision? What if he wished in truth to retire to start a family and leave his dangerous post to another? No. Kilman wasn’t the type of man to cower from danger. Being an agent was an integral part of his identity, even if he didn’t realize it. If he quit being an agent, he’d flounder. It wouldn’t be any different than a fish trying to survive out of water.
It was Lillian’s turn to drive a pointed elbow into Phoebe’s side. “Lady Theo has arrived.”
Excellent.
The only reason she’d remained behind after Kilman’s departure was to carry out her plans for the eve. Corner Lady Theo and beg the woman to assist her in finding a way to get Kilman reinstated. He wasn’t the type to sit about idly, and politics was not his forte. She was doing it for Kilman's benefit even if he didn’t see it that way.
Phoebe waited until the last note was played before standing. Like minded, Ruth and Lillian stood as well and followed Phoebe as she weaved through the seats, carefully avoiding making eye contact or treading upon toes.
Once they were on a direct path toward Lady Theo, Phoebe asked, “Can I count on the two of you to create a diversion so Lady Theo and I may have a moment of privacy?”
In unison, Ruth and Lillian replied, “Of course.”
The pair veered to the right as Phoebe continued straight. Keeping her strategy simple, she approached the refreshments table which was to the left of the small group that included Lady Theo. As she reached for a glass of lemonade, Phoebe scanned the room for a glimpse of Lady Theo’s husband.
When her gaze fell to her right, she came face to face with Lady Theo, who said, “I left Archbroke at home with the children.”
“Can he manage?” Phoebe pressed her lips together tight. She shouldn’t have questioned the capabilities of the Head of the Home Office.
With a grin, Lady Theo answered, “Well enough for a few hours.” The woman who Phoebe admired most wagged an eyebrow at her and said, “I was informed that you wished to speak to me and that it was of great importance.”
“Yes, I wished to speak to you about...” Lady Theo raised a hand and Phoebe stopped speaking.
“There is no need to spell out the topic you wished to discuss with me nor your request. I’ve pondered over the matter at great length for most of the afternoon, and I’m sorry to say I cannot be of assistance in this case.” Lady Theo’s smile faded as she continued, “The only way for matters to be rectified is for you to have an open and honest conversation with your partner first and then his superior.” Her mentor took Phoebe’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “Once that has occurred, I’m certain all will be well.”
She’d be a fool not to heed the advice of the woman who she admired the most, but she had to ask, “Are you certain that I shouldn’t switch the order of my conversations?”
“I weighed the advantages and disadvantages, and honestly it's a coin flip. I shall leave it to you to decide.” Lady Theo gave her a wink and then swiveled around to return to the small group of agents milling about. Agents that were undoubtedly assigned by Lord Archbroke to oversee the safety of his wife in his absence.
Having completed her task, Phoebe was ready to leave and escape the curious glances that had been directed at her all evening. Six years she’d ignored the cruel whispers mocking her lack of skill and grace. None of that had bothered her when she had far more weightier matters to occupy her time and thoughts. However, with the knowledge she was no longer to be a part of investigations, the titters behind fans bothered Phoebe far morethan she would allow others to know. Escaping the ballroom the same way Kilman had earlier, Phoebe picked up her skirts and practically ran through the butler’s station, down a narrow hall, and through the kitchens until she darted out the back service door. The cool night air burned her lungs as she heaved in deep breaths. Kilman would be awaiting her in the back alley of her townhome at dawn. The night sky above was already starting to fade as the rays of sunlight began to peek over the horizon. With no time to waste, she made her way back around to the front and not surprisingly found Danny and her family carriage awaiting her.
The experienced footman for the second time that day took her hand and assisted her as she placed her foot upon the carriage step. “I arranged for a maid to fetch the countess. We were awaiting your arrival.”
Thank goodness Danny and Letty had both declined their reassignments, or else Phoebe would have had to face a great number of challenges. She entered the carriage and sat on the forward-facing seat.
Her mama tightened her shawl about her shoulders. “What took you so long?”
“I’m sorry for making you wait, Mama.”
An apology was all that was needed to placate her mama.
Settling back into the squabbed bench, Phoebe closed her eyes and pretended to sleep while composing in her mind what she should say to Kilman. Nervous she would make a hash of explaining her thoughts, she wrung her hands in her lap until the weight of her mama’s hand covered hers.
“I haven’t made mention of your disappearance because it matters naught now that you are home safe. But promise me you won’t take off again without at least leaving me a note. Promise.” Her mama patted her hand twice before removing it.
Phoebe didn’t dare open her eyes in case the tears at the corners might escape. Instead she nodded and said, “I promise.”
Since neither of her parents had brought up the topic of her absence, Phoebe had assumed they either hadn’t noticed or they didn’t care, too busy living their separate lives. It was nice to know that her mama had both noticed and cared. Her mind raced with thoughts while her heart filled with joy and something she suspected might be love.
