How could she not appear as distressed as she felt?
“Darling, don’t fret,” her mother’s voice intoned in a would-be consoling tone that did absolutely nothing it was intended to. “Miss Morton will be perfectly fine this evening. You saw how she did with our family.”
Izzy managed a wan smile in the general direction of her mother but had to laugh silently. Yes, she had seen how Kitty had done, and if she had not been so perfectly obsessed with fear about her current situation, she might have been equally as terrified about Kitty this evening. But that had not even been close to the forefront of her mind, and it was a shameful thing for a mentor to admit.
Kitty could not possibly be more afraid than Izzy at the present, and the pair of them would be utterly useless to each other and to everyone else.
But her mother did have a point, she had to admit. She could not be so selfish as to focus so entirely on herself that she completely neglected the girl who was relying on Izzy as her source of strength and comfort in all this.
However foolishly placed it was tonight.
She could do both. She could take care of Kitty tonight as well as potentially risk her reputation and her future. And do both with subtlety.
She could.
“I believe it would do you some good to help Kitty Morton,” her mother said suddenly, adjusting her gloves. “While you may not have had success in the marriage front of Society, you do tend to navigate things well, and everybody always speaks so highly of you.”
Izzy turned to her mother in surprise, smiling. “Thank you, Mama.”
Her mother looked up and scowled a bit. “Oh, don’t sound so surprised, Izzy. I know very well you are a sensible girl with good manners and training, I would never raise a fool.”
The blustering defense didn’t rankle Izzy in the slightest, and she smiled more fully. “You love me, Mama,” Izzy teased.
“Well, of course I do,” her mother protested playfully. “What sort of mother does not love her children?”
“Mine,” Izzy’s father retorted with a laugh from his side of the carriage.
“Oh, hush!” his wife scolded, kicking at his shins half-heartedly. “She did too.”
He laughed more and shrugged, sitting back with his arms folded and winking at Izzy.
Izzy only shook her head and looked out of the window, feeling somehow marginally better for laughing with her parents. Her loving parents who had no idea what she was about, and whose possible reaction to her secret gave her pause.
She straightened as they pulled into the drive of Charlotte’s home, knowing that if she showed any hint of her distress, Charlotte would pounce upon it the moment she saw her.
No, she had to get through the politeness of greetings and venture into the ballroom, exchange pleasantries, and eventually wander to the Spinster Corner, as it was called here, before she could relax her features into whatever state they needed to be in.
By then, she would be well on her way to accomplishing her task anyway,
Hopefully.
They unloaded from the carriage and made their way up to the house, shedding their cloaks and wraps before moving into the receiving area.
Charlotte had gone to her usual extravagances in appearance, particularly when her family hosted, but she seemed to pay very little attention to it, now that guests were arriving. She never fussed or fidgeted with her appearance in public, not due to any sort of proper behavior or comportment training, but out of sheer lack of concern. She simply couldn’t be bothered by something so trivial as her appearance when she was so busy making conquests she would never do anything with.
Mr. and Mrs. Wright beamed at Izzy, which they usually did, and Charlotte defied all protocols by hugging Izzy soundly, though they had seen each other only days ago.
“Save me,” Charlotte hissed through a perfect smile. “I can’t bear a single moment more of polite greetings.”
“I can hear you, dear,” her mother informed her with a knowing smile. “We are almost through here, Miss Lambert can wait for you in the ballroom.”
Charlotte groaned even as Izzy laughed and allowed herself to be released. “Fine,” Charlotte grumbled, “but I do so hate politeness.”
“We know,” her brother Charles assured her without reserve. “But it takes longer if you moan about it, so let’s get on with it, eh?”
Charlotte looked ready and keen to argue with her older brother, but her father intervened with a quick, “Enough, Charlotte.”
It settled her, but only just.
Izzy clamped down on her lip as her parents escorted her into the ballroom.
Events with the Wright family were so very entertaining.
