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

dinner.” His father said.
    Tash stood and offered her hand to Phillips. She felt a little put out and was wondering exactly what the two Lovelaces were playing at. It so happened that Jerard Phillips was wondering exactly the same thing as he accepted the offered hand and bowed over it, praying she did not smell the gin.
    “Now then,” Lovelace said. “If we can all be seated I shall explain the situation. “Captain Phillips is one of only a few qualified airship captains to be found. I should explain Miss Smythe-Harris that he is the
only
one available at the moment and I was not sure of his availability until just now and that is why I have not said anything until this moment. You are immediately available are you not Captain Phillips?”
    “Yes.” Phillips said hesitantly, he was not feeling comforted by the curious look on the woman’s face.
    “Excellent! Can you be ready to ship out tomorrow morning at dawn? The ship is berthed on the Isle of Dogs at Mudchute Park. I can send a vehicle around to collect you. A matter of some urgency has come up Captain Phillips. We were expecting to conduct a normal interview and discuss in detail how we might benefit one another. Now,” Lovelace shrugged, “you are our only option. I can assure you that you will be well compensated; I am hoping that you will take my word on this as an officer of Her Majesty’s courts. Once this little urgent matter has been completed we can sit down and discuss the details if you and Miss Smythe-Harris are in agreement that you are a good fit for the position. Consider this little trip a trial of sorts so that you and the crew and of course Miss Smythe-Harris can get to know one another. Do you have any questions Captain?”
    Jerard’s head was spinning and it was not from the effects of the gin he had consumed earlier. He had the distinct feeling that he had just jumped into deep water with the shore line nowhere in sight. He asked the only question he could think of. “When will I be meeting Mr. Starblower?”
    “I am afraid that will be not for some time Sir.” Tash interjected before William could continue with his monopoly of the conversation. “When Mr. Starblower is unavoidably detained, as in our present circumstance, I am in charge. Do you have a problem with this Captain Phillips?” Tash narrowed her eyes reminding Phillips of a cat about to pounce.
    “No madam, I am at your service.” As soon as the words left his mouth Jerard realized the absolute truth of them. Here was a chance at redemption and he would take it from any hand, even one as soft and delicate as Miss Smythe-Harris'.
    Tash stood and the gentlemen followed suit. “Well then Mr. Phillips I shall see you aboard the
Soul of Discretion
tomorrow morning. Our timetable dictates that we be in the air by eight o'clock sharp. There will be time to explain our current situation in detail to you and the crew once we are in the air.” Tash held out her hand again, “And thank you Captain Phillips for coming to my aid.”
    “It is my pleasure madam.”
    As Phillips bowed over Tash’s hand again, she shot Lovelace a murderous look. “William, I will send word when we reach Scotland. And William, we will have a conversation about this railroad.”
    Lovelace smiled. “I am sure we will my dear. Look for a telegram from me when you arrive, I will cable the results of my meeting with Lord Mansfield. Pleasant journey Tash!”
    Tash turned and walked sedately from Lovelace’s office. Gopal who was waiting for her in the outer offices winced when he saw her face. It was obvious that something was not to her liking.
    Phillips looked at Lovelace. “The lady seemed angry Sir, was it something I said?”
    “Heavens no my boy!” Lovelace clapped Phillips on the shoulder. “It was definitely something I said. You see our Tash gets quite grumpy when things move out of her control. I suspect she is irritated that due to unforeseen circumstances a traditional interview was