A Season of Romance

by Wendy Soliman

  The area of London he was obliged to travel through in order to reach his home was where the docks were. He had not travelled extensively and rather envied those men who made their living from the sea. Seeing the tall masts of the ships above the roofs of the houses reminded him of his grandfather who had visited India in his youth and had brought back not only exotic materials and objects, but also a lovely young bride. They had met on board – her father had been a director of the East India Company and was recently deceased. His widow and daughter were returning to England.

  His grandpapa had yet to inherit the earldom, indeed had had an older brother in line before him, so married Isabel as soon as they docked in London without bothering to inform his parents. From all accounts they had been happy enough until his older brother broke his neck hunting and shortly afterwards the earl kicked the bucket.

  The marriage had deteriorated from that moment. The countess produced three daughters before the required heir arrived and, if family gossip was to be believed, the marriage became in name only and his grandfather found solace in the arms of a series of mistresses.

  His own papa, the solitary son, had grown up scarcely knowing his father and had then made the same mistake himself by marrying for love and not practical reasons. Simon shuddered as he recalled the screaming rows followed by weeks of arctic silence. When his mother had died in childbed producing his brother Richard his father had been inconsolable and taken to gambling and drink.

  He had done his best to protect his siblings but he had been little more than a boy himself. On reaching his majority he had moved himself and the children to his own estate and they had not returned to Sawsbury Hall until the demise of their parent in a so-called hunting accident last year.

  Romantic love was for fools. Marriage should be treated like any other business arrangement and by so doing those involved would avoid the appalling scenes and the emotional upheaval that his parents and grandparents had endured.

  He dismounted at the rear of his house and handed the reins to his valet who also acted as his groom when needed.

  'Take care of the horses first. Although the windows are shuttered there's smoke coming from several chimneys so the caretakers are doing their job.'

  His arrival was not noticed so he was obliged to hammer on the side door to gain entrance. Eventually the door was unbolted. A surprisingly young man bowed.

  'Good day to you, my lord, were we expecting you to come today? I fear the house isn't ready.'

  'I only decided yesterday to come.' He stepped around the man bracing himself to see decay and dirt. It had been several years since the house had been occupied during the Season. On the rare occasions he had needed to come to Town on business he had stayed at The Clarendon Hotel in Bond Street.

  To his surprise the place was immaculate. There were fires lit, albeit meagre ones, in all the main reception rooms and the place was unexpectedly warm.

  'How is this possible? I thought only you and your wife were here to take care of things.'

  'I have three daughters and two sons old enough to earn their keep, my lord, and together we've kept your house in good order.'

  Simon clapped the man on his shoulder. 'Whatever the family have been paying you, it's not enough.'

  'We ain't paid a wage, my lord, we live here and eat well at your expense.'

  Without hesitation Simon removed his purse and tipped a handful of golden guineas into the man's hand. 'Then this is some recompense for the work you've been doing. I'm opening the house for the Season and Lady Emily is to have her come out in May. I'm intending to bring up my staff from Sawsbury but would like you and your wife and family to continue working here.'

  The man was staring in bewilderment at the coins. 'I've not seen so much in one place in my entire life, my lord.'

  Simon became aware they were being watched from the shadows at the far side of the entrance hall. 'Come forward, I wish to make your acquaintance.' He should have known the name of the caretakers and felt ashamed that he didn't.

  The woman who came forward smiled shyly and curtsied. Standing behind her were their children who appeared to range from nine or ten up to fifteen or sixteen.

  'This is my wife, Maisie Smith, my lord.' Smith said proudly. Then in turn he introduced his family. They were all clean and tidily dressed and he was impressed by their appearance and demeanour.

  'Your oldest boy can be a senior footman, the youngest two can work in the kitchen and your girls will make excellent maids. Mrs Smith, are you prepared to stand as housekeeper for the Season and Smith, will you be butler?'

  If he had suggested they grew wings and flew across the hall they could not have looked more astonished.

  'My lord, my wife and I are honoured to be offered these positions but…'

  'If you have kept this house in good heart for years then not only am I grateful, I am also impressed with your diligence and ingenuity. I'll not brook a refusal. I have a cook and four experienced servants coming from Sawsbury and you can learn everything you need to know from them before the house is opened in four weeks or so.'

  Smith bowed and his wife curtsied, their progeny followed suit. The new housekeeper stepped forward looking more confident than her husband by her elevation. 'My lord, the master suite is always kept in readiness. Fresh linen was placed on the bed yesterday and the fire has been burning since this morning. Hot water will be brought up to you immediately.'

  He nodded his thanks and left them to sort themselves out. The last time the house had been opened there had been a dozen footmen, at least the same number of maids, plus those that worked in the kitchens and stables. No doubt there would be uniforms and suitable gowns for the family somewhere on the premises.

  It occurred to him as he entered his apartment that there was unlikely to be anything in the house to feed him. When Mason arrived from his duties in the stables he would send him to speak to the housekeeper. He would have some time to wait as his man knew better than to appear smelling of the stable.

