Gentleman's Guide 01 - His Impetuous Debutante (6 page)

Phoebe’s pulse increased. Her mouth
dropped open and she looked around the room. Noah’s friends were
spaced at even intervals, some chatting, but mostly watching.
Thinking back to every soiree, ball and party, it had been the
same. They were always in attendance.

“
I am perfectly capable of
taking care of myself,” she argued through clinched
teeth.

“
Obviously,” Sandlin
responded in a very dry and unmistakably sarcastic tone.

“
I don’t understand the
fuss. A person can’t even have a few minutes alone without someone
wanting to intrude.”

“
Sometimes those most
desperate are just waiting for the perfect moment to
intrude.”

“
I would like to tell the
lot of them to leave me alone. I have no intention of acquiring a
husband.”

Humor sparkled in his eyes. “You
don’t?”

“
Heavens, no. Noah is well
aware of that fact and he has promised not to force me into a
marriage I don’t want.”

“
Oh, he did?” Lord Sandlin
chuckled.

“
Yes, he did.” Phoebe grew
indignant at his patronization. “I am well aware that I am sought
after for my connections and wealth. I refuse to be married away
for that reason and Noah agreed.”

“
That is the
only
reason you are
pursued?” His tone indicated he was humoring her.

“
Of course. As soon as
this Season is over, I will happily return to the
country.”

“
Did it ever occur to you
that Felding may not be given a choice?”

“
Of course he will have a
choice.” Phoebe dismissed his suggestion.

“
Lady Phoebe,” Sandlin
started in an angry tone. “If any of those dandies had succeeded in
their attempts, your brother would have had only two options open
to him.”

Phoebe felt as if she had been struck
given his tone of voice. She stared back at him.

“
Either he calls the young
man out, defending your honor or forces you into marriage with the
man. Either way, your reputation would be in shreds.

“
Even if nothing happened?
Come now, certainly if I said nothing happened, people would
believe me and let it go.” She dismissed him. She could not wait to
return to the country, where people were honest, and not looking to
destroy each other, whether by action or gossip.

*

The music ended, but Taylor was far
from finished with Lady Phoebe. Somebody had to take her in hand
and someone had to do it now. That someone was him. Clearly she had
learned nothing nor had been made to explicitly understand the
ramifications of her actions. Placing her hand inside his elbow, he
took her out into the moonlight, where they would be closely
observed, yet able to privately continue their
conversation.

“
Do you remember Pamela
Harper and her torn dress?”

Phoebe nodded. “It was torn when she
fell in the garden at the Andersen’s ball.”

“
Yes, not to mention the
grass stains and dirt on her gown.”

“
That tends to happen when
one falls.”

“
She wasn’t alone either.
Jeremy Carlyle was with her.”

Lady Phoebe quirked an eyebrow and
crossed her arms over her breasts.

“
The point is, regardless
of the story, it was assumed the man compromised her and took
liberties he should not have. She has not been seen in public since
and has been returned to the country. She is no longer considered
as a potential wife for anyone because one can’t be certain of her
virtue any longer. Especially given Mr. Carlyle’s
reputation.”

“
Which is no different
than your own, I suspect,” she offered dryly.

“
Very different. I don’t
spoil innocents.”

“
What makes you think he
does?”

“
What makes you so certain
he doesn’t?” His voice rose in frustration.

Lady Phoebe opened her mouth to argue,
but seemed to have considered his question and closed
it.

“
Pamela Harper’s father
has two choices. Leave his daughter back in the country, where she
will probably remain unwed for the rest of her life. Or, marry her
to Jeremy Carlyle, which was the young man’s intent in the first
place.” Though angry, Taylor lowered his voice.

“
Pamela said she had
fallen. Why does everyone have to assume the worst?”

“
It is quite possible that
is what happened. However, appearances are much more damaging than
words and the
ton
would certainly prefer to believe the worst, if you haven’t
noted from the gossip. You have already treaded much too close to
the fine line of propriety for comfort, on a number of
occasions.”

Reality began to dawn in her eyes.
Still, she wasn’t willing to accept or believe in forced
repercussions of one’s innocent actions. She was accepting the
possibility, but not fully convinced. What she needed was a good
example. He had no doubt she believed Pamela’s story, as ludicrous
as it sounded.

“
I don’t suppose Pamela
could return next Season with the entire matter
forgotten?”

“
No.” He looked down into
her eyes, relieved she was beginning to appreciate the treacherous
path she walked. “Remember that woman you asked me about? The
attractive redhead?”

“
Yes.”

“
She is only a few years
older than you. She had her first Season three years ago and
suffered a similar incident as Lady Pamela. Almost identical in
fact.”

Phoebe’s eyes widened.

“
Lady Draden insisted
nothing had happened, but the
ton
chose to believe the worst. She refused to marry
the man in question and retired to the country. Her father forced
her to marry a man three times her age. They were married barely a
month before his heart gave out. Last year she returned. Lady
Draden enjoys the Season and has a few friends that have remained
faithful. The rest of society chose to believe the worst. Though
marriage saved her reputation somewhat, she did not marry the man
who ruined her, thus her virtue will always remain in
question.”

“
How horrible for
her.”

“
In a way it is. She is a
beautiful woman. She is also strong willed and refuses to hide for
something she claims didn’t happen.”

“
You have to admire her
for that.” Phoebe glanced into the ballroom. “What is she to
Noah?”

“
I know they have a close
friendship, but that is only because I have observed it myself. He
doesn’t speak of her. You should know that Lady Draden alerted your
brother to your exit that first night. She watches over all the
debutantes she likes. In your case, it is because of her friendship
with Felding.”

