Her aunt laid a loving hand upon the dark curls. ‘I forget the gout when I see you enjoying yourself, my love, but life here must be very different from the excitement of the London Season. Are you missing it, Amy?’
‘Not in the least.’ Amy paused to consider. ‘When Perdita made her come-out I was green with envy. I thought how wonderful it must be to enjoy a non-stop round of social life, but after a time it does begin to pall. One sees the same people time and again—’ She stopped, conscious that the same criticism applied to Bath society.
‘And you are looking for adventure?’ Miss Langrishe chuckled. ‘What it is to be young! Now tell me again…what is this scheme you have in mind?’
Amy looked a little uncertain. ‘I was speaking to James,’ she admitted. ‘He seems to understand why I feel so…so useless… I told him that I had considered nursing, but he advised against it.’
Miss Langrishe shuddered. ‘Thank heavens for that! My dear child, you can have no idea of the type of women who offer themselves as nurses.’
Amy flushed. ‘James was quite specific, Aunt, but is it not time that something was done about it?’
‘It is high time, my love, but the task is far beyond a girl of your age. Change will come, but I do not hope to see it in my lifetime. Perhaps it will take a woman to bring about that change, but she will need a will of iron, as well as influence in high places.’
‘I suppose so. I was thinking of the men at Waterloo, left to die of their wounds in terrible conditions.’
‘That was a tragedy, Amy, but the war with the French has been over for two years. Now, my darling, tell me what James has suggested.’
‘It was very kind of him.’ Amy plunged in eagerly. ‘He felt that if you will agree I might join him in his work, just to take notes, of course.’
‘I see no objection to that, but where will he be working?’
‘I don’t know yet, and nor does he, but it should be quite close to Bath. He has a friend at Oxford who plans to excavate a number of sites in the vicinity.’
Miss Langrishe considered for a moment. ‘My dear, I have no wish to be a wet-blanket, but it would not be right for you to spend your days in the company of these gentlemen unattended.’
‘I’ve thought of that,’ Amy told her. ‘I thought of asking Charlotte Skelmersdale if she would care to join us, together with my cousins, of course.’
‘And the boys are willing?’ Miss Langrishe looked astonished. ‘Well, that is something, but Charlotte…? Will her mamma agree?’
‘I don’t even know if Charlotte will agree. I haven’t asked her yet, but I expect she will. Her mother will be more difficult. Could you persuade her, Aunt?’
‘I can try, but it won’t be easy. Emmeline Skelmersdale has never been more than an acquaintance. It would look strange indeed if I invited her to dine with me. That might give rise to unwarranted speculation about the intentions of your cousins…’
Amy blushed. ‘That would not do. Neither Harry nor Crispin have any intention of offering for Charlotte.’
‘You know it, Amy, but what of Charlotte? It is she who will bear the brunt of her mother’s displeasure if nothing comes of this.’
Amy sighed. ‘Henry echoed your words, Aunt. It is really very difficult. I meant everything for the best, but now, it seems, it is likely to turn out for the worst.’
‘Don’t lose heart, my dear. All may yet be well. I will do my best with Emmeline Skelmersdale. She is certain to attend the Friday ball.’
Amy threw her arms about her aunt. ‘I knew you’d try to help me,’ she cried. ‘Shall I tell you a secret? Charlotte may not have an offer from Henry or Crispin, but there is nothing to say that someone else may not attempt to attach her interest.’
Miss Langrishe looked perplexed. ‘And who is that, my love?’
‘Why, James, of course! Aunt Trixie, would it not be splendid if he were to decide to wed again? He might remain in Bath and we should see him just as we do now.’
‘And that is important to you?’
‘Of course it is. I regard James as my dearest friend. He always knows exactly what I mean.’
‘He is a dear creature, Amy, but I think you must be careful. Matchmaking is a dangerous game. We cannot know another’s heart with any certainty.’
‘I understand that, Aunt, but James intends to stay in England now, and he is no longer quite so sad. He told me himself that he is looking to the future, and I long to see him happy again.’
‘As do we all, my love.’