“I don’t know what anybody sees in that girl,” Izzy’s mother mumbled as they moved into the fine and very full ballroom.
Izzy jerked to look at her mother. “Mama! You adore Charlotte!”
Her mother met her gaze without concern. “I know. And I have no idea why.”
Izzy chortled a laugh and nodded to her parents as she parted from them, moving towards the small cluster of her friends already gathering.
Kitty and Sebastian were not here yet, as far as she could see, and she was grateful for it. She needed time.
Tony and Georgie suddenly crossed her path, and she beamed in delight at them.
“Nobody is ever that delighted to see me but you,” Georgie informed her as she kissed her cheek. “It’s always so refreshing.”
Tony coughed once. “I beg your pardon? You find my reactions to seeing you somehow lacking?” He turned to Izzy and winked. “Good evening, cousin.” He kissed her cheek as well.
Izzy laughed and patted his arm. “I am sure you greet her very well indeed, Tony.”
“I should hope so,” he retorted gruffly, giving his wife a sidelong look which she ignored.
Georgie looked around the room, then back at Izzy. “Where are the Mortons? I am so wanting to see Kitty again, and Tony says he will dance with her if she will be comfortable.”
“I never said that,” Tony broke in easily, “though I will gladly do so.”
His wife rolled her eyes. “Then why bother saying you didn’t say that, when you just did?”
“Because order of events is important.”
“Not here.”
“In some places.”
“Name one.”
Tony got a fiendish look in his eye. “Well, for one…”
“Please don’t,” Izzy laughed, waving her hand. “But I am sure Kitty would appreciate a dance, if she is comfortable.”
Georgie sobered and nodded once. “Do you think she will be?”
Izzy sighed and shook her head. “I don’t know, honestly. We have spent so much time having her grow comfortable with us that I haven’t had time to explore just what it is that makes her so timid and fearful.” She ducked her chin a little and looked at her gloves. “And I am a little worried that her continued association with us will only label her a spinster.”
“With or without a capital S?” Tony asked playfully.
Izzy gave him a hard look, then laughed. “Either. Both. I don’t suppose it matters.”
Georgie shrugged. “Not really. But don’t worry. She’s associating with you, and you’re the favorite anyway.”
Izzy rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Ridiculous. You two go and dance, I’ll go look for the Mortons, or at least Lady Hetty.”
“Watch out for Miranda,” Tony warned as he took Georgie’s hand, “if she comes this evening. She’s got a fiendish desire to meet Kitty. And see you.”
“God save us,” Izzy muttered, moving away.
Miranda Sterling was the last thing they needed on a night when she and Kitty would be entirely out of their comfort, and while she was much adored by all the Spinsters, it was an adoration rather like her mother’s regard of Charlotte. They were none of them quite sure why it existed.
Lady Hetty Redgrave sat in her usual chair, and Izzy moved to sit by her, smiling fo
ndly.
“Before you sit down, Isabella,” Lady Hetty said, holding out a hand, “would you mind terribly asking if my wrap might be fetched for me? There is a draft tonight, and I find myself too chilled.”
Izzy nodded, taking the older woman’s hand. “Of course, Lady Hetty. I’ll only be a moment.”
Lady Hetty smiled with surprising warmth. “You are a dear. You must sit beside me when you return. I cannot abide the others.”
“Yes, you can,” Izzy laughed, squeezing the hand she held.
Lady Hetty gave her a dubious look that made Izzy laugh again.
“May I bring my friend Kitty Morton to sit with us?” Izzy asked. “It’s her first Season, and I’m to mentor her. She is a very sweet girl, but so very timid.”
“Oh, the poor chick,” Lady Hetty clucked softly. “Yes, indeed, bring her along. I should be happy to assist you there.”
“Thank you, Lady Hetty.” She turned and quickly made for the door where a servant stood, only to suddenly see Sebastian and Kitty Morton entering.
Kitty looked utterly terrified but brightened considerably at seeing Izzy. “Izzy!”
Sebastian smiled and bowed in greeting.
