Not Just Lovely Laura

by Jessica Spencer

  It was late when they returned to Daventon House. As soon as Bessie removed the hairpins and helped her change into her night rail, Laura crept under the covers and shut her eyes. She was so tired she expected to immediately fall asleep.

  Instead, she stared into the darkened room. Lady Goodall's words haunted her. Had she appeared to be waylaying Anthony? Did he also think she was trying to snag his attention? That would be truly mortifying.

  She knew her heart raced when he engaged her in conversation. But that meant nothing. She was unused to company, more particularly to the company of handsome men who strode into a ballroom and cast every other man into the shade.

  Why had Lord Wimberley asked Lady Selena to dance? He had also danced with Lady Amelia and with Lady Theodosia. She didn't know them well but had often overheard them, usually making cutting remarks. They were all wellborn ladies. But she couldn’t imagine any of them being kind and loving to a little, motherless girl. Ought she to warn him? But that would be the out and out of everything!

  Her thoughts lingered on the moment when she had thought he would ask her to dance with him. He was Gareth’s friend but had never asked her.

  A dance would have been nice.

  Chapter 10

  “Lucy was here with a message from Lady Maria,” Bessie said, as Laura sipped her morning chocolate. “Lady Maria has plans for the morning but they can wait if you have morning callers.”

  “Send word I'm free. It will be a happy escape! Lay out my blue muslin. It will go very well with the new bonnet.”

  “Lucy said Lady Maria wants you to wear your plainest gown. Your green bombazine, the one you were to wear while gardening ought to do very well.”

  Laura was immediately intrigued. This was London, where even a morning ride necessitated proper attire. What could Lady Maria have planned? Whatever it was, she was happy to spend the morning in her company. Usually, she was at Severn House with her grandmother or out with Gareth. She invited Laura to join them but Laura knew her brother wouldn’t be pleased if she did. He was indeed besotted with his betrothed.

  An hour later, Lady Maria sent a carriage for Laura. Laura immediately noticed it was not the one Lady Maria regularly used. Though Adam, who always drove Lady Maria, was handling the reins, the carriage was plain and did not carry the ducal crest.

  Lady Maria and her companion, Gwen, were already inside. “You look rather happy to be avoiding your callers,” Maria said with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

  Laura shuddered. The flowers continued to come every day, as did their inane senders who were determined to call her Lovely Laura Better than any Flora.

  Lady Maria laughed. “They are a tedious lot but fortunately expect only the appearance of some attention. I used to recite Shakespeare in my head while listening to them. My favorite one was,

  I asham’d that women are so simple

  ‘To offer war where they should kneel for peace,

  Or seek for rule, supremacy, and sway,

  When they are bound to serve, love, and obey.

  Why are our bodies soft, and weak, and smooth,

  Unapt to toil and trouble in the world,

  But that our soft conditions, and our hearts,

  Should well agree with our external parts?”

  “I conjugate French verbs,” Laura said.

  Gwen opened a big bag and started rummaging through it. She chose a pelisse and a couple of shawls. She also took out a cap and a shabby bonnet.

  “Are we going someplace in disguise?”

  “Not really. We will tone down our appearance so that we aren't recognized. I shall wear the cap and cover myself with the drab, voluminous shawl. You will don the pelisse, cover your hair with that slightly battered bonnet, and drape a shawl. You will be surprised to find that they will make you invisible.”

  “Where are we going? I thought a plain gown meant a botanical expedition but it seems I was wrong.”

  “We are going to a Children's Home. While there are no ton houses there, it is surrounded by establishments gentlemen like to err...frequent. It would not do for us to be recognized.”

  Laura nodded, wondering why they were going to the home.

  Lady Maria continued. “The carriage does not carry any crest, and Adam can be trusted. He will drive to the gate of the Children's Home. Remember to keep your head down and not look around. That will suffice.”

  Laura looked out of the carriage with interest. She hadn't been in that part of London before. “Why are we going to the children’s home?” she asked.”

