Free Potent Charms by Peggy Waide Page A

Winston said sheepishly. "Excuse the interruption, but Elizabeth requests, rather adamantly, that the two
of you join us."
    "Assure Elizabeth that Miss Rafferty remains well. We
will be along in a trice." After Winston left, Stephen pulled
Phoebe to his side once again, refusing to acknowledge the
scowl she threw at him. "Do not be so quick to make a
decision. Unfinished business lies between us, and I warn
you, I intend to use all of my persuasive powers, which are
considerable, to sway you to my way of thinking. You just
might change your mind."
    "And if I demand you leave me be?"
    "Would you be so cruel? Besides, I attend a great many
functions. As you hie yourself about London looking for
your mate, we shall surely encounter one another frequently."
    Pursing her lips into a doubtful frown, she boasted, "You
are not the only one with persuasive abilities. Who's to say
that I won't change your mind?"
    "Shall you use your female wiles to force me to do your bidding? Hmmm. Who holds the greater will within them?
You or I?" He grinned at the obvious challenge. "It seems
the next few weeks shall prove to be rather interesting.
Come, before Elizabeth sends the royal guard in search of
you." Without another word, they descended the stairs,
Stephen's hand on Phoebe's elbow as he directed her to
their destination. "Here we are."

    The moment they entered their box, Elizabeth spun on
her seat and glared at Stephen. "Shame on you. The second
act is about to begin. How am I to acquaint myself with
Miss Rafferty if you insist on monopolizing her time?"
    "Elizabeth, my dear," Stephen said. "To my brewing
consternation, I am most confident you shall find an opportunity to interrogate Phoebe to your heart's content."
    "As a matter of fact," announced Elizabeth, her grin confirming Stephen's suspicions. "Saturday is the Doggett's
Coat and Badge Race." She beamed then continued
onward like a child in search of treasure, happy with her
quest and not to be deterred. "Phoebe, you shall accompany us. It's an absolutely delightful diversion, as long as it
doesn't rain. Simply everyone ventures to watch."
    Caught up in Elizabeth's exuberance, Phoebe asked,
"What is it?"
    Obviously feeling left out, Stephen moved to Phoebe's
side. "Apprentice seamen race from London Bridge to
Chelsea. The winner earns the right to wear the grand scarlet coat with the silver Hanoverian badge. There shall be
raucous crowds, heavy gambling, pickpockets and thieves,
plus hawkers peddling their wares, not to mention a gathering of the scraggliest group of men who sail the seas."
    Stephen's manner, somewhat like a preacher denouncing the sins of the local tavern, contrasted to Elizabeth's
enthusiasm. Phoebe burst out laughing. "It sounds delightful."
    "I told you she would accompany us. I shall send my carriage for you about one. Besides, it might be one of the
few times we can go about together. Stephen rarely shows
his face in London and ventures into public even less. A bit
of a recluse, he is."

    "How interesting," Phoebe cooed, remembering his
claim that they would meet frequently. The sneak.
    "Elizabeth," Stephen drawled. "Do be quiet. The play is
about to begin."
    Waving one hand, Elizabeth patted the empty chair
beside her with the other. "Phoebe, sit next to me. We shall
whisper throughout the remainder of the opera, driving
Stephen to distraction as he wonders what secrets I might
reveal."
    Phoebe sat as instructed, hoping that Elizabeth would
become a trusted friend, one capable of easing her loneliness and offering council. As the theater quieted, Stephen
reluctantly sat behind the two ladies, beside Winston.
Throughout the remainder of the opera, Phoebe tried to
focus on the actors and actresses on stage or on Elizabeth,
who occasionally quizzed her. Try as she might to ignore
Stephen, whenever Phoebe peered over her shoulder it was
to discover his dark eyes fixed on her. As if drawn by his
will, she found