Page 35 of Her Rogue to Ruin
“As long as that’s all it is. She’s a guest in our home, Phineas, and a respectable widow.”
“I respect her thoroughly.”
“See that you do.” His mother approached and tipped her head, assessing him. “You look rather flushed and so did Louisa. I do hope neither of you is coming down with a cold.”
“I’m fine.” Or he would be when he could see Portia this evening. “Why were you looking for me?”
She had to have sought him in his study and interrupted a kiss that still had his body humming for some good reason.
“I’m not certain you’ll think of what I’ve done, but it was necessary,” she rushed out. “You do tend to avoid things that trouble you rather than facing them directly.”
“Mama.” Phin felt a very justified shiver of dread. “What have you done?”
When his mother machinated, she took her maneuverings quite seriously.
She cast her gaze down to the carpet almost demurely, and then notched her chin up defensively. “I’ve extended the guest list for our Seastow house party.”
He knew before she admitted it. And he realized he should have seen it coming.
“I’ve invited Lady Mary and her father to attend.”
Phin did feel sick in that moment. A sickening cold sweat chilled and overheated him at the same moment. She was right. He did tend to avoid what he did not wish to face. And now that he’d had a taste of something unique with Portia, it made sense that he’d have to address this matter once and for all.
“Very well,” he said, though his jaw ached from how hard he’d clenched it.
“And I know you’ve invited Selkirk, as we always do, but you may want to reconsider.”
“He’s already looking forward to some time spent in the countryside, Mama. Why would I turn him away?”
His mother pursed her lips. “Well, I suppose we cannot disappoint him, but do try to keep him away from Louisa. I’ve invited Lord Blake and his son as well.”
Phin couldn’t restrain a groan.
“It’s time you all see if you suit.”
He released a bark of bitter laugh. “Perhaps Father should have considered that before signing betrothal agreements.”
“You were children.”
“I believe you’re making my point, Mother.” Phin had noted the fierceness in Portia’s tone when she spoke of arranged pairings. She was right, of course. His sister should not be compelled into wedlock, especially if it would make her miserable.
“If none of you suit,” his mother said in a low, hesitant tone, “perhaps you can find a way to sever the agreements, as you did for Caroline.”
“Mmm. Though in Caro’s case, father’s chosen groom bowed out quite willingly the moment a duke offered for her.”
Phin could foresee only trouble ahead.
Trouble for Louisa if she set her cap at Selkirk, who Phin knew had no interest in marrying anytime soon. And trouble for himself if broke faith with the Howards and embroiled Portia in an affair that could spell scandal for both of them.
And yet even knowing the complications ahead, all he truly wanted was to see her again.
CHAPTER8
Portia glanced againat the clock on the wall of her art studio and decided Phin was not coming for a sitting tonight. Even as she’d prepared to meet him, she’d been plagued with thoughts of having a message sent to Pemberton House to cancel and tell him she was indisposed this evening.
And yet she’d found herself dressing, hailing a cab, and entering her studio. To avoid him at this point would be cowardly, and she’d vowed to herself not to choose that path anymore.
Whatever doubts she now had about carrying on the commission for his portrait, or indeed continuing any connection with him at all, she knew that the wisest course was to face and discuss the matter openly.