  “We will meet Mrs. Forsyth who runs the home and see if there is anything you can do.”

  “How do you know about this place?”

  “I've come here before, to make a donation. Lucy told Gwen that her sister had left her daughter there.”

  “Why?”

  “Her employer's guest forced himself on her.”

  Laura looked at Gwen with a blank expression, which was soon replaced by shock.

  “Gemma had no means to support the child.”

  “Why didn't she ask the man?”

  “How could she? He would have blamed her and seen to it that she lost her place. She would have starved.”

  “She could have got another place.”

  “Without a reference? She wouldn't have a chance.”

  “It isn't fair. The woman wasn't to blame and now she must be suffering without her child. And the poor child, to grow up without the mother.”

  “It is a sad thing. A woman's lot is difficult. More so a woman without the protection of wealth and male relatives. Some are forced upon like Gemma was. Some are seduced by talks of love and marriage only to be abandoned when they are with child.”

  Laura nodded. She had never given a thought to any of this.

  “Women suffer in any class. Many a young woman from the ton is forced to accept the hand of an unsuitable man. If she rebels, she pays a price,” Lady Maria observed.

  Gwen looked out of the carriage. “We are nearing the Home for Unfortunate Children.”

  Lady Maria replaced her fashionable bonnet with the cap and draped the shawl around her. It concealed half her gown. Gwen helped Laura into the ill-fitting pelisse. Lady Maria took the bonnet from her hand. She pulled the brim forward and tied the ribbons into a nondescript bow under her chin.

  “Remember to keep your head down,” she said as Adam opened the door.

  Lady Maria went first, then Laura, and finally Gwen. Mrs. Forsyth saw them immediately. “Lady Maria, please allow me to felicitate you on your engagement!”

  When Laura was introduced and the purpose of the visit revealed, Mrs. Forsyth looked dubious. “An older married woman might remain unscathed but for a young woman to be seen coming to this establishment, it could give rise to unsavory talk.”

  “I don't care about what people think. I want to help.”

  Lady Maria said, “You must care, dear. There are ways to guard your reputation and still follow your heart. Mrs. Forsyth, if your objection stems only from your concern for her reputation, please rest assured on that count. I have brought her so that she may see the excellent work you are doing.”

  Mrs. Forsyth looked relieved and personally conducted them through the rooms. The home was run in a modest-sized building. Each room housed twelve children, and while the place was clean, it was certainly cramped. The walls could do with new wallpaper. One room held only cribs, with older children caring for infants. A walled garden was situated beside the house.

  “Do you only take in girls?” Laura asked.

  “With such cramped quarters, we can't have separate accommodation for boys.”

  Laura went over to a small girl who was sitting alone and soon engaged her in conversation.

  “She has a way with children,” Mrs. Forsyth remarked, when the child allowed her to lift her on her lap. “The child is new. We've tried to make her mingle with the other children but she keeps herself apart.”

  “The child looks we
ll-born. Who is she?”

  Mrs. Forsyth shrugged even as her eyes flashed with anger. “Most of the children here are well born if you consider the men who sired them. But we can't do that. These children are the fruits of a mother's sin, and hence thrown aside like rotten apples.”

  Half an hour later they left the home. Adam was on the lookout for them and immediately brought the carriage to the entrance.

  “Next time I want to stay for a longer time,” Laura said.

  “You can help the children in many ways. Donations and gifts go a long way.”

  “I want to spend time with them. Read to them, or engage them in play.”

  “I know, dear. We’ll speak to your brother. If he agrees, I’ll find a way for you to visit discreetly.”

  ***

  The Duke of Wimberley was disappointed. His quest for a wife wasn’t going anywhere. “Have you shown the list to Lady Maria? What does she say?” he asked Lord Daventon.

  “Nothing.”

  “Nothing? Did you tell her to strike off the names that were unsuitable?”

  “I did. She said it was a difficult task to pick some women when they were all alike.”

  “Does she mean they are all unsuitable?’

  “She didn’t say that.”

