Candlelight Wish by Janice Bennett Read Free Book Online

modistes and have decided the Madame Bernadette will be the most suitable to turn you out in the first style of elegance.”
    Phoebe turned from the carriage window. “You will not simply conjure me a wardrobe?”
    “I could.” Xanthe tilted her head to one side, laughter in her eyes. “But such gowns would only last for the duration of our stay in London. And since I know you have long wished to experience the sort of Season your pupils will face, we cannot possibly omit anything so fundamental as visiting the fashionable modistes and milliners.”
    Somehow that had more the sound of a threat than a rare treat but Phoebe refrained from comment. Her attention refocused on the innumerable carriages and wagons which filled the streets through which they maneuvered and the shop windows with their displays of luggage, silver, books, boots and clothing. Then they turned onto a quieter road lined with elegant town houses and the bustle and noise receded.
    After several more turns the carriage slowed then pulled to a stop. Even as the groom swung from his position beside the coachman, the door of one of the houses swung wide and a major-domo, flanked by two footmen wearing the same livery as the magical servants who had waited on them for their al fresco nuncheons, hurried down the stairs. One footman opened the carriage door for them while the other aided the groom in unstrapping Phoebe’s trunk.
    Phoebe stepped down to the cobblestones, looking about her with avid interest. The notes of a haunting melody seeped into her mind and she cast a quick glance at Xanthe, wondering what her godmother was about. But the woman conversed with the major-domo, not humming at all.
    The footmen started up the stairs with their burden and as Xanthe followed them inside the door to the neighboring house opened and a gentleman, resplendent in plain black evening dress, a black cloak and an elegant cane in his gloved hands, emerged onto the porch. He cast a casual glance in their direction then stopped, staring at Phoebe. After a moment he descended the steps and strolled in their direction. He had almost reached her before she recognized Sir Miles Saunderton.
    Of all people! Shock hit her. She could think of no one she would less like to encounter again. Then anger washed over her for what had passed between them at their last meeting, for what he must have said to the Misses Crippenham, for the undeniable fact that if it had not been for him catching her trying to break into the Academy, she would still be gainfully employed and able to help support her brother.
    Sir Miles halted before her and swept her an elegant bow. “I had not expected the pleasure of seeing you again so soon, Miss Caldicot.”
    “Pleasure?” She glared at him. “I would hardly call it that.”
    His eyebrows rose quizzically. “But common politeness demands that we say such things.”
    “Common politeness can—” She broke off, glaring at him. No gentleman so disagreeable had any right to have such compelling eyes, such ruggedly handsome features.
    A muscle at the corner of his mouth twitched. “I beg your pardon. But what brings you to town? I had thought you still in Bath.”
    The mildness of his tone, the complete lack of constraint in his manner, proved too much for her. The trauma, the emotions of the last few days, the uncertainties, fears and excitement welled within her, demanding an outlet. Her temper exploded, catching him in its shrapnel.
    “How dare you?” she demanded. “How dare you stand there mouthing inanities as if it were not all your fault?”
    “My fault?” His brow snapped down. “May I ask what it is you think you are talking about?”
    “I lost my job because of you! Yes, at least you have the decency to stare at that. It might not seem important to you but it is to me. Excessively so. And all I had to console myself with was the certain knowledge I would never have to lay eyes upon you again! And now here you are, where you are