Chapter 15
No. 12
Everton ladies never make public spectacles of themselves.
—The Everton Companion
Rules of Conduct
London held none of the appeal it had in Phoebe’s youth or even months before when she had fled her brother’s estate to join the Everton Domestic Society. The rutted streets bounced her about like a ragdoll and even Honoria’s light chatter did not brighten her mood.
“Phoebe, you made your decision, now stop pouting,” Honoria said from the opposite seat in the closed carriage.
Swallowing down her sorrow, Phebe pulled her shoulders back. “You are right. I wish I knew I did the right thing.”
Honoria made a face as if she’d eaten something horrible. “You already know my feelings on the subject, so I will not beat the matter to death.”
Markus didn’t love her. He felt obligated to her. Perhaps she could tolerate that from someone she didn’t love, but not from Markus. It would break her into a million pieces to see him every day and know he could never love her. He was a good man, but his heart belonged to Emma, and she left no room for anyone else. Besides, Emma had been the daughter of an earl. Being disowned meant she was just Miss Hallsmith now. Men like Markus Flammel did not fall in love with girls like her. He cared for her, if his sweet lovemaking was any indication, but that too was not enough. She was an old maid and she would have to accept that and be happy with her decision.
The carriage stopped in front of Everton House. Lady Jane Everton waited on the top step. She clasped her hands in front of her gray skirt. The crisp white of her blouse stood out in relief against the dark stone and black door. Not one hair out of place, Lady Jane was the perfect example of what to be.
Phoebe’s inadequacies glared in her presence. “Lady Jane, is something amiss?”
“Not at all, Miss Hallsmith. I heard the carriage approach and thought I would spend a moment with you before you go to your room for a rest. Lady Chervil, you look as stunning as ever.”
Lady Chervil beamed and kissed Lady Jane’s cheek. “It’s good to be back, though Rosefield was our finest assignment yet. I do not know when I have seen an Everton lady make more of a difference in the lives of her clients. I imagine the Flammels will rave about the society after what Phoebe did for them.”
“I have already had a letter from the countess declaring Miss Hallsmith a miracle. I believe they are all well pleased. Can you spare a few minutes, Miss Hallsmith?” Jane let the footman open the door.
“Of course.” Phoebe followed Jane and Honoria inside.
Honoria went directly upstairs saying she needed to rest after the long trip. “I will see you both at supper.”
Letting Arwen deal with her luggage, Phoebe followed Jane into the office. “I am glad Lady Castlereagh was pleased with the outcome of my employment.”
Jane sat behind the desk. “She actually used the word overjoyed.” I did not even know the countess knew that word.”
They laughed.
Tapping her fingers on the desk, Jane hesitated. “Something in her ladyship’s letter troubled me though, Miss Hallsmith.”
Phoebe’s heart stopped. “Oh. What was that?”
“May I be blunt, Miss Hallsmith?”
“I suppose you had better call me Phoebe if you have something of this much concern to discuss, my lady.”
Jane sighed. “She said his lordship’s attachment was great and a friendship had developed between the two of you, which she had not expected. Is it merely a friendship, Phoebe?”
A large part of Phoebe wanted to burst into tears and confide in Jane, but that would not do for an Everton lady. “His lordship and I are friends. I would not call that a mere thing, but our friendship grew out of the need for him to trust me as his recovery required.”
Another long sigh pushed from Jane’s lips. “You are in love with him.”
Phoebe sat forward, afraid she was about to be put out on the street or worse, sent back to her brother. “My feelings are irrelevant, my lady. I did what I was hired to do. His lordship has stopped drinking, Rosefield is in order, and Miss Elizabeth is safe, with a father who loves her and a nanny who will see to her needs.”
Jane raised a hand for peace. “Do not panic, Miss Hallsmith. I only worry for your happiness. No one is trying to force you out of the society. You will always have a home here, if you wish it.”
All the air rushed back into Phoebe and she sat back against the hard chair. “I am more grateful than you can know.”
