A Season of Romance

by Wendy Soliman

  ‘It will indeed.’ Lucy tried to shake away the fog from her brain. Morry was going off to Brighton with Aunt Evadne, Grace and Edward were married. What on earth was she going to do?

  ‘Now, what was it you came for, Lucia?’ Grace asked her.

  Lucia looked at her cousin. She was standing hand in hand with Edward Chawton and looking so radiant that Lucy could not bear to share her worries with them.

  ‘Oh, nothing. Nothing that cannot wait.’

  When Lucy left Orchard Street, she did not return directly to Quidenham House but instead she went into the gardens in the centre of Portman Square. She needed to think.

  There was no question now of her going to live with the new Mr and Mrs Edward Chawton. Grace would take her in, she knew that, but they needed the room for themselves, and besides, she had no desire to live with newlyweds. She must find somewhere of her own. The difficulty would be persuading Morry that she should not give up the lucrative position she had been offered as companion to Aunt Evadne.

  Dear Morry, she would think it her duty to stay with Lucy, but she could not allow that. Her own small savings and the projected return on her investment in Orchard Gowns would be barely enough to keep one person, let alone a companion. She must convince her old governess that she was content to live alone, but at present she could not even convince herself.

  ‘Miss Luckington.’

  She spun around to find Sir Darius approaching. She had been so deep in thought she had not heard his booted feet scrunching on the gravel path.

  ‘Sir Darius.’ Her pulse leapt at the sight of him and it was all she could do not to turn and flee.

  ‘I saw you coming in here but you looked…’ He came up to her, his eyes searching her face. ‘Are you quite well?’

  His concern almost overset her. She desperately needed someone to confide in, but Sir Darius was not that person.

  ‘Perfectly well,’ she told him, meeting his eye with as much confidence as she could muster. ‘It was such a pleasant day I wanted to enjoy the sunshine a little more before going indoors.’

  ‘I see.’ He did not look as if he quite believed her. ‘Do you mind if I join you?’

  ‘As you wish.’

  She began to walk along the circular path around the gardens and he matched his steps to hers.

  He said, ‘I believe Lady Quidenham leaves Town in two weeks.’

  ‘Yes. On the fifth.’

  ‘What will you do?’

  ‘I am not going with her.’

  He gave a little huff of exasperation. ‘I know that, you said as much at Lady Winterstoke’s party. What will you do?’

  Lucy made a sudden decision. ‘I shall return to Little Furzewell.’

  Why had she not thought of it before? She had grown up there, she had friends in the village and would be able to find rooms at a much more reasonable rate than in London. She would be removed from the pitying gaze of society and, even more importantly, Grace and Morry would not doubt that it was what she really wanted.

  ‘Miss Morrison will be going with you?’

  ‘No. She is going to Brighton with my aunt.’ Her chin went up. ‘My investment is making an excellent return –’

  ‘If it is making enough to keep you in comfort then I am amazed.’

  She swallowed back a retort and continued stubbornly.

  ‘An excellent return and my presence in Town is no longer required.’

  ‘And do you think you can be happy, living in retirement, after enjoying the delights of the capital?’

  ‘Of course I can. I am not such a frippery creature as you think, sir!’

  ‘I do not think you frippery at all! I think you are proud and stubborn and –’

  Yes?’

  She stopped and turned to glare at him.

  Adorable.

  With those pansy brown eyes daring him to continue Darius could not say the word aloud. He was shocked to realise how close he had come to declaring himself again and he had no wish to suffer another rejection. He gave the tiniest of shrugs and by tacit consent they resumed their walk.

  ‘You are on your way back from Orchard Street?’

  ‘Yes. My cousin’s business continues to thrive.’ There was a defiant note in her voice.

  ‘You still think it was I who gave you away.’

  ‘That hardly matters now.’

  ‘It matters to me.’

  ‘Well it should not!’ she flashed back at him. ‘I pray you will put it out of your mind, Sir Darius. And now I will bid you good day.’

  She turned on her heel and walked off.

