Not Quite a Lady; Not Quite a Knight Page 6

  Sir Turner withdrew at some unseen signal that passed between the men, leaving her where? Was this not where she had wanted to be?

  Phineas. This odious man can help Phineas. I need to hold his interest, to make him talk. I must know what he has done. The fact that he fails to recognize me is but a bit of luck.

  So Addie did the only thing she could. She opened her mouth to thank him for his time and when he asked her to dance she placed her hand within the crook of his arm. She told herself that her uncle could wait that much longer, realizing that but that she was also playing a very dangerous game. Not only was Phineas about to return from fetching the carriage to find her dancing when she had turned down a second dance with him, but if Lord Whittondon had any idea who Addie was, and what she knew of him, he would very likely kill her.

  3

  For a girl who had been so interested in him a moment ago, Addie certainly was a fickle thing, Phineas thought. She had been so open and friendly to him when she was working at the tavern, but now… It had not escaped his attention just how many gentlemen had swarmed around Adelaide the moment she’d set foot into the ballroom. He had hung back to watch her for just that reason, unsure of his footing since she’d turned out to be a woman of means and he…still being the youngest son of a youngest son, with no title of his own, nor money worth mentioning.

  Phineas watched her now as she smiled and all but fell into the arms of the blond-haired man who held her closer or longer than necessary. That Phineas knew who Lord Whittondon was without saying. The man had a deuced reputation. He wanted to march up to the pair and cut in. When had he acquires such feelings of jealousy? No. That was not it. He was only concerned for her. Whittondon was a scoundrel.

  Adelaide could not know. Surely she could not know and dance so, looking for all the world that there was no place in the world she would rather be right now than in that monster’s arms.

  How it was that she had accepted a dance when a moment ago she’d been asking to leave the ball entirely? Miss Waltham was a puzzle to him. She had to have been coerced somehow, and had taken his hand out of innocence. She knew little of the ways of the Ton, and might have thought she was being polite.

  Like she has been polite with those other young men tonight? He wondered. Now that she had a dowry, she would likely not give him a second glance.

  Nor had she noticed the other suitors, he reminded himself. But that had been different, the others were little more than boys. Harmless. He had seen the pain in her eyes as one after the other had trod upon her toes and had been on his way to rescue her when she’d sat down and her entourage had disappeared to fetch her punch.

  She looked entirely different now though, lips parted, as though she hung onto that boor’s every word. She appeared fascinated by him, and did not seem to mind in the least that by tomorrow she would be the talk of the Ton. Perhaps she was oblivious to their pointed looks.

  In the meantime, Phineas had a carriage ready for her and her uncle and neither appeared to be going anywhere. Lord Livingsten seemed to have dozed off in his chair in the corner.

  Frustrated now, and more than a little angry, Phineas stomped over to a chair next to Elton and sank down next to the slumbering man, and tried for all the world to pretend that he was perfectly delighted to be sitting here. As though he had a purpose for sitting here. As if someone cared where he sat. Untitled as he was, and unlikely to inherit much more than his mother’s cottage by the sea, no one amongst the Ton so much as looked twice at him. He had known this for years, and had not cared.

  Until now.

  Valiantly he tried to come up with another explanation, any explanation for Addie’s coldness, and more for this dalliance on her part, but he could not come up with an answer, at least not one that suited him. Was it possible that her head could be turned by wealth and titles? Whittondon certainly was possessed with both. Phineas had not thought Adelaide the same as the other empty-headed girls who tittered from behind fans and tried to convince themselves that marrying well was the beginning and end of their ambition. Addie had been genuine. At least back in Upper Nettlefold she had been…well real. She was the sort of girl to climb a tree to play a prank; to carve his likeness upon a squash and then use it to scare people. He had looked forward to what sort of mischief she would get up to in the stuffy atmosphere of London. He thought the Ton needed to be shaken up, and she was just the one to do it, only now…she was not. It seemed she had become the same as all the others. How had he thought she was different? He felt a scowl cross his face and his hands were balled into fists.