“There is no need for gratitude, and you would be surprised how much I know about such things. Is there no hope that his lordship returns your feelings?” Surprising sadness marred Jane’s usually stoic expression, and she placed her hands on the desk, fingers threaded together.
“It is an inappropriate match, my lady. No, there is no hope, but thank you for your concern. I will be fine. Knowing that I am safe here is more than a girl like me could ever hope for.”
“Pish. Inappropriate by some standards perhaps, but if he loves you and you clearly love him, the rest can be overcome.” Jane waved an all-encompassing hand.
“Even if he did love me, and he does not, that is not realistic. It does not happen in the real world, only in dreams.”
Jane laughed and shook her head. “Did you know that I was the nanny to Lord Everton’s son? I had no title and was of good but unimportant birth. My family had no money and my father was in trade.”
Unable to believe her ears, she shook her head and closed her mouth. “I did not know that, my lady.”
Standing, Jane smoothed her skirts and walked to the window. “Yes, well, I do not like to make such a thing public, as it might be damaging to the domestic society. Still, it is the truth. Rupert was a widower and his housekeeper hired me to care for his young son. I had barely been making ends meet on my own and my parents could scarcely afford to take care of themselves. When my mother and I failed to find me a husband who could take me off their hands, I made the decision to step out on my own. If not for the post as a nanny, I do not know what would have become of me. We fell in love over chess in the evenings and he asked me to marry him. Of course, I resisted, stating the inappropriateness of the match. I went as far as to resign my post, but Rupert was persistent in his pursuit and eventually I saw that neither of us would be happy alone.”
Phoebe lost herself in the singsong tones of Jane’s voice and the romantic tale. “He must love you very much.”
Still looking out the window, Jane’s shoulders rose and fell. “Yes. We have been quite happy and all of this happened many years ago. When I told Rupert of my struggles to live before I began working for him, he suggested there may be a way to help other women in similar positions. That is how the Everton Domestic Society came to be.”
Phoebe’s head spun. “I had no idea.”
“I only tell you this so that you will be open minded should Lord Devonrose make an offer.” Jane returned to the desk.
The angry hand that had been strangling her heart for days gripped tighter. “I do not think that will be the case, but thank you, my lady.”
Jane cocked her head and shrugged. “One other thing, Miss Hallsmith. If you could stand a short assignment in two days, Miss Tara Winkle needs our support for the Davenport ball. It would only be for the preparation and the night of the ball. Her mother, Lady Tollfield, fears the girl will sit in a corner all night and never be married.”
Exhaustion lay like a blanket over Phoebe. Still, there was work to do and she was committed to her career. Her inability to sleep must never interfere with her being the best Everton lady she could be. “Two days will be sufficient time to recover. I am sure I can help Miss Winkle for one night.”
“Thank you, Miss Hallsmith. Go and get some rest now. I will see you at supper.” Jane returned her expression to the pleasant, calm and reassuring face she generally wore.
Phoebe was privileged to have seen another side of her benefactor. She left the office and went to find the comfort of her own room for a few hours. Of course, sleep was impossible and all she could think of was Markus and having his arms wrapped around her.
It would not do. She pulled on her boots and coat and went to walk the gardens. Perhaps the cool air would blow away these feelings.
* * * *
Phoebe spent the afternoon overseeing Miss Winkle’s dress and hair before they arrived at the Davenport ball. She had the carriage deliver them early in the evening as Phoebe felt the lighter crowd would be less intimidating for her young charge.
“Oh, Miss Hallsmith, I do not know how I will get through this. There are so many people,” Tara whispered. Tara Winkle was a pretty girl of sixteen with brown hair and blue eyes, fair skin, and a shy disposition.
“It will be more crowded in an hour. That is when it is more fashionable to arrive.” Phoebe scanned the room. The Davenports had one of the largest ballrooms in London. One wall was completely dedicated to several arched French doors that led to a patio. The walls were painted pale blue and trimmed in rich cream. Several mirrors reflected the light of four chandeliers. It was elegant, and when all the finely dressed ton swirled around the highly polished floor, it would be stunning.
