Page 11 of Tutoring a Lady into Sin
“Books?” Percy questioned. “Why should you need to buy more books? We already have stacks and stacks of them.”
Phineas’ lips quirked at the corners as he was trying to hide a smile. “What do you say?” he asked as his green eyes focused solely on Christianna.
“I would like to see this library,” she said quietly.
“Then it is settled,” Phineas concluded as he glanced back at his older brother. “The ladies and I will go to see the bookseller, and we will meet you back here later.”
The duke snorted in derision. “Have it your way.” He gave a carefree laugh. “Are you going to abandon me too, Uncle Felton, or can I count on you to stand with me?”
“Oh, Percival, you do have a flair for the dramatic,” Lord Linfield said as he clapped a hand on the duke’s shoulder. “But in this case, I find that I would much prefer to spend the afternoon in a gaming hall than in a stuffy hat shop.” He smiled pleasantly at them. “Good afternoon, ladies…Phineas.”
Once the duke and earl were out of earshot, Phineas nodded in the opposite direction. “Shall we then?”
Bianca pursed her lips. “I was rather hoping to stop into the millinery. I mean…I can go to the library with you, but….”
Christianna said gently, “But you would prefer to go with the other ladies. That is quite understandable.” She paused for a moment. “Do go and enjoy yourself. But as you duck into the shop, please send Miss Fitzroy to join us.”
“Yes, of course,” Bianca replied and then, after giving Phineas one more beaming grin, she headed into the millinery.
“Well, that was quite the production,” Phineas said as he gestured with his free hand toward the sidewalk. “But I suppose I should thank you.”
“I was just thinking the same thing,” Christianna murmured as they began walking down the street.
“Oh?” he questioned as a small smirk appeared on his face. “Were you not inclined to go into the millinery?”
“I was looking forward to buying a new bonnet about as much as you were hoping to spend your afternoon gambling.”
Phineas chortled. “So, my suggestion to go to the library instead is pleasing to you?”
Christianna laughed lightly. “I think you know me well enough by now to already predict the answer to that question.”
“We are of one mind when it comes to the delights of town,” Phineas commented.
“I think we share many of the same opinions on varying matters,” Christianna allowed, and she delighted when he laughed brightly.
“It is nice to have someone around who can finally see my perspective clearly,” he said as he lowered his voice a little. “Uncle Felton is a dear man, but even he refuses to spend his afternoon looking over the books and deciding which to add to our family’s collection. I feel as if, before you came along, I was the outlier, the one person in the family who did not quite fit right.”
“Well, I am glad I can be here for you,” Christianna returned as Miss Fitzroy caught up to them and made her presence known by clearing her throat delicately. “At any rate,” she continued, “I do think we have arrived. Is this not the library you wished to visit?”
Christianna had been to a handful of bookshops with her parents when she was younger, and they were travelling, but none compared to the one here in Bixby. The storefront was entirely made up of glass windowpanes, so all the books were on display.
None were sitting right in the front window, as the sun would have likely damaged the thin pages or the covers, but as she peered into the shop, Christianna could see hundreds of books, all spectacularly arranged not just in long rows but piled and stacked to create enticing displays. “Ah…” she sighed, “This is the most beautiful sight I have ever beheld.”
Phineas’ smile broadened. “I was hoping you would say that.” Then, she allowed her hand to slide down his arm, and as their hands connected, he grasped hold of her fingertips. “Come along, Christianna. I cannot wait to introduce you to the bookseller.” She walked proudly into the shop at Phineas’ side, not remembering the last time she had felt so blissfully happy.
Chapter 6
“We need to talk,” Phineas said tersely as he laid a hand on his brother’s shoulder. It was just after dinner, and while all the guests were gathered in the parlour engaging in rousing and lively conversations, Phineas was agitated beyond compare.
“What can I do for you?” Percy replied glibly as he spun on his heel and gave Phineas a cat-like smile.
“Not here.” Phineas hissed as he cast a tight smile at the two ladies seated together on the divan who were simpering up at them.
“But can you not see that I am busy entertaining my guests?” Percy asked playfully before turning around so he could wink at the ladies. They tittered at his teasing manner.
“I am sorry to interrupt,” Phineas said as his eyes flicked toward the ladies, “but this is an urgent matter. I wish to speak with you at once.”
“Well, then I suppose duty calls.” Percival lifted the glass goblet in his hand, doffed the remainder of the amber liquid that was swirling inside, and gave a refreshing smack of his lips. “Do excuse us, ladies.”
