The Hidden Man: A Phineas Starblower Adventure (Phineas Starblower Adventures) Read online

  “Perhaps, Tash, perhaps.” Gopal sighed. “I rather thought you would do something like this, I left instructions with Mrs. Hoskins to pack your trunk and let her know that we are not sure of our return date. She is to forward all inquiries for yourself or Mr. Starblower to Tumbledown House in Scotland. That should delay anything “urgent” for a few days at least. It will also put her in doubt that we will be returning to London anytime soon.”

  “Excellent! Oh Gopal, what would I do without you?”

  “Honestly Tash? I do not know. Now, you are going to tell Mr. Lovelace all of the details? It would be a good idea for someone to know where we are.”

  “Yes of course, you’re right.” Tash muttered. But Gopal had already lost Tash to her lists and plans. With a small smile Gopal settled back to work on his own list of things that needed to be done.

  When the carriage arrived at the solicitor's’ offices Tash offered Gopal a smile. The manservant returned it a little uncertainly, not liking the mischievous glint in her eyes. However he could not fault her decorum as he helped her down the carriage steps and escorted her to the front door of Lovelace, Binder & Morcombe’s. Gopal rang the bell and the door was opened promptly. “Miss Smythe-Harris to see Mr. Lovelace,” Gopal announced.

  They were ushered immediately into the outer offices. Gopal took his customary seat on the settee and watched Tash with some amusement.

  “Good Day Martin!” Tash declared to the elderly clerk.

  “Good Day Miss Smythe-Harris,” Martin got to his feet and bowed. “I am sorry madam, I did not know you were expected today. You are looking as lovely as ever.”

  “Thank you Martin, you are so kind, and you are also correct. I do not believe Mr. Lovelace is expecting me. However I have a matter of extreme urgency I must discuss with him. I do hope he’s in.”

  “Yes, of course madam. He is in with the young Mr. Lovelace at the moment, I will…

  Poor Martin never got the chance to finish as Tash sailed past him and down the hall to Lovelace’s office.

  “That’s alright Martin,” she said airily, “I can show myself in. I haven’t seen Willie in ages so I shall be able to say hello to him as well!”

  Tash heard the old man muttering but to her relief she also heard him sit back down. A second later she wondered if she had made an error as Willie’s raised voice came to her through the door.

  “He’s completely unsuitable I tell you! A bounder!”

  Oh well, I can’t very well go back and sit down now she thought and opened the door. Both William Lovelaces turned to look at her.

  “Forgive me,” Tash uttered demurely. “I hope I am not interrupting but I have urgent business that cannot wait.”

  William the senior recovered first and moved around the desk to take both of Tash’s hands in his. “My dear! Of course you are not interrupting! Young William and I were discussing something that actually concerns you. Please come in and sit down.”

  Tash did not let on that she had heard part of their conversation and kissed each of William’s cheeks with true affection. This man had been a father figure and mentor to her for over ten years and she trusted him completely. She was however in a state of high curiosity as to how someone who had just been named a “bounder” could be a concern of hers. Tash allowed herself to be guided to the seat across from Lovelace’s desk. He motioned his son into the other chair before taking his own seat.

  “Now then Tash, may I presume this visit is in connection with Mr. Starblower's concerns?”

  Tash inclined her head, “Indeed Sir. Just this afternoon we received a visit from a Lord Mansfield on business from Her Majesty.”

  “I thought Mr. Starblower was still in Norway?” The younger Lovelace said, concerned.

  “Yes he is and Lord Mansfield consented to speak with me as Mr. Starblowers’s representative.”

  “Ah, I see,” Lovelace said looking from Tash to his son.

  A sharp rap sounded on the door. “Excuse me Tash,” the elder Lovelace said, getting up to answer the door.

  Tash could see Martin through the crack and tell that the man was upset. “I see. I shall send him out.” She heard Lovelace say. The wily old solicitor turned back to the room, a smile playing about his lips. “It seems, Willie, that there is someone here to see you. I trust my boy that you will not screw it up this time.”

  Both Tash and the young Mr. Lovelace were completely confused. However Willie did not question his father and left the room closing the door quietly behind him.

  “Now Tash, tell me what happened. I know Mansfield rather well. What is the old bully up to now?”

  “You aren’t going to believe this William, he came to the residence this afternoon demanding…

  4:45 pm

  The Offices of Lovelace, Binder & Morcombe

  Knights Bridge, London

  “Mr. Lovelace, I beg of you, please forgive this intrusion.” Phillips called loudly over Martin’s shoulder.

  “If you’ve come here to heap more insults on my person then good day to you, I have had quite enough of the likes of you.”