  Darius stared after her, such feelings of impotence and frustration raging inside him as he had never known before. She was in trouble, he knew it with every fibre of his being, but the darling girl was too proud to admit it or to accept his help. But then, she believed he had betrayed her trust and there was no way he could disprove that. He scowled at the ground, scuffing at the gravel with the toe of one shiny Hessian.

  He was not conceited enough to think every other woman was in love with him, but until now he had never been rebuffed by any woman upon whom his fancy alighted. True, he had never been much in the petticoat line and his fancy had alighted on very few women, but that thought was easily discarded.

  Perhaps it would have been as well for him if he had met with more setbacks, but birth, fortune and a modicum of good looks had combined to make him a very eligible parti. His lip curled. It had been made abundantly plain to him over the years that he could have his pick of the debutantes, should he wish to choose a bride.

  It was somewhat humbling, then, that he should fall in love with the one woman in Town who did not want him!

  *

  Lucy hurried back to the house, trying not to cry. How dare he pursue her, after what had happened. He had betrayed her once and she would not confide in him again. She wanted to run up to her room and shut out the world, but as she reached the first landing she saw Miss Morrison coming from Lady Quidenham’s room.

  ‘Ah, Lucia, thank goodness!’

  ‘Morry! Have you been with my aunt all this time?’ she clasped her hands together and said anxiously, ‘I know how much I have upset her, but have I made her truly ill?’

  ‘No, no, Lucia, she was going on very well, earlier. I read to her for a good hour and she was so much recovered that she declared she would take a little nuncheon in her room. I left her with Fixby, but then Betty came to find me and said there was such a to-do going on between the dresser and her mistress and I came up and – well – her ladyship is quieter now, but insisted that she see you as soon as you came in.’

  ‘Then I will go to her immediately. But do we know what is amiss?’

  Morry shook her head. ‘She would not tell me, except to say something about harbouring vipers in her bosom.’

  Lucy’s heart sank lower than ever.

  ‘Very well, I had best go and find out what I have done now.’

  ‘Aunt Evadne?’ Lucy tapped on the door and went in. ‘You wanted to see me?’

  Her aunt was sitting in a chair by the window, wrapped up in shawls and with a rug thrown over her knees. She looked very pale and Lucy forgot her own troubles as she hurried across the room and sank to her knees beside her.

  ‘Dear ma’am, you look very unwell. Should I send for the doctor?’

  ‘No, no, it is nothing he can mend.’

  The dowager sounded so defeated that Lucy reached for her hands.

  ‘Then what is it, Aunt? Can I do anything?’

  The claw-like fingers clung to Lucy.

  ‘I owe you an apology, Lucia. I know now that you were not responsible – at least, not directly! – for everyone knowing of your connection with Orchard Gowns.’

  ‘You, you do?’ Lucy was bemused. ‘Then, who?’

  ‘Fixby!’ Lady Quidenham’s strangled cry caught at Lucy’s heart. ‘She has been with me since I married the Viscount. My trusted confidante, but now –’

  ‘Miss Fixby?’ Lu
cy sat back on her heels. ‘But why should she do such a thing?’

  ‘To hurt you, of course!’ The dowager pulled out her handkerchief to wipe her eyes, then began to tug the hapless lace between her fingers. ‘She resented your presence here, but while you held my letters she could do nothing. Then, when you gave them back to me, she was so incensed at your behaviour in arranging the meeting with Linus Theale that she decided upon revenge. Her cousin is maid to Lady Chawton, and knowing what a gossip her mistress can be, she dropped a word in her ear. On the morning of Lady Winterstoke’s party.’

  It was not Darius!

  Lucy put her hand to her mouth as relief washed through her like a flood. Not Darius. At least she need not leave Town thinking ill of him.

  ‘If you wish to ring a peal over me you may do so,’ muttered the dowager. ‘I deserve it.’

  ‘I would not dream of it, Aunt. But how did you discover it was Fixby?’

  ‘She told me, earlier today. Phoebe Morrison had persuaded me to try a dish of eggs dressed with artichoke bottoms, just as I like them. Fixby carried them up to me. She knew of course that you were the cause of my distress and she thought she was helping by bringing you down a peg or two.’

