Markus closed the distance again and ran his finger along her jaw. “You have passion. No one with your temper can be passionless. Do not let Durnst ruin you for love, Phoebe.”
“My chance to find love is long past, Markus. I have accepted my place in the world.”
“You could marry Blunt. He is quite keen on you.” Leaning down, he brushed his lips over hers.
Her breath caught. Flames ignited in her belly and traveled down between her legs. “I have no intention of marrying Jared Blunt.”
Markus pressed his lips to hers, probed with his tongue, and devoured her mouth.
There was only that moment. Her arguments faded to nothing as his arms wrapped around her and his lips danced with hers, sipping and tasting while driving her mad with need.
Kissing her cheek, then her ear before tickling the flesh behind her ear, he whispered, “I want you, Phoebe. The last thing you are is cold or indifferent. You have made me believe in happiness again. I thought that was impossible.”
She pushed back. “We cannot do this. You are only grateful to me for doing my job. An Everton lady never gets involved with her client. Markus, your family will be here in less than a day. What about Emma? I cannot do this to her.”
“My mother hired you, not me. She is your client. I have come to think that Emma might not disapprove. She might want me to be happy. Certainly, she would want you to be happy. This thing between us is more real than anything else. I am grateful, but it has nothing to do with my feelings for you.” He ran his hands down her back and pulled her into a hug. His lips pressed to the top of her head.
Markus’s scent was spice and desire and she wanted him too, but there were rules and she could not lose her place at Everton’s. Where would that leave her, back at her brother’s house? No. She pushed away.
His wounded eyes seared her.
She gripped her wrap tighter. “I think it best if I write for a carriage. My work here is about done. It will take a few days, perhaps a week, for Everton’s to send the transport. I am sure we will have a suitable nanny by then. I am sorry if my being here has caused you any undue pain, Markus. My intentions were honorable.”
“Pain? Phoebe, why are you running away?” He reached for her, but she backed away another step.
The world was coming apart around her. One thing that Gavin was right about: she liked order and could not tolerate chaos. The longer she was in Markus Flammel’s presence, the more out of control she felt. “I most certainly am not running away. This was my assignment and it is drawing to a close. You have been very kind and I am happy to have your friendship, Markus. I think we both know it can never be more than that. You are a viscount and will someday be an earl. My place is at Everton’s with other ladies of my station and situation.”
He stepped back and scowled at her. “I do not like how meanly you think of yourself. Your brother is an ass to have disowned you, but that does not change your station. Which, I might add, is exactly the same as mine. I will not stop you from leaving if that is what you want, but you go of your own accord. I would much prefer you stay.”
More than anything in the world, she wanted to be wrapped in Markus’s arms and forget their circumstances. “It is not mean, but realistic. I am what I am and this life is good enough for me.”
His Adam’s apple bobbed several times while his fists clenched. “I must disagree, but you may have your way. I will see you tomorrow. My family arrives for luncheon and I hope you will join us for the meal.”
“Of course, my lord. I would not miss it.”
Sorrow that nearly undid her pooled in his eyes. “Please, Phoebe, not that. Do not take us back to formality. You said we are friends. Cannot friends call each other by their Christian names?”
She didn’t know if she was strong enough to be friends with a man she was falling in love with and could never have. But she couldn’t be cruel either. “We are friends, Markus. I will see you tomorrow.”
Emotions spinning out of control, she could not get to the main level fast enough. She nearly slipped several times before sprinting up the main stairs to her own room.
Out of breath, she leaned against the bedpost and imagined Markus carrying her up the steps to his bed. Would he have made love to her if she’d allowed it? She might be in his bed and wrapped in his arms being showered with a thousand kisses that made her burn as she never had before.
Sitting on the nightstand was her Everton Companion. She let the book fall open.
No. 20
Everton Ladies are to remain aloof and never get personal during their assignments.