“
That alone should earn
her forgiveness,” Phoebe argued.

“
They appreciate her
thoughtfulness and she is welcome everywhere. But, her reputation
will forever remain tarnished.”

She looked up into his eyes, a soft
smile on her rosy lips. “Thank you.” Before he could comprehend her
actions, she rose on her toes and kissed him on the cheek. In an
instant she was gone and walking away.

Shocked, Taylor grabbed her arm before
she could make her exit. Phoebe looked down at his hand, then up at
him.

“
Don’t ever do anything
like that again,” Taylor demanded. “You need to curb your
impulsiveness.”

“
Why?”

“
It gives the appearance
there is something more between us. You and I both know what was
behind that simple kiss. Observers will now begin to wonder at our
relationship.”

“
Don’t be silly,” Phoebe
dismissed him.

Taylor let her go, not trusting
himself any longer. Long after she had gone, her chosen perfume of
lilacs lingered.

*

Lady Draden was still speaking with
Noah as Phoebe approached. Seeing Phoebe, the woman began to make
her excuse.

“
Please don’t leave on my
account, Lady Draden.” Phoebe smiled at the woman.

Lady Draden looked to Noah for
guidance.

“
I wish to thank you, Lady
Draden.”

This statement brought a startled look
from both Lady Draden and Noah. “I understand that you alerted my
brother to a lack of good judgment on my part. Had Lord Sandlin not
intervened, or my brother not been made aware, things could have
turned out rather horribly, I understand. I thank you for your
kindness.”

“
All I ask is that you be
careful.”

“
Oh, I will. I now
understand how unforgiving people can be and how quick they are to
judge.”

“
Thank you,” the woman
whispered and looked down. A pink hue came to her
cheeks.

“
Noah, I have never known
you to be so rude,” Phoebe teased him sweetly.

“
Have I offended you?” His
eyes warned her to forget whatever she had in mind.

“
I have noticed you often
with Lady Draden, but have not once asked her to dance. I had
thought better of you.”

Lady Draden stepped forward. “That is
not necessary, Lady Phoebe.”

Phoebe smiled warmly at her. “Of
course it is.” Then she directed her attention back to Noah. “You
are a marquis. Your position alone should put you above vicious
speculation. However, it appears you wish to remain in good
standing with these shallow people instead of dancing with a lady
with whom you obviously share a friendship.”

Noah’s eyes began to twinkle, once
Phoebe’s shocking statement sank in. “It appears I have been put in
my place.” He then turned to his companion. “May I have the honor
of this dance?”

Lady Draden paled and tried to turn
him down, but Noah wouldn’t let her. “My sister is right. I should
have asked you long ago.” Taking her elbow, he escorted her onto
the floor.

It was a reprieve and he should be
overjoyed. For the first time in weeks Taylor had the entire
evening to himself, to do as he pleased. No young woman, destined
for trouble, to keep him occupied. He could avoid the dances,
balls, soirees and the opera tonight. Perhaps he could attend a few
of the balls and focus on the available ladies this Season. He did
have a duty to marry, soon, but had not put much effort into the
quest. Not that he was given the opportunity. Not when he had to
watch Lady Phoebe every night.

Did he really want to force himself to
attend a ball he didn’t have to? No, he shook his head and set down
his glass. No crowds tonight. Perhaps he should just go home and
make an early night of it. Unfortunately, that wouldn’t be
possible, not with the restless energy contained in his
body.

When word came that Lady Phoebe was
indisposed he almost gave a shout of joy. Now, looking forward to
the evening he found it empty. There were a number of possibilities
to occupy his time. Nothing held interest. He had shared a light
dinner with some friends, won at Faro and quickly became bored. Now
he was sitting at Whites, deciding what to do next. If he sat here
long enough, it would be time to retire. He didn’t want to sit
around all night either.

Earlier, Chambers and Parker invited
him along to Vauxhall Gardens. They had female companionship and
Taylor didn’t want to intrude on their bit of pleasure without a
lady of his own, so he declined. He now regretted that decision.
The Gardens would be perfect this evening. Moreover, it was clear
and warm, and not nearly as crowded as some of his other choices.
Taking a final drink, he decided that was where he would
go.

Chambers and Parker were sitting with
two very attractive women in a supper box when Taylor located them.
They had all been enjoying the wine and were having an almost
disgracefully good time. Their laughter was practically drowning
out the orchestra that played in the distance. Immediately he was
welcomed into the group. Yes, this had been a good choice. Laughter
and friends always did wonders for a restless soul.

*

Phoebe looked out at the
dark night. Tonight she would have fun, away from the eyes of her
brother, the
ton
and his friends.

She donned her hat and black veil,
which she had worn at her father’s wake, and was thankful she had
the forethought to bring the items. One never knew what one might
need when traveling.

As the clock struck ten, Phoebe let
herself out of her room and crept down a back staircase. All the
servants had retired, except the few waiting on her mother or
awaiting her brother’s return. A quick glance assured that they
were relaxing in the kitchen around a table, allowing Phoebe to
sneak out the back door unseen. Under the cloak of darkness and her
veil, she made her way to the gardens. Vauxhall Gardens. She had
asked, no begged, Noah to bring her here to see the fireworks and
the famed Cascades, but her mother forbade it. She would only be
allowed attendance during the day, when there was no chance of
getting into danger.

There were a number of people about,
but it seemed much less crowded than the functions she was allowed
to attend. Strolling further, she enjoyed just being free and
without constraints. She wondered why her mother wanted to keep her
away from here.