  Both the sitting room and bedchamber were warm enough for him – he disliked overheated rooms. This was the first time he had used these chambers and he was examining the furniture when he heard the sound of movement in the dressing room. He continued his exploration for a further quarter of an hour allowing whoever it was to depart without being obliged to bow and scrape to him.

  Expecting to find only his hot water he was astonished to see that the empty shelves of the large closet now contained not only shirts, but crisply starched neckcloths, two pairs of breeches, two waistcoats and a topcoat that had definitely come from Weston's.

  Intrigued, he went to examine them more closely. Of course! These were his own garments that had been abandoned here several years ago. If anything, he was leaner than he had been then and certainly no taller, so they should be a reasonable fit.

  He stripped and was in the middle of his ablutions when to his surprise his valet appeared.

  'One of the lads prefers to be outside, my lord, so he's acting as groom.'

  'Where are you positioned?'

  'I've a room downstairs, sir, and I share a parlour with Mr and Mrs Smith.'

  'Excellent, this means I'll be able to contact you easily. No doubt they told you of their new positions in the household.'

  'They did, my lord, and I'm certain you made the right choice. In the time it took me to wash up…' He stopped as he saw the fresh garments.

  'They were mine from some years ago but none the worse for that.'

  Mason carefully put out the shaving items and other toiletries but the saddlebags appeared empty of anything else.

  'Mrs Smith has set one of the girls to pressing your clean shirt and stock.'

  'I can dress myself, I need you to take a message to Smith. I'll dine at my club tonight. I don't expect them to provide me with dinner at such short notice.'

  'I doubt that your evening clothes will have arrived in time for you to change, my lord.'

  'Then I'll be obl
iged to remain in this evening, but ensure they know I need nothing elaborate to eat.'

  Freshly garbed and well-satisfied with his restored appearance, Simon headed for the study as there were one or two letters he needed to write and have delivered before the day was out. Being seen at White's in St James's Street this afternoon would give him the opportunity to let the ton know he intended to be in Town for the Season. He would mention he was bringing out his sister and that there would be a ball the first week of May. This should bring forth a plethora of invitations to the most prestigious events.

  He might be impoverished but from outward appearances one would not suspect how dire his circumstances were. The house in Grosvenor Square was in good repair – no doubt his father would have sold it if it was not entailed to the estate – there were no outstanding debts to anyone but the bank and it was in their interest to remain silent about these.

  It was not far from his house to his club and he would enjoy the walk. The city did not smell so unpleasant in the winter months although the air was always redolent of soot and smoke. He much preferred the country and he sincerely hoped he would find himself a bride who didn't wish to spend every Season in London.

  *

  Bella took an instant dislike to Lady Jones. From the top of her elegantly coiffed pale gold hair to the tip of her immaculately shod feet she exuded the unpleasant attitudes associated with those of her class. She was arrogant, patronising and treated the servants as if they were lesser mortals. The wretched woman was charm itself when her parents were there, however, when they were alone her attitude and demeanour changed.

  Two days after this awful person's arrival matters came to a dramatic head. Lady Jones had examined her wardrobe and having been unable to find anything to criticise she turned her attention to Bella's appearance and behaviour. The more she spoke the more incensed she became.

  'I cannot imagine why you think yourself a suitable bride for a member of the aristocracy, Miss Burgoyne. You might be well-educated, your manners are pretty enough, but you have far too much to say for yourself and your complexion is that of a servant.'

  'And you, ma'am, are the most unpleasant person I've ever encountered. You are dismissed from my employment. You will leave this house immediately.'

  Instead of being confounded by this dismissal the woman smiled in a supercilious fashion. 'I am your companion, your mentor and cannot be dismissed by you. You will apologise immediately for your appalling impertinence or I shall be speaking to your father.'

  This was the outside of enough. 'I think you have misunderstood the situation, ma'am. You are here at my convenience, not yours. I suggest you set your maid to pack your trunks.'

  Bella stalked out and then picked up her skirts and ran pell-mell through the house to skid to a halt in the study where her parents were happily conversing on their forthcoming move to London.

  'I have terminated that woman's employment. I will not have her anywhere near me. She is under the erroneous belief that whatever I say you will retain her services.'

  Her papa was on his feet at once. 'My dear girl, what has she done to upset you?'

  When she explained his expression changed from benevolent to hard. 'Remain here, my love, I shall see her gone. She came highly recommended, but we should have allowed you to meet her first before offering her employment.'

  Bella collapsed on the nearest chair and blinked away unwanted tears. 'Mama, if she is so well connected then she could ruin my chances of finding a husband. I wish I'd held my tongue…'

  'No, my love, do not blame yourself. Your papa will smooth things over and then we must set about finding another sponsor for you.'

  'I don't require one, just a chaperone. We must depart for London immediately. I'm sure we'll find someone once we're there. I believe there are agencies who deal with this sort of thing. There must be dozens of genteel ladies who would be eager to introduce me into Society.'