Oh dear, she had certainly gotten personal and attached to this man and this family. Her heart would break when she left, but she had no choice. She would rather be an old maid than marry a man who was only doing his duty as a gentleman. Besides, Markus would have come to resent her, and her love for him would wither and die in time. All things did.
Chapter 12
No. 7
An Everton lady is never to lose her temper or raise her voice.
—The Everton Companion
Rules of Conduct
An hour before luncheon two carriages arrived with Markus’s family. At least, part of it. The youngest, Adam, was still at school and would remain there. Father’s whereabouts was unknown, and as long as he was nowhere near Rosefield, that suited Markus.
Watson lined the staff up on both sides of the steps leading to the house, and Markus stood at the top with Phoebe and Honoria until a footman opened the carriage doors and his mother stepped out.
Markus trotted down the steps. “Hello, Mother. It is good to see you.”
She narrowed her eyes on him. “You are looking better.”
“Thank you.” Markus didn’t expect a lot of affection. If Margaret ever made a display of emotion, he would have no idea how to react.
His sister, Dorothea, and her husband, Thomas, rushed over from the other carriage. Dory smiled, and her red hair blew in the breeze. “Markus, you look wonderful. Really. I am so happy you are doing well.” She wrapped him in a hug and kissed both his cheeks.
“It is good to see you too, Dory. I am sorry to have missed your performance for the prince. I shall never forgive myself.” Markus’s heart contracted and guilt swamped him. He should have been there, meant to be, but had gotten drunk and forgotten all about it.
“I suppose if you must batter yourself about it, you can, but I have already forgiven you.” Dory gazed at the house just as Arwen walked outside with Elizabeth in her arms. Her face lit up and she rushed up the steps. “Oh goodness, how she’s grown.”
Thomas shook his hand. “Markus, you all right?”
Thomas had been Markus’s friend since their school days. The two of them, Michael Collins, and Daniel Fallon had been inseparable since the first day at Eton. Markus had been too drunk to care when Dory and Tom had eloped to Scotland. His list of regrets from the last two years continued to grow.
“Better than I have been in a long time, Tom.” It was true. Even with the looming truth that Phoebe would not accept his offer of marriage and she would leave Rosefield for a life of toil in London, he still felt stronger than he had in years.
“I am happy to hear that. I have a lot to discuss with you this week. Your father has been unable or unwilling to handle his affairs, and things became perilous for a time.”
It wasn’t a surprise, but Markus still shuddered at the notion of more finances to sort out. “Let’s talk after luncheon, Tom. I am certain you have very little good news and a full stomach might soften the blow.”
Tom laughed and slapped Markus on the back. “It is good to see the gardening is being looked after again. Last time we were here things were looking bleak.”
“It was a disaster,” Mother said.
“Well, much has changed in the past few weeks. Miss Hallsmith has hired a s
taff and put order back in Rosefield. I suppose I should thank you for sending her, Mother.”
Already climbing the steps, Margaret ignored his gratitude and walked to Dory, who held Elizabeth. Both stopped talking at Margaret’s approach. “Do you remember me, Elizabeth? I am your grandmother.”
Elizabeth narrowed her eyes at Mother but then leaned forward and patted her cheek.
It was not exactly a smile, but Mother’s expression softened and she took Elizabeth’s little hand for a moment before sweeping inside the house.
Dory laughed. “Perhaps I should try that approach to softening Mother.”
Taking Elizabeth from Dory’s arms, Markus shook his head. “I am not certain that particular technique works for anyone but Elizabeth. She has used it on me several times and it was equally effective.” He kissed Elizabeth’s soft cheek and was rewarded with a wet kiss of the same type.
Markus turned to Phoebe. “Dory, do you know Miss Hallsmith?”
A wide grin spread across Dory’s face. “Of course, Phoebe and I have been friends for many years.”
They curtsied and hugged.
