Page 79 of A Modest Independence

Jenny’s skin prickled. She had the vague sense that Mrs. Plank was baiting her. “I did, ma’am. In preparation for traveling with him to India.”

“Then this is all new to you.”

“It is.”

“Allow me to offer some advice.”

Jenny inwardly sighed. She’d known something of this nature was coming. She’d met enough old-cattish matrons like Mrs. Plank during her time as Helena’s companion. They loved nothing better than issuing dire warnings to ladies they deemed less fortunate than themselves. She steeled herself for the worst.

“Calcutta is not as vast as it appears,” Mrs. Plank said in confidential tones. “We all of us socialize with each other. It will not be long before your liaison with Mr. Finchley is common knowledge.”

Jenny’s body went still as stone. She continued to stare out at the docks, her stomach trembling as if Mrs. Plank had dealt her a physical blow. It was worse than she’d expected. Far worse. But she refused to give Mrs. Plank the satisfaction of knowing how thoroughly she’d rattled her. “You are mistaken, ma’am.”

“I don’t believe I am, Miss Holloway. Last month, when I came upon the pair of you on the deck of the ship we took to Malta, I’m certain you’d been embracing.”

“There’s nothing untoward about a sister embracing her brother.”

“Come, my girl. I’ve seen the way he looks at you. Only a fool would believe you were his sister. If you care for him at all, you will take my advice and leave Calcutta before the scandal of your conduct touches on his reputation. He may yet still make a success of it out here. But with you at his side, he is sure to be shunned from polite society.”

“I haven’t any idea what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t play the innocent with me, dear. Do you think I’m the only one who’s noticed? Mrs. Hardcastle saw him leaving your cabin only two days past and my own daughter observed him kissing your hand on the promenade.”

Jenny inhaled a steadying breath before turning on Mrs. Plank. As a lady’s companion, she’d been obliged to tolerate the barbs of such women. She’d bitten her tongue time and again, never once allowing her anger to get the better of her.

But she wasn’t a lady’s companion anymore.

“These are grievous sins, to be sure,” she said.

Mrs. Plank’s bosom swelled. “Can a woman in your position afford to be glib on the subject of her own honor?”

“My honor is unblemished. I haven’t engaged in any indiscretions, nor have I been spending my time spying on the private moments of others.”

“Spying! Why, I—”

“You should be ashamed, madam. I realize your daughter has set her cap for my brother, but threatening me with your evil gossip is no way to advance her suit. You may believe me when I say that he would as soon die a bachelor than join his future to that of a family of gossipmongers and sneaks.”

Mrs. Plank’s face went white as milk. For an instant, Jenny feared the woman would either faint dead away or commence some sort of apoplectic fit. She did neither. Instead, she drew herself up to her full height. “How dare you? You impudent, brazen—”

“I beg your pardon, ladies.”

Jenny turned with a start to find Tom standing at her right shoulder. She’d been too caught up in her disagreement with Mrs. Plank to hear his approach. How long had he been there? How much had he overheard?

It was impossible to tell from his expression. He merely stood there, looking perfectly at ease in a suit of lightweight cloth. The chain of his pocket watch glimmered in the sunlight.

“Mr. Finchley,” Mrs. Plank spat. “Your sister has insulted my daughter and myself most grievously. You will understand if I withdraw my invitation for you to stay with us in Delhi. This woman’s presence would not be welcome under any circumstances.” She gave a stiff inclination of her head. “Good day to you, sir.”

Tom’s gaze followed Mrs. Plank as she sailed off in the direction of the stairs that led belowdecks.

“I should have held my tongue,” Jenny said. “She’ll tell everyone now.”

“Tell them what?”

“That I insulted her. That I—” She suppressed a groan. “That I said you’d sooner die a bachelor than marry her daughter.”

Tom’s mouth hitched. “Yes, I heard that part.”

“I trust you didn’t have any intentions toward Miss Plank? If so, I regret to inform you that I’ve just damaged your prospects with the girl beyond repair.”