Chapter 8

 

Phoebe continued to remain at her brother’s side at every function they attended. Well, at least when she wasn’t dancing. And, she never missed a dance with Lord Sandlin.

“These evenings have become quite mundane now that you are such an exemplary young lady.”

“Please, Lord Sandlin,” she begged. She hoped he wouldn’t mention the night of her excursion. She wished she could forget it.

“I admire the restraint you have shown.” He looked down at her, then twirled her across the floor. “I’ve seen the longing in your eyes when you look toward the gardens.”

“I will survive. Soon, I will be in the country again, where it cannot be nearly as stifling.” She wished he would leave her be. There was no reason why he had to be anywhere in her vicinity. Didn’t he know how much it pained her to care for him when he considered her nothing more than Noah’s troublesome sister?

While suitors came by on a regular basis, Phoebe did not find any of them the least bit desirable. It irritated and frustrated her that the only man she was attracted to would never become a suitor.

As the days and nights dragged on, she looked forward to the house party more and more. At least in the country she could get away from these huge gatherings and possibly find time to be out by herself. If she could only find some peace in the country air, alone, she knew she would feel much better.

Perhaps then she could play her music again. She hadn’t dared touch the instrument since the day Lord Sandlin and Noah interrupted her. The only music in her was the same pieces she had chosen that day. Her family knew her too well and she had no desire to alert them to her emotions.

Sandlin said little else and returned her to Noah at the end of the Waltz. There was barely any room to move and men were constantly approaching her, asking to dance. She did, it was expected. As the night continued, her irritation grew to the point that she wanted to scream and leave the place, which was something the ton would frown upon. She had to get away. The air was stifling and the temperature rose by the moment. The balcony called to her, with its cool evening breeze. She watched as dozens of couples strolled, noting it was well lit, easily observed from inside. It was a safe place where she could get away from everyone.

“I will return shortly,” she told her brother.

Noah inclined his head, so that she knew he heard her, but continued watching Lady Draden dance.

She strolled out into the moonlight, inhaled deeply and allowed the tension to ooze out of her as the cool breeze blew at her skirts and over her skin. Several people stood in groups of two or more not far from her and this was no different than standing in the ballroom given the amount of people. They probably sought the coolness of the night as much as she. Otherwise, she would have stayed at her brother’s side. Walking to the railing, she stared out into the gardens, wishing she had the freedom to walk in the darkness, either alone or with Sandlin.

She pushed the thought away. She should not be thinking of doing anything with Lord Sandlin. She wouldn’t make that mistake again.

“I must say, I am impressed you lasted a week before leaving your guardian’s side,” Taylor’s voice came from behind her.

Why couldn’t someone else approach her? Both Mr. Chambers and Mr. Parker were pleasant enough and didn’t make her wish for things she would never have. She didn’t wonder what it would be like to be really kissed or held by either of them. Only Lord Sandlin made her think the unthinkable. And here he was, behind her, ready to swoop in if she made even the most minor misstep. It grated on her nerves. “You’re premature, my lord. I don’t believe I am in trouble yet.”

“I have decided to use preventative measures this evening.”

“You have no need to worry. I don’t intend on straying further than this spot and if anyone approaches me, I will deliver a delightfully scathing set down.”

“A bit testy this evening?” He chuckled as he came to stand beside her. “I certainly wouldn’t want to be the one feeling the sharp edge of your tongue. Perhaps it is good I came along now, before you filleted some young man taken with your charm.”

Phoebe only offered a disgusted look to his buoyant behavior before turning her attention back to the gardens, wishing he would leave.

“What is bothering you this evening, Lady Phoebe?”

She sighed heavily. “Why does anything have to be bothering me? I just wished for some peace and cool air. It is quite stifling in there.” She gestured toward the ballroom.

“I agree. Would you care for a stroll?”

She turned to face him, a skeptical look on her face. Then she remembered their encounter at Vauxhall Gardens, a memory never far from her thoughts. “No, thank you. I have learned my lesson,” she bit out, then turned away again.

“Lady Phoebe, I wasn’t testing you. I just thought you might like to walk.” His tone softened.

Phoebe would much rather it were a test. She could deal with his lecturing her, but not his thoughtfulness. “I just want to be alone, Lord Sandlin. Just go inside please. Go find a wife. I recall you mentioning you were lonely. Well, there are a number of young ladies within who would be more than happy to keep you company.”

He stared at her; his eyes bore into her. After a moment he spoke. “If that is your wish. Good evening.” Turning, he walked away.

His footsteps stopped at the side of the door and he resumed his position as guard once again. He was too close to allow the peace she needed.

 

* * *

 

As the date of the house party drew close, Phoebe made plans to find suitable matches for Noah and his friends. She had already talked Janine into inviting Lady Draden, who finally accepted upon the insistence of Noah and Phoebe. She narrowed her choices for Lord Sandlin down to three, yet couldn’t decide which would be better as she kept finding fault with each. As she hadn’t been given a chance to get to know Parker or Chambers very well, she had decided that at a more intimate gathering, perhaps they would all learn about each other and make a match.