  The dance ended. How long had he been sitting there watching her? She exited the dance floor almost as though she hated to leave. She lingered talking, Whittondon’s hand still holding her arm. When the cad finally let go, her face was red, flushed with the pride of a woman who had made a conquest? Phineas surged to his feet and was standing waiting as she joined him and her uncle, who was still dozing.

  “I have the carriage waiting. I had thought—” He felt the accusation in his voice and stopped. Never mind what he had thought. This wasn’t who he wanted to be. He wanted to be her lover, not her accuser. So he forced a smile and focused on helping Lord Livingsten to his feet.

  “I seem to have dozed off a little…” the older man murmured as he bent over his cane and tried valiantly to smile. “I am a little stiff.”

  “Oh, I should not have left you for so long!” Addie seemed near tears as she put her arm around her uncle’s waist that she might help him to the door. Phineas was having none of it. The crowd parted for the pair. The Ton was quiet in sympathy for the old man. It was amazing how much compassion could be shown one who was titled and well off, Phineas thought.

  “I am truly sorry, Uncle.” Addie apologized again.

  “Shh. Do not fret, child” Elton said.

  “I am sure there is not a soul here that does not understand,” Phineas said quietly for her ears alone as he gently pushed her aside that he might lend a stronger shoulder for the old man to lean on.

  In very little time Phineas had Adelaide and her uncle safely ensconced within the gentleman’s carriage. Addie lingered for a moment on the cobblestone drive. Something seemed to be troubling her for she chewed her lower lip and could not quite meet his gaze.

  “I hope that your night held at least some joy,” he said to her, hoping to bring the smile back into her eyes. Even if it’s not me to provide that joy. Let her at least know happiness. She has had so little.

  His thoughts became a fervent prayer as he helped her to step up into the carriage.

  She seemed loath to close the door, her eyes searching his face, one hand staying upon his arm. “You do not think…poorly of me?” she asked, maybe a little breathless.

  For forgetting your uncle? For dancing with another? For leaving me feeling as though the place you have occupied within my heart has been left emptied out and wanting? He swallowed hard, having a hard time answering.

  Addie moved settling back against her seat. Next to her uncle, who looked, for all the world, like he was slumbering again. It was no wonder. The man had not been up to attending a ball in years. Phineas wondered if Addie knew how much Lord Livingsten was pushing himself for her sake, as though balls and recitals and soirees would make up for all the terrible things that had happened to her since her parents had died.

  “I could never think badly of you,” Phineas said finally, deciding that honesty would be best after all. And nor could he, for he knew Adelaide had an honest heart. If she wished to dance with others, was it not her right? He had no official claim upon her, even if they had grown rather…close…back in Upper Nettlefold. “In fact, if you are of a mind, I would love to take you riding tomorrow. It is not so cold yet for December. I had thought—”

  “I cannot.” Her face had gone pale within her hood. “I have promised…to join…another…upon a drive…”

  Phineas stepped back as if slapped. To accept a dance merely out of politeness he might ha
ve believed. But to agree to a private meeting…spoke of a much higher regard than he had supposed.

  He had lost her. He had lost Addie’s love, and had no idea how or how to get it back.

  “I see.” He took another step back. Any further and he might as well be back in the house. He gave a short bow. “I wish you well then.”

  With that Phineas snapped the door shut on the carriage and lurched back away toward the house, until he leaned against the cold brick of the outer wall.

  Addie had been crying, he realized. Crying as the carriage pulled away because she had such a tender heart, and had hated to turn him down. But then why had she agreed to a drive with another? And what of Whittondon? Surely, she was not planning to spend time with that wretch?

  Phineas stood a long time in the cold after she left. To go back in the house was impossible, for if he had seen Lord Whittondon in that moment he could be held responsible for his actions, and Whittondon was a still gentleman in name if not in character.

