Finley, Phoebe began.
Robert cut her off, looking down his nose at Finley. Of course you would say something so coarse. You know nothing of the ways of our world.
He made it sound like that was a bad thing. Finley shrugged. Youre right, and I dont want to know them if this foolishness is any indication of what your world is like. Now, you have two choiceswe return to the ball now before someone starts to wonder where the two of you have made off to, or, I can run inside and tell all the wrong people that I found you together in the garden and the scandal will ensure you have to marry each other. What will it be?
The hopeful glint in Roberts eye almost won Finley overalmost. She still thought he was more of a prat than Phoebe deserved. Then Phoebe said, You cant do that!
Poor Robert. He looked as though shed broken his heart. Of course he had to know rationally that such a scandal would bring about the dishonor he so wished to avoid, but it was nice to know that he truly cared for Phoebe.
Finley didnt question it. She arched a brow at the other girl, who looked away, not only from her, but from Robert, as well. Then wed best get inside.
The three of them returning to the ballroom together would attract little interest. They would simply be a group of young people returning from catching some air out-of-doors. Never mind that they could have been up to all manner of mischief while out there.
Phoebe, Robert murmured as they crossed the threshold. I
She barely turned her head to look at him. I think its better if we dont speak again, Robert. Her voice was so cold, Finley thought she might get frost-bite. It will be better for both of us that way. Goodbye.
Roberts face drained of all color. Finley was glad no one paid them any attention, because if they did they would all see the exact moment that Phoebe broke his heart, and that would entertain a few gossips just as much as if they had been caught kissing.
Come along, Finley, Phoebe instructed and began to walk away. Finley shruggedin what she hoped was a sympathetic mannerto Robert, who in her mind was now not nearly as poncey as she first thought, and hurried after Phoebe. Her opinion of the girl had dropped a little right then. There was no need to be mean, and yet, another part of herthe dark part that sometimes seemed smarter than her or rather possessed of a better sense of intuitionwondered if perhaps Phoebe hadnt broken her own heart at the same time.
Finley didnt see much of Phoebe for the remainder of the evening. Lord Vincent took up much of her timeespecially after the announcement of their engagement was officially made.
Maybe she was naive in her thinking that love was more important than honor and family and all that nonsense, but any envy she might have felt toward Phoebe and other girls of her class was greatly diminished.
Wasnt living your life based around what people thought and expected of you a littlewell, stupid?
Hypocrite, a voice whispered inside her head. You always worry about what people think of you.
But that wasnt quite the same thing, Finley told herself firmly, and that was the end of the conversation, because everyone knew only mad girls talked to themselves.
She danced another two times before the evening finally came to an end. She couldnt remember the young mens names, but they had been pleasant and polite enough. She was fairly certain they only danced with her because they thought she was Phoebes cousin and their mothers told them to.
Did you have a good time tonight, Finley? Lady Morton asked in the carriage on the way home. She had removed her spectacles and her odd eye glowed a little in the dim lightlike a cats.
Finley stifled a yawn. Yes, my lady. She could hardly admit that her feet hurt and that shed spent the last hour of the party praying for it to end.
Lady Morton seemed pleased. Excellent. The Duke of Greythorne was in attendance. Did either of you happen to notice him?
Finley shook her head. Phoebe yawned delicately behind her gloved hand. I did not. Im sure it was because His Grace was surrounded by frenzied young ladies vying for his attention.
One of Finleys brows rose. Is he that handsome?
Phoebe grinned. And that rich. Hes only a little older than us, so I doubt hell be eager to marry anytime soon. Theyre wasting their energies trying to catch him.
This was an odd concept to Finley, girls trying to catch a husband. Her mother always made it sound as though it was the mans duty to woo the lady. Perhaps it was something introduced by the Suffrage movement.
She was about to ask how old Robert was, but caught her tongue just in time. That was not something to discuss in front of Lady Morton. Besides, Phoebe had laid her head back against the cushions and closed her eyes, almost instantly falling asleep.
Lady Morton shot Finley an amused glance. Shes been able to do that since she was a baby. It seems you and I are left to amuse each other as we contend with the crush of traffic, Finley.
And what traffic! The carriage would roll a few feet and then stop, caught up in the steady throng departing the party, clogging the narrow street.
Lord Vincent has a very lovely home, Finley offered awkwardly. At least it was safe conversation.