“Oh, don’t you look perfectly charming!” Izzy praised, taking Kitty’s hands. “You are radiant, Kitty!”
Kitty blushed on the spot and averted her eyes, though she smiled.
“Ah, I’ve made you uncomfortable,” Izzy said gently, trying for apologetic. “I am sorry, dear, but praise must be expected.”
“That’s what Sebastian says,” Kitty all but whispered, smiling up at her brother.
“He is right,” Izzy confirmed. “In this case, at least.”
Sebastian raised a brow at her. “In this case?”
Izzy shook her head. “Sweeping declarations are for children, Mr. Morton, not adults,” she retorted, glancing at him quickly. She returned her focus to Kitty. “Take a seat by Lady Hetty over there. Your brother knows her and may make introductions. I am fetching her wrap, and I’ll only be a moment.”
“You?” Sebastian asked with a curious tilt to his head. “Not a servant?”
“I mean to have a servant do so,” Izzy said quickly, moving past. “I only mean to inform them.”
She hurried to do so, not bothering to see if they did as she suggested. The footman at the door was more than usually accommodating, and assured Izzy he would bring it to Lady Hetty himself.
Clearly, the Wrights had rather intelligent servants.
Her duty done, Izzy hurried back to her corner, eager to begin her evening with Kitty and get on with her own business.
“Miss Lambert.”
She bit back a groan as Charlotte’s brother stepped into her path, smiling with his usual friendliness. “Mr. Wright.”
“I wonder if you might do me the greatest of favors,” he began, clasping his hands behind his back.
Izzy exhaled, her shoulders drooping, and she nodded. “Of course. What can I do?”
Charles’s smile spread. “Charlotte had nothing to drink between greeting our guests and gathering her followers, and our mother is concerned. I would take something to her myself, but I am promised to dance with Catherine Burns, and you know how impatient she can be.”
Izzy opened her mouth to reply, but Charles was already gone, turning to the dance floor, Catherine Burns flocking to his side.
There was nothing for it, then.
Fixing her most pleasant smile on her face, Izzy moved across the ballroom, getting jostled momentarily by a few over-exuberant would-be dancers, and found a footman bearing a tray of beverages in a corner.
She plucked one off with a nod at him and hurried as quickly as she could over to Charlotte, pushing through her admirers gently. Only one, Michael Sandford, paid Izzy any attention, and he smiled very warmly and helped her get through the throng.
Charlotte beamed at her without reserve, which made the rest of the men consider Izzy with a new light. “My dear, sweet Izzy! What a thoughtful creature you are! I am so very parched, and none of these idiots thought to bring me anything at all.” She scowled at the men around her, and took the glass from Izzy, drinking deeply even as the men began to protest and apologize as one.
“Funny how we should think of such things when she never says so,” Michael murmured for Izzy’s ears alone.
She fought a giggle, giving him a quick look. Michael had been a friend of the Wrights for ages and was always so kind and considerate with the rest of the Spinsters. It puzzled her that he should have said ‘we’, including himself, when, as far as she knew, Charlotte had never given him the slightest encouragement. Yet, the pair of them were thick as thieves when it suited her, and their friendship had been a constant throughout her years of shameless flirtation. It seems Charlotte only felt friendship for him, however.
Poor man.
“I say, Miss Lambert,” one of the others said. “You’re a good sort. Fetch me one, will you? I’ll lose my spot if I go myself.”
“And I, Miss Lambert!”
“I would not mind a glass.”
“Now, see here,” Michael tried to interject, but the others paid him no mind.
Charlotte rolled her eyes. “She is not my servant, you fools. She most certainly will not go…”
“I don’t mind,” Izzy managed, her cheeks flaming. “Truly. It is a short walk, and Mr. Graves does have a decent position at your left arm. He mustn’t give that up.”
The others chuckled, and Charlotte looked pained through her smile.
Izzy ignored it, and Michael’s gentle hand upon her arm, and moved back to the footman. She took three glasses from him, ignoring his gaze, and returned to the group.
