Page 23 of A Single Obsession

“Beau’s out of town? Bother. I wanted his advice.”

Eliza gave her brother a penetrating look.

After a few moments, he succumbed to her silent interrogation. “If you must know, I’m thinking of setting up my carriage.”

“Can you afford it?” asked Charlotte.

He dropped his gaze, refusing to meet his sisters’ eyes. “I must have a way of getting myself about. I may have let it slip out in Grandmama’s hearing—”

Eliza was not impressed by his underhand tactics. “You wretch! Do you mean she’s paying?”

He looked sheepish. “Maybe…”

“You’d better make sure you spend Grandmama’s money well,” Eliza said, poking him in the chest.

“That’s why I wanted Beau’s advice, but I’m at a standstill if he’s out of town. I’ve only got a few days and so I’ll probably have to leave before he’s back.”

Eliza’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “I could help you choose a pair.”

“No.”

“Don’t you trust me?”

“Of course I trust you, but how can it be done? I can’t take you to Tattersall’s with me.”

Eliza pouted, feeling the weight of her skirts dragging her down. “Why not?”

“I don’t think ladies go there. I’d take you if I could.”

“What if I dressed up as your friend Robson, like I do for the hunt?”

“Absolutely not,” said Charlotte, reminding them of her presence. “You’re mad even to think of it.”

“She’s right this time. If Georgie found out, she’d be furious.”

“Please, Will.” Eliza could see his resolve weakening. “If you take me, I promise to sit for my portrait without complaining.”

Her brother’s eyes lit up. She knew she had him then.

To persuade Charlotte to agree would be trickier, but not impossible, as her sister had unwittingly shown how to win her over. It would be a sacrifice, but it would be worth it.

“I’ll come with you to speak to Miss Austen,” Eliza said, “and I’ll even attend the concert with you if I must.”

Charlotte sniffed. “Very well, but I still advise against it.”

“Tomorrow morning?” asked Eliza, barely able to contain her excitement.

William nodded. “And now, perhaps you’ll let me look at the artwork.”

“Please do. See if you can keep up with Horrible Harriet,” said Eliza. “She can spout as much rubbish about the paintings as you can, and her superiority is becoming intolerable.”

William’s nose twitched. “Horrible Harriet, is it? I’m certain I can relieve you of her company for a while.”

He walked across toward Harriet. Charlotte and Eliza exchanged glances and followed. If William was out to make mischief, they wanted to see him in action.

“How are you enjoying the exhibition, Miss Whitlow?”

“Very much, Mr Merry. An excellent display of art.”