The Sugared Game - K.J. Charles Page 0,18
Mother doesn’t want me to go into commerce, of course, which is probably his reason, but I can’t help that. So it’s all wonderful except that he said that he wants Johnnie to, what’s the word, to handle the accounts.”
“Are there strings attached?”
She made a face. “Not as such. Nothing spelled out. But I’ll have to apply to Johnnie for funds and send him accounts for approval, which I think he thinks means he can tell us what to do.”
“Why’s your father doing this?”
“Matchmaking, I expect,” Phoebe said wearily. “Because I wanted Johnnie before and he said no, and now I could have him I’m saying no. He thinks if Johnnie and I spend time together I’ll learn to forget my pride and accept his guiding hand or some such.”
“Does that work outside novels?”
“I shouldn’t think so. I’m desperately annoyed with Johnnie.”
Of course Cheveley was exploiting such an unfair scheme. That seemed bloody typical of this man Will hadn’t heard of an hour ago and thoroughly disliked. “Can’t Kim lend you the money instead?”
“It’s an awful lot. And there’s reasons it wouldn’t be right. Or at least... Well, take my word, it might make things dreadfully awkward.”
“It sounds pretty awkward this way. I suppose you really do need the money?”
Phoebe’s jaw firmed. “I promised Maisie. I already told her Daddy had agreed, before he came back with this. I shan’t let her down.” She looked quite fierce for a moment before her usual sunny smile returned. “And it needn’t be awkward if Johnnie is reasonable about it. Only, is there a way to persuade a man to stop proposing?”
“A half-decent one would stop as soon as you told him to.”
“Darling, how optimistic of you. Or perhaps I don’t know enough half-decent men.”
“Then tell Kim to have a word with this fellow. He’s your fiancé. If this chap won’t listen to you, he’ll probably listen to him.”
“You would think so, except Johnnie dislikes Kim so very much. I’m sure that’s part of it, wanting to get one over on him. Ugh. Oh, well, I’m probably making a mountain out of a molehill, and if he misbehaves awfully I shall appeal to Daddy. I’m sorry to bore on about this.”
“You haven’t at all. I’m sorry I can’t help.”
“But you’ve listened beautifully, darling, and been on my side, which is all I wanted. It’s just that I usually bore on at Kim, and I’ve barely seen him in weeks. I don’t suppose—”
“Actually, I saw him last night,” Will said, and could have kicked himself as her eyes rounded. “Not socially. He turned up. Work.”
“He’s up to something, isn’t he? You needn’t answer if it’s one of his secrets, but you’re up to something, with him? That is exciting. I shall forgive him for not answering his telephone.”
“Even better, tell him to answer it.”
“Oh, I know. What’s the point in having a receiver if you aren’t going to receive? I’m glad though, Will. He’s been very Kimmish for a while now, but I think he’s missed you.”
That seemed implausible. “I’ve seen him twice this year, by his choice. And I can’t say the most recent meeting improved matters much.”
“Oh. Would it make a difference to know that he asks about you?”
“It would make a difference if he talked to me,” Will said. “And since he doesn’t—”
“But he doesn’t talk to me either, not properly. I understand him by looking at the holes in what he says, and you’ve been nothing but holes since New Year.”
“That’s about how I feel,” Will said, surprising himself. It was horribly easy to talk to Phoebe. She chattered about whatever was on her mind, so you did too, and before you knew it things that should have stayed as unexamined thoughts were out there in front of you, impossible to ignore.
“Oh, darling, I’m sorry. I wish—”
He didn’t want to hear what she wished; it might hit too close to home. “Save your wishes for you and Maisie to become the newest Paris fashion house. That’s what I want.”
Phoebe blushed, a charming rosy shade. “Really?”
“Of course really. And don’t let any men get in the way.”
Phoebe lifted her glass in a toast. “No, darling,” she murmured. “I shan’t.”
Chapter Five
Beaumont returned Will’s phone call that afternoon, sounding exhausted and a little wary. He probably hadn’t expected to hear from him again. Will didn’t even try to explain, simply telling him there was a fellow he ought to meet. Kim could make up his own lies.
Beaumont made negative noises. “I’ve no money