The import of Philly’s words shook Gillian to her soul. Her bosom bow, Lady Serena Preston, Philly’s niece was a spy too. She should have known if Philly had connections at Whitehall then it only stood to reason other members of her family would as well.
Moreham’s admonition that all was not as it seemed came home to roost. She’d accepted her mama-in-law’s role in James’s business when the ladies had joined them in the library yesterday during Fitzroy’s visit. Both ladies had participated fully in the conversation. Would she ever be able to do so?
“Gillian, you are shocked to find Mama and Philly play a role in the spying business? Cross, Sturm, Weatherington and now Serena are the ones to rout the turncoats while Mama and Philly move about in Society. We all have our roles here to play,” James explained.
“I’m not shocked as much as I’m questioning everything that has happened over the past week. To learn that Serena has been in Portugal doing who knows what because we all know she is more than capable to hold her own with Weatherington or Arnold is disconcerting for me. I must admit, I’m now very interested in speaking with her when she returns. I’m certain she has quite a few stories to share.”
James edged his chair backward. Best to end this conversation now. They did have a coach waiting at the front entrance for them to depart.
As he made to stand, Philly motioned for him to stay. “Moreham before you go, I do want to reiterate my position on Whitney’s guilt. I do not agree with your assessment of the duke’s guilt. I only agreed to this course of action to see if by targeting Whitney we would discover the true leader.
“I have known Whitney since we were all in our first season. He chased after me until he saw Isadora. After their first dance, I ceased to exist. They were and still are a true love match. Restores one’s faith in our way of life, I say.” Lady Philly buttered a piece of toast which she cut the bread into four triangles.
Lady Sylvia reached across the table and squeezed Gillian’s hand. “I, for one, am happy with our progress so far. You have no idea how much I have wanted to see Moreham settled.”
“Mother,” Moreham growled. “Please stay on topic. We received enough felicitations from you yesterday. To continue to do so implies I am a crusty old bachelor who could not find anyone to marry.”
Lady Philly laughed. “Moreham, you have a dry wit I so enjoy.”
Lady Sylvia ignored her son. “My dear Gillian, forget all this talk of spies and traitors. All will come right in the end. Please know how happy you have made me. I have dreamed of the day when I could welcome a daughter. The only occurrence that would make me happier would be your announcement of being with child.”
“Mother!” Moreham sputtered.
“What? Did I say anything you had not already considered?” Lady Sylvia looked unfazed by her son’s discomfort. “I have waited for you to marry for a long time. Moreham, you both are older than couples producing offspring. You are two and thirty while Gillian must be all of two and twenty. You must address the issue of an heir before you are no longer be able to per—”
“—Mother! That is quite enough on the subject, if you please.” Moreham bit out each word so there was no doubt he had lost all patience with his mother.
An occurrence Gillian was certain happened often. Gillian bit her lip to keep from laughing. Moreham struggled to gain control of his temper. All color had leached from his face. For a moment she wondered if he was about to swoon.
“James, do you want me to summon Timmie? It is early in the day, but maybe a small tot of brandy would help,” she offered.
Philly fell victim to a rather ferocious coughing fit while Lady Sylvia looked at Gillian as if she had just grown a second head.
The lady zeroed in on Moreham. “You allow her to call you James?”
“Um…well…yes. She didn’t like Moreham all that much.” He looked down into Gillian’s eyes. “I rather like it.”
Merciful heavens, the man was amazingly convincing. She knew the truth and she still found herself sighing at the loveliness of the sentiment. Gillian pretended to cut her bacon while sneaking a quick look at Lady Sylvia. Tears welled up in Lady Sylvia’s eyes. Gillian had never seen such. Not a single tear fell to her cheeks.
“Oh, Moreham, you have found your soul mate, your true love,” his mother gushed.
“May we return to the issue at hand?” Lady Philly asked with a pointed look at Lady Sylvia.
“Of course, my apology for diverting our attention.” Lady Sylvia offered. “I rather enjoy ruminating about babes and falling in love. Never tire of either subject really. I am most excited about the prospect of Gillian round with my grandchild.”
Gillian, Lady Philly and James all spewed their tea. Once she’d stopped coughing and wiping at the tea stain on her bodice, Gillian was not surprised to find the dowager countess nonplussed and drinking her tea as if she’d not said a word out of turn.
It would seem Moreham came by his obtuseness through his maternal bloodline, or worse he inherited a double dose. Either way, once they resolved the issue of her uncle’s guilt, removing herself to the wilds of Scotland looked better and better.
Chapter 10
The tea debacle caused the ladies to leave much sooner than either had intended. James escorted her above stairs to change their tea-stained clothes which delayed their departure