Who then requested another four drinks, which sent her back to the footman, who now followed her, for which she was most grateful. She could carry three, but four could have been catastrophic.
Charlotte widened her eyes meaningfully at Izzy this time, and Izzy took the hint, ducking away before anyone else could request refreshment of her. Michael nodded his approval, and Izzy nodded in return.
“I say, Miss Lambert…”
Izzy pressed her tongue against her teeth as she stopped and turned with a smile to Mr. Greensley, who had always been particularly kind to her, if a bit dismissive. “Mr. Greensley.”
“I hate to trouble you,” he said with the same polite smile everyone else wore around her. “Miss Sophia Chambers has grown quite overheated in this room and has no fan to relieve her. I wonder if you might speak to the Wrights about the heat. I do not know them well enough to express any complaints, and…”
“Of course, of course,” Izzy replied at once, her irritation turning to concern. “Is she all right? Is there anything I can do?”
Mr. Greensley smiled further. “Oh, if you wouldn’t mind, I think…”
“Miss Lambert, I am sorry to say, is dancing the next with me,” a low voice interrupted beside them, “and the time has come to begin. I believe you will find a servant not ten feet behind you, and they would be perfectly willing to do as you bid.”
Izzy turned quickly to see Sebastian there, looking barely polite.
Mr. Greensley swallowed uncomfortably. “Of course. My apologies.”
Izzy’s face warmed, and she removed the fan from her wrist. “Take this to her, Mr. Greensley. It will help.”
His smile returned, and he nodded as he took it. “Thank you, Miss Lambert.”
Sebastian put a hand at her elbow and turned her away from him, moving quickly towards the dance.
“Why do I suddenly feel as though I have done something terribly wrong?” Izzy muttered, her eyes squarely ahead. “And that I am about to be scolded?”
“It is not in me to scold you,” he responded, his voice tight. “Though I would be so inclined.”
Izzy scowled up at him as they lined up with the others. “For what? Doing a service?”
“Becoming a service,” he corrected, bowing with the others. “I saw the entire thing, Mi
ss Lambert, and the abuse of your goodness irritates me.”
Abuse? Izzy coughed in surprise and began the first movements of the dance. “There was no such thing! I like being nice, Mr. Morton.”
Sebastian gave her a curious look. “And do you like everyone and their aunt taking advantage of you?” he asked, his tone mild.
“They don’t…” she protested.
“They do,” he overrode. “They quite literally just did.”
Izzy felt an unusual curl of anger in her stomach, and she raised her chin in defiance. “They didn’t do anything differently than what you did.”
Sebastian chuckled, seeming truly amused by her accusation. “Oh, I know I blatantly took advantage of you, and you should have told me to go to the devil.”
Now she frowned. “But I don’t want you to go to the devil.”
His eyes rolled as they joined for the next movement. “It’s a phrase, Isabella. For heaven’s sake, you are not this naïve, I see it in your eyes.”
No, she was not. She knew very well what she allowed and how it tended to grow the more she gave in.
“I’m sorry,” she murmured, lowering her eyes as he turned her.
“Don’t apologize, for God’s sake,” he told her softly, bringing her eyes up to his.
His smile encouraged her to smile back.
“I only wish you wouldn’t be quite so biddable,” he continued.
“You and Georgie both,” Izzy laughed, the tension within her easing slightly.
“I knew I liked her.” He smiled more fully and parted from her as the dance continued.
Izzy bit the inside of her lip, then steeled herself when they met once more. “I wonder, though, Mr. Morton, if you might consider doing me a favor, given that I did not tell you to go to the devil…”
Chapter Eleven
A daring venture must be carefully considered from all aspects. There is absolutely no sense in rushing into something that may prove fraught with risks. Then again, there is something to be said for trusting an impulse…
-The Spinster Chronicles, 2 March 1816
Spinster and Spice (The Spinster Chronicles, Book 3) Page 13