  4

  The footman nearly carried Uncle Elton upstairs. Addie stayed with him all the way, staying near his side until he was settled in his chair next to the warm fire.

  “I’m afraid I was not the best of company tonight, Adelaide. I apologize if I embarrassed you, my dear. Perhaps we should hire a chaperone.”

  This was an old argument, one that had happened many times over the past few weeks. “Nonsense! If you are not well enough to attend these gatherings, then I shall just stay right here with you and keep you company. What need have I for such nonsense?”

  “Nonsense? I am an old man. I shan’t always be here to protect you, and you well know dangerous it is to be a woman alone. You need a proper husband, Dearie. Though you seemed to get on well enough tonight. Was there ever a moment when you were not dancing with some young man or another?”

  “There was only one I cared to dance with,” Addie said softly, and her uncle smiled at her for he knew which young man she meant.

  “I have perhaps done you a disservice in treating you as my own daughter, and letting it be known that I have bestowed such wealth upon you. Though truly it is no less than what you should have held, had your father not died as he did, but without the news of the dowry, you could have simply married your fortuneteller.”

  “He has not asked me,” she said.

  “I am sure he will. Some men simply take some time before risking their heart. Your father was such a man.”

  She flushed because her father had lost his own wealth on a risky investment scheme perpetuated by a fake soothsayer who had preyed upon her father’s fascination with the supernatural. “However many pounds I bring into a marriage should have no bearing on whether I myself am a suitable match to be wed,” she muttered, sinking down into the chair next to her uncle. “I have told you before I have no wish for riches. I need only enough to keep me. Though truly, my dowry does certainly give me a clear view into the true character of a man.”

  “Such sentiment makes me wonder why then have you accepted the invitation of Lord Whittondon.” Uncle Elton leaned back in his chair, his eyes bright and interested.

  Addie bit her lip. “You heard?”

  “I have, and am most interested in hearing the rest of the story. You are clearly up to something Adelaide, and I admit to a certain uneasiness, for Lord Whittondon is not a man to be trusted.”

  “He is worse than that,” Addie whispered, twisting the fabric of her skirt nervously between her fingers. “I have told you how I was….taken and…and sold.”

  Uncle Elton leaned forward in his chair, his eyes hard. “You have. Do you mean to say—”

  “He was there, Uncle. The night when they sold us, he was there. I am positive I saw him.”

  “Then why should you have anything more to do with the man?”

  “I had to.”

  “Are you certain he did not recognize you at the ball?” His voice was sharp, and suddenly strong.

  Addie held up her hands in a placating gesture. “Be easy, Uncle. I am positive that he did not. Why else would he offer to take me Christmas shopping with his sister tomorrow?”

  Uncle Elton frowned at her.

  “I had thought…it seems foolish now…but I have been wondering. That night, he took another girl, one who was not known to me then. I cannot help but think now that girl might have been Mr. Ainsworth’s sister.”

  “Adelaide!” The name escaped from Uncle Elton’s lips in a soft gasp. “This is a dangerous plot. Are you quite sure you know what you are doing?”

  “It was impulsive. I know this. But I had to act quickly or the moment would have been lost. What if I can give Phineas the one thing he truly wants for Christmas? What if I can find his sister and bring her home?” Addie looked at her uncle, pleading with him to understand.

  Lord Livingsten frowned. “Ring for my man, Adelaide. There are men who do…investigations…for a price. I now have a terrible suspicion that this entire tragedy may be connected to Whittondon. He was away from Town for several months. Although, it is not unusual for lords to take a holiday in the summer, there was talk back then…something about no one being quite sure where he was. The rumors hinted that Whittondon may have been hiding from creditors but I have never seen him play rashly with his funds.”

  Addie stared at her uncle. “For a man so crippled that he hardly left his townhouse before I arrived, you certainly seem to know a great deal.”