Young John Stagemore had arrived early as well and stared from the other side of the ballroom. His crisp white cravat gave him an elegant air. More stylish than she would have thought, he wore a burgundy waistcoat with his fine black suit. Shy as he might be, he had a sense of fashion that was appealing without making him seem a peacock.
As his older brother was friendly with Phoebe’s brother Miles, she had met him on several occasions. She nodded toward him.
With a wide grin, John approached. His charming blush exaggerated by his fair hair and stark blue eyes. “Miss Hallsmith, I feared I would not know a soul at this ball. It is good to see you.”
“How do you do, Mr. Stagemore? May I introduce my friend, Miss Tara Winkle?”
John bowed. “A pleasure to meet you, Miss Winkle.”
Dropping into a curtsy, Tara said, “How do you do, Mr. Stagemore?”
His blush deepened. “I am embarrassed to admit, I do not care for the crowds at these events. My mother insisted I come and I thought to arrive early and beat the crush.”
Tara smiled and exhaled for the first time since they’d arrived. “I understand completely, Mr. Stagemore. It can be daunting to walk into the middle of so many of society’s finest and not know anyone. Miss Hallsmith was kind enough to suggest we arrive early as well. I am not accustomed to large gatherings.”
“Nor I.” John’s smile was enough to light the entire room without the benefit of the chandeliers. “Perhaps you would do me the honor of the first two dances, Miss Winkle? Surely that will ease the torment for us both.”
Phoebe admired John’s smooth request even if he did not know he’d been both savior and rogue at once. The boy had potential.
“I would be delighted, Mr. Stagemore.”
“Until then.” With a bow, John strode away far more confident than when he arrived.
“Well done, Miss Winkle. We are off to a fine start.” It was good for Phoebe to be distracted by someone else’s life and not mired in thoughts of her own.
Tara clapped, sending her reticule into a spin. “He seemed very nice.”
“He is and he comes from a good family. No title, but a family your mother would most definitely approve.” Phoebe scanned for more dance prospects, then groaned as Gavin crossed the threshold and made straight for her. “Please excuse what you are about to witness, Miss Winkle.”
“I beg your pardon?” Tara asked.
Gavin stopped a foot from them and bowed, his pretty face marred by rage at not getting his way. “Miss Hallsmith, I do not appreciate having to trek across the country after you. You might have left word that you were leaving Rosefield.”
He was so rude she didn’t bother to introduce Tara. There was no need to subject the girl to more of Gavin.
Despite how loudly Gavin had spoken, Phoebe kept her voice soft so that the entire room did not hear. “I am not answerable to you, Mr. Durnst, and my assignment was over. I am sorry if you traveled out of your way, but I did not ask you to come after me. In fact, I am certain I forbid it.”
“I am trying very hard not to become furious with you. As we are in public, I will hold my tongue, and we will speak during the first dance.” He crossed his arms.
“And if I refuse to dance with you?” She already knew she was pushing him, but she didn’t care.
“Then I will make a scene right here and now.” His smirk was enough to make her want to kick him in the shin.
Tara stared, wide-eyed. Lady Tollfield frowned from across the room, then narrowed her eyes on Phoebe and patted her white wig.
A scene would not be welcome. Phoebe stifled a sigh. “I will dance with you, Mr. Durnst, but only one dance and only if you promise to not make a spectacle of yourself.”
He bowed, smirked, and strode away.
Leaning in, Tara giggled. “Miss Hallsmith, you are turning out to be the most interesting person at this ball.”
“Goodness, I hope not, Miss Winkle.”
As if it were some tragic comedy in the theater, Jared walked in through the garden door and pardoned himself around the outside of the room toward them.
“Unfortunately, Miss Winkle, this is not my best night. Please excuse the next chapter of this farce.”
“I beg your pardon?” Tara turned her head, looking for whatever was coming.
Jared stopped in front of them. “Good evening, Miss Hallsmith. You look lovely.”
“Thank you, Mr. Blunt. It is surprising to see you here.”
He bowed and glanced around as if he might be tossed out at any moment. “I had to call in a few favors to gain an invitation. Working people like you and I rarely are favored at such balls. However, it is early in the season, and I think Lady Davenport feared there would be a lack of men for dancing.”
