Page 26 of A Zephyr Rising
Why was it her family seemed so reluctant to believe her desire to join the Queen Alexandra’s could come from a need to help others?Had she given off the shallow impression her life projected?“It’s entirely possible for me to have an opinion not influenced by a man, Aunt Madeline.I thought you of all people would support the idea.”
Madeline laughed.“Of course, darling, but you’re not me.You’ve always flitted about, looking for frocks, making your social calls.Also, I have the luxury of already being married and not being the daughter of an earl.Expressing one’s opinion is much easier when you’ve already proven you’re willing to sacrifice to have one.”
“How utterly disappointing.”Ginger narrowed her eyes at Madeline.
“Ginger, apologize to your aunt.There’s no need to be rude.”Gran withdrew her hand from Ginger’s.“Goodness me, is this what we’re coming to?A war breaks out and all manners disappear entirely?”
“She doesn’t have to apologize, Mama.I wouldn’t mind seeing Ginger grow more of a spine.Especially if she’s as determined to join the nurses and help the German immigrants as she’s declared herself to be.”Madeline’s eyes were a similar shade of green to Ginger’s, though her hair had more of an auburn hue.Her eyes held a challenge.“Maybe Charlotte Thompson has rubbed off on you in a good way.”
The mention of Charlotte was enough to get Henry’s attention.“Not likely.”He gave Ginger a hard look.“Don’t forget you require Father’s permission for all this.He holds the purse strings, after all.If you refuse Stephen, you may not humor him to allow you to join the Queen Alexandra’s.Especially after all the favors you’ve asked for the Martins.”
“If so, I’d like to see what I can accomplish for the Martins without having to ask any further favors from Father—or Stephen.”Ginger pushed herself up from the sofa.As she stood, her sprained ankle erupted with pain again.She grimaced, clenching her jaw.
“What is it?”Gran reached for her arm to help her.
“I sprained my ankle helping the Martin family flee from their house last night.”
Gran shook her head.“No good deed goes unpunished.Now I understand why the doctor examined you.Your aunt was too concerned with his looks to ask before.”
Madeline grinned and toyed with the strand of pearls around her neck.“Oh you know, Mama, someone has to be looking for future beaus for our Ginger.Especially if she won’t have Stephen Fisher.”
“Ginger could have a great many beaus if she wanted them—without your help.”Gran gave her daughter a pointed look.
Ginger sighed and put her teacup on the saucer.“I’m not certain that’s accurate.Stephen has done his best to claim me in all our circles.”Maybe Charlotte was right.She needed someone from outside their friends.
“How can he claim you when you’ve not accepted him?”Madeline went toward Henry.“You really must do more to discourage Stephen from scaring off other suitors, Harry.It’s your responsibility as her older brother to protect her—even if it’s from your own friends.”
Before Henry responded, the door opened.Giles stepped through once more.“Lord Stephen Fisher is here to see Lord Henry and Lady Virginia.”
“Speak of the devil and he doth appear,” Gran grumbled from her place on the sofa.
Ginger smoothed her hands over the beads of her ruined dress.“I can’t see him looking like this.”She’d barely slept the previous night and her hair was in disarray.
“Would you like me to turn him away?”Madeline arched a brow.
“Of course not.”Henry stretched, throwing an amused glance at Ginger.“Hasn’t she been going on about how little she cares about what he thinks?If that’s the case, what difference does it make?”
Ginger glared at Henry.“Not being interested in Stephen doesn’t mean I’d love for him to see me like this.”
“Well, there’s hardly enough time for you to go and change now.I agree with Harry.Let him in,” Madeline said to Giles.He bowed and went back out once again.
Ginger sat beside her grandmother.Gran gave her an odd look.“My dearest, you’re up and down as quickly as a jack-in-the-box.Will you just settle yourself?”
Stephen came through the doorway.“Lady Westbrooke.”He bowed toward Madeline, then turned toward Gran.“Lady Grey.I’m so sorry to disturb you.I heard from Lord Braddock Henry and Ginny had come to London.”
“You heard from Father?”Henry asked, a hint of surprise in his features.
“Yes, he caught a train to London around noon.I’d expect he’ll be here soon.”Stephen removed his hat and held it in his hands.“Might I have a word alone with Henry and Ginny?”
“It just goes to show you can’t buy manners,” Gran said in a low whisper to Ginger.She stood and moved toward the door.“Madeline, would you call the car for me?”
Madeline followed her mother out the door.
Stephen didn’t appear to have heard her, thankfully.Gran was right.The Fishers had risen to wealth only a few decades earlier, practically buying an earldom along the way.While the amount of money they had was more than enough to get them into the poshest places, it wasn’t enough to buy them the credibility Ginger had often suspected Stephen desired through marrying her.
She offered him a polite smile.“Thank you for letting us know Father is on his way.Is there something the matter?”
“I’ve had a letter from David Peterson, my friend who is the assistant to the Home Secretary.”Stephen turned his hat in his hand and then gestured toward a chair.“May I sit?”