  Martin cleared his throat. “Uh, Mr. Lovelace shall I show Mr. Phillips into your office?”

  Lovelace turned on the clerk. “No Sir, I do not believe Mr. Phillips will be staying.”

  “But your father Sir…” Martin trailed off.

  Lovelace glared at Martin and then turned the sour expression on Phillips. “Very well then. This way Mister Phillips. And sit down Martin, everything is fine.” Lovelace marched to his office door and flung it open.

  Martin took Phillips’ hat and coat motioned him to follow Lovelace. He offered Phillips a small shrug as if to say, “don’t worry about him, he’s always this way.” Phillips thanked the clerk and proceeded to the office.

  William the younger was already seated behind a rather imposing desk. Phillips stood awkwardly, not having been invited to sit down.

  He cleared his throat. “Sir, I am here to offer a sincere apology. I acted the complete cad and my behavior was reprehensible. I shall not offer explanation unless you require it as I do not feel there is an acceptable excuse for my actions.” Jerard bowed and turned to leave.

  “Wait a moment Phillips,” Lovelace said. “Please, close the door and have a seat. I would hear your explanation even though I fear you are right, I can fathom no reason for your rude behavior this afternoon.”

  Phillips nodded politely and did as requested. He closed the door firmly and returned and sat on the offered chair in front of the desk. “Sir, I believe you are aware of my unfortunate circumstance concerning Her Majesty’s service.”

  “Yes.”

  “Well Sir since leaving the service I have been plagued with solicitation regarding everything from false employment and unlikely investments to one out-right request that I spy for another country.” Phillips looked squarely at Lovelace, “I fear Sir that I mistook you for one of these…these less than honest personages. And I am here to humbly beg your pardon.”

  “And to no doubt hear what I have to say?” Lovelace sneered.

  “Yes, Sir. As I said I am here to apologize. If you do not wish to speak to me then I do understand and take all of the responsibility on my own shoulders. I have treated you poorly and if our positions were reversed I am not certain I would be willing to do business with one such as myself.” There! Phillips thought. That should be enough to assuage my and my family’s honor, now give me my father’s message damn you! All he wanted to do was get out of this stuffy office and away from this awful embarrassment. Phillips had already had enough of embarrassment to last a lifetime.

  “Well Phillips, your apology seems genuine enough. I think I shall reveal to you my client’s offer.” Lovelace steepled his fingers and looked at Phillips, allowing the silence to lengthen.

  Dear god! Get on with it man! Phillips thought, carefully keeping his face neutral.

  “My client wishes to interview you for the position of captain of his private airship.”
Lovelace said bluntly. “I understand you are a capable aviator and despite your unfortunate accident and your current state..." Lovelace paused and wrinkled his nose. "you are still viewed as such.”

  “What?” Phillips said and sat back in his chair, dumbfounded. His mouth opened and then closed. Airship captain? His client? “But what of my father Sir?

  “Your father?” Now it seemed it was Lovelace’s turn to be confused. “What are you talking about man? I know nothing of your father Sir, my dealings with you concern my client.”

  “So you did not come to me with a message from my father or my family?”

  “Apparently you are daft as well a deaf.” Lovelace said rudely. “I shall repeat myself. My client wishes to interview you for the position of captain of his private airship.”

  At this moment Jerard was fervently wishing that he had not drunk so much gin or maybe he was needing more? So this was not about his father although he thought he could detect his loving parent’s hand in this. This ‘Lovelace’ was not working for his father but some other fellow. Private airship? Jerard had never heard of any one person owing an airship, they must be fabulously expensive.

  “Well Phillips? I’ve not got all day.”

  “Yes, of course Sir, my apologies again. But Sir, at the risk of being rude, might I inquire as to whom your client is?” Phillips knew he was probably risking all by asking this questions but he had always questioned things that appeared to be too good to be true. The promise of flying again was more than he could ever hope for but not if his honor and integrity were at stake.

  “Starblower, Mr. Phineas Starblower, Esquire. You’ve 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 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 abo
ard 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 out of the question. She did not hire you for this position, I did. Don’t let me down boy.”

  “I won’t Sir.” Phillips promised. “But who is Tash Sir?”

  “Never mind Sir, if she wants you to know she’ll tell you. Oh and Phillips, there is no one quite like her, bring her back safely, she’s like a daughter to me.”

  “I will Sir. And thank you Sir.” Phillips turned and made it to the door before he remembered that there was another question he wanted to ask. “Sir,” Jerard turned back to Lovelace. “Has my father anything to do with this fortuitous and seeming coincidental offer of a captaincy for a private airship?”