A Spy's Devotion (The Regency Spies of London #1)(68)

Julia merely smiled.

“But I am disturbing you, and you need your rest to get well. Do get well quickly, Julia, for as soon as Mr. Langdon leaves London, there can certainly be no reason for us to stay here.”

“Indeed.”

“What? I do declare, Julia, you talk even more softly now than you did before your illness.”

“I promise to try to be well as soon as I can.”

“Ah, Julia. You are so good to me.” Phoebe squeezed her hand. “I don’t know how I could ever do without you. Whenever Mr. Langdon and I are married, you must come and stay with us at least half the year.”

Phoebe was already skipping toward the door. “Rest well, Julia.”

As Phoebe closed the door behind her, Julia allowed herself to contemplate the contrast between Phoebe and Leorah. She had often thought the two of them similar. They were both full of life and energy and high spirits, but where Leorah refused to follow society’s rules because she found them ridiculous, Phoebe didn’t follow them because she refused to check her own recklessness. When she wanted something, she didn’t care whether it was appropriate or not. Wherever her impetuous emotions led her, Phoebe followed.

Leorah, on the other hand, though spirited and lively, was also sensible. Julia couldn’t imagine her allowing herself to throw caution to the wind and fall in love with a man who had shown her no encouragement. Leorah would marry sensibly—but for love—or not at all.



A few days later, having been informed that Felicity was coming that morning, Julia ventured downstairs and was sitting in the drawing room when her friend arrived.

“Are you sure you’re warm enough?” Felicity asked as soon as they were settled near each other and Phoebe had run out of the room to fetch something.

“Yes, thank you.” Julia pulled the shawl around her neck, as her doctor had cautioned her to do—to avoid exposing her throat to cool air.

“I wanted to be sure and see you before you leave for the country. Phoebe says you are all to leave as soon as you are well enough to travel.”

“Oh, I do wish you could come with us.” And she wished she could tell Felicity that she wasn’t likely to be going anywhere with the Wilherns, as her uncle would most likely be going to prison soon.

“But we are destined to stay in town. London is so dirty and disagreeable in winter.” Felicity sighed but kept smiling.

Felicity’s father had gained his fortune through trade and was still employed as a merchant. They had a fashionable house in town but no house in the country. Julia would have loved to invite her friend to visit her, but the Wilherns’ country house would be confiscated as soon as her uncle was arrested for treason.

“Perhaps you will be mistress of your own country estate someday and can ask me for a visit then.” Felicity smiled archly.

“That hardly seems likely at the moment.”

“Does it not?”

Julia eyed her friend. “What are you thinking of, pray tell?” Then she had a nervous suspicion that she already knew the answer.

“Did I not hear that it was Mr. Langdon who flew down the street after the doctor for you? That he stayed all day, pacing about, to hear how you were faring?”

“Did you?” Julia found herself breathless at the thought of Mr. Langdon so concerned for her.

“Now don’t turn pale,” Felicity said, starting to fan Julia’s face.

“I am well. But I believe you are mistaken, Felicity.”

“Am I?”

“Yes. Mr. Langdon is believed to be Phoebe’s suitor.”

Felicity gave her a dubious look, raising her brows and quirking one side of her mouth. “After the way he spoke to you and looked at you when we went to the Children’s Aid Mission . . . I would not be surprised if he did not ask you to marry him very soon.”

Julia would not, could not, allow herself to hope for anything concerning Mr. Langdon.

A servant announced Miss Leorah Langdon at that moment. She came into the room with a bright smile and wearing an even brighter yellow spencer, which heightened the beauty of her dark hair and eyes.

Julia gave Felicity’s hand a quick squeeze of warning, hoping she understood not to talk anymore of Mr. Langdon.

Leorah greeted them both warmly. As initial niceties were being exchanged, Felicity asked, “And is your family well, Leorah?”

“Oh yes, quite well. No, that is not true.” She frowned a bit. “My brother has been quite ill.”

Julia felt all the blood drain from her face. Poor Mr. Langdon! Had he contracted her illness? Would helping her cost him his health, or even his life?

“Oh, I mean my oldest brother, Jonathan, not Nicholas.” Leorah smiled at Julia and squeezed her hand reassuringly. “Forgive me for my carelessness.”

Felicity was grinning at her, and Leorah’s look was more of compassion. She said softly, “No one who knew Nicholas could help but love him.”

Julia forced a smile, her face still tingling as she determined not to dwell on Leorah’s words. “Shall we have some tea?” Julia rang the bell.

Phoebe bounced into the room, exclaiming in exaggerated terms her joy at seeing Leorah. “What a happy group we are!” Phoebe cried, clasping her hands.

Phoebe talked excitedly with Leorah, and Felicity leaned her head close to Julia’s and whispered, “Mr. Langdon will never love Phoebe, no matter how much she wants him to.”