Page 11 of On the Ropes of Scandal (With Love in Their Corner #3)

“P hoebe, a word, if you please.”

Oh, dear.

There was a note of command in her aunt’s voice that she would be a fool to ignore.

“Of course, Aunt Bess.” She wiped her hands on her pinafore apron, smiled at William, and nodded.

“If a customer comes in, be your charming self and put their pastries in a box and take their coin. There is nothing complicated about it.” When he acknowledged the request, she followed her aunt into the back room and then frowned as the older woman closed the door. “Is something amiss, Auntie?”

“You have the gall to ask me that?” her aunt questioned in a whispered hiss. She popped her hands on her hips as she stared. “After all the lies you’ve told in the past few days?”

Heat immediately went through Phoebe’s cheeks. “I, uh—”

“And you with that smug smile every morning because you’re living in sin with a stranger?” Slowly, her aunt shook her head. “And then putting forth the huge lie that you’re with child? What the devil has come over you?”

The accusation was fair. “Do you want honesty or something that will make you feel better?” As she spoke, she drew her aunt toward the other side of the room so William—or whatever his real name was—wouldn’t hear.

“I want the truth. You have been acting suspicious for days, and I’m quite concerned, especially after that farce of a dinner last night.”

Hot guilt filled Phoebe’s chest. “While I realize that, you have no idea how very lonely I am, Auntie.” Tears rose in her eyes.

“I have had far too much death and grief in my life, and I have lost two fiancés. And then suddenly, it seems that fate dropped this man into my lap who doesn’t remember who he is.

Why shouldn’t I find a bit of happiness with him? Where is the harm?”

“Where is the harm?” Aunt Bess threw up an arm. “That man deserves better than to essentially be kidnapped by what I can only call desperation,” she accused in an intense whisper. “What will you do if his memories come back and he realizes this isn’t his life at all?”

“I guess I’ll meet that challenge if—or when—it arises.”

“And what are you going to say when the lie of your pregnancy makes itself known? You and I both know you aren’t increasing, and I rather doubt he’s bedded you in the few days he’s been here, charming or not.”

Another sweep of heat went through Phoebe’s cheeks.

“While it’s true, he has not—for he hasn’t felt quite the thing I’d imagine—we do share a bed.

I needed to up the stakes in my story so he would, indeed, not leave me after you interrogated him last night.

” She shook her head. “I shall spin another tale if needed to explain away the absence of a swollen belly.”

“Listen to yourself.” Aunt Bess dropped her hands on Phoebe’s shoulders and gave her a bit of a shake. “Almost every word out of your mouth is a lie.”

“Can you blame me?” Phoebe said in a low-pitched hiss back to her. “My whole life has been a sad trial. Don’t you think I deserve happiness? Perhaps even love?”

“Of course I do, but not this way.” Aunt Bess’ expression was like a thunderstorm.

“You are committing crimes, dear. Kidnapping, for one. And what will you do if ‘William’s’ family comes searching for him?

They’re going to discover where he is. Or worse, what if someone in the village or surrounding area recognizes your alleged husband?

Tells him that he’s a prize fighter? Your story is going to collapse around your feet. ”

“I don’t know.” It was the first honest thing she’d said in a few days. “I’m hoping that it won’t matter because he’ll have fallen in love with me by then.”

“That is much to ask of fate, especially when you’re involving a man.” There was a look of incredulity in her aunt’s eyes. “Is he truly a lord?”

Phoebe nodded. “That is what the announcer at the bout referred to him as, so I assume he’s a member of the beau monde .”

“That is even worse.” A trace of panic went through Aunt Bess’ eyes. “I wouldn’t be surprised if his family, once they notice he’s missing, sends out a man from Bow Street to hunt him down.”

Knots of worry pulled in Phoebe’s belly. “Do you truly think that will happen?”

“Well, obviously, he’ll be missed. The question remains when will your false marriage come to a halt?

” One of Aunt Bess’ eyebrows rose in inquiry.

“And then, if he seduces you—or rather you do the same to him—and he does bed you, what if you’re left with a babe in your belly and his family takes him back to London?

He’ll forget all about you once he returns to his previous—and rightful—life.

And you’ll be left ruined, in scandal and tears. ”

“I suppose I’d hoped that wouldn’t come ’round so soon.

” For the first time since this odyssey began did Phoebe think about the consequences of her actions.