“Why did you invite all of these gentlemen?” Phoebe asked Janine out of curiosity, afraid they were for her.

“Each come from good families, have no bad habits, and are interested in furthering their acquaintance with you.”

It was what she feared. “I have no interest in any of these gentlemen. Nor have I changed my mind about marriage.”

Noah rolled his eyes and stood to pace. “I understand. However, you must keep up appearances.”

“Why,” Phoebe demanded and stood.

He turned and his eyes bore into hers. “Because it would make your mother happy.”

Phoebe huffed. She sat back down and reached for a lemon cake. “Mother knows that I have no interest in anyone who has pursued me.”

“Then who are you interested in?” Janine asked. “There must be someone.”

Phoebe was grateful to have a mouth full of food so she did not have to tell a falsehood, and shrugged her shoulders.

Noah ran a hand through his hair and sighed. “Very well, then. If you have no one in particular you would like us to invite, then you will settle for those who are there.”

“But. . .”

“Phoebe,” he interrupted. “You have not given any of them a chance.”

“I have too. I’ve danced with each of them.”

“Yet you turn down their invitations to stroll in the park, or any other type of outing for that matter.”

Phoebe frowned and shrugged. “They bore me.”

“Well, until you come up with a non-boring alternative, these gentlemen are the ones whom you will spend time with.” Noah strode from the room in frustration.

At least a few of her friends were interested in some of the gentlemen who were invited so it wouldn’t be a complete loss or waste of time, Phoebe consoled herself. Now, as long as Noah didn’t make her spend time with the individuals, other than in a group setting, all would be well.

Four days before they were to depart, Phoebe sat in the parlor with her new friends. There were seven young women who had also made their appearances this Season and were looking forward to the house party. Sipping tea and nibbling on cakes, they talked with excitement about the coming weekend. Phoebe had been honest with each of them about her plans not to marry, but that she wanted to find suitable wives for her brother and his friends.

“There is one problem,” Lady Bettina began.

“What would that be?” She was sure she had covered all the grounds.

“You,” Lady Bettina offered quietly.

“Why me?” Phoebe wasn’t sure if she should feel insulted.

“Not you exactly...” Lady Bettina started.

Lady Corinna cut her off. “The only reason your brother and the rogues will be there is to keep an eye on you. They won’t even notice the rest of us if you are wandering about.”

Phoebe bit her lower lip. They were right. Noah and his watchdogs were everywhere she was. Slowly a smile came to her lips and gleam to her eye. “You know, I find I am tiring very easily of late. I think I will take the opportunity this weekend to retire very early on a regular basis. You won’t be offended, will you?”

Her friends matched her smile and burst into laughter. “You are wonderful, Phoebe.”

So the plans were set. She would have fun during the day, but before dinner she would retire to her room, claiming to be exhausted. If her brother pressed for explanations she would come up with some plausible excuse that he would believe, though she had no idea what it would be at the moment.

 

* * *

 

Settling in her bed with a book, Phoebe tried to read, but voices of those attending the house party kept drifting up to her. It was still early by London standards. Six months ago she would have been asleep already. Feeling restless and unable to concentrate on her book, Phoebe dressed once again. Not wanting to alert anyone, she crept down the backstairs and into the night, where she strolled the gardens, in the shadows. She felt free. What a wonderful plan she had. She was able to provide her friends with opportunity and gain a brief period of freedom for herself.

Noting a few people had wandered outside, she advanced further into the shadows and began walking the sheltered trails. Hearing whispers and quiet laughter, she wandered further down the paths, curious as to who felt the need for such privacy, knowing full well she should return. As usual, she was unable to keep her curiosity at bay.

Proceeding as quietly as she could, she stopped until two profiles came into sight. A woman, with her back against a tree, was laughing up at a man. Phoebe recognized the woman as one who arrived shortly before dinner, but didn’t know her name. She could not see the gentleman’s face because it was currently hidden by the woman’s neck.

Her face heated with embarrassment when she saw how the man was pressing his entire body against the woman’s. Phoebe started to retreat as the woman clutched his upper arms and moaned. And then the man raised his head.

Grinning down at the woman was Lord Sandlin. Phoebe’s stomach churned. He smiled seductively, slipped his hand down the woman’s leg and began to pull her skirt up.

“Say it, Kat,” Sandlin insisted. “Is this what you want?”

The woman didn’t answer, but simply threw her arms around him and drew him down for a kiss. He kissed her back and began lifting the skirt in earnest.

Tears flooded Phoebe’s eyes and she turned to run toward the house, only to catch her foot on a bench. She was slung onto the path. Stifling a scream she attempted to get up, but found her ankle too painful to hold her weight.