CHAPTER FIVE #2
“She may come, and I don’t need your name, but Mrs. Dove-Lyon will.” He cleared his throat. “Come. She is waiting.”
Waiting? How could she be waiting when she didn’t know Phoebe was coming? They moved down a hallway to a room at the end. Puck opened the door, then stepped aside. “Go on.”
“Thank you,” Phoebe mumbled. Her insides, all jittery.
Both she and Emma stepped into a modest office with a desk and a seating area with a settee and two chairs. Mrs. Dove-Lyon stood, facing the back curtained wall as though she were studying something. Phoebe couldn’t see her face. “Sit,” she barked.
Phoebe and Emma exchanged worried looks, then sat beside each other on the settee and waited.
When Mrs. Dove-Lyon turned around. Phoebe swallowed a gasp. The lady was dressed in widow’s weeds, and her face was completely veiled. Without seeing her face, she could be any age. “Who do I have the pleasure of meeting?”
“I’m Miss Phoebe Windham, and this is my cousin, Lady Emma Windham. I’m the one requesting your help.”
“I see.” She walked to a sideboard. “Tea?”
Emma squeezed her hand and replied for both of them, “No, thank you.”
Phoebe was glad she said no because she didn’t think she could hold a teacup without the liquid sloshing over the rim, given her trembling hands. The lady in black widow’s garb was terrifying.
“Suit yourself.” She fixed herself a tea, then sat down in one of two chairs facing the settee, looking directly at Phoebe. At least she believed her eyes were on her. “So, tell me why you have come.”
“Before we begin,” Phoebe placed the satin pouch on the low oval table between them, hoping she didn’t notice her unsteady hands. “I hope this is enough to hire you for your matchmaking services.”
Mrs. Dove-Lyon opened the pouch and emptied the necklace and earbobs into her hand.
She examined them, then rose and went to the door.
She handed her mother’s sapphires to Puck and spoke softly.
Phoebe couldn’t hear what she said. She returned to her chair.
“Puck will have them appraised by our in-house jeweler. Now, besides seeking a husband, tell me, what has brought you to me?”
Phoebe explained about her father and mother, how she came to live with her aunt and uncle, and how she believed her aunt was poisoning her. Emma chimed in about Lady Helena, hoping what she’d heard was true.
“So, Lady Emma, you risked your fine reputation by coming here with Miss Phoebe?”
Since they sat very close, Phoebe could feel Emma shaking.
“Yes, she is my cousin. She needs to be protected from my mother. I had to do something. Phoebe wanted to sell her mother’s jewelry and run away.
Then I remembered the story about Lady Helena, since we came out together, and thought perhaps you could help my cousin. ”
“You are a brave and kind lady. Both of you.” She paused, then sipped from her delicate china teacup. “What are you looking for in a husband?”
“Honestly, someone who doesn’t need a dowry, because I don’t have one. A kind man. Perhaps one who isn’t controlling and will allow Lady Emma to visit.”
Mrs. Dove-Lyon looked thoughtful. “That is all? Not someone rich? Handsome and debonair?”
“Kind. He must be kind,” Phoebe added.
“I have someone in mind. Among his many attributes, he is a kind gentleman and a member of the ton. Since you need to sneak out at night, I will hold the meeting where you will be introduced to the gentleman tomorrow night at this same time.”
Phoebe felt ill. She was to meet the man tomorrow. So soon? What would happen when they met? Would they begin a courtship, or would they marry right away? Oh dear, her head and stomach hurt. Perhaps coming here was a mistake? She did manage to reply, “Thank you.”
There was a knock on the door, and Puck entered carrying her mother’s sapphires. He spoke softly to the lady and waited at the open door.
Mrs. Dove-Lyon put the pieces back in the pouch and handed it to her. “My jeweler said these pieces are of excellent quality and worth a great deal. Keep them safe. I’m sure you will want to pass them on to your daughter someday.”
“I don’t understand. Don’t you need payment?”
“The gentleman I speak of has already paid me. I will have Puck see you home in my carriage. Try not to get caught sneaking back into Greenwich House.” She paused.
“One more thing. Puck will also pick you up at nine tomorrow night. Look for my carriage two townhouses down from Greenwich House. Lady Emma, you stay home and cover for Miss Phoebe, if need be.”
“Thank you again,” Phoebe said, tears welling in her eyes as she showed her kindness.
The ride home was much more pleasant than the ride there for several reasons.
The carriage was comfortable, and the fear of the unknown was over.
She placed her hand on her fluttering stomach.
She was getting married. Or, at the very least, meeting some gentleman to see if they suited.
Something she never thought would happen.
“I’m very curious to find out who this gentleman is that Mrs. Dove-Lyon is introducing you to tomorrow night,” Emma said. “Perhaps it’s someone I know.” She sighed wistfully. “It’s all very exciting and mysterious. I envy you.”
“How can you envy me? I’m leaving my future to a stranger. Two strangers, actually.”
“You must admit that it is exciting.”
“Yes, it is exciting but also terrifying. How do I know the man isn’t horrible and won’t sully my name all over London? Not that it really matters, as I have no reputation, good or otherwise. But I fear it could have repercussions for your reputation if he is not trustworthy.”