Page 37 of A Scandalous Proposition
‘There you are. Come at once, if you please, Mrs Grantley. The dowager duchess is asking for you. You ought not to have neglected her for so long.’
Florentina curtsied to Adam and disappeared through the doors to the drawing room. Adam watched her go as Philippa took her place at his side.
‘I thought we had agreed that woman was not quite the thing,’ she said.
‘No, Philippa, you suggested she wasn’t what she appears to be but my mother holds her in high regard, which counts for a lot. And I can see no harm in her.’
‘That is because you are a man and she has captivated you, just like she has all the others. But I know things about her that would make her persona non grata if I chose to reveal them.’
‘You would overset my mother because you don’t like Mrs Grantley?’ He stopped walking and regarded her with scepticism. ‘Why ever would you do that?’
‘I didn’t actually say that I would,’ she countered evasively. ‘Of course your mother’s peace of mind is important to me.’
‘But you use threats and innuendos because you don’t like her, not caring whose feelings you trample on in the process.’ He examined the determined set of her features with disdain. ‘What has happened to you, Philippa? You didn’t use to have such a vindictive nature.’
‘I married your brother in order to protect your family’s good name and yet I feel as though I am being vilified for the sacrifices I have made.’ She broke off abruptly and smiled winsomely instead. ‘But we won’t talk of such matters now. I am sure I must have been mistaken when I thought I saw Mrs Grantley leaving that dreadful establishment on the edge of town, and I shan’t mention it to anyone else.’ She paused and met his eye without flinching. ‘For now, at any rate.’
‘It is never wise to start rumours one cannot substantiate.’
‘Come, Adam, I believe they are about to play another waltz. I can’t manage the more energetic dances in my condition, but waltzing will do me no harm if you’re the one holding me. Besides, we ought to show our guests that we are comfortable with one another’s society, if only to scotch speculation.’
‘By all means,’ he said, leading her back inside.
Chapter Nine
‘I don’t see how we can continue.’ Seated across from Christine the following afternoon, Florentina made the admission grudgingly. ‘It frustrates me to admit defeat but we mustn’t allow passion to overcome caution.’
‘We aren’t necessarily defeated yet.’
‘Our foes are getting closer by the day, and if we’re uncovered we’ll be no further use to anyone. For myself I don’t much care, although I should dislike the dowager duchess to know that I’ve used my position within her household as a cover for our activities.’
Christine waved her objections aside. ‘If I know anything about her grace, she’d probably applaud your motives and offer to assist us.’
‘Perhaps, but that’s not a chance I’m prepared to take.’ Florentina shook her head decisively. ‘I’m responsible for Sophia and Ramon, and it’s their futures I must put first. And should the new duchess find out what we’re about, it would provide her with an excuse to have me turned away from the Court. Then where shall we be?’
‘Perhaps I should arrange for the others to come to a meeting. Together we might come up with some fresh ideas.’
‘Yes, and if we can’t think of anything then the next best thing would be to expose Dawson and Reynolds for the blaggards they are. They ought to be taken in charge and hanged for their crimes.’
‘Dawson has all manner of influential people in his pay. He’d be warned that he was under suspicion long before the authorities got anywhere near him. And if that happens, he’ll simply change his operating methods and wait for the storm to abate.’
‘Yes, you’re right of course.’ Florentina blew air through her lips. ‘But that doesn’t make it any less frustrating.’
‘Don’t be downhearted. Think of all the poor souls we’ve helped already and take heart from our success.’
‘I do.’ Florentina smiled. ‘I shudder to imagine what would have happened to Sophia, Ramon and myself if you’d not been merciful.’
Christine reached across and patted her hand. ‘I have some good news regarding our latest refugees. Lady Middleton knows of someone who will take two of the girls on as kitchen maids.’
‘Ah, that’s splendid!’
‘Do you know if the lad has a way with horses?’
‘I’ll ask him when I deliver their food today.’
‘If so, I think I might be able to persuade Lord Peterson to take him on in their stable yard.’
‘That would be good of him. But the boy has no English at all.’
