Read Partridge and the Peartree for Free Online

away and guessed it was to
hide the derision in his eyes. Thankfully, Laurel was too lost in
her own thoughts to notice her uncle.
    "Perhaps not, but it would be a shame to deny your
mother the joy of seeing her daughter as the beautiful debutante
you would be."
    "But, Lady Amelia—"
    "Hear me out. Even if your parents approve of — er,
Nicky — you are not yet at the legal age of consent. Why not take a
year and let your parents dote on you? I know you'll have a lovely
time."
    "But you didn't," Laurel protested. "I've heard you
complaining about it to Mother."
    Amelia pursed her lips. Her family had always chided
her about her runaway mouth. Now, it could cause a problem for her
friend.
    She cleared her throat, hoping the inspiration would
come. "Laurel, dear, I was wrong to protest against my mother. Had
I simply gone along with her wishes, I would have made her happy,
and she would have seen for herself how unsuitable the young men in
my circle had been for me. It would have saved us both a lot of
unpleasantness."
    Laurel sighed. "So you think I should just let Mother
have her way and make me spend an entire season being nice to mere
boys in whom I have absolutely no interest?"
    "Mmm, there are some good things to consider."
    "What would those be?"
    "Well, as a debutante, you will be presented at
court. That's quite exciting."
    Laurel's face brightened. "Oh, yes. I'd forgotten
about that."
    "And you'll have a beautiful new wardrobe."
    "Well, that would be nice, but Nicky says I'm
beautiful even without the fancy clothes."
    "That's quite…gallant of him. But think how much more
beautiful you'll be in a lovely new wardrobe. He'll probably be
invited to attend many of the same events as you, and then he'll be
able to see how lucky he is to have your affection. Besides, the
season is only a few months. If you don't do it, you'll disappoint
your mother, and you may regret it later. If you go through with
your season and make her happy, you'll also have some wonderful
tales to share with your own daughter someday."
    The girl frowned. "I suppose you're right. It is only
for a little while. Nicky says he doesn't enjoy the social life,
but perhaps he'll attend a ball or two to please me."
    "Undoubtedly."
    "I'm still not certain I should dance with other men
besides Nicky, but I suppose I could go through with the
presentation at court. Just to please my parents, of course."
    "Of course," Amelia replied. "And I know they will be
so proud of you."
    The girl surprised her with a quick hug, and then
launched into a flurry of plans, pacing excitedly in front of the
bench. Amelia listened for a few seconds, but her attention was
diverted to her other side when Phillip leaned toward her and
whispered, "Well done, Lady Amelia."
    Despite the cool weather, Amelia felt a definite rise
in the temperature.

Chapter Seven
     
    Phillip sat beside the young boy, his large hand
gently covering Bertie's smaller one, helping the child form the
letters of his name. The lines were shaky, but the letters were
recognizable.
    "Excellent, Bertie. Now, can you do it by
yourself?"
    The six-year-old nodded and pursed his lips as he
gripped the quill tightly and concentrated on his task.
    Phillip wasn't sure how he'd come to actually help
Amelia in this makeshift schoolroom. He'd merely wanted to see that
she'd received the supplies he had sent. And then suddenly she'd
had to deal with a little girl's tears, and Bertie had needed help.
She'd turned to him, but he'd hesitated. He'd turned to her
footman, who had shrugged.
    "Beggin' Your Grace's pardon," Giles had said. "I'd
like to help, but I can't read. I help Lady Amelia carry her
supplies and watch out for pickpockets and lowlife, but I can't
help her in here."
    With a sigh, Phillip had seated himself next to the
child, showing Bertie again and again how to form the letters of
his name.
    A sixth sense told him someone stood behind him. He
twisted around and saw a man watching Bertie's work intently.