News
Storytelling

They Were Supposed to Be Arguing Over Plaster and Ledgers — They Ended Up Falling in Love

They Were Supposed to Be Arguing Over Plaster and Ledgers — They Ended Up Falling in Love

Chapter 14

Theme:
Font Size:
24px
Phoebe went still.Mr. Meer's face darkened. "You will not speak of Miss Hartwell in that manner.""Will I not?""No."One word. Quiet. Immovable.Voss studied him, then gave a short bow. "We shall see what society permits."He left with Mr. Gibbs at his heels. Mr. Hargreaves sank into a chair. Phoebe stood very straight, though her hands trembled.Mr. Meer turned to her. "Miss Hartwell—""I am well.""You are not.""I shall be."He looked as though he wished to say more, but Hargreaves was present and the door stood open.Phoebe drew a breath. "Mr. Hargreaves, you will attend the Assembly Rooms tomorrow morning and inspect them properly. Mr. Meer will be present, so will my uncle, Sir Lionel, and any member of the committee with courage enough to prefer truth to convenience."The young surveyor nodded. "Yes, Miss Hartwell."She turned to Mr. Meer. "We must inform Sir Lionel.""At once."They stepped back into the rain together. Neither spoke until they reached the Assembly Rooms portico. Water dripped from the stone lions on either side of the steps.Phoebe looked out at the wet square. "He will try to ruin me," she said."No.""You cannot prevent gossip.""I can answer it.""How?"He hesitated. And in that hesitation, she understood that there were answers which might protect her reputation while binding him to declarations he had not meant to make. Pain touched her, sharp and swift."Please do not," she said.His eyes met hers. "I would not offer from obligation."The words struck with quiet force. Phoebe could not look away."And would you offer at all?" she asked, before pride could restrain her.
PREV NEXT

News in the same category

They Were Supposed to Be Arguing Over Plaster and Ledgers — They Ended Up Falling in Love

20 Part