Since he was oblivious to his insult, Phoebe pretended she hadn’t noticed. “May I introduce my friend, Miss Winkle?” Phoebe was attempting polite conversation. Perhaps she could distract him.
“How do you do, Miss Winkle?”
Tara curtsied and hid a giggle behind her gloved hand.
“You followed me to London, Mr. Blunt?” Phoebe failed to hide the annoyance in her voice.
Jared grinned as if he had no clue she was put out by his behavior. “Of course. You cannot be ignorant of my intentions, Miss Hallsmith. I could not let you run off and not pursue. Though I admit it would have been nice had I heard of your leaving Rosefield from you rather than his lordship.”
“My assignment was finished. I did not need to report to you.”
His lips twisted to that pert pucker he got when annoyed, then flashed to calm before he spoke. “May I dance with you tonight, Miss Hallsmith?”
“My second dance is free.” She resigned herself to the ridiculous evening.
Grinning, he bowed to each of them and had a distinct bounce in his step as he walked away.
“Who are these men, Miss Hallsmith? Forgive me, it is none of my business. I like the second one better than the first. Though, the first was better looking.” Tara fluffed her skirt and sat in one of the chairs lining the ballroom.
Suddenly very tired, Phoebe sat next to her. “They are vying for my hand and they are both the wrong man.”
Tara leaned forward. “Is there a right man in this scenario?”
Clearly, Tara was brighter than Phoebe had originally given her credit for. “It is a long story and one we cannot discuss in the middle of a ball where it is my job to get you seen by the ton.”
Pulling a face, Tara said, “I think I would rather hear your story.”
Phoebe laughed. “Another time. The music is starting and you have a gentleman walking this way.”
Unfortunately, it also meant that a gentleman was heading toward her, though Gavin’s gentlemanly qualities were questionable. His blond curls bounced around his strong jaw as he bounded across the ballroom. He held his shoulders back and bowed with his hand out for her to join him in the minuet. Despite how good looking he was, Phoebe cringed.
Luckily the complex dance meant that they would not be in proximity for any length of time. She passed Tara, who grinned happily. At least someone was enjoying the ball.
When the music stopped, Gavin bowed and she curtsied. He escorted her back to the mantel side of the room where he had collected her. “I would like a few moments of your time, Miss Hallsmith.”
Honoria glided over with a flower in one hand and a fan in the other. Where she had found a lily in the cold of London, Phoebe had no idea. Sparkling with too much jewelry and smiling, she settled next to Phoebe. “Miss Hallsmith, you look lovely.”
“As do you, Lady Chervil.”
Gavin cleared his throat. “Miss Hallsmith, may I have a few minutes of your time?”
“I really do not see why, but if you must, you may speak to me on Tuesday afternoon. For now, I have promised the next dance to Mr. Blunt.” Phoebe curtsied, dismissing him.
Tara returned to her side, said something in Mr. Stagemore’s ear, and he rushed off.
Face twisted with emotion, Gavin leaned close. “Your brother is very much in favor of our marrying.”
“Then perhaps you should marry Ford.” The temper she tried so hard to keep restrained simmered near the edge of her control. She was not setting a good example, but she would not be bullied by Gavin or Ford.
“He will hear of this.”
Phoebe took a breath and stepped forward so that she was inches from Gavin’s red face. “If you think that threatening me with the wrath of my brother is the way to win me over, you are sadly mistaken, Mr. Durnst. And if you continue to offend me you will not be welcome in Everton House on Tuesday afternoon to say whatever it is you mean to. I suggest you stop now and enjoy your evening. Perhaps there is another young woman here who would be pleased to dance with you.”
“Is this a random day you have picked?”
He had a point, but she held her head high and pulled her shoulders back. “It is the first day I am available for visitors. You may feel free to decline.”
Gavin held his breath and his eyes widened before he relaxed and stepped back. “Until Tuesday then, Miss Hallsmith.”
Waving her fan in front of her face, Honoria placed the flower on the mantel. “Oh, you do entertain, Phoebe.”