‘And then there is Charlotte to consider. Would it not be splendid to see her wed, and out of the clutches of her dreadful mother?’
Miss Langrishe smiled. ‘You have it all worked out, I see. Well, my dear, let us see how we go on. Do you ride with James this morning?’
Amy nodded.
‘Then tell him that I’d like a private word before you leave. The boys are here already, are they not?’
‘Yes, Aunt.’ Amy chuckled. ‘The prospect of a gallop across the hills always brings them to us early.’
‘No doubt!’ Her aunt gave her a quizzical look. ‘We must not hope for quite so much enthusiasm when they accompany you to help James in his work.’
‘They won’t mind,’ Amy told her cheerfully. ‘All we shall need is some evidence of a warrior who has been beheaded out of hand, and they will start digging with a will.’
Miss Langrishe laughed. ‘I fear you may be right. Now send James to me. I think I hear him in the hall…’
She greeted the young man warmly as he entered the room, but James was looking troubled.
‘Ma’am, I owe you an apology,’ he said at once. ‘I should have spoken to you of my plans before I mentioned them to Amy. She has told you of them, I imagine?’
‘Indeed, my dear James! She is full of the scheme.’ Miss Langrishe waved his apology aside. ‘Pray do not worry about it. Amy knows that she must seek my permission before undertaking any such project…’
‘And you have no objection?’
‘Let us say that I have certain reservations, James. This is an unusual scheme to suggest to a young girl. If Amy were to join your party as the only female, I fear for her reputation. At best, she would be considered eccentric, and at worst…well…I must suppose that hoyden would be the kindest word used by Bath society.’
‘But her cousins will accompany us.’
‘That would not serve, my dear. They are still gentlemen.’
‘You will not suggest that she brings her maid?’ James looked horrified.
‘Of course not!’ Miss Langrishe was tempted to laugh aloud at the expression on his face. ‘That would, I imagine, be something new in the annals of archaeology. No, we have another scheme. I have spoken to Amy and we both agree that a female friend might still the gossiping tongues.’
‘But, Miss Langrishe, who would accompany her? I cannot think of any among the girls that I have met here.’
‘Not even Charlotte Skelmersdale?’ Miss Langrishe eyed him closely as she spoke.
James shrugged. ‘She, at least, would not complain of boredom, but, ma’am, you must be aware that her mother would never agree.’
‘Will you leave the lady to me?’
‘With pleasure, ma’am, but I cannot think how you might persuade her. I suppose we could claim an overwhelming urge to picnic in the countryside, but to do so day after day would rouse suspicion.’
‘Of course it would, and I won’t be party to deception, my dear. I shall be honest with Charlotte’s mamma. Your expedition will be explained.’
‘I see!’ James was unconvinced that Miss Langrishe would meet with any success, but he had great respect for her understanding. ‘Then, if Miss Skelmersdale is allowed to join us, you will give the project your blessing?’
‘I will, but tell me something, James. What made you suggest this plan to Amy?’
‘Amy is restless, ma’am. She has a quick mind and a sharp intelligence. I can understand her feelings. She senses
that both are underused. Parties, balls, fashion and gossip are not enough for her. Such feelings can be dangerous in one so young.’
‘Oh, James, you do not feel that she is capable of doing something outrageous?’
‘She would not do so knowingly, but sometimes circumstances can lead the sensible astray. Amy has been casting about for some way in which she might be of use to others. I felt that this scheme might be the answer.’
Miss Langrishe stretched out her hand to him. ‘How wise you are, dear James! Amy is lucky to have such a friend in you.’
‘She is the best of creatures,’ he said warmly. ‘I would not see that star extinguished for lack of interest on my part.’
He left Miss Langrishe lost in thought. The fact that she had never married had not lessened her interest in the affairs of the young people about her. Now she resolved that Emmeline Skelmersdale must be persuaded to allow Charlotte to join James Richmond’s party. Next Friday’s ball would be the ideal opportunity. This gave her several days to perfect her plan of action.