Yes, her ladyship agreed. All the modern conveniences, as well. The earl is a very interested in progress. Hes always supported the scientific arts.
What happened to his leg?
Lady Mortons expression sobered. A carriage accident. He and his wife were on their way back from holiday in Scotland. His leg was destroyed and she was killed.
Thats terrible. Finley felt awful for asking.
Yes. He made himself an automaton limbone that moves and behaves just as a proper limb would. Is that not amazing?
Finley murmured in agreement. I saw a portrait of his wife earlier this evening.
You did? A wrinkle appeared between Lady Mortons brows. How did you happen to see that?
I had a headache and needed quiet. I slipped into an empty room and saw it hanging on the wall. She had said this much, she might as well press on, She looks like Phoebe.
Yes. The older woman clasped her hands in her laptightly, as though to keep from fidgeting. Cassandra and I were cousins.
So that meant that Lord Vincent intended to marry his wifes cousin. There was somethingicky about that.
One glance at her ladyship and Finley suspected she shared the feeling. She also looked like she dared Finley to cast judgment in a strangely fragile manner.
Its a good match, Finley said instead.
Yes. There was an element of relief in the word. It is. Then she turned her attention to the window, and all conversation came to an end.
The carriage jerked into motion and picked up speed. They were home within a few minutes. Phoebe woke up so quickly and brightly that Finley wondered if the girl had been asleep at all.
Chapter Five
The next few days were filled with shopping as Lady Morton and Phoebe were determined to see Finley well dressed. She refused to allow them to buy her extravagant clothing, and instead set her mind to simple, well-made garments.
Im supposed to be from the country, she argued. Country fashion is much more practical than City dress. She was right, of course, so they gave in. The result was a modest wardrobe of good, modern piecesnothing too fine or fussy, but nothing so drab that theyd be ashamed to be seen with her in public.
If she needed something superfine, it was agreed that she could borrow something that Phoebe had already worn and alter it. Being raised by a seamstress had its advantages.
But all this shopping and stopping for tea, more shopping, stopping for luncheon and visiting, and then more tea, followed by dinner and an evening at the theaterin Lord Vincents boxmeant that it was days before Finley had the chance to talk privately with Phoebe, and quite late at night at that.
Before changing into her nightclothes, Finley went to the other girls room. She dismissed the young maid forfor the night, so that she could help Phoebe get ready for bed.
Finley felt as though they had become quite close over the past few days. Perhaps not the best of friends, but at least confidantes. She hadnt told Phoebe her secret, and the girl hadnt asked, but Finley definitely felt comfortable around her.
They made small talk for a few moments, talking about the play theyd seena production of Oscar Wildes The Ideal Husband, which had been equally hilarious and surprisingly serious. Finley had quite enjoyed it.
May I ask you a question? Finley asked, as she loosened the laces of Phoebes damask corset.
Only if I may ask one of you, the girl replied, holding on to one of the posters of her bed. Good lord, Finley, youre going to lift me clean off the floor!
Sorry. Sheepishly, Finley gentled her actions. Sometimes she forgot her own strength.
Phoebe smiled over her shoulder. What is it you wished to ask?
Why are you marrying Lord Vincent?
How is it you can leap from a second-floor window and not even twist an ankle?
Usually how this sort of thing works is that you answer my question before asking your own.
Phoebe shrugged. I will answer yours after you answer mine.
Oh, for pitys sake. Finley sighed. I dont know how Im able to leap out a window and remain unharmed, only that I can. It was an honest answer, if a poor one.
Dark eyes narrow, Phoebe turned to face her, popping the hooks in the front of her corset, beneath which her chemise was stuck to her skin. What else can you do?
I agreed to one question, Finley dodged. Now you must answer mine. Why are you marrying Lord Vincent? You obviously dont want to, so why?
Phoebe glanced away, clenching her jaw in an almost petulant manner.
Are you going back on our agreement? Finley demanded.
I agreed that you could ask me a question. I did not promise to answer it.
Oh, thats honorable of you. She should keep her mouth shut. This girl was not her social equal. One word to her mother and Finley would be out on the streetagain. But she was hurt, insulted and a little pissed. I tell you something Ive never told anyone else and you wont extend the same courtesy. Thats just lovely. Good night.
She made it perhaps two steps before Phoebe reached out and seized her by the wrist. For a second, Finley was in a poor enough temper that she was tempted to catch the girls wrist in her own hand and squeeze until the delicate bones rubbed together.