“Heavens! You can’t be serious, Victoria?” asked Alanna, horrified.
“Well, I must consider my options in the event my plan to marry comes to nothing,” Victoria answered pragmatically.
“My dear, with my help it shall never come to that! Now, tell me what you are looking for, and perhaps I can narrow down the choices for you and make sure I introduce you to all the appropriate people.”
“Don’t you need to be looking about for your own match?” Victoria asked.
With a shrug Alanna replied, “I have already met everyone. I just need to get to know a few people better to make up my mind.”
Victoria laughed. “Well, I did say I wish to be a duchess. There cannot be that many single dukes sitting around.”
Alanna wrinkled her nose. “Well, there are the Royal Dukes. And they are actually all rather desperate for a suitable wife, but I would not recommend any of them to you as a possible husband. I do not wish to sound disrespectful to the king’s sons, but every single one of them has several illegitimate children, and they are all old.”
Victoria gave a little mock shudder. “Every single one of them? But how could that be?” She blushed and hastily added, “Do not bother to answer that, I beg you. I do declare I shall have to gain control over my tongue before I accompany you anywhere. I am quite convinced that the gossiping biddies you have told me about will shame me right out of the first place you take me to and neither of us will be able to show our faces again.”
Alanna laughed at her friend’s dramatics. “Have no fear, my dear, you shall be declared an original and everyone will love you. Now you must tell me how soon you can join me as I make my morning calls.”
“Well, I think I should be able to get a couple of these gowns ready within a few days,” Victoria began before Alanna’s gasp of dismay stopped her. “What have I said now?” she asked.
“You are not going to do the alterations, you silly gabby. My lady’s maid will do them. She is very good at it and since I shop so much she almost never has to do it for me.”
“Oh no, I could not put her to so much trouble,” Victoria protested.
“First of all, how do you propose to get the gowns in question to your house, especially if you wish to keep it a secret from your uncle? And then you would have to get them back to my house in order to get ready here, again in secret. I assure you, it is no problem at all for Sally to do the work, and it will be much simpler for all of us.”
“I do see your point, Lady Alanna, and I thank you sincerely. When I agreed to this scheme I never thought about all the subterfuge that would be required.”
“Do tell me you are not having second thoughts,” cried Alanna.
“No, I am not,” said Victoria. “I have set my mind to give this a try and I mean to do so. I just feel a trifle hesitant over how complicated it is turning out to be.”
“It could be less complicated if you just moved in here with me for the Season,” reminded Alanna with a wheedling tone.
“Oh, get on with you,” said Victoria dismissively. “Very well then, I will leave the work in Sally’s capable hands, with my deepest gratitude.”
“Excellent decision!” replied Alanna with a grin. “And I believe my capable Sally could have a few of these gowns ready by the morrow. Some of them need very little done to make them suitable for you so you could even have a selection to choose from.”
“Do you have calls planned for tomorrow?” Victoria asked, surprised.
“Oh, but of course, my mama and I make calls almost every day, except when we are at home ourselves to receive calls, like we will be this afternoon.”
“Very well, what time should I be here?” Victoria asked, summoning such a look of bravery that Alanna set into another fit of giggles.
“Oh Victoria, I am so happy that I have made your acquaintance. It shall be so pleasant to have a partner to share the rigours of the Season with.” Alanna flung her arms around Victoria and gave her a quick squeeze.
After the two girls made their plans for the next day, Victoria took her leave, surprised that only a couple hours had passed. It seemed to her that her life had altered course that morning, and she was feeling trepidations and shivers of excitement as she contemplated all that lay before her. She walked home in a haze of daydreams and worries.
“Aunt ‘Toria! Where have you been?” demanded Vanessa plaintively. “Stupid Susan does not know any of our games. You should have been here.”
“Vanessa, my dear, we do not call anyone ‘stupid’ for any reason. And why did you not just teach Susan how to play our games? I am quite certain she would have enjoyed learning them and playing with you. Do you not remember that I told you I will not be with you children as much, since I have some things I need to take care of for myself?”
“But I have decided that I do not want you to go,” declared the little girl. “You must stay here with us forever and ever.”
Victoria suppressed her wince over her little cousin’s unintentionally prophetic words. Forcing a smile to her suddenly rigid face, she bent down and gave the little girl a warm hug.
“I shall love you forever, my little one, so there’s no need to worry. I cannot stay with you forever and ever. One day you will grow up and leave home yourself and then where will I be?”
“I don’t think that is at all the same thing, Aunt ‘Toria,” the youngster said pugnaciously.
“Perhaps not, Vanessa,” said the harried “aunt” before turning to greet the other children who were clamouring for her attention.
Daniel, the youngest and least familiar with Victoria ever not being a part of his life, wanted to be picked up and cuddled, which she promptly did. Hugging the little boy close, she was swamped with feelings. While she was desirous of establishing a life for herself, she had very mixed emotions about the necessity of leaving the children behind in order to do so.
“Felicia, my dear, did you have a nice morning?” she asked cajolingly, hoping the middle child’s anxiety to please would help the children through this adjustment period.
