Chapter 23

Twenty-Three

G randfather has arranged for me to meet with Mr. Potts about repairing Peggy." Alex's news was a welcome diversion from Phil's thoughts of the future.

"Do you think it can be repaired?" Phil poured the tea for their aunt.

The split in the wooden calf had grown since the night at the theater. And Alex now used her older, spare Peggy.

"I do hope so. The newer one was better weighted for me. I hadn't realized how heavy the old one was or how off-balance I felt when walking. The strap Lord Endelton's valet created is far more comfortable than any of the others I've had."

"When is your appointment?"

"Tomorrow afternoon. Aunt Healand is taking me."

"Tomorrow? Isn't that your at-home day?" Phil directed the question to her aunt.

Lady Healand set her cup back on the delicate saucer. "Unfortunately, yes. However, you can receive callers in my place."

"What if a gentleman were to come?" A high improbability, as Mr. Newcomb would have been pressed to travel to Gloucestershire and back in so little time.

"Father will be in the house." Aunt's answer wasn't entirely reassuring. Grandfather was as likely to sit in the parlor sipping tea for three hours as it was to pass an entire fortnight without rain in the late London spring. "If he believes, you need a chaperone or rescue, he has promised to join you."

"I am afraid I'll say all the wrong things."

"Have no worries, my dear. You have yet to make any serious faux pas during any of our calls and even fewer at our at-homes." Not entirely true. If Alex had not anticipated the rude remark Phil wished to make only last week and stopped with a reproving look, disaster would have occurred.

"I've never held an at-home day alone."

"No time like the present. Next year, you could be the hostess in your own home. If I did not feel you were up to the task, I wouldn't leave you."

"Couldn't Green go with Alex?" asked Phil.

"She already is." Alex leaned forward. "I could try to make another appointment?—"

Although her sister's voice was hopeful, they both knew the reality. The appointment had only come to pass so quickly because the earl was in town. The old prosthetic's clicking was more pronounced as she walked. The common nickname "clapper" truly fit the old wooden limb. At soirees and dinners, silent movement was a necessity to keep Peggy a secret.

Phil patted Peggy through her sister's skirt. "There is no need. It is only a few hours of conversation about the weather and the latest fashions and who was seen with whom in Hyde Park."

Lady Healand laughed. "Don't forget to notice their daughter's dresses and send compliments to the family."

"I won't."

"I'll make sure Cook has her best selection of cakes and sandwiches."

"She always does," said Alex. "If the Season doesn't end soon, I may have to let the seams out in my gowns."

Michael stayed at the club much later than usual, having joined in several political discussions. On his way out, he found Richard in front of one of the many fireplaces. "Why are you still here?"

"I am looking for you. I have come to apologize."

Michael sat in the seat across from his cousin. "Why do you need to apologize?"

"I have been overzealous in my advice. It is not my role to say whom you cannot marry."

"But I need your advice. I make so many mistakes where people are concerned."

"My advice is of little use. I am far from prejudiced against the fairer sex. Today you said something that made me remember a time when I wasn't. It is unfair of me to put my prejudices on you." His cousin stared into the fire, his face almost relaxed in a way Michael had not seen for years.

"I met the Earl of Whitstone today."

"He is here in London? What did he say?"

"We talked about politics and the Pitts and my father."

Richard's brow furrowed. "Did the earl seek the introduction?"

"Yes. He said he wished to thank me for my kindness in rescuing Miss Lightwood."

"Did he say anything more?"

"Not of import."

"You're sure? Sometimes you miss things others consider important."

Michael thought back on the conversation. "There was an odd moment. He said if someone was to offer for his granddaughters, the marriage settlement would be fair. But we were not discussing anything like marriage."

"You didn't mention Miss Philippa?"

"Neither of us did. Only the service I rendered to her older sister."

"Was any other woman mentioned?"

"No."

Richard was silent again. Michael hated it when his cousin thought for long periods of time.

A spider crawled its way down near the mantel. "She doesn't like spiders."

"Who doesn't like spiders?"

"Miss Philippa." Michael watched the spider for another moment. "Some people are like spiders. They have a plan to catch you."

"Michael, your description fits many people. It may be the truest observation of people you've ever made."

"Sir Lightwood is like a spider, isn't he? That is why you don't want me to have anything to do with his daughters."

"Unfortunately, most fathers are like spiders when it comes to marrying off their daughters." Richard's perpetual frown deepened. "But that does not mean their daughters are the same."

"Are you saying I can put Miss Philippa on my list?"

"We were wrong to give you a list. We were trying to help, but I am afraid it made it harder for you rather than easier."

"Richard, what are you telling me to do?"

"You need to choose for yourself, and we need to trust you can."

Michael slid forward in his seat. "You mean I can marry Philippa?"

"You might court her first, but I understand she has already been seen several times in Hyde Park with Mr. Newcomb."

"Am I too late?"

"Have her banns been read?"

The obvious question puzzled Michael. "No."

"Then you still have a chance."

"Then what should I do?"

"I believe talking to her is considered a good first step."

Michael hopped out of his seat.

Richard grabbed his sleeve. "Not now. It is far too late to make a social call."

He glanced at the mantle clock. "Tomorrow?"

"During proper calling hours."

Michael sat back down. "Yes, of course."