  ‘Oh dear. Oh, I am sorry, Aunt Evadne. Did she not realise how it would reflect upon you?’

  ‘No, of course not. She was thinking only of harming you. Naturally I have turned her off. I shall miss her terribly but I will not keep servants I cannot trust.’

  ‘Oh heavens, this is all my fault,’ cried Lucy, stricken. ‘But you must not send Fixby away, ma’am. It would be too cruel, to both of you. She only did it because she loves you so, Aunt, and knowing she has hurt you will be punishment enough, I am sure.’ She jumped up. ‘Is she still in the house? Let me go and send her to you and you can tell her she is forgiven.’

  ‘She may be gone by now.’

  ‘But she may not,’ exclaimed Lucy with sudden decision. ‘I shall go and see. And if she has left the house then I shall go and find her! It is the least I can do to atone for all the harm I have done you.’

  With that she sped away. The dresser was found below-stairs in the housekeeper’s room, where she was weeping uncontrollably. When Lucy explained that her aunt had had a change of heart the transformation was almost comical. The dresser wiped her eyes, offered gruff but sincere thanks to Miss Luckington and hurried back to be reunited with her mistress.

  Lucy watched her go and, after exchanging a few words with the housekeeper, she made her way to her room, drained but a little happier.

  *

  It did not take long for the news to break all over Town that Edward Chawton had married the little seamstress from Orchard Street and had been disowned by his mother. Darius heard it from Lady Claversham when he called to take breakfast with her on Thursday morning.

  She ended with a malicious titter. ‘How diverting it is to have the Luckingham chit in London. First she sets the Town by the ears, parading herself about like a fashion plate, and then she contrives a very advantageous marriage for her cousin.’

  ‘Since Chawton has been cast off without a penny I cannot think it much of an advantage,’ Darius retorted.

  ‘It is no wonder Lady Quidenham and her niece were not at Almack’s last night. Everyone was talking of how Miss Luckington and the little seamstress ensnared Edward Chawton.’

  ‘It is a love match,’ put in Verity. ‘I had it from Lucia when we met in the Park yesterday afternoon. They were married by special licence on Monday.’ Lady Claversham frowned at her and she added, defiantly, ‘I know you would like me to cut the acquaintance, Mama, but I will not. Lucy is my friend, and a good one too. And as long as Grandmama and Darius have no objection, I shall continue to see her!’

  Lady Claversham shrugged her white shoulders.

  ‘Well, it cannot be for much longer. Lady Quidenham is off to Brighton in a week and her pert little niece will slink off back to the country, having done her best to make herself the talk of the Town. She must be a teeny bit disappointed that any plans she had of becoming the dowager’s heir have come to nothing.’

  Lady Claversham reached for another slice of ham, the thought of Miss Luckington’s misfortunes giving her an appetite.

  *

  It had been Darius’s intention to spend the morning at Jackson’s Boxing Saloon, but when he left Grafton Street he walked instead to Portman Square to call upon Lady Quidenham. He was shown into the morning room where he found his hostess refolding a letter. She slipped it into her pocket before greeting him with a demand to know what the devil he wanted.

  ‘To ask a favour of you, ma’am.’

  The dowager’s eyes narrowed. ‘After the past few months I am done with putting myself out for anyone, Claversham!’

  ‘I understand that, madam, but I hope in this case you will be minded to help. It concerns Miss Luckington.’

  ‘I no longer have any interest in my niece. When we part at the end of the week it will be the last time I shall ever see her.’

  He gave a little smile. ‘Forever is a long time, ma’am.’

  ‘She is a scheming hussy who has used me abominably!’

  ‘She is a young woman trying to make her way in the world, and at the same time looking after her cousin and her friend. However, it appears now that both those ladies are provided for.’

  Lady Quidenham waved a hand. ‘She has made her bed, let her lie in it.’

  ‘I would rather she lay in mine,’ he murmured.

  She looked up quickly. ‘If you want to offer for her then do so. It is nothing to do with me.’