  Anthony didn’t ask him to elaborate. Gareth had already made it clear that he wanted him to get to know the women and take his time in deciding. Lady Maria would not have picked any name for the same reason. Perhaps she disapproved of all the names on the list.

  He was also coming to the same conclusion. He had already crossed off the first six names on the list. They were not at all suitable. That's why they are still on the shelf, he thought, and immediately blamed Lady Selena for the uncharitable thought. Her habit of mocking others was rubbing off on him.

  If Lady Selena or any of the other women had sparked his interest, he would have called upon them to further the acquaintance. Matters being as they were, he decided to spend the rest of the morning attending to the prosaic business of replenishing his wardrobe. It was feeling the strain of his increased social life.

  He made his way to Weston's. Not having made an appointment, he was forced to put up with an assistant who was of the firm conviction that yellow pantaloons and flowered waistcoats were what he needed in his life. The man was a dribble and wouldn't take a hint. When he became a nuisance, Anthony quelled him with a raised eyebrow.

  After concluding his business at Weston's, a simple matter of ordering some ruffled shirts, a couple of riding coats, a cape, and fawn breeches, he made his way to White's.

  He winced as a young buck charged at him, demanding to know if he would place a bet. “The odds are one to twenty on La Rosa accepting Lord Downing's protection!” When Anthony looked through him, he scampered away.

  Someone hailed him. “Your Grace!”

  Anthony grimaced. Lord Maxwell was sitting with his cronies. He had been with him at Eton, and his father had been the late duke’s close friend. Anthony had heard Maxwell was leading a life of excess. He wasn’t surprised to see him and his friends drinking in the middle of the day.

  Maxwell raised his glass. “Your Grace!”

  “Wimberley will do.”

  “Of course. We go back a long way. Daventon, too.”

  Anthony didn’t point out that Maxwell was among those who used to badger Gareth and tease him mercilessly about his parents.

  “Wimberley, you are just the man I wanted to see! We were talking about the Lovely Laura. D’you know the chit’s portion?”

  Anthony felt a sudden rage. They were scum. The mere mention of her name on their lips was tantamount to soiling it. His hand itched to grab a drink from the table and fling it at Maxwell’s face. But he controlled himself.

  “I can’t say with a certainty but the lady’s portion is modest,” he fibbed.

  “Drat it! Doesn’t Daventon want her wed? Who will take her without a dowry? The mother’s scandal will make it impossible for her to get a decent offer.”

  Maxwell’s friend leered and shut one eye. “If my pockets weren’t to let, I’d take her. Have you seen her...”

  Anthony pushed back his chair and grabbed the lout’s shirtfront. “Not. Another. Word,” he said, his voice cold and menacing.

  “Are you planning to offer for her?” Maxwell asked, puzzled.

  “No!”

  Taking a calming breath, he said, “I’m not. But she’s Daventon’s sister. Bad ton, Maxwell, to permit loose talk about a lady. That too, a friend’s sister.”

  He let go of the man’s shirt with a push that landed him on the floor, and left.

  Chapter 11

  The Duke of Wimberley was still seething when he entered Daventon House. Gareth was alone in his study. If he was surprised at seeing Wimberley again, he didn’t show it.

  “Come on in! I decided to attend to my correspondence. Rather, Lady Maria decided for me. She told me to make myself scarce as she has a busy morning.”

  Anthony raised a quizzical brow. “That doesn't sound like Lady Maria. She is known for her sweet demeanor. Being engaged to you must have brought about the change.”

  Lord Gareth smiled and shrugged. “What ails you?” he asked, noting the frown and the angry light in Anthony’s eyes.

  “What is Lady Laura’s portion? Have you made it known?”

  “What?”

  “Someone asked me.”

  “What did you say?” Gareth asked.

  “I said it was modest.”

  “I suppose someone unsuitable wanted to know.”

  “You suppose correctly.”

  Gareth gripped Anthony’s hand. “You are a good friend. Laura is also fond of you. She looks upon you as another brother.”

