Page 11 of A Lady Most Wayward
‘You taught me not to back down from bullies, so I won’t let your words dissuade me, but I will remind you that jumping to conclusions is never a wise strategy, Philippa.’
Ivy’s censure stung, even more so because she had a point. Philippa battled with annoyance and pride. It was glorious to see Ivy stepping into her own power, but she would prefer the woman didn’t use her newfound confidence to contradict Philippa.
Trouble, thy name is woman.
‘Fine.’ Philippa stepped away from Olivia and exhaled. ‘Tell me your idea, Ivy. I can’t promise to agree, but I will at least listen.’
Olivia rolled her eyes. ‘Oh my. What a gift you’ve bestowed upon us. You’lllisten. How shall we ever show our gratitude, Your Grace?’
‘You could start by losing the sarcasm, Lady Smithwick. Much like that dreadful frock, it hardly flatters you.’
Which was an absolute lie. Even in the plain clothes of a working woman, Olivia was stunning. Her figure rivalled that of Venus. Cheeks flushed a rosy pink that only highlighted the pale glory of her wild curls. Her full lips distracted Philippa every time she bit the bottom one, and her emerald-green eyes flashed with defiance, begging Philippa to meet her on the battlefield and pit her will against Olivia’s.
Olivia narrowed her eyes and rested a hand on her hip. ‘Have you any suggestions on what might improve my appearance, Lady Winterbourne?’
Bloody hell. She caught me out on that one.
Rage and a disconcerting excitement she only felt when warring made it difficult to devise a witty reply. Thankfully, Ivy saved her from having to try.
‘We are getting off track. Philippa, we need to uncover the identity of the remaining leader for the Devil’s Sons. Olivia, you need to be guaranteed safe passage away from England for you and your daughter. These goals are not mutually exclusive. I think we can help each other.’
‘Letting this woman get away with her crimes is the antithesis of our goals, Ivy. If you are so remorseful for your previous choices, Lady Smithwick, then make up for that now by revealing the Crow.’
‘Not until I know my daughter is safe. Help me get her away from England, promise me she will remain hidden and protected, and then I will tell you everything. You can take me into custody, march me in front of the House of Lords and subject me to their judgement, or execute me yourself if you wish. My life means nothing to me once Hyacinth is safe. This is my bargain, Duchess.’
Philippa’s spine stiffened. Never before had someone used her title as an insult, but the disdain in Olivia’s tone was sharper than the edge of Philippa’s fan.
‘You would willingly turn yourself in?’
The infuriating woman’s throat constricted, drawing Philippa’s eye to the hollow of her neck. How soft was her skin, just there, in the dip between her clavicles?
I don’t care about her skin.
But guilt washed through her at the rogue desire to know if Olivia tasted salty or sweet.
‘Yes. Once my daughter is safe, it doesn’t matter what happens to me.’
Something tight squeezed around Philippa’s ribs. Much as she despised Olivia, it seemed wrong for the woman to so easily sacrifice herself.
‘How do I know you’ll hold true to your bargain?’
Olivia raised a pale brow in a close imitation of Philippa’s signature look.
Not bad. Quite intimidating.
‘I suppose you’ll have to trust me. Just as I must trust you won’t betray my daughter’s safety for your own pursuit of glory.’
Philippa narrowed her gaze. ‘I pursue justice, Lady Smithwick. Glory tends to find me all on its own.’
Olivia muttered something sounding suspiciously similar to ‘Arrogant prig.’
‘Do we have a deal?’ Ivy asked, a smile tipping up the corners of her wide mouth.
Philippa rarely agreed to deals she hadn’t carefully brokered. She certainly didn’t join with enemies, even if they were focused on a shared goal. But mayhap Olivia was right. Sometimes, there was no choice. Even for a duchess.
Olivia knew the identity of the Crow. She also agreed to willingly turn herself over to Philippa once her daughter’s safety was guaranteed. Wasn’t that worth joining forces for a time? And the fact she didn’t trust the woman only made it more imperative to join with Olivia and watch her every move.
Keep your friends at a distance and your enemies close.