  ‘I have done so,’ he told her. ‘She will not have me.’

  ‘Oh? A novel experience for you!’

  ‘It is indeed.’ He added ruefully, ‘It leaves me in something of a fix. You see, Miss Luckington informed me that all her money is tied up in her cousin’s business, and although the returns are good, they are not enough to keep her in comfort, let alone luxury.’

  ‘Ha! She may starve in a garret for all I care.’

  ‘You cannot mean that.’

  ‘I do! For God’s sake, Claversham, go away and leave me alone! I have had enough of company. I put myself out for Lucia Luckington, brought her to London, took her about everywhere! I have done enough for that young woman.’

  ‘And has she done nothing for you, my lady?’ He asked her. ‘Can you deny that you have enjoyed yourself in Town? Lucy has made you go into society and you are the better for it, I think. For that alone you should be grateful to her. I am. I have been trying for years to get you out of the house more.’

  Her lip curled. ‘What would you have me do, make her my heir and cut you out?’

  ‘If you wish.’ His response was mild. ‘You know I do not want your money. But Lucy’s need is more pressing, she cannot wait for you to die. I thought you might make her an allowance, that she may live in some comfort when she leaves here.’

  The dowager shifted in her chair. ‘She told me she has sufficient funds.’

  ‘She has pride.’ He smiled. ‘Like you, ma’am.’

  He waited silently as the thin fingers tapped on the arm of her chair.

  ‘I will consider the matter. She has meddled unforgivably, raking up old memories…’ She gave a sudden hiss. ‘Oh go away and leave me in peace, Claversham.’

  Darius bowed and left, knowing it would be unwise to press the dowager any further. If Lucy would not confide in him, at least he had done his best to protect her.

  Darius was not the only one anxious about Lucy’s future. Miss Morrison could not quite believe her young friend’s assurances that she had everything in hand. She wanted to mention the matter to Lady Quidenham, but her ladyship had been engaged most of the day, first of all with Sir Darius Claversham and after that she retired to her dressing room to write a letter and left instructions that she was not to be disturbed. The day was well advanced, therefore, before Miss Morrison had an opportunity to speak to the dowager. She had been summoned to th
e drawing room to read to Lady Quidenham and at the appointed hour she went in, clutching the slim volume before her.

  ‘Before we begin, ma’am, I should like to talk to you. About Lucia.’

  Her ladyship’s brows snapped together and she feared for a moment that she would be forbidden to speak, but when the dowager remained silent, she felt emboldened to continue.

  ‘I do not think her search for accommodation is going very well, ma’am. She had another letter from Little Furzewell today but would not share it with me.’

  ‘What of it? You know I have washed my hands of the girl.’

  ‘She is still your niece, my lady. And also my friend. I am beginning to think I should remain with Lucia, to look after her.’

  ‘Then there would be two of you to house and feed! No, no, you would do better to take up my offer of employment.’

  Miss Morrison took a deep breath and clutched the book even tighter to her bosom.

  ‘I must know she has somewhere to go before I leave Town.’

  She felt the full force of the dowager’s fierce gaze.

  ‘Are your threatening me, Miss Morrison?’

  ‘No, indeed, madam, I should not dream of such a thing. Merely giving you advance warning that I shall not abandon my young friend.’

  There was a scratching at the door and Aston came in, bearing a letter upon a silver tray.

  ‘You gave instructions that I was to bring any messages as soon as they arrived – ‘

  ‘Yes, yes.’ The dowager took the note and waved him away.

  Miss Morrison watched her break the seal and scan the letter, but whether it was good news or bad, she could not tell. My lady’s countenance was inscrutable.

  The silence dragged on. Lady Quidenham slowly lowered the paper to her lap but she continued to stare at it.

  ‘Madam.’ Miss Morrison gave a little cough. ‘About Lucia.’

  ‘Yes, yes, I will deal with it. Now leave me, if you please.’

  ‘Leave you? But we were to continue with Pride and Prejudice this afternoon.’

  ‘Not now, not now.’ The dowager waved her away. ‘I want to be alone.’

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN