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“Thank you,” Dominic said gravely. “Your understanding means a lot.”
He reached out a gloved hand and squeezed one of Artemis’s, and her heart skipped about in her chest. There was that strange sensation again. That she somehow mattered to Dominic. But she must ignore the feeling. It was only an illusion. Her overactive imagination was attributing far too much significance to Dominic’s words and actions.
He was using her and she was using him. Such was the way of the world, and she should know better than to be gulled into believing a man like Dominic could truly care for a woman like her, despite his words of support the night before. She was opinionated and difficult and unconventional, and she wouldn’t change.
She was not what he needed.
To break the strange sense of intimacy surrounding them, Artemis withdrew her hand and turned the conversation to safer, practical matters. “When would you like me to call on Celeste?”
“Tomorrow, if your schedule permits.”
“It does.”
“Excellent.” He smiled. “I’m afraid I’m quite busy with meetings et cetera and won’t be in, but I’ll send one of Horatia’s carriages around to collect you at around one o’clock if that suits. That way everyone, including your aunt, will think my sister is chaperoning.”
“You are very good at subterfuge.”
“It comes with playing politics in business for so long. One does what one must.”
“It seems we are both of a pragmatic nature.”
“Yes, I think we are. And with that in mind”—he smiled—“I suggest that I take you home before your aunt Roberta has conniptions.”
Artemis laughed. “I agree. She’s been known to have them before, and it’s not a pretty sight.”
Dominic released the brake on the tilbury, flicked the reins, and then they were off again, bowling merrily down one of the carriage drives toward Hyde Park Corner.
They were just rounding a bend that led to the Wellington Arch when Artemis caught a glimpse of a young woman in a cabriolet that was racing past in the opposite direction, and she emitted a gasp.
“What is it?” asked Dominic, slowing his horse. “Is everything all right?”
“I…” Artemis leaned out of the tilbury and glanced backward from whence they’d come, but it was too late. The other carriage had disappeared around the corner. “I could have sworn that I just saw Phoebe…with…with a man.”
Concern laced Dominic’s voice as he said, “Do you want me to turn around and follow?”
Artemis settled back into her seat. “I… No. No, it’s all right. I must have imagined it was her. It’s not the sort of thing she would do—go off with a gentleman without telling anyone.”
Unless Phoebe is more like you than you think, Artemis. And you already know her maid can be bribed…
“Did you see who the man was?”
“No. They flew by so quickly, I didn’t see his face. It was all rather a blur.” Artemis touched Dominic’s arm. “Honestly, there’s no point in making a fuss. Besides, Phoebe is twenty-four and more than capable of looking after herself. And as I said, I’m not even certain it was her. I’m sure I’ll find her back at Cadogan Square.”
But Phoebe wasn’t at home, and when she stepped through the door an hour later, Artemis thought she looked rather windblown and far too flushed. And were her lips a little kiss bruised?
When Artemis tried to question her in her bedroom, her sister sent her a cold, hard glare. “I’m still not speaking to you, Artemis,” she said stiffly. “But I’ll make you a deal. I’ll keep my nose out of your business if you keep your nose out of mine. Now, I’ll ask you to leave. I’m rather tired, and I’d like to rest before dinner.” Turning her back on Artemis, she then deposited herself on the seat at her dressing table and proceeded to unpin her hair. “Hetty, after you’ve seen my sister out, I’d like you to organize my bath.”
The lady’s maid gave Artemis an apologetic smile as she gestured toward the door.
Artemis sighed. “Phoebe, I don’t understand why you’re so angry with me. Yes, I’m engaged to a man you don’t approve of, but in time you’ll see that it isn’t such a terrible thing. In the meantime, just know that I’m always here for you if you need me. Please believe me when I say that I want you to be happy.” And then she quit the room.
There was no point in arguing with her sister when she was in a pout. But now, more than ever, Artemis was convinced that Phoebe had a secret paramour.
She just prayed it was someone suitable.
***
“How could you do this? Try to replacemymother? With, with…well, with anyone. I don’t care about the sodding dukedom. You and Miss Jones can go hang for all I care!” The sound of Dartmoor House’s library door slamming shut was immediately followed by the sound of receding footfalls and racking sobs.
