Lord Phillip's Folly Read online

  “It should. We can pray for him. Pray that the Holy Ghost will bring him to the foot of the cross and help him give up his need to hold on to his sin and self-condemnation.”

  Beth placed her hand over her husband’s heart and smiled through her tears. “You have finally forgiven him.”

  Phillip nodded.

  “I will be content. You are correct. We can pray. It is God’s place to bring someone to Himself. My father was right about one thing, though.”

  “He was?”

  “You are the best man for me. I am blessed.” She gave him a tender kiss which he returned. Sorrow turned to comfort. They walked to their rooms and were not at home to visitors for the rest of the morning.

  ~*~

  “It’s been quiet,” Phillip said.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Since your father left. Men have searched and Lord Wolton is nowhere to be found. How can we be prepared if we don’t know where he is?”

  “Maybe God’s already taken care of him?”

  “That’d be nice, but until we’ve located him, we can’t guarantee your safety.”

  Beth sipped her tea. “All I need is right now. With you. That’s enough for me to know I’m safe.”

  “I must leave you for a short time today.”

  “That’s fine. Madame Celeste is due to deliver my ball gown. With the other gowns you’ve encouraged me to purchase, she may be here for a time for the final fittings.”

  “You’ll be well occupied and won’t even miss me.” He pretended to pout.

  “Silly man. I like having you around. Where are you off to?”

  “My father has requested an audience with him.”

  “Has he ever done that before?”

  “Never.”

  “Why does he want to meet?”

  “He didn’t say.” Phillip let out a sigh. “I’ve always been a disappointment to them. Perhaps this is my dressing down for our hasty marriage. I cannot think of anything else he could find fault with.”

  “Perhaps you are worried for nothing.”

  “Perhaps. I shall go and discover what this is about.” He leaned over and kissed her before rising. “You won’t leave the house unless someone armed is with you, right?”

  “I have nowhere to go,” Beth said. “Now leave so I can spend more of your money with Madame Celeste.”

  He chuckled and made his way out to the carriage to take him to the Manchester townhome.

  Once he arrived he was escorted into his father’s study. The place brought back many memories—none of them pleasant. The scoldings and dire warnings he’d received in this room still echoed in his memory. He hoped he wouldn’t be as severe with his own son someday.

  His father was seated behind the desk that seemed much smaller than it had as a child. The scent of leather and cigar smoke permeated the place, a habit Phillip had never acquired. His father appeared frailer. Aged. Weathered. He’d only seen the man a few months past when he and Beth visited after their wedding. Was he looking at his father through new eyes? Or had he really changed?

  The Earl looked up. “Ah, Phillip. You’ve arrived early I see. Very well.” He placed his fountain pen in its holder and sanded the letter he’d been writing, setting it aside. He rose to stand before his son. “Thank you for coming. Have a seat.” Lord Manchester motioned to the leather chairs arranged near the empty fireplace.

  “What is it you wanted to talk to me about?”

  “I’ve heard rumors that you’ve been making headway on some investments. I was wondering if you could enlighten me as to your strategy.”

  “My…strategy?”

  “Yes, for investing money as well as turning a profit on your land. I’m curious. I believe I may need to make some changes and wanted your thoughts on the matter.”

  Phillip swallowed. “I can tell you what I’ve learned but there’s still much I don’t know. Lord Remington was the one who turned me on to how to be a better steward of the resources God had entrusted me with.”

  “Interesting perspective. Tell me more…”

  And Phillip did.

  ~*~

  The next day Elsa bustled into the dressing room as Beth finished her hair. While Elsa wanted to help, Beth found it easier to do it herself when she was staying at home.

  “Ma’am?”

  “Yes?” Beth turned.

  “You have a visitor.”

  “Does this visitor have a name?”

  “Lady Penelope Westcombe.”

  “Have you informed Phillip? He’s gone to break his fast already.”

  “She requests an audience with you.”