Markus finished introducing Tom and Honoria, and they all went inside to find Mother already seated in the parlor with a cup of tea and Watson assuring her ladyship that luncheon would be served promptly at one. “Mrs. Donnelly thought you might like a few moments to relax after your ride before sitting for a meal.”
Mother stared him down for several beats before nodding. “Very thoughtful.”
Watson bowed and left the room.
Sipping her tea, Mother’s gaze fell on Phoebe. “You have done wonders here, Miss Hallsmith.”
“Thank you, my lady.” Phoebe poured tea and sat in a small wooden chair off to the side.
“I had my doubts anyone could fix the mess Markus had made of his life, but things seem much under control. I am pleased.” In contrast to her words, she frowned, leaving deep crevices on her face.
Phoebe’s neck pinked. “Most of the issues could be handled by hiring staff and some organization. All the rest was entirely fixable.”
“I hope you are not leaving any time soon, Miss Hallsmith. You have done wonders and I am anxious to renew our friendship.” Dory took a biscuit from the tray.
“We are waiting on a new nanny for Elizabeth, then Lady Chervil and I will be on our way. I had a letter this morning from the agency. Miss Winnifred Cavot will be arriving in two days. The letter came with very sound references. I am certain she will be more than suitable.”
Markus’s chest tightened and he had to force his hand down to his side so as not to clutch at something. He wanted to grab Phoebe and beg her not to go. “You did not mention the letter.”
“It came only a few moments before the carriages pulled down the lane. I hoped to discuss Miss Cavot and her qualifications with you this afternoon.” She would not make eye contact with him.
“I see.”
A heavy silence shrouded the room.
“Assuming it all works out, which I’m sure it will, we will be leaving directly after she settles in.” Phoebe sipped her tea as if all was as it should be.
Markus was dying inside, but held his tongue.
* * * *
“Tell me about Miss Hallsmith.” Sitting across from Markus’s desk, Thomas stretched his long legs out in front of him.
“What do you want to know?” Markus scanned through his father’s accounts. His gut twisted at the damage to the family finances, but Thomas had kept them from debtor’s prison, and it was all recoverable.
“She is Miles Hallsmith’s sister?” Tom crossed his feet.
“Yes.”
“And she’s part of the Everton Domestic Society because she’s no longer of marriageable age?”
A fire kindled in Markus’s gut. “She is four and twenty, for goodness’ sake. Why does everyone act as if she is twice that age? And, I’ll have you know, she has had several offers of marriage just this week.”
Sitting up, Tom stared Markus down. “Have you offered for her?”
“No. Not exactly.”
Tom narrowed his eyes. “Who exactly has offered for Miss Hallsmith?”
“Jared Blunt made her an offer.”
“Your man of business? That seems an unlikely match. She is a viscount’s daughter. I cannot imagine Hallsmith would be too keen on his sister marrying a man in service.”
“I think Ford Hallsmith paid off Phoebe’s former fiancé to renew his offer, though I’m not exactly sure why. A Scottish gentleman by the name of Gavin Durnst arrived a few days ago. It shows how low Ford will stoop. It is unlikely he is thinking of his sister’s happiness. Perhaps he just wants to save face by keeping her out of the gossip.” A good bottle of brandy would make him forget all the notions running through his head. At least for a little while, but then the regret would follow. He shook it off. He wasn’t good enough for her, and she knew it. Hell, he knew it.
“I never did like Ford. Miles is the best of men, but his brother always rubbed me the wrong way. Ford loses at the card table and Miles finds ways to improve the family earnings. He has been bailing his older brother out for years. This story is not changing my mind about Ford. What do you think he’s getting from Durnst?” Tom shook his head and crossed his arms.
“He is an ass, and you’re right, he must have a reason.”
“I cannot imagine he would pay a man to marry his sister just to save face. It would need to be a lofty sum too.” Tom cringed. “Sorry, I mean no insult to Miss Hallsmith. She’s a lovely girl but steeped in scandal this last year.”