“I am so glad you are amused, Honoria.” Phoebe needed air, but Jared was on his way over to claim his dance. “Miss Winkle, how did your first dance go?”
“Better than yours. Mr. Stagemore is a perfect gentleman. He is coming over with lemonade. However, now I wish I could just stay with you. Your life is far more interesting than anything else at this ball.”
Phoebe turned and narrowed her gaze on Tara and Honoria. “I am so pleased to be an amusement for the both of you. Now if you will excuse me, I must dance with another man determined to give me what I do not want.” Spinning on her heels landed her directly in front of the approaching Jared Blunt.
The moment they reached the dance floor, Jared said, “Tell me you will marry me, Miss Hallsmith.”
It was like a cruel joke. For years, no one asked, and now everyone wanted to marry her but all for the wrong reasons. “I most certainly will not. I told you that in the country and I do not see why you would think asking me in public would make me respond differently.” The dance carried her away for several phrases.
Jared clomped along through the steps until he returned to her side. “I had hoped some time would give you clarity on the subject. If you would prefer to speak of this in private, I understand. It is out of the ordinary to propose during a dance, but I am smitten and could not wait.”
“You do not sound smitten.” Another partner swept her away for a turn around the room. Once again in line, she took Jared’s sweaty hand. “You sound desperate.”
“I…you…that is not true. Though I must be completely honest, marrying the daughter of a viscount would be quite good for me. And as you will be my wife, it would be good for you as well. I can take ample care of you.”
Silently she allowed herself to be promenaded while her mind raced and her rage grew. It had taken years of her life to keep the least provocation from erupting. However, this was not the least. No one should have to endure these idiotic men. The dance came back around to Jared. “I thank you for your honesty, Mr. Blunt. I can see how you have calculated everything. I’m sure you also have hope of my reconciliation with my family and perhaps a dowry at some point, Mr. Blunt.”
“I will not discuss it here.” His lips drew into a thin line.
The music drew to a close. “Very well, you may visit me at Everton House on Tuesday afternoon. You can also come up with a good reason for me to say yes to your request for my hand. Your adoration notwithstanding.”
Phoebe turned and walked to the mantel where Honoria watched while chatting up the chubby Lord Countroy.
The ball could not end quickly enough for Phoebe. She made sure that Tara had several other dance partners all of whom were eligible to marry a woman of her standing. Late in the evening, Tara danced the last dance and her mother asked if they could drop Phoebe home. Thankfully Honoria was still skipping around the ball.
“I will manage with Lady Chervil, thank you. I hope you enjoyed the ball, Miss Winkle.”
Clapping, Tara grinned. “It was wonderful. I could not have done it without you, Miss Hallsmith. Thank you. I hope you will allow me to call on you. I do so enjoy your company.”
Lady Tollfield frowned.
Plastering a smile on her face, Phoebe said, “It is not proper for a young lady to pay a call to Everton House. It is a place of business. I do wish you all the best, Miss Winkle.”
Tara gave her mother a look that said this was not the timid girl of a day ago. “Never mind, Miss Hallsmith, I am sure we shall meet again.”
“I look forward to it.” She made a curtsy and corralled Honoria before calling for the carriage.
Once inside, Honoria waved her fan around. “Do you think you will marry either of them?”
“No.” Phoebe watched the city go by dark and shadowy with only the moon to light their way.
“That Mr. Durnst is very hansome.”
“He is a snake.”
Honoria smiled but quickly hid it behind her fan. “And what of Mr. Blunt?”
“He is a fool, and they both are only after me for titles and money.”
Honoria put her fan in her lap and snapped it closed. “But Mr. Blunt liked you from the moment he met you.”
It was true. Jared might make someone a good husband, but it would not be Phoebe. The notion made her groan. “I have given this matter far too much thought. Neither will suit. I will just deal with Ford’s temper and then go back to being disowned at his convenience.”
With a sharp laugh, Honoria said, “He does seem quite involved in your life for a man who disavowed his stewardship.”
A long sigh spread through Phoebe and exhaustion seeped into her bones. “Indeed.”