  Lord Livingsten smiled at her gently, with amusement. “I think you will find that I have no need to leave my house. I have found if I stay still long enough the world comes to me.”

  She laughed for it was true. Never had she heard of anyone who received as many callers as did her uncle. Sometimes it seemed as if the world stopped at his door.

  “As for you, Dearie” He leaned forward now, taking her hand in his. “I would suggest you tread very carefully until we know more. Are you sure this shopping expedition is wise?”

  “I was actually a little more interested in Whittondons sister,” Addie confessed. “I cannot think how a man could do as he has and keep all knowledge of his misdeeds from his family. I am hoping that perhaps his own sister might let something slip that would prove important. Whatever happened that summer, it came after the…sale. Phineas thinks his sister is dead but is it possible…?”

  “Oh Adelaide,” her uncle said, squeezing her hand gently. “If the poor dear has been locked away somewhere all this time, hurt and perhaps…misused… Uncle Elton sighed. “It may be a mercy if she is with our Lord. Such, is a terrible thing.”

  “I know, Uncle.”

  “Much as I hate to admit it, your impulsive act might prove valuable after all, but I fear for your safety.”

  “I shall be careful, Uncle. I promise you. Surely he could do naught with his sister as chaperone.”

  Uncle Elton nodded. “Let us hope it is so. Still you must also consider how hurt you have left Mr. Ainsworth this night. He only knows that you have thrown him over to accept the invitation of another, and a scoundrel at that.”

  Addie took a shaky breath. “It is not for long. Christmas is not so far away as all that. If I can find out something from his sister upon the morrow, then I need never speak to Lord Whittondon again. Surely Phineas will understand when he learns why I have acted so.”

  Uncle Elton frowned. “One can only hope, Dearie.”

  5

  Addie had stopped in her uncle’s room in the morning before departing for her shopping trip. Lord Livingsten had not come down to breakfast and Addie saw to her dismay that he had chosen to dine in bed. His excursion the night before had left him tired and with a great deal of pain in his joints.

  “Have you found out anything at all?” she asked him gently feeling guilty for using him so.

  “Nothing yet, my dear. It is likely too soon for my man to have brought any news.” He rubbed a tired hand over his face. “Are you sure you wish to go through with this trip? Perhaps you should wait.”

 
“No, Uncle. Don’t you see, I must do this? If I hesitate now Lord Whittondon may become suspicious. Besides what a wonderful Christmas present it would be for Phineas if I should find his sister.”

  “I do suppose your mind is made up. Perhaps I should send a footman with you. Someone to carry your packages…?”

  She stared at her uncle. “Would that not be entirely too obvious? Uncle Elton, you must remember that I worked as a barmaid in Upper Nettlefold before coming to you here. Believe me, I have learned how to handle…well…have I not proven that I can well take care of myself?”

  “If I remember your story correctly you worked at the Bell & Whistle for less than a week. It is not a shining recommendation of your ability to care for yourself. And I believe you were like to have been fired for taking off the way you did to don a mask at a ball to which you were not invited. You take too many risks for a woman.”

  “For a woman,” she repeated.

  He stared at her a long moment and shook his head. “What am I saying… Obviously you can take care of yourself, else you would not be here with me at all. But you must promise me, Adelaide that if anything looks amiss you will hire a carriage to bring you straight home. I will not have you a moment longer in Whittondon’s company than necessary, even if you are accompanied by his sister. I fear that you have no more worthy man about to attend you. Have a care.”

  She bent to kiss his cheek. “I will. I promise, Uncle.”

  Addie left his room with a certain amount of misgivings. First, she did not like that she was worrying her uncle so, second that what had seemed a good idea the night before seemed anything but now in the glaring light of day. She was thoughtful as she donned her cloak. Was she truly taking a dreadful chance in agreeing to any meeting with such a man as Lord Whittondon?