Philippa Holds Court by Jennie Goutet

Author:Jennie Goutet [Goutet, Jennie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jennie Goutet

It was the largest event since the Yardmouth’s ball, and Philippa had made Matthew Evans promise to be there. She’d reminded him that he could not win a lady’s heart if he were not present to attempt the deed. And apart from the one morning call he’d performed without Philippa’s bolstering presence—in which Mr. Merrick also was in attendance—he had all but conceded defeat.

“You must not give up so easily,” Philippa had urged him when he visited her. “Susan's heart may be engaged by Mr. Merrick, and I understand your hesitation on the matter. But I am far from convinced that Mr. Merrick is the best one for her. In fact, I fear he is interested in her for mere appearances, and that he has something to gain politically by attaching himself to her.”

Matthew had frowned and put his hand on her arm to halt their progress toward the door. “You think Mr. Merrick is interested in an alliance with Mr. Blythefield and that he could bring it about by marrying Miss Blythefield?”

“I am far from being certain.” Philippa had attempted to put words to why she thought so. “It's just an instinct I have. I don't see the sincerity in Mr. Merrick—and believe me, if I thought he were perfectly suited to her and would treat her well, I would advise you to give it up and look elsewhere. It is only that I cannot believe Mr. Merrick has such innocent intentions. I cannot even place my finger on why. It's just in the things he says. Or perhaps he is too smooth in his attentions.”

“And that, I am not,” Matthew had replied glumly. In the end, however, he’d agreed to come.

When they arrived at the Ridley’s, Philippa quickly separated herself from Maria and Charles and searched the room until she found George standing next to Whitmore, Amos, and Matthew. She gave a firm tug on her brother’s coat.

“Where have you been? May I remind you, dear brother, that you promised to save me from Maria’s machinations, and I haven’t seen you near the house since the night of the opera.”

A look of chagrin crossed George’s face. “I know. I’ve been taking care of Duck. He’s had a nasty fall and has broken his leg.”

“Oh, no, has he?” Philippa glanced at her brother’s friends. “So are you all forced to keep Duck occupied as he convalesces?”

“Not him.” Amos jerked a finger at Whitmore. “His father has been keeping him too busy in Parliament for him to be of much use.”

“We hear of your knack for chess, Whitmore. But what’s the use of being a formidable chess opponent if you’re never around to apply yourself?” George quipped. “Duck has only Amos and I for partners.”

Mr. Whitmore took a sip of his wine and looked across the room. “I am merely playing a different type of chess. And there goes my rook.”

Philippa followed Whitmore’s gaze. “Mr. Blythefield?” Matthew turned to look as well.

“The very one. My father and his cronies have him in mind for the next Leader of the Opposition.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.