“It was fine, Aunt ‘Toria,” she replied with a shrug. “Daniel and Nessie cried a lot, but Gwennie and I were all right. I think you should stay here with us from now on, though.”
Victoria was surprised by the most biddable child’s defection, but she did not allow this to deter her. She did her best to ignore the children’s demands that she never again leave their side, changing the subject to ask if they would like to go to the parkette.
“Yes, yes, how lovely,” they all clamoured with more enthusiasm than the outing warranted.
“Perhaps Susan and Mary would like to accompany us,” Victoria suggested, to the children’s dismay.
“No, Aunt ‘Toria, just you and us,” Vanessa insisted.
“I think it would be far more enjoyable if we all go, and would you not agree that it would be best if they know where all the best places are in case I am not here some other time?”
This may have not been the best thing to say, as it reminded the children that she had not vowed never to leave their sides again. After an unpleasant session of whining, the group finally got on its way with the nursery maids included, much to Victoria’s relief.
Once they were in the park, the children seemed to be happy to play with the young maids as their beloved cousin looked on. Victoria was deeply grateful the maids had come along, as she was unusually tired from her morning’s activities.
Who knew trying on gowns could be such hard work, she mused to herself as she stifled another yawn. On the other hand, it could be the restless night I spent while worrying about my decision. Whatever the case, I must shake it off and manage to get through the rest of the day until the children’s bedtime. Judging by their reaction to my absence, there is likely no way they will allow me to retire early.
With those thoughts in mind, Victoria got up from the bench and went to join the youngsters in a rigorous game of chase.
After the game, the children seeme
d much more at peace with the maids, Vanessa even going so far as to hold Susan’s hand as they walked back to the house. The rest of the evening was rather uneventful as the children were bathed and put to bed. With relief, Victoria sought her bed as soon as the last of the children were tucked in.
Her dreams were a little restless, but they were happy ones filled with beautiful gowns, welcoming hostesses, and perhaps a handsome duke.
Chapter Twenty-Two
“You must tell me something,” Victoria stated with a laugh in her tone, sitting as still as possible while Alanna’s lady’s maid put the final touches on her hairstyle.
“Anything, my dear friend, although I am having second thoughts about having you accompany me. You are looking positively ravishing and shall quite put me in the shade. I do not think it well planned of me to have one such as you accompany me about the Season if I am serious about finding a husband this year.”
“Oh, get on with your foolishness,” said Victoria dismissively before continuing with her question. “Why are they called morning calls if we are going to be arriving upon people’s steps well after noon?”
“Do you know, I have absolutely no idea? Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that most of the ladies we will visit will receive us in their morning room. Or perhaps in previous generations they made the calls in the morning and slothful creatures that we are have pushed it back to the afternoon because we cannot drag ourselves out of bed before noon after dancing until the wee hours the night before. Does it really matter why?”
“Not terribly, no, I am just curious. There are so many traditions connected with the Season that I have no knowledge of and are seeming a wee bit strange to my unaccustomed ears,” Victoria said. “Are there any rules you think I should know about?”
“If you were making calls by yourself you would have to confine yourself to anyone you already knew, which would be rather difficult as you do not yet know anyone. As well, you have to confine yourself to calling upon your social equals or inferiors unless they have already called upon you. You also should have cards made up.” Alanna had started in a tone as though reciting long-memorized lessons, but the final words were tinged with worry. “Oh Victoria, it completely slipped my mind. I never thought of the need for cards. Well, hopefully it will matter little today. While we are out we can stop by the stationer’s shop I frequent and have some ordered for you.”
Victoria blushed upon hearing these words. “Oh dear, yet another thing I do not have properly. And I have no pin money with me, so I cannot order anything.”
“Do not be silly. I shall have it added to my account and Bryghton will look after it.”
Victoria’s blush darkened. “The duke cannot be expected to look after my bills, Alanna. I shall see to my own expenses. According to your mother, I should be in a position to do so.”
Alanna, not wishing to quibble over such fripperies, merely shrugged. “It is a rather urgent matter, so why do we not place the order today and you can either set up an account for yourself or if the bill needs to be forwarded to Bryght you can pay him back when you have sorted things out?” She huffed a little breath before continuing.
“Now, I was telling you what you need to know for today before I so rudely interrupted myself. We cannot stay at any one place more than half an hour. We therefore must not discuss anything of import that would require a lengthy conversation. That is why it is almost always the latest gossip which is discussed.”
“So why do we make these calls then, I am forced to ask?”
“It is just what one does. And it can be rather interesting, to be sure. During the Season everyone takes turns being at home to visitors, so while you are making your calls you could run into any number of interesting people in the morning room of whomever you are seeing. And really, one must keep informed of all the latest gossip anyway. And of course, if someone calls on you, you have to call on them.” Alanna paused for a moment, looking at her guest, and they both burst into giggles.
“You are correct, my friend, it is terribly silly, but it is what the ton does during the Season. At home, in the country, morning calls are usually much less structured and are usually made with a purpose in mind, such as to issue an invitation or to check on a neighbour if you have heard they are sick or some such. During the Season it really serves no purpose except to keep us occupied socially. But have no fear, I am certain you shall enjoy it immensely.”
“It will certainly be better than trying to help Felicia with her arithmetic,” Victoria answered with a smile and a shrug. “The poor girl has absolutely no head for numbers and feels there is no need for her to work on it. It can make for a frustrating afternoon. A few minutes of gossip should be entertainment compared to that.”
Victoria giggled at Alanna’s owlish expression.
“What do you tell Felicia as an explanation as to why she should make an effort with her numbers? I have to tell you that I am with her—I could never understand why I should bother. It is not as though I shall be a banker.”
“Of course not, but if you are to be mistress of your own home you must understand enough of the basics to ensure that you are not being taken advantage of at the shops or by tradespeople.”
“But that is what Bryght’s secretary is for.” Her incredulity caused Victoria to succumb to another fit of giggles.
“Not everyone has a duke’s secretary at their service. Did you not pay attention to anything they taught us at the Young Lady’s Academy? Remember Miss Cuthbert used to often talk about a mistress’ need to keep a watch over the trades. I always thought she was excessively suspicious, but I have to agree that ladies do need to know at least the basics.” Victoria gave Alanna a shrewd look before continuing. “As you pointed out, there are a limited number of dukes available to us. I know my aunt, who is an earl’s wife, does not have access to a secretary. It is true that the earl’s secretary looks after many of the household accounts, but my aunt has to keep track of the kitchen accounts as well as ensuring the servants receive their pay. It is not that difficult, but it is important.”
“My, you sound quite fired up on the subject.”
Victoria smiled self-deprecatingly, “When you have a shortage of funds you realize the importance of holding on to what you do have. Now come along, enough about arithmetic. You must tell me what some of the latest on dits are or I will have nothing to discuss while we are making our calls.”
With a grin, Alanna launched into a detailed list of all the latest stories that might be discussed that afternoon. Victoria found it hard to believe that anyone would wish to pass their time discussing such things, but decided to reserve judgement until she saw for herself.
“I can see that this holds very little interest for you,” Alanna observed, laughing. “That is fine. It would be good if you can produce that exact look of polite boredom upon demand. It would not do for you to appear eager or excited about the goings on of the Season.”
“Are you being serious or are you funning me?” Victoria asked suspiciously.
“I am perfectly serious. Only the very young debutantes find everything exciting. Now we both look absolutely lovely so it is time for us to get on our way. Come along my dear, and do try to contain your grin.”
Victoria saw the twinkle in her friend’s eye and realized she was being teased. Giving her head a shake, she obediently followed Alanna from the room.
Sitting in the morning room of Lady Coupland, the Viscount of Sheridan’s wife, Victoria had to school her features into the look of polite interest Alanna had taught her. It was a struggle not to look around in vulgar curiosity. Alanna had insisted that vulgarity was the most unforgivable sin one could commit amongst the ton. While Victoria was still unsure all that could be considered vulgar, she was quite certain that gazing about the room with her mouth agape in amazement would be on the list. But it was a battle to keep her eyes on their hostess’ face as Lady Coupland recited some monotonous story about who had attended her rout the night be
fore.
“It was too bad of you not to have been here, Lady Alanna, and you too Lady Victoria, although of course I did not know you, but I would have been delighted to have you attend had we been introduced earlier.”
“Of course, my lady, thank you for your kindness in saying so,” Victoria managed to answer politely. She experienced a profound sense of relief when she saw Alanna getting to her feet. Victoria quickly but gracefully joined her.
“Thank you so much for your pleasant hospitality, Lady Coupland,” Alanna was saying.
“It was a pleasure to see you,” the lady answered, “do call again soon.”
Both girls curtsied politely and the footman escorted them to the door.
As soon as they were safely upon the sidewalk Victoria turned to Alanna. “Why did you not warn me about that room?”
Alanna burst into a gale of laughter. “I just had to see your face when you took in all that splendour.”
“That was not very well done of you, Alanna. What would you have done if I had gasped with my shock over seeing so much gilt all in one place?”
“I would have declared you a vulgar mushroom of whom I have no acquaintance. Now come along, we have no time for lectures now, we must hurry to reach Miss Lambert’s house. She always has the most interesting guests.”
“Is there anything I ought to know about Miss Lambert before we get there?” Victoria wisely thought to ask.
“Her morning room is perfectly lovely, have no fear. I must say, Victoria, you could have a career upon the stage if you do not find being a governess to your liking. The way you managed to wipe the look of amazement from your face was truly awe-inspiring. I had no idea you had such self-control. I am impressed. I do believe Lady Coupland was disappointed. I think she decorated in just that way to inspire reactions.”
“That strikes me as rather odd.”
“The ton is a rather odd assortment of individuals,” Alanna replied airily. “Now as for Miss Lambert, she is quite lovely. I met her not overly long ago. Her brother has political ambitions, so they are in Town trying to make connections. Apparently I am useful due to my relationship with Bryght. They manage not to be vulgar about it and they are amusing. You shall see for yourself. They are just around this corner.”
The Reluctant Debutante: A Sweet, Regency Romance (Ladies of Mayfair Book 4) Page 22