The Hidden Man: A Phineas Starblower Adventure (Phineas Starblower Adventures) by Giles, Lori Othen Read Free Book Online

heard of him?”
    Phillips eyes widened. “Yes, the shoe magnate.”
    Lovelace actually smiled, “Yes, the shoe magnate, although he is much more than that. So? Will you consent to an interview then?”
    Jerard had only ever heard wonderful things about the fabled Phineas Starblower. Tales of his business savvy and exciting adventures graced every sitting room from here to the continent. It seemed everyone in the whole of England wanted nothing more than to meet this legend. Mere association with the man seemed to bring a sort of fame unto itself. And here I sit, on the cusp of meeting the man. This is definitely too good to be true he thought cynically. Schooling face and voice he answered as neutrally as possible. “Yes, Mr. Lovelace. I would be most interested to interview for this position. When should I report Sir, and where?”
    “Well Phillips, ironically enough the fates have arranged it so that, at this very minute, my client’s senior representative sits just two offices over.” A grim and rather unpleasant smile played around Lovelace’s mouth. The fates indeed, he thought sourly, in your rumpled and gin smelling condition I seriously doubt anyone would hire the likes of you.
    Phillips stood and bowed. “Indeed Sir, and I thank you for giving me a second chance.” Oh dear god he thought, an interview right now? He must look a total mess!
    Lovelace stood. “Don’t thank me yet Phillips, it is not up to me whether or not you get the position, you first have to survive an interview with Smythe-Harris, Mr. Starblower’s private secretary. And, I don’t envy you there man. A word of advice Sir, do not underestimate Smythe-Harris.”
    Phillips nodded and followed Lovelace out the door wondering what kind of beast this Smythe-Harris would be.
    ***
    “So you see the problem here Tash.” Lovelace said.
    “I do William, I do.” Tash replied thinking furiously. I don’t think our pilot Wallace has a strong enough personality to lead. He is an extremely capable pilot, but that’s point, if I were to promote him to captain then I would have to find a pilot. Which would leave us in the same boat.” Inwardly Tash winced at her own pun.
    Again came a knock at the door. William Lovelace smiled and called out, “Come in Willie and give us some good news.”
    Tash looked a question at Lovelace who only smiled. The door opened and Willie entered accompanied by a most handsome man. He was tall, nearly six feet by Tash’s reckoning. His broad shoulders tapered to a narrow waist revealing an athletic build. The man moved with a vigor and energy that was fresh and exciting. But that was not what had Tash snapping open her fan in a nervous gesture. It was his eyes; deep set, piercing hazel eyes that took in the room and seemed to note every detail. Tash was reminded of a hawk as she noted the aquiline nose and the strong chin not hidden behind the long black mustache. A lock of his raven black hair fell enchantingly over his brow and Tash felt an absurd desire to stand and smooth it back. You silly nit! She chided herself forcing down the odd flutter she felt in her stomach, it’s only another man and one that appears to be a bit rumpled to boot.
    “Ah,” Lovelace said amicably, noticing Tash’s slight flush. “This must be Captain Phillips. It is an honor to meet you Sir. I am William Lovelace the Senior. If you are here then you are aware of why we wish to speak to you?”
    Phillips bowed and took Lovelace’s hand. “I do Sir and it is an honor to meet you too.” He looked around the room expecting to see Mr. Starblower’s secretary. He was not expecting to find the presence of an attractive young woman.
    Lovelace the younger laughed out loud at the expression on the unwary captain’s face. “Phillips, may I present to you Theodosia Amelia Smythe-Harris, personal secretary to Mr. Phineas Starblower. Now, if you all will excuse me, I have work to complete.”
    “Thank you Willie, I shall see you later for