It worked as she had hoped it would. Without resorting to outright deception, she hinted that it would be no bad thing to include Charlotte in the company of a number of young and wealthy men. The project might be a little eccentric, but that was unimportant when one considered so many eligible partis. Charlotte must be prepared to suffer a certain amount of boredom if the desired result was to be attained.
Miss Langrishe beamed upon Emmeline Skelmersdale. ‘You must feel as I do,’ she announced. ‘The welfare of our girls is uppermost in our minds. Dear me, they will be spoilt for choice! Now, I hear James Richmond plans to return from Oxford with his friend, William Linden. You know of him, I expect?’
Her companion’s mouth fell open. A bachelor, a dilettante, and a member of the Royal Society, Sir William was one of the wealthiest men in England, and must be considered every matchmaking mother’s fondest dream.
‘Sadly, the gentleman finds himself so seldom in feminine company,’ Miss Langrishe continued. ‘How pleasant it would be for him to enjoy the company of our dear Charlotte and Amy!’
‘Indeed, indeed!’ Emmeline Skelmersdale was babbling. ‘The welfare of our girls…that is the important thing.’
‘I’m glad that you agree with me.’ Miss Langrishe bent a benevolent look upon her companion. ‘So Charlotte may join the party?’
‘My dear Miss Langrishe, she would be delighted.’ Mrs Skelmersdale suddenly became aware that it would not do to appear to be too acquiescent. ‘Of course, we must hope that these expeditions do not take our girls too far from home…?’
‘Not at all! Sir James has promised that the sites are between here and Bristol. Not so very ancient, I suppose, but Sir William is writing a treatise upon the Civil War.’
‘I see!’ Mrs Skelmersdale’s expression indicated that as far as she was concerned Sir William might have taken an interest in the lunar landscape, but she held her tongue. Sir William’s annual income and his rolling acres entitled him to indulge in whatever eccentricities he wished. Charlotte must be spoken to severely and warned that she must not ignore the Wentworth boys in favour of Sir William. Drat the girl! If previous experience was anything to go by, Charlotte would be ignored in favour of a more outgoing character such as Amy Wentworth.
Her son was more forthright as he took the seat beside her. After the rejection of his offer to Amy he had taken himself to London, at his mamma’s expense, with a view to salving his wounded pride. He had returned to Bath only that afternoon.
‘You have surprised me, ma’am,’ he announced in cutting tones. ‘Do you countenance my sister’s friendship with Miss Wentworth? In my opinion, it is a dangerous thing.’ His expression was vicious as he glanced across at the two girls.
‘I approve of that young woman no more than you do yourself, my dear Frederick. She is pert and much too free with her opinions, but I beg you will consider, my love. Your sister, as you know, has no address, nor any qualities which might persuade a suitable gentleman to offer for her. For some reason that I cannot determine, Miss Wentworth has decided to become her friend. I have high hopes of this connection.’
His reply was brutal. ‘Who will look at Charlotte with Amy Wentworth in the company?’ he demanded.
‘My dear boy, she cannot wed her cousins. Besides, she is so high in the instep that she has refused at least a dozen offers, including your own. Her parents will not insist on obedience to their wishes, although I’m sure they must wonder what is to become of her. From childhood she had been allowed a ridiculous amount of freedom.’
‘She seems mighty friendly with Richmond,’ he remarked in a sullen tone.
His mother gave an ugly laugh. ‘She is wasting her time if she thinks of setting her cap in that direction. Richmond will not wed again, though I consider it his duty to society to do so. I suppose he feels that the role of the grieving widower will make him interesting. I have no patience with such excesses. One might imagine that he is the only man to lose a wife in childbed. If he stopped to think he would realise that it is a common occurrence.’
‘Then you believe that there is nothing more than friendship in their relationship?’ Frederick could not tear his gaze away from Amy. Her rejection of his offer had whetted his appetite to fever pitch. It would be a pleasure to break that spirit to his will.
His mother glanced at him in alarm. ‘You have had a lucky escape, my dear. Think what your life must be if she had accepted you! What man desires constant turmoil in his home? The girl is as eccentric as Sir James. Pray look about you, Frederick! There are so many young ladies who would welcome your attentions.’