  “Oh, well. I’ll come down to greet our guest.” Beth rose and made her way to the drawing room where Lady Penelope paced. “Penelope?”

  The young woman turned with a big smile. “Oh, thank you for agreeing to see me. When you and Phillip visited after your marriage, mother and father forbade me contact with you. Now Mother says it is fine for me to know you. I hope I haven’t come too early.”

  “I’ve yet to break my fast but you are welcome to join us. Your brother is already at the table.”

  “I’d hate to impose.”

  “You are family. What kind of imposition could it be?”

  Penelope nodded and together they went in to eat.

  “Phillip, look who has come to visit us.”

  Phillip rose to his feet. “Penny.” He stepped forward to enfold her in a hug. “Do our parents know you are here?”

  “Not right this minute but they said it was acceptable for me to visit with you.”

  “Grab a plate and get some food. Sit and join us.” Phillip sat down and motioned to the footman who assisted Penelope and Beth with their plates and helped them sit at the table. “Send for some chocolate, Jem. It’s Penny’s favorite.”

  “Yes, m’lord.” The footman left.

  “This is a pleasant surprise.” Phillip sipped his coffee.

  “Father couldn’t stop talking last night about all the ideas he had after meeting with you. It has been a long time since I’ve seen him that excited over anything. What did you tell him?”

  “He asked questions and I answered them. I’m glad it was helpful.”

  “The ball is just around the corner. Do you have your gown, Beth?”

  “It was delivered yesterday. I’m quite pleased with it. I’ve never owned anything quite so fine. Your brother is spoiling me.”

  Penelope grinned. “Phillip has always been the best of brothers. I was sad I missed your wedding. I know if things had been different I would have been allowed to be there.”

  “You’re here now. A wedding is a short amount of time. A marriage is much longer,” Beth said. “I’ve never had a sister before.”

  Penny’s eyes grew bright. “Oh, how wonderful.”

  The chocolate was brought and soon the meal ended.

  “If you ladies will excuse me, I’ve got some correspondence to attend to in my study.”

  “I’m sure we’ll be fine, Phillip. Would you like a tour of the house, Penny?”

  “Oh, yes!” The young woman joined arms with Beth.

  Beth gave her the tour and talked about the changes yet to be made.

  Later, after their guest had left, Beth waylaid her husband. “God must be at work in your family.”

  “Something happened. I wish I knew what,” Phillip stated.

  “I might be able to shed some light on that.” The older woman’s voice rang from the doorway.

  Phillip shot to his feet.

  Beth followed at a slower pace.

  “Lady Orion. To what do we owe the pleasure?” Phillip asked. “Have you been introduced to my wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Westcombe?”

  “Not until now. How are you, Elizabeth? My, you are the image of your mother. She and I were dear friends. I came because I wanted to show you something.” She waved a hand at Phillip. “You may leave if you wish. No harm will come to your wife. I only want to share with her my memories of he
r mother.”

  “Beth?” Phillip asked.

  “I’m sure I’ll be fine. Can you have tea sent in?”

  Phillip nodded and left.

  Beth settled in to hear about the mother she barely remembered.

  ~*~

  Phillip locked the door to the bedroom and drew Beth into his arms. “It’s been an interesting few days.”

  Hands on his chest she began to untie his cravat. “A mild statement.”

  “My father, your father, my sister, and now, Lady Orion…I hate to imagine what tomorrow might bring.”

  “I must not be doing this right.”

  “Hmmm?” The cravat fell to the floor and she pushed his coat off. Her fingers began to undo his buttons.

  “You are thinking about tomorrow. I’ll have to work harder to get your attention.” She reached up, pulled his head down to hers, and their lips met. She released him and stepped back.

  “You were saying?” He grinned as he pulled her into his embrace.

  “You were thinking about tomorrow.”

  He nuzzled her neck and nibbled at her ear sending shivers through her body. “Tomorrow will take care of itself. I have other things to occupy my mind.”

  She turned around so he could undo the back of her dress. “You do?”