  “This is Lady Laura’s first Season. She has no experience of the rotten sods who put on a charming front. You must caution her. There are rogues aplenty who will stoop to despicable levels to trap a beautiful and rich young woman.”

  Gareth tensed. “Who asked you about Laura?”

  “Maxwell and his friends. Rotters, all of them!”

  “I’ll warn Laura. She has already made up her mind that she wants to be free to enjoy the Season. My mother and aunt agree. So do I. She deserves to have a good time. I’ve turned down three offers.”

  “Anyone I know?” Anthony asked, surprised Gareth hadn’t told him.

  “Two were ineligible. I have no qualms about refusing them. The third offer came from the Earl of Ranbaxy. He wanted permission to court Laura.”

  “The Earl of Ranbaxy, huh? He’s a decent chap and has a fine estate but he’s a dull dog. Won’t do for Lady Laura. Beneath her quiet ways, she’s a sprite. She isn’t like the other debutantes. She’s real and alive, and free from artifice.”

  “She can be quite determined. She came to me this morning, requesting permission to visit some Home for Unfortunate Children. Did she tell you she teaches our tenants’ children? Most of them aren’t keen on learning. Laura makes them attend by doling out sugar candy.”

  “Where’s she now?”

  “She’s receiving morning callers with my mother and my aunt.”

  ***

  Laura made a demure picture with her hands loosely clasped in her lap and a soft look in her eyes. Her yellow muslin gown had tiny tucks in the bodice, with a broad white sash that showed off her trim figure.

  Lord Newington sat to her left. Mr. Bennett sat a little away and glared at his supposed rival. They had taken to calling every morning. Unlike other callers who took leave after ten minutes or so, the two tried to outstay each other. Lord Hennicker was another regular visitor.

  Lord Newington and Mr. Bennett were engaged in trying to show the other in a poor light. Lord Hennicker was, as usual, listening to his own voice.

  For once, Laura was not conjugating French verbs. Freed of the necessity to attend, her thoughts were far away. She was seeing a glittering ballroom, and a most handsome man leading her to the dance floor. It was a waltz. Her first wal
tz. She was so lost in imagination, she didn’t notice the door open and her brother come in along with the Duke of Wimberley.

  Laura blinked back to reality. She heard Lord Newington say, “Lady Laura, I came with the express purpose of inviting you to ride with me this afternoon.”

  “Lady Laura, I was here first. You must ride with me!” Mr. Bennett said, sounding petulant.

  “I've been asking you every day!” whined Lord Newington.

  Anthony was immediately annoyed. The lackwits were embarrassing Laura. Another debutante might have enjoyed the attention, even played one gentleman against the other. But Laura was looking trapped. She didn't know how to turn them down without giving offense. And if she accepted, her afternoon would be ruined.

  “Lady Laura has promised to ride with me,” he announced.

  Lord Hennicker placed a hand on his heart. “I am crushed! I anticipated an afternoon with the Lovely Laura. I shall spend it in composing a poem in her honor!”

  Lord Newington and Mr. Bennett looked relieved. Perhaps they only wished to be one up on the other. They left, promising to come on the morrow.

  Gareth was at the other end of the room, talking to his mother and aunt. Anthony sat down beside Laura. He smiled at her stricken face. “Lady Laura, would you rather have gone with them? Have I bungled into thinking you were in need of a rescue?”

  Laura’s heart was beating like a rabbit’s and her face felt like a furnace. Anthony was taking her riding! And when he suggested she needn’t come, she wanted to cry out that of course she did. It was what she dreamed about. Somehow she managed not to disgrace herself and her governess.

  “It will be a pleasure, your Grace. It is an uncommonly pleasant day. A ride in Hyde Park will be just the thing, especially as I have a new bonnet that is most cunningly trimmed,” she said, inclining her head to just the right angle so as not to appear eager.

  Anthony laughed, feeling light-hearted. Lady Laura was adorable, especially when she was trying so hard to act grown up.