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He made a choking sound low in his throat.
The desire to tease him melted away almost as immediately as it had formed. “Oh, Phineas, what a dreadful situation this is. I absolutely cannot ever face the dowager countess and the countess again. I am simply too mortified.”
A small smile tugged at his mouth. “I have explained I accidentally got you foxed. I assure you it is forgotten.”
“Truly?”
“Yes. My mother cried ‘poor soul’ several times, laying the blame at my feet. Annabelle, who happened to eavesdrop, is certain it is some detestable plot of mine to ravish you before the wedding. When she asked about the word cock with considerable intrigue, our mother collapsed on the sofa and nanna…well, as I said, that one is a mystery.”
Felicity was laughing by the time he had finished. “I still believe I should leave. Your grandmother seems rather refreshed, and surely I do not need to stay longer.”
He arched a brow. “I am open to returning to town after Dr. Greaves gives me a good report on her health. It will also be harder to…indulge in our three nights in London.”
They stared at each other for several moments. Oddly, Felicity was secretly delighted he wanted her to stay.
“Then I shall stay a little bit longer,” she said with a soft smile. “Phineas?”
“Yes?”
“I seem to have a bit of a headache. I feel I might spend the day in my room.”
He laughed, accurately sensing she had not dredged up the courage to return downstairs. Almost an hour after he left her chamber, a maid sought entry with a knock. The maid handed her several books, a chess set, and a small cup of a dubious concoction.
“Thank you,” she said.
The young girl bobbed, collected the now empty breakfast tray, and hurried from the room. Seeing a small note wedged between the books, she plucked it up and read.
Dear Miss Harrington,
I have sent you a few horrid novels that Mary claims are all the rage. If you grow bored with reading, you can also practice your chess moves for the match we will have later. The herbal tea will ease your pain and provide you a measure of relief. Rest easy in your chamber, knowing I will protect your peace today, and you will not be invaded by anyone, especially nanna, who has a rather calculating glint in her eyes. A tray with cakes and other delightful edibles and a pitcher of lemonade will be sent up soon. Inform the maid of some of your favorite dishes, and I will ensure they are magnificently prepared for your dinner.
Phineas.
Only then did she recall the feel of him against her in the bed and his hands on her rubbing the pains and cramping away. She sat heavily on the bed, an ache rising inside her throat.
Oh, Phineas, how can I be falling for you before we’ve even had one night?
CHAPTERTHIRTEEN
Phineas bounded up the stairs, a peculiar eagerness taking him to Felicity’s room. Last night, they played chess and even had a rousing discussion on the bookEmma, which had almost turned into an argument. Clearly, Felicity thought the interfering, matchmaking muttonhead was sweet and charming. He smiled, recalling her battle howl when he referred to the book’s main protagonist, her darlingEmma Woodhouse,as a meddlesome nincompoop and not a clever lady with a happy disposition as the author claimed. He had discreetly returned to his chamber at some time after one, only to fall into dreams of Felicity.
Phineas found himself missing her presence. Once again, she had not come down to breakfast, and a tray had been sent to her room. It was almost five in the evening, and an inquiry with Annabelle revealed Felicity had not come down for the day. He knocked on her door, and a muffled voice bid him enter.
He opened the door and smiled to see her sitting by the window with a forlorn look on her face. She brightened at seeing him, and she waved to the chess set already organized for them to start playing. “I was thinking you could venture outside with me for some fresh air.”
Walking over to him, she faltered, vulnerability flashing in her lovely eyes. Folding her arms around her waist, she murmured, “I think it is best I remain in my room. Only for a few more days.”
A few more days?
Phineas wasn’t accustomed to seeing her in such a manner. And it occurred to him she did not want his mother or grandmother to think less of her. An unknown tenderness moved through him, and he impulsively reached out and took her hand between his. “There is no need for you to remain locked away in your chambers, Felicity. Grandmother is sleeping, and mother has gone to visit the squire’s wife, who has fallen ill. She has taken a basket of delicacies from our cook, and some herbal remedy for a cold, and Mary has gone with her. Annabelle and Sarah have gone for a walk. We are very much free to indulge in a stroll without encountering nanna.”
“Oh.” She smiled sheepishly. “You must think me ridiculous.”
“I think you beyond lovely,” he said softly.
Her eyes widened and her cheeks pinkened. “Very well. Flattery has always had the power to sway me. I am not at all certain how you discovered this weakness.”
Phineas beckoned her forward, and they made their way from her chamber and down the stairs. “Should you prefer it, we could ride instead.”
