Loving a Fearless Duchess: A Historical Regency Romance Book(88)

The group talked about ball gowns and ribbons and other nonsense Phin found mind-numbing. It was the kind of conversation Phin loathed, and yet he couldn’t make himself leave. He felt as if he was physically stuck to the chair, unable to move.

Charlotte didn’t hide her mouth behind her fan. When she laughed, she laughed unabashedly. Phin got the impression she laughed often. She also told a few amusing stories, captivating her audience with her humour.

Phin thought Charlotte to be a woman everyone wanted in his or her social circle. She was entertaining, and she had a love of life that was contagious. Just being around her made Phin feel lighter. He forgot his worries when in her presence.

Silas sat on the other side of the room having an animated conversation with Charlotte’s aunt. Genevieve was in her element making afternoon calls. Phin found her charming just listening to her high-pitched cultured voice. It travelled around the room and ricocheted off the walls. Silas was egging her on. He was trying to get her to respond just so he could hear her. Now it was Phin’s turn to stifle a laugh.

During a lull in the conversation, Phin turned to Josie, “Tell me, Lady Josie, will your brother be accompanying you to the ball this evening?”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

“May I send a note home with you to pass along? I am looking forward to seeing him.”

“And he you, Your Grace. He is very excited at your return. The time between letters was hardly bearable to him.” Josie’s eyes danced. He is looking forward to your reunion.

“Yes, well, let me get to the note then. It will be a delight to see you and your brother this evening.”

Shortly after Phin handed the correspondence to Josie, calling hours were over. Mercy stayed in the front parlour with Phin. God, she looks so grown up, he thought, wishing he could have returned to England earlier.

But he couldn’t. Mercy’s dowry was funded, and she shouldn’t worry about finding a good man.

Phin moved his chair so he was facing his sister. “Tell me, Mercy, about your conquests so far this season.”

Mercy gave him a small smile. “I will Phin, but first, promise me you won’t be too hard on anyone I like. Don’t scare them away.”

“I won’t. I only want to see you happy.” He took in a long breath, “You are a beautiful young woman, Mercy. Many men will have an interest in you because you are beautiful, you are intelligent, you have a brother who is a Duke, and you have a large dowry.”

He took her chin and lifted her face. “You must discern the motives of any man that has interest in you. You must determine if they want you for the kind of person you are or if they want your money and your access to influence.”

Mercy nodded. “I remember from your letters. I keep track of the questions they asked me.” She shrugged. “From their questions and answers, I can tell if they want to know about me or you.”

Phin nodded. He closed his eyes to think. He opened them again. He couldn’t help himself, so he asked, “Lady Charlotte. How well do you know her?”

Mercy smiled. “Why do you want to know?”

Phin gave her a short laugh. “Now that’s the Mercy I remember. Always giving her brother the runaround.”

She smiled then became serious when she was ready to talk. “I met her at the beginning of the season, so I don’t know her well. I do like her, though. She is very funny. Most balls, she has two or three men in her orbit, eating out of her hand. But she’s sweet. I don’t even know if she realizes she’s attracting them. She is just a fun, vivacious girl.

“There is one man who pays her a lot of attention. Lord Jasper Bernard.” Mercy shook her head. “I don’t like him, but I don’t know why. Something’s not right about him.”

Phin sat back and looked at the ceiling. He really didn’t know what to do with that information. His mind was muddled. He needed to sleep before the ball. Mercy probably should rest as well.

He brought his head down to face Mercy again. “Who should I watch tonight, Mercy? How many potential beaus do you have?”

“Roderick Merritt pays me a lot of attention, but I don’t know him well enough yet to have formed an opinion. He says all the right things. It may be me seeing something that isn’t there. We’ll see what kind of feeling you get.

“Otherwise, I’m still trying to meet as many men as possible. Maybe you can introduce me to your friends?”

Phin stood. “I’ll look around. But now, I need to rest from my journey.” He grabbed both of her hands, pulling her out of her chair, and took a step back. He shook his head. “It’s so good to be home with you.”

Mercy headed for the stairs. Phin wanted to rest, but there was something he needed to do first. He asked a footman to find Foster and to cover the front door while Foster and he talked.

Foster entered and shut the door behind him. He bowed, “Your Grace?”

“Yes, Foster. I see many changes have been made to the townhouse in my absence, and I would like some insight on them.” Phin pointed to a wall with nothing but a nail sticking in it. “The Gainsborough.” He pointed to the sideboard. “The matching Ming vases.” He pointed to the door. “The crystal chandelier. No doubt other changes have been made.”

“No doubt, Your Grace. I may speak freely?” When Phin nodded, Foster continued, “The changes, if you will, were made in order to supplement your father’s allowance. There are other changes he made that I can point out to you if you desire.”