  He kissed the back of her neck. “Most definitely. Enough talking, my dear. I’ll show you.”

  She grinned. She had no doubt he would.

  15

  Sun streamed in through cracks in the draperies. Beth stretched and rolled over to find her husband watching her. “Mornin’.”

  “I never tire of gazing at you, Beth.”

  “You’re not too hard on the eyes either.”

  “Guess God gave us both what we didn’t deserve or expect.”

  “I, for one, am grateful.” Beth snuggled into her husband. “Tonight is the ball.”

  “Think Wolton will show?”

  She shrugged. “I doubt it. I just hope this does what your parents hope it does.”

  “And what is that? Celebrate my brilliance in making the match of the year?”

  “Silly man.”

  “From my perspective, that is the truth.” He kissed her and all conversation ceased for some time.

  ~*~

  Elizabeth sat in the garden having her breakfast with Duke. She had wanted to allow him in the house but Phillip refused saying a bird flying around would terrify the servants, and finding little ‘surprises’ from the bird would likely cause them all to quit.

  “Tonight is the ball at the Manchester home. Remember the first time? That’s when Phillip rescued me. I want you there again. Just in case. I’d feel safer knowing you were around. I know God watches out for me, but in some ways it’s as if you are here at His bequest.” She worked loose a pin feather on the crow’s neck.

  Taking a deep breath, she prayed. She’d been meditating on Scripture about the Lord being a sword and a shield around her. In spite of that anxiety haunted her. Please don’t let harm come to Phillip or me this evening. Various armed servants would keep guard. Phillip’s friends were on the lookout for Wolton, but no one expected he would do his own dirty work. It had been well over a month since the last attack. It was only a matter of time before something happened. It would be wise to never relax her guard.

  A few more pin feathers were free. Duke flew up to the tree and shook his feathers out. He nodded his head and squawked.

  She rose to return indoors. Too much sun was bad for her complexion.

  When lunch came, Phillip had not returned from a visit to White’s where he planned to meet with Lord Harrow, Sir Tidley, Mr. Neville, and of course Lord Remington. Elizabeth sat to eat by herself, toying with her food. Even her favorite rolls didn’t tempt her and she went back outside to give one to Duke who tore it apart eagerly. Soon it was gone. With one last caress of his head, she went inside to rest so she would be prepared for the evening’s event.

  ~*~

  Phillip returned to the house mid-afternoon and went immediately to the master suite to peek in on his sleeping wife. How he wished he could stretch out next to her. Tonight would be a turning point in their acceptance amongst the ton. Phillip went to his study to look over some paperwork from Stanton Hall. When all of this was over he looked forward to returning there with Beth. The tension and wait for Lord Wolton to attack was wearing him down.

  An hour later a knock on the door interrupted his work. “Come in.”

  His valet, Fenway, entered.

  “What’s amiss? Do I need to purchase more cravats?” Phillip teased.

  “No, my lord.”

  “Well, then. What it is?”

  “I was in the garden a few moments ago and came across a disturbing sight I thought you would want to see.”

  Phillip rose. “Disturbing?”

  Fenway nodded and motioned for Phillip to follow him. Together they traveled through the kitchens to the small garden that was part of the property. Beth enjoyed sitting amongst the flowers here. Tall walls provided security and the previous owners had taken great care with the plants. Fenway led Philip around a tree to a bench where Beth often sat. The valet pointed to the ground.

  A large black bird sprawled lifeless on the path.

  Phillip bent down. The bird was warm, but most definitely dead. He checked for injuries or broken bones. There were none. “Has anyone seen Duke lately?”

  All of the household staff were acquainted with the bird. “I’ve been calling for him. The footman over at the mews has as well. He doesn’t stray far and always responds when summoned.” The valet dipped his head and made the sign of the cross.

  Phillip stretched out the wings again for a closer look. He found a spot where feathers were missing and hadn’t grown back yet. It was the spot where Duke had been shot while keeping Phillip from getting killed. It was most certainly Duke. “He’s probably been poisoned, but how?” Phillip rose. “Mrs. Westcombe will be devastated.”