  Her father returned and smiled encouragingly. 'That woman showed her true colours to me. I cannot believe I was so hoodwinked by her. She is being transported to the nearest inn and from there will travel post-chaise. I was tempted to put her on the common stage but thought that might be taking matters too far.'

  She was relieved he hadn't made the horrible woman go on the stage coach – her ladyship was already a formidable enemy and insulting her like that would have made matters so much worse. When he heard her suggestion that they leave as soon as could be arranged he agreed. He sent a letter by express to warn the staff he had employed for the Season to have the rented house ready for their arrival the following day.

  It was no more than three hours to Grosvenor Square and the journey could be accomplished in the morning without the necessity of stopping to rest the horses or take refreshments. The trunks, their personal servants and other necessities left at dawn the following day. She and her parents set off mid-morning in the luxurious carriage Papa had recently acquired which was drawn by four matching greys.

  As she watched the countryside roll by she wondered if the next time she saw her home she would be betrothed to someone. Would whoever it was want a short engagement?

  'Papa, what if the aristocrat who offers for me wishes to be married at once because their finances are in desperate need of your money?'

  'Do not fret, my dear girl, things can be arranged to accommodate whatever suits you best. If you require a few months to get to know your future husband before you tie the knot then so be it. I'm certain that no gentleman would refuse as long as his debts were paid and his coffers filled immediately.'

  'That's all very well, but what if I later decide that we don't suit? How will you recover your money?'

  'Do you think me a nincompoop, daughter? You can be very sure no money will change hands unless I'm absolutely certain the wedding will go ahead.'

  There was little point in pursuing this line of conversation. The onus was on her to make the right choice in the first place. She refused to contemplate the notion that it was the gentleman in question who would do the choosing and not herself.

  On previous occasions when she had visited the metropolis they had stayed at Grillon's Hotel and not bothered to take a house. Therefore, she was familiar with London and had visited all the sights, ridden in Rotten Row, visited the museums and the opera. She grimaced when she recalled that evening as listening to the singers screeching and yowling reminded her of the farmyard cats when they were fighting.

  She was all eagerness to see their new abode when the carriage turned into Grosvenor Square. 'Good heavens, Fredrick, I had no idea all residences would be of such modern construction. How splendid they are and how large is the square itself? I'm sure we shall be very happy here.'

  The carriage rolled to a standstill outside a large, four-storey edifice and immediately a pair of footmen in bright blue livery and gold frogging dashed from the front door to let down the steps and hand them out.

  'Look, Mama, there's a small park in which we can take a constitutional each morning in the centre of the square. However, the houses are joined together and I'm not sure that I approve of that.'

  Her father chuckled. 'I can assure you this house is palatial inside and has an excellent trio of reception rooms as well as a ballroom. No doubt you're wondering where our carriage and horses are to go.'

  They were now standing in front of the smart black railings which enclosed a small area of frontage. He gestured to the end of the row and, by stepping into the road, she saw that there was an archway.

  'I can see the entrance to the stables is further along. Mama, we must remember to allow extra time for the horses to be put to. Will there be a mount for me to ride?'

  'I thought you might like to me attend Tattersalls and choose for you my love.'

  'I should like that above anything, Papa. Am I permitted to walk in the park without a maid in attendance?'

  'I see no reason why not as there are several young ladies doing so as well as nursemaids with their young charges.
The weather is surprisingly clement for the time of year so you'll come to no harm for an hour.'

  Her parents vanished into the house and the door closed behind them and the footmen. It would seem she would have to knock on the door when she was ready to enter. After spending a pleasant time stretching her legs and admiring the scenery she decided to venture further afield and look at some of the grander houses on the other side of the square.

  Her view was obscured by high hedges but she discovered there was a gate that led from the central garden onto the road that ran around the square. So engrossed was she in her study of the building that she neglected to look in either direction to see if there was a vehicle or horseman approaching.

  Chapter Three

  Simon emerged from his front door and strode down the path. As he was exiting a pigeon flapped noisily above him and he instinctively looked up. He stepped into the road with his eyes on the roof colliding with a young lady who was staring at the gargoyles that adorned the gutter on his house.

  He grabbed her arms and for a few seconds they rocked back and forth in danger of ending on their backsides. Her bonnet was now over one eye and his beaver was the other side of the road.

  'What the devil do you think you were doing? You could have caused us both serious damage.' As he was admonishing the girl, without conscious thought, he reached out and straightened her hat. She raised her head and he was looking into the most beautiful pair of emerald-green eyes he had ever seen.

  'Kindly release me at once, sir, I do not take kindly to being manhandled. If you had not been gawping in the wrong direction this accident would not have taken place.'

  He dropped his hands and couldn't prevent his smile. 'Touché, ma'am, I think we're both culpable. Forgive me, I must recover my hat.'

  He turned and at that precise moment a carriage bowled past crushing his headgear beneath its wheels. He would not have been so cross if she had not laughed.

  'I think your hat is done for, sir, perhaps that will make you more observant when you exit your house next time.'