Frederick did not argue, but his thoughts were bitter. His mother’s words were of little consolation. The truth was that he wanted Amy Wentworth, and have her he would. Perhaps her friendship with Charlotte could be used to further his own ends.
‘You are right,’ he admitted cautiously. ‘But, Mother, tell me! How can this connection be of benefit to Charlotte?’
‘In many ways, my love, and you should consider them unless you wish to have a spinster sister upon your hands when I am gone. At this present time, Charlotte is constantly in the company of Sebastian Wentworth’s sons. They are high-born, unmarried, and extremely wealthy. As you know, Richmond squires Amy Wentworth everywhere. We may discount him as an eligible parti, but he has friends, including Sir William Linden.’
‘Is he not another eccentric?’
‘With five estates and an enormous income, Sir William cannot be considered eccentric. His interests may be considered a little unusual, perhaps.’
Her son gave her a twisted grin. ‘You are a mistress of understatement, ma’am. So Charlotte is to be allowed to pursue this friendship with Miss Wentworth in the hope that one or other of the gentlemen will offer for her?’
‘I would not put it quite so bluntly, Frederick.’
‘Oh, spare me your hypocrisy! I know your mind, Mamma.’
‘So cruel, when I have only your sister’s interests at heart!’ Mrs Skelmersdale touched a handkerchief to her eyes.
Frederick laughed. ‘Have it as you will! I’ll make no objection to these outings, but I cannot stomach Richmond’s company.’
‘I know, my dear!’ His mother gave him a sympathetic look. ‘There is not the least need for you to do so. Not only is he a bore, but he has a way of looking at one…well…it is so downing!’
‘He’s an arrogant devil! From his manner one might believe that he played some part in Napoleon’s defeat himself. Instead he stayed well away from any danger. Was he not in India and in Egypt?’
‘He was, my dear, but I beg that you will not cross him for the moment. Let us get Charlotte settled first. Why not go over to her, dearest, and make yourself agreeable?’
It was with some ill grace that her son obeyed her, and when he did so it was purely from self-interest. His sister’s happiness meant nothing to him, but he had no wish to support a dependent spinster for the rest of his days.
Charlotte was startled by the kindliness of his tone. It was such at odds with his usual manner towards her. Now he bowed to the assembled company and turned to her.
‘You are in looks tonight, my dear,’ he said with a benevolent smile. ‘May I hope for a dance or is your card quite filled?’
‘Oh, Frederick, I’m afraid it is!’ Charlotte hesitated, afraid of some sharp comment.
‘My fault and that of my brother, sir.’ Henry bowed ‘Pray do not ask us to give up our claims. We cannot forgo the pleasure of your sister’s company.’
‘Of course not!’ Frederick sounded jovial. ‘I should not dream of such a thing. Perhaps I might persuade Miss Wentworth?’
Amy allowed herself an inward groan. Her eyes appealed to James for help, but he gave her a bland smile. There was nothing for it but to accept the proffered hand and allow her rejected suitor to lead her into the dance.
Frederick wasted no time. ‘I haven’t given up hope, Miss Wentworth,’ he whispered in her ear. ‘Pray tell me that you will reconsider my offer.’
‘I thought I had made myself quite clear, sir. I will not marry you, nor could I ever be persuaded to do so.’
‘But why? I can give you a home of your own, children, in short, everything that a woman might desire.’
‘Mr Skelmersdale, you do not know what I desire. Now please, let us end this conversation. It is not agreeable to me, and I have no wish to insult you publicly by leaving you in the middle of a dance.’
Frederick fell silent, but anger rose like a red mist before his eyes. He could have struck her. Instead, he forced a smile, and nodded.
‘It seems that I must abide by your decision, ma’am. I am sorry for it, since my devotion is unchanged, but I respect your wishes.’ Somehow, he got through the rest of the dance and returned her to her companions, but he was trembling with rage.
Something of his disquiet communicated itself to Amy. She was uneasy as she rejoined the others.
She turned to James. ‘You might have helped me,’ she reproached him.
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