by Sahara Kelly
The Wednesday Club - Book One
A Gentleman for Judith
Sahara Kelly
Content © 2019 Sahara Kelly
Cover art © 2019 Sahara Kelly
(Cover Portrait by Marcus Stone;
currently on exhibit at the Athenaeum Museum and
Released to the Public Domain)
Acknowledgements
I dedicate this book to all the delightful and talented authors who lured me into their Regency ballrooms as a youngster and never let me go. To Miss Austen, Miss Heyer, Miss Cartland - thank you for painting pictures so vivid that they came alive for me, as did my fascination for this period - and thank you for still being my friends to this day, along with your current peers.
I also dedicate it to every Regency romance reader who shares my desire to hop into a Time Machine and get out in London, around 1814. We would visit Almack’s (of course Lady Jersey herself would grant us vouchers), stop by Hookham’s Circulating Library, and perhaps buy a fashionable bonnet or two in Bond street, followed by ices at Gunter’s. There would be carriage rides, grand balls and maybe a masquerade. And yes, there would probably be a somewhat less pleasant introduction to the reality of life in London, which we readers - and authors - can skim past, since these are fictional romances, not a documentary about the more unpleasant aspects of the Metropolis. It is indeed a unique and special time in history, and I thank you for sharing it with me.
Author’s Note
The goal of every conscientious Regency Mama was to marry her daughter to the most eligible man available. To this end, a social club was formed by one William Almack in 1765, after he had successfully developed several gentlemen’s clubs. Before long, Almack’s became the place to see and be seen, especially by those partis desiring a more permanent relationship. By 1790, it had become the Marriage Mart of the Ton, and although debutantes were still presented at Court, obtaining vouchers for Almack’s was considered to be the zenith of social accomplishment, and continued to be so for at least another couple of decades.
The lady patronesses ruled the proceedings with a firm hand, sometimes even selecting dance partners for young girls in their first season. A poetic letter of the time from Luttrell’s ‘Advice to Julia’ reads as follows:
“All on that magic list depends;
Fame, fortune, fashion, lovers, friends;
‘Tis that which gratifies or vexes
All ranks, all ages, all sexes.
If once to Almack’s you belong,
Like monarchs, you can do no wrong;
But banished thence on Wednesday night,
By Jove you can do nothing right.”
After due consideration of these interesting facts, one question remains. What of the young ladies and gentlemen who failed to make that list? The ones denied vouchers and excluded from that elite gathering…who had nowhere to go on those fateful Wednesday nights…
Prologue
“T
his will be your room, my dear.”
The young woman walked in and opened her eyes wide. It was lovely; exactly the sort of room she’d have asked for if given the chance to express her own desires.
She turned. “Are you quite sure?”
Her companion smiled. “I should be asking you that very question, Judith. You have been through a trying experience, to say the least of it. Losing your uncle so unpleasantly, then being left at loose ends in a house large enough to billet an army…well it must have been disconcerting.”
Lady Maud Sydenham reached out and touched her gently under her chin. “We are so happy you’re here with us. I truly believe both Laurence and I are the reincarnations of a tutor and a governess from past times, because there’s nothing we enjoy more than the company of the young. Being able to support, to guide…it’s such fun.”
Judith Fairhurst couldn’t help but respond to the genuine affection she saw in the older woman’s eyes. She swallowed. “I know nobody. I am nobody…”
Maud straightened. “Au contraire, my darling. You are well-bred, well-spoken, and I would hazard a guess that you’re not afraid of a book or two. You are indeed somebody, and we have yet to see what will develop with your potential inheritance. Not that money matters, of course…” She blinked. “Well, not to us, anyway…”
Judith sighed. “It seems like a dream, my Lady. To actually be here in London.” She moved to the window and glanced out over a charming park where couples strolled, the occasional nanny and her charge sat in the sunshine and behind it a busy street where carriages and horses avoided each other as they went about their business.
“Yes, you’re here.” Lady Maud joined her. “London is unique amongst cities, we’re convinced. But it is also unfriendly, priggish, rude and stiflingly horrid sometimes.”
Judith glanced at her. “My goodness. Really?”
“Yes, indeed. And that’s why we’re always happy to welcome a newcomer. So that we can arm you with everything you need before venturing out into the ongoing strife, dramatics and general madness that reigns supreme.”
“You make it sound quite intimidating.”
“For a young lady, it can be.”
Judith nodded. “I’ve heard of some social difficulties that easily trip anyone up…”
“We’ll not let that happen to you, my dear, rest assured.” Lady Maud slipped her arm through Judith’s. “And yes, if there’s an eligible gentleman who appeals to you, that will be a delightful event.”
“I doubt I have the social cachet to catch any eligible eyes, though,” she sighed.
“The fact you can use the words social cachet in the correct context is a head start,” answered Maud with a grin. “And eligibility doesn’t always mean a title, my sweet. It means someone whose eyes snag something deep inside you. Even the most ordinary of men can be possessed of charm.”
“I know. I’ve met a few.” Judith spared a thought for the men who lived at Wolfbridge Manor. All four of them had that look…the one that made a girl’s heart beat a little faster.
“So we’ll make sure you meet more,” Maud squeezed her arm.
Judith bit her lip. “I won’t get vouchers for Almack’s, will I?”
“It doesn’t matter in the least.”
“It doesn’t?”
“No.” Maud smiled. “You, my dearest girl, are now a member—the founding member actually—of a brand new organisation.”
“Er…I am?” Judith watched the lovely face beside her.
“Yes, indeed.” Maud untwined herself and walked to the centre of the room, turning to face Judith with a dramatic swish of her silk gown and her arms outstretched. “Welcome, Miss Judith Fairhurst, to the Wednesday Club.”
Obeying an impulse, she curtseyed. “Thank you. Um…what’s that?”
“Why it is only the most exclusive club in all of London. So exclusive that as of this moment, we only have one member. You.”
Judith shook her head on a grin. “Goodness, I’m honoured.”
“As well you should be,” replied Maud. “There will be more, quite soon though. I expect we shall turn them away before long.”
“I can’t say I understand…”
Lady Maud lifted her chin. “It is altogether simple, and rather brilliant if I do say so myself.” She crossed the room to the door. “The Wednesday Club is for young ladies who have nothing better to do on a Wednesday evening. And of course for those gentlemen who are also at loose ends.” She paused. “Think about it.”
Maud vanished with another flourish of silk swaths, leaving Judith confused but vastly entertained by the vibrant personality of her new hostess.
She
thought about it as directed. “Wednesday. Nothing to do on Wednesday night. Why not Thursday? Or indeed Saturday? Tuesdays are notoriously boring…”
Turning to stare out of the window again, she let the concept roll through her thoughts, tumbling it this way and that, trying to make sense of it.
Then, all of a sudden, the answer came to her.
“Of course,” she said to nobody at all. “Wednesday. Almack’s is only open on Wednesday.”
Chapter One
T
he foyer that greeted visitors to Sydenham House managed to be both correctly formal and warmly welcoming, which was quite an achievement. Judith Fairhurst sent out a mental vote of appreciation to whichever architect had thought of adding a beautiful window high above in the ceiling, a double staircase and niches to hold flowers and the odd statue.
While not entirely cosy, it was also not intimidating. She stood on the landing above and watched the guests arrive, observing their smiles, intrigued expressions and hearing their happy chatter.
It was shaping up to be just the sort of event that would produce favourable recommendations. Lady Maud would be content with its success, and it would be discussed over tomorrow’s teacups, without a doubt.
It was also the sort of occasion that scared the wits out of Judith.
“An evening of fun and friendships, both old and new,” Lady Maud had announced, as she personally invited guests over the preceding days. “No formality, no fuss—no dancing at the moment, since we haven’t aired out the ballroom in a few years,” her lovely mouth grinned as she made that pronouncement. “Just the chance to get together and enjoy ourselves. After all, there is not much else to do in the middle of the week, is there? We do wish to keep our youngsters busy…” The “and out of trouble” was clearly implied.
However, Maud was quite sincere in her efforts, and apparently many ladies of the Ton had either found themselves with an empty calendar or saw an opportunity to introduce their daughters to new and potentially acceptable young men. They were arriving by the carriage-full.
“Come along, my dear. No point in lingering upstairs. You need to be down there, in the middle of the fun.”
Judith found Sir Laurence at her side, regarding her with a quizzical smile. “Do I, Sir? Do I really?”
“Indeed you do. Not the thing to hide that lovely gown of yours.” He held out his arm, and she took it without a second thought. “We’ll make quite an entrance, you and I.” He glanced at her. “Fortunate I wore blue.”
She chuckled as his eyes twinkled at her. “It is, rather, isn’t it?” Her gown of pastel blue silk featured ribbons of almost the same shade as the elegant evening coat of the gentleman beside her.
“That’s the girl.” He nodded approval. “A smile wins friends better than anything.”
“But what if they don’t like my smile?”
“Then they’re not worthy of being your friends.” He slowly walked her down the stairs, giving her chance to make sure her skirts caught up with her steps. “Anyway, I doubt Maud invited anyone who would be so churlish as to disdain a lovely smile. So don’t worry your head about it. Just be yourself. Always the best idea.”
Since there was no one else she might think about being, Judith merely nodded her agreement.
They reached the bottom of the stairs as a mass of guests surged forward, and within moments she was being introduced to what seemed like a huge throng, all of whose names Sir Laurence apparently knew.
“Hallo…, thank you, yes, a pleasure…how kind…”
She smiled and dipped her head, curtseyed, touched a hand here and there and even found her cheek being pecked in a light social kiss.
“I’m so happy to meet you, Miss Fairhurst. Isn’t this so exciting?” The eager voice belonged to a pretty blonde, whose name Judith thankfully recalled. They had arrived at the same spot at the same moment, and naturally fell into step with one another.
“It is, isn’t it, Miss Davenport? Quite extraordinary.”
“Oh look…how perfect…”
Their steps had taken them past the main staircase and into the large salon; a room that Judith had felt was much too grand for such a simple description. But now, filled with people, lit from above by masses of candles in the crystal chandelier, she fully appreciated what the area was designed for…an evening just like this.
Around the edges of the area, several smaller tables had been set up. On each was either a chessboard, or a backgammon board, a cribbage board or decks of cards, and a branch of candles to ensure fair play. At the far end, there were instruments, a lovely small grand piano, a violin and one or two other items—inviting guests to match their skills and create their own entertainment.
There were chairs scattered around, clearly for the dowagers, companions and other persons who were escorting the numerous young ladies.
A set of double doors in the other side of the salon opened into the dining room, where a long table had been laid with a cold collation guaranteed to tempt the most discriminating appetites.
Judith shook her head in amazement. She’d seen some of the comings and goings during the day but had no idea it would end up looking so delightful.
Her companion seemed to agree, her eyes wide as she surveyed her surroundings. “Oh my goodness.”
“That does sort of sum it all up, I must say.”
“Do you play anything? Chess? Cribbage? The violin?” Miss Davenport glanced at her.
“Uh…not the violin. Not unless you want every bit of crystal in the house to shatter.”
The other girl shared a laugh. “Me too. Thank heavens I’m not the only one.”
“I’ve been known to enjoy a game of backgammon though.” Judith steered her new friend toward a table where an eye-catching carved and inlaid set had been laid out, ready for play. “Horridly unfashionable, I’m afraid, but I still find it most entertaining. How about you?”
The blonde curls bounced in concert with the young lady’s nod. “Yes please. It’s something I know I can play, and Mama won’t become concerned, since she plays it with me sometimes. She worries that if I learn card games, I will fall into some terrible pit of decadence and end up selling my body in Covent Garden.”
Judith led her over and the two girls sat opposite each other.
“After you, Miss Fairhurst.” The dice were proffered for her to throw for first play.
“Please call me Judith?” She accepted the dice and rattled them in her cupped hand. “So much more pleasant, don’t you think? I know no one in London, so making a friend tonight would be a delightful accomplishment.” She threw a seven.
“Agreed. So you must call me Lydia and we shall be friends from this moment on.” This was followed by a quick throw of the dice, resulting in a three. “And it seems, Judith my new friend, you will play first…”
*~~*~~*
“Now that makes me happy,” said Maud, as she and Laurence strolled through the rooms, keeping an eye on their guests.
“What’s that, my love?” He glanced at her.
“Look. Judith is with Lydia Davenport. Two girls bound to find something in common with each other.”
Sir Laurence turned his head toward the table where the two young ladies were engaged in what seemed to be a lively game of backgammon. “You’re right, of course. And putting out backgammon boards was a stroke of brilliance, if I may be allowed to say so.”
“You may,” acknowledged Maud, squeezing his arm. “I couldn’t stand the thought of everyone stiff as statues and trying to be perfectly correct. Young people need something entertaining to do that won’t cause a fuss or a scandal. And many are too youthful for a lot of card games.”
“No piquet?”
“No, no piquet, Laurie. I know it’s your passion, but you have to play that with grownups.”
Her gentle chiding made him smile. “I shall accept that. And hereby inform you that I will be out on Friday with Reginald Scarborough and Freddy Walters. A new piquet room is opening a
t the Club.”
Maud sighed. “I really opened the door for you on that, didn’t I?”
“You did,” he grinned. “And I thank you for it.”
“Ah well. I’m sure I can find something to keep me busy while you’re gone.” She sniffed. “My embroidery is sadly behind…”
“That would be the wedding present you’ve been stitching for me? The cushion cover for my study?”
“Er, yes.”
“My darling, we’ve been married for over twenty years. I think it’s safe to say that I’m not really waiting for it.”
“I sense sarcasm,” she retorted.
“Do you?” His lips curved upward. “You might be right. I shall have to consider our discourse. Remind me to let you know my decision at some later date.”
“Ah.” She rolled her eyes. “The pompous prat has arrived, I see.”
“Where?”
“Right beside me, dear idiot.” She disengaged her arm. “Now go and mingle with Archie Longstreet and his friends before they find some trouble to get themselves into.”
She gave his sleeve a final pat and then gently pushed him off toward a group of young men who were debating something quite energetically. Mr Longstreet being the most energetic of all.
Maud watched the lads, their conversation focused, but their eyes roaming over the young ladies present at the same time.
She hid a smile and strolled to the tables where more than a few girls were availing themselves of the games.
“How are you both?” She reached Judith’s backgammon table.
A pair of sparkling eyes met hers. “It’s lovely, Lady Maud. Just lovely. Lydia and I are on our second game and we are fairly matched, I think. It makes it so much fun.”
“Indeed it does, my Lady,” chimed in Lydia. “Although Judith has the devil’s own luck when it comes to throwing those double sixes.”