Page 59 of Of Fate and Phantoms
"No," Erskine said. "Having met him and ascertained that there were others like us in the world, I had no need to see him again. Knowing that we weren't alone was the important point. I didn't want a friendship with the fellow."
I passed on his answer to Lincoln, then added my own question. "King never sought you out?"
"I never gave him my title or place of residence. That would be foolish. The man's a slum dweller. He may be like me in that we can both change our form, but we are nothing alike in any other way. I didn't dare risk giving him a clue as to where to find me."
"One cannot trust slum dwellers." He did not seem to detect my sarcasm. "Thank you for helping us, but it's time for you to leave now, my lord."
"He's going?" Harriet whispered, her lower lip trembling. "Oh, Daddy, I wish I could embrace you one last time."
"So do I." He nodded at me to repeat his words. I did. "Goodbye, my dear Harriet. Be a good girl and obey your husband."
I couldn't bring myself to repeat his last words, but I passed on his fondest regards and wishes. They both seemed satisfied with that.
Then I sent him back.
* * *
"Charlie!" Lady V's screech had everyone shuddering and Seth putting his hands over his ears. It was as painful as nails down a blackboard. She certainly knew how to make an entrance that could garner the attention of the room. "What are you wearing?"
I sat sprawled in an armchair in the parlor, a glass of sherry in hand. Lincoln and I had just finished telling Gus, Seth and Alice about our conversation with the spirit of Lord Erskine, but we hadn't had a chance to discuss the implications or devise a plan before Lady V arrived.
She was dressed for dinner in what I now knew was her only evening gown, a black velvet and lace dress with the large bustle that was a few years out of date but nevertheless looked regal on her tall figure. Bella had attempted to do her hair but, having been employed by Seth because of her pretty face and curves rather than her hairdressing skills, the arrangement already looked in danger of collapsing like a tent in the wind.
"I had a need to wear boy's clothes today," I said simply.
"What could you have possibly been doing that necessitated boys' clothing? Climbing trees?"
"Not trees," I said into my glass.
Gus smirked and Alice bit down on her lip, but it curved at the edges into a smile despite her efforts. Lincoln remained as impassive as ever by the window, a glass of brandy dangling from his fingertips.
"Leave Charlie alone, Mother," Seth scolded. "She is the lady of the house, after all, and can do as she pleases."
"Not yet," Lady V quipped.
I saluted her with my glass. "Quite right."
Lincoln set his glass down and placed both hands on the window sill at his back. I kept my gaze studiously ahead on Lady V, but I felt very aware of his sudden alertness.
"A small sherry before I go, please, Seth." Lady V sat on the sofa beside Alice. "And even if you were mistress of Lichfield, Charlie, you must be prepared to receive callers at all times, and that means dressing appropriately. In women's attire," she added, as if I might mistake her meaning.
"We rarely have callers," I said. "Except the committee members, and I don't particularly care for their opinions."
Lady V clicked her tongue. "I see we're not going to have a sensible conversation about it."
I sighed. "I promise to wear women's clothing at all times around the house, unless a particular situation arises where I must change. Does that suffice?"
She gave me one of her queenly nods. "Thank you. Now, will you pleasesitlike a lady, at least, and not like an apprentice in his cups?"
I straightened my back and pressed my knees together. I felt just like Harriet, a good girl who did as others bade her, even when it meant the loss of her liberty. In her situation, I would have climbed out the window and run off. But I was not like her, not even now that I lived in a grand mansion with respectable people.
I crossed my legs and downed my sherry in a gulp. If Lady V disapproved, she gave no sign.
"Now, tell me what you've been doing that necessitated…" She looked me up and down, her nose wrinkled. "…that."
"I paid Lady Gillingham a visit, if you must know, and her husband is keeping her locked in her room for the night as punishment for coming here—"
"Locked away! Punishment!" She looked as if she would march to Gillingham's house and wring his neck. "That man's a monster. The poor girl must have been terribly upset."