Markus wanted to throttle Ford and Thomas, but he held his temper. “Scandal caused by Ford’s public denouncement.”
“And her going into service,” Tom said.
Holding on by a thread, he gripped the edge of his chair. “Everton’s is a respectable establishment. It’s not as if she’s selling her body on the street.”
Thomas waved him off. “Of course not. Still, society can be cruel. But never mind all that. Tell me what you meant when you said you did not exactly offer for Miss Hallsmith.”
Markus put the accounting book aside. “She and I share the same difficulty sleeping. We have met by coincidence several nights in the kitchen and enjoyed conversation and whatever sweets Cook left for us. The other night we met in the library. I thought reading might help with our rest. I was right, and Lady Chervil found us asleep on the couch.”
Thomas raised his eyebrows. “Did her ladyship demand you marry Miss Hallsmith?”
“No, but I said I would if Phoebe wished it. However, she doesn’t want me. She should find a man who will make her happy. I am too broken for a girl like her.” Saying the words aloud made them more real. Markus forced breath into his lungs.
Thomas’s scowl said it all before he spoke. “Most women like romance in a proposal, Markus. If you want this woman, you will have to do better than saying you would be obliged to marry her if she wants. She needs to know it is what you want.”
“I am in no position to take care of a wife, Tom.” More truth he hated to say.
“It seems to me Miss Hallsmith can take care of herself. But let’s put that aside for a moment. You look sober. Am I correct?” Thomas was always direct. “Last time we came you were several drinks in and the house was in shambles. Your staff was down to only a few servants and they were frantically trying to care for Elizabeth. Dory and I offered to take the child with us, but you went into a rage and the staff would not give us Elizabeth. Your sister left here in tears. Do you remember any of that?”
Closing his eyes, Markus tried to remember. “Only vaguely.”
“Yes, well, that is not surprising. Are you still drinking?”
“Not since Phoebe made me promise not to. However, I have had little sleep and more clarity than I care for.”
Thomas laughed.
“I imagine the revival of Rosefield has been exhausting and trying, but if you could stay sober during all of that, surely you can continue. How is Elizabeth?”
All the heaviness lifted from his heart and was instantly replaced by the image of Elizabeth’s sweet face. “She appears happy, but still does not speak. Phoebe believes she can and chooses not to. I cannot blame her. Nothing in her life has been as it should have. Emma died, then I left or was a drunken madman. There is much to make up for.”
“I have no doubt you will do right by Elizabeth, Markus.”
“How can you be sure? I have done nothing but ruin her life so far.”
Thomas leaned forward and put his elbows on his knees. “Because it is my old friend Markus I see before me. The man I met here last time I visited was unrecognizable. You are a good man and will make this all right.”
Was he a good man? He had not felt like one in a long time. “Thank you, Tom.”
“There is one other matter we must discuss.” All the joy washed from Thomas’s face.
“Is it about my father?” Dread and shame warred inside Markus.
“I wish I could say it is not, but he has been missing for almost a month. I went to see James Hardwig over on Bow Street and even sent out runners to find him. No one has heard from or seen his lordship.”
Standing, Markus drew a deep breath. He hated talk of his father and hated even more how like him he’d become. “I know of a few women whose houses he frequents. Perhaps he is with one of them.”
Thomas shrugged. “It is worth inquiring, but if we do not find him soon…”
He let the sentence hang, but Markus cringed at what wasn’t spoken. His father was a lecherous ne’er-do-well, but declaring him dead left an emptiness inside him. How would he face his mother? People would think he was after the man’s title. Not to mention the fact that the family would be required to mourn, and what if he showed up in a month or two? “I shall wait some time before I go to drastic measures. My father has his flaws, but I have no great desire to become the Earl of Castlereagh any time soon. I’d just as soon wait for him to show up in London, preferably alive.”
A Lady's Honor Page 15