  “May I suggest, my lord, that she not be told until after the ball?”

  Phillip stared at the bird as if it would give him an answer. “I don’t want to lie to her. She will likely be looking for the bird later and grow worried if he doesn’t come when summoned. I’d hate for her to be sad on tonight of all nights.”

  “How could he have been poisoned?”

  “Excellent question. He either finds his own food or takes what Beth or the stable hands offer him. I doubt he’d take anything from a stranger.”

  “Certainly not.”

  Phillip looked around and saw crumbs on the bench. “Was he here earlier with Beth?”

  “The cook reported she’d come out twice. She spent time with him this morning and then brought him a treat after lunch.”

  Phillip scooped up the crumbs and returned to the kitchen to find Cook. He showed her the crumbs. “Would this be something from Mrs. Westcombe’s lunch?”

  The Cook nodded. “She didn’t eat much today. Those rolls are her favorite.”

  “Did you make them?”

  “Sarah bought them from a peddler down the street.”

  “Had she ever purchased from that person before?”

  “No. The man was new to the area. Why?”

  “I believe someone intended to poison your mistress.”

  Cook’s eyes grew wide and her hand flew over her mouth.

  “Did anyone else eat these?” Phillip asked.

  “No. They are over there in the galley.”

  Phillip strode to the bowl, pulled out a bun, and marched down the alley to the mews where stray cats abounded. He hated having to test his theory on a hapless animal, but if his wife was meant to be poisoned, he needed to know. He didn’t know if animals had souls, but he sent a prayer heavenward for what he was about to do. “Come here, kitty.” The scrawny, matted animal inched forward. Phillip tossed the bun to the cat. The feline pounced on it and eagerly ate. Phillip instructed the stable hands to watch the cat and let him know if anything happened to it.
Brushing off his hands he returned to the house. In the kitchen, he pointed to the buns. “To be safe, do not let anyone eat those.”

  “Should I burn them?” Cook asked.

  “Might be a good idea. Mrs. Westcombe did not eat any of these?”

  “No. There were six buns. She gave one to Duke and you took one. The four left are the rest.”

  He heaved a sigh of relief. If the buns were the method of poisoning, she’d escaped. He washed his hands, dried them and took the back stairs to their room. He had to see for sure she was well. He slipped into the room and walked to her bedside. A soft smile was on her face. He lifted her wrist. Her pulse was steady. God had obviously spared her life today. Phillip fell to his knees, continued to hold her hand, and bent his head to pray. Thank You, Lord, for sparing Beth and our child. Continue to protect her and give me wisdom with telling her about Duke. I don’t know if crows go to heaven, but Lord that one was a faithful friend to her during dark days. He saved my life. He led me to Beth when she was injured and now paid the ultimate price in giving his life for her. Thank You for the gift that he was to both of us. Continue to be with us as we attend the ball and face friends and possible enemies. Protect her heart as well as her body, Lord. Thank You for the gift you’ve given me in having her as a wife. I don’t deserve such grace.

  ~*~

  Beth twirled around in front of the mirror. Phillip hadn’t seen her in her new gown and she was pleased with how well it looked on her. She could proudly stand by his side and not shame him or his family. She’d called for Duke but he hadn’t shown up. He was probably busy hunting a mouse. Silly bird. He’d come with the carriage, though. He loved his friends at the stable.

  Phillip entered the room and gave a low whistle. “I’m tempted to lock you in for the night, lest any other man at the ball realize the treasure they lost out on and try to steal you away.”

  She turned to see that he’d managed to order a waistcoat in a matching emerald green with gold embroidery. Combined with his crisp white shirt, cravat, and black coat, she wanted to swoon herself. She lifted her fan and slowly waved it in front of her. “It is you I might need to lock away, my lord. A dashing Corinthian in the first stare of fashion. All the ladies will be lamenting their failure to bring you up to scratch.”