“I am enjoying spending time with him, though. He’s interesting in his own right, but truth to tell, it’s exhausting to always need to invent a story for his history. ”

“You wouldn’t need to do that if you’d done things the right way.”

“Oh, Auntie, the last thing I need right now is a lecture.” Suddenly, a wave of exhaustion went through Phoebe. “I just want romance in my life, I want a man to call my own who will love me, and to find whatever joy we can have together. Is that too much to ask?”

“No, it’s not, but when you do it this way, folks will call you slightly demented.

” Her aunt took a deep breath then let it ease out.

“I don’t want my friends or customers thinking that of you or assuming you are a criminal, and I certainly don’t want the authorities to haul you away to an asylum.

Above everything, I don’t want to see your heart broken again, and this time it won’t be due to death.

” She patted Phoebe’s cheek. “If you fall in love with this man and he goes back to previous life—because why wouldn’t he; he’d never asked to be here—you will once more be alone, and it’ll be much worse this time. ”

For a long moment, she considered her aunt’s words. Then she nodded. “Thank you for looking out for me and being protective. I’ll be careful. I promise.”

Aunt Bess huffed. “So then, you won’t tell him the truth?”

“Not right now.”

“You know, when it comes out—and it will—it should come from you first. He might trust you now, but once that is broken, it will be entirely too difficult to regain.”

She nodded. “I’ll bear that in mind.” But for now, she was enjoying this newfound freedom far too much.

“And by the by, how the hell are you explaining to him his lack of wardrobe? I’ve seen you sneaking your belongings from the cottage to the rooms you’re currently living in, but what about his things? Shaving kit, boots, all the rest?” One of her aunt’s eyebrows rose in question.

“Very carefully.” Phoebe huffed in frustration.

“I picked up a shaving set at the pawn shop, along with a worn pair of boots. And there were a few of Charles’ things I had tucked in my trunk that fit William.

” Certainly, her brother wouldn’t mind since he’d perished in the war.

“Then I bought a few pieces from the modiste that had been commissions someone didn’t wish to have after they were completed. ”

“And he hasn’t questioned why his wardrobe is mismatched and lacking?”

“Not that I know of. If he’s complained, it hasn’t been to me.”

Aunt Bess shook her head. “If you are intent in doing this, I’ll dig through some of your father’s possessions I’d packed away after his death. He was about the same size as your pretend husband, so at least he’ll not be lacking.”

She nearly wilted with relief. “Thank you for your support.”

“And I’ll be there for you when this all falls apart,” Aunt Bess said as she walked toward the door. “Let us hope that doesn’t happen for a while yet.”

Amen to that.

*

Later that afternoon

Phoebe was elated that William wished to go on a stroll with her through the country lanes and meadows.

They’d even taken a picnic basket with them to have tea alfresco later if they could find a shady spot.

After the far too honest talk with her aunt earlier that morning, her mind was conflicted about what to do about telling her false husband the truth.

It wouldn’t help to say anything right now, for she didn’t know who his people were, and didn’t know anything about him other than his title was Lord Frampton.

Could she put him on the post coach to London with only that information and wish him luck in finding his family? Of course, but how frightening would that be? Even for a man, and she didn’t have the heart to do that.

“You seem as if you are a million miles away,” William said as he touched her hand with his. “Is all well? Are you feeling poorly?”

Oh, dear.

“I’m well enough, thank you.” She turned her head so she could see him past the shallow brim of her simple straw bonnet. “Woolgathering, I suppose.”

“It’s only natural that your thoughts might turn inward during this time. No doubt it’s a bit intimidating being in the family way.”

“Yes.” The response was quite breathless, for if she wasn’t careful, she’d blurt out the truth. “But for now, I’m doing well, so I plan to enjoy the walk in the fresh air.”

He nodded. “In your condition, you shouldn’t be on your feet for all those hours in the bakery. Should I ask your aunt to either give you a stool or get on without you for a few hours?”

Dear heavens, that will mean another lecture from Aunt Bess.

“I wouldn’t. When the time comes, I’ll speak with her. I’m sure she’ll understand, but I’m not an invalid, so please don’t treat me as if I were.” She frowned. Was that what he was doing, or was it simply kindness?

“Of course you’re not.” William took her hand and pulled her closer to him. “I’m merely trying to protect you and the babe.” He winked. “It’s quite an exciting prospect, knowing I’ll be a father in half a year.”