Learning to Love the Spinster

Chapter 14

“You know why we are here,” Jane told her smugly. Flip couldn’t believe these two had the gall to be smug while wanting more money from Simon.

“No I really don’t,” Flip pretended to be dumb while she rolled her eyes. Henry slammed tea cup on the side table and stood up trying to intimidate her. While she hated confrontation Flip wasn’t going to let Simon’s sibling’s intimidate her.

“We need money!” Henry shouted down at her.

“Didn’t you receive your allowance this month?” She asked them in a bored tone, not caring for these intimidation tactics. Flip could hear Henry grit his teeth,

“Yes.”

“Then why are you here? Why don’t you bother your mother?” She asked and Henry’s face started to get really red.

“Look here-“

“She’s right!” Simon boomed from the doorway looking furious. Jane remained seated looking smug while Henry sat down clearly intimidated by his older brother. They were both of similar size and stature, but Simon had an aura about him that couldn’t be replicated.

“Simon!” Henry stated. Philipa leaned forward to pour him a cup of tea while Simon rushed to her side.

“Don’t trouble yourself, Jane will serve me,” Simon demanded. Jane looked less than thrilled but did as her brother requested. Jane served Simon as he sat down next to her and rubbed her belly with a smile on his face.

“Her brother.”

“It’s your grace, and I take two sugars,” Simon said indifferently. Jane’s smug smile disappeared and she quickly put in two sugars. While Jane seemed to appear indifferent, Philipa could tell his sister was hurt by the slight.

“Your grace.”

“Why did you not attend the ball mother hosted?” Simon asked as he stirred his tea. Henry looked speechless.

“We we’re out of town, we just arrived,” Jane was able to regain her composure quickly, Philipa was impressed.

“Oh really?” Simon sipped his tea. “It wouldn’t be because mother didn’t invite you?” Simon asked going directly for the throat. That comment brought the siblings up short.

“Um well…” Jane trailed off and Henry sat there not saying anything at all.

“Yes I had a long chat with mother today and it seems that you have been playing both of us like fiddles. I found out that you have been gambling on the horses.” Philipa was shocked, not so much at Henry but at Jane. If word got out she would be unmarriageable.

“So Jane mother decided you have two options, you can go to the convent or go to finishing school in Scotland.”

“What? That’s ridiculous!” Jane started screaming.

“Silence! I’ve been far too lenient with you two for far too long. If word got out no one would marry you.” Simon roared at his sister and Jane shut her mouth, Simon looked at his brother. “The choice is similar for you brother. Join a priesthood or the military.” Henry was smart enough not to say anything.

“You have until tonight to decide, you are not leaving this house go to your rooms.” The two were used to being sent to their rooms as they were spoiled children simply stomped off muttering about how life wasn’t fair. Simon looked at his wife and gave her a look,

“Have I mentioned that I am ready to leave London?” Philipa couldn’t help but let out a small laugh,

“Not at all.”

…

Dinner that evening was an awkward affair, even with Simon’s mother joining them. Flip learned long ago to simply be silent during the fights between the Turner siblings. It didn’t end well if she meddled, Jane was already mad at her for her earlier comment.

“Philipa, how are you feeling dear?” Simon’s mother asked as the servants cleared away the plates.

“Oh I’m doing all right,” She put on a fake cheery smile

“She putting you on mother, this pregnancy is really taking a toll on her,” Simon said with affection in his eyes. Jane laughed,

“It’s definitely taking a toll on her body.” Philipa withered a little knowing that Jane was right and she had been getting quite round.

“Jane leave the table at once! I will not have your talking about my wife that way!” She looked up into Simon’s eyes and saw he was furious.

“Simon!” Jane looked to her mother for support. “Mother, tell Simon it was just a harmless prank.”

“No Simon is right, I only hope school will help make a lady out of you.” The older Duchess sat back in her chair. “I blame your father, he spoiled you so.” That was the furthest from the truth, their mother did. The couple shared a look. Jane let out a shriek,

“This is so unfair!” Jane quickly stood up and the chair went flying back. Jane stomped out of the dining room and up the stairs muttering the whole way. Simon simply shrugged and looked at his brother,

“Have you decided where you are going?”

“I think I am going into the church.” Philipa didn’t say anything as either option wouldn’t end well for Simon’s brother. He drank too much, was pampered by his valet, and the family butler. Well except Davis. Though admittedly entering the church would most likely be more favorable for him than being in the military.

“Oh that’s wonderful darling!” Simon’s mother tittered and the two of them continued to chat happily about this new change like it was the best decision ever made. Flip simply sat there and enjoyed dinner next to Simon as he possessively laid a hand over her leg.

The couple finally retired for the evening and Philipa couldn’t be happier. Simon dismissed her maid and undressed her himself. She absolutely loved the feeling of his fingers on her body. Flip stepped out of her dress after he undid her laces. When she was finally down to her chemise she sat down at her vanity and started to remove her combs. Flip looked at her husband in the mirror as he undressed himself. She couldn’t help but smile as it was considered uncouth to dress yourself.

“Are you ready to leave on the morrow?” Simon asked her as they finally settled in for the night. Philipa groaned in annoyance and shook her head. Simon chuckled and pulled her close,

“Neither am I, I hate doing all of this traveling with you in this this state.” Simon put both of his hands over her belly.

“I am just ready to be done with all of this traveling!” She cried out and Simon grunted in agreement. Simon went ahead and did what he did every night; he leaned in and kissed her belly. Then he gave her a deep, lingering kiss. Then Simon situated her to where her back was against his chest. They lay down and continued to talk until Philipa found herself starting to doze off.