The Midnight Rake Read Online Free PDF Page A

the words.
    Taking Aubry’s offered hand, he stifled another chuckle. “I am pleased to meet you. I hope you’ll be happy here while you visit, even if my mother has planned your life away.” Maman, one of the most determined people he knew, would enjoy spoiling Penelope and Aubry as substitute daughters.
    “It is wonderful to meet you. The Countess has shared the lessons she’s planned and I cannot be more excited.” Aubry eyed Victoria Betcham with adoration in her eyes. “She’s arranged for everything from academics to wardrobe. I feel as though my every wish has come true.” She nodded her head, her short wavy hair bobbing in agreement.
    Phineas noted Aubry’s exuberance, belatedly catching Penelope’s eye and the curious note of concern hidden there.
    “Let us eat. Cook has provided a delicious meal.” Lady Fenhurst took a step toward the garden, then turned back and nodded her head in his direction. “I neglected to mention Chef Pierre has agreed to join us. He should arrive by tomorrow evening.”
    Phin’s brows climbed in curiosity as he stepped behind the ladies on the walking path. “However did you manage to convince him? It’s a small miracle whenever you’ve coaxed Pierre to leave Paris, never mind take residence in our London townhouse.”
    Maman released an abrupt laugh. “He knows how much we enjoy his artistry in the kitchen. And too, he’s worth the price.”
    No need to inquire about the latter portion of that statement. His mother knew what she liked and what she wanted. There would be no changing her mind.
    Instead Phineas offered his hand to assist Penelope as she settled upon the flannel, but when he turned to do the same for Aubry, the gesture was lost, his mother having whisked the young girl toward the flowerbeds, their silhouettes disappearing among the yellow-throated roses. He sat down, chagrined, yet all too familiar with his mother’s whims.
    “Lady Rosebery.” Phineas offered her a plate. “We have been abruptly dismissed.”
    “I think you’re correct.” She returned an amiable smile. “It will be good for my sister to have some order in her life. As much as I regret to admit it, the past months have not been kind.”
    Phineas watched as she placed the china plate upon the blanket, adjusting it twice before she was satisfied. She turned her concentration to the silverware next. Could she be nervous? His eyes swept up her slight form, stalling to admire her hair as she gave the place setting her full interest. Sunlight reflected off the caramel waves shadowing her face. Lush lashes swept against her creamy soft skin and captured his attention. Good thing her eyes remained cast toward the silver or she might wonder what he was about, yet it was only subtle interest that held his attention.
    His mother best not have offered his assistance in whatever she’d schemed with the ladies. He clenched his teeth to evoke patience and then forced himself to relax. He was preoccupied with Julia’s issue and unwilling to invite further misery by way of female emotion. Still, congeniality would harm no one.
    “Please call me Phineas. After nearly knocking you over and now sharing a picnic, I would like us to become friends. We
are
living in the same house.” An unexpected emotion coursed through him as he said the words aloud and he reached up to tug at the too-tight knot in his cravat.
    “I know. This is more than I ever imagined.” Her admission, a beguiling mixture of whisper and awe, disappeared on a pleasant breeze. Then, as if riddled with uncertainty, she continued. “Phineas.”
    “Well, now that’s better.” He handed her a linen napkin, although his mind twitched with the question of why he liked the sound of his name in her voice. “Let’s eat, shall we?” The words came out stronger than necessary.
    He unwrapped the assortment of foods and strove for casual conversation. “Cook was generous. Clearly my mother is intent on strolling with Aubry this