Improper

by Darcy Burke

  “Would you mind fetching a plate of biscuits or similar?” Lady Cassandra asked. “I’m feeling a bit peckish.”

  The maid curtsied and took herself off.

  Fiona would never have realized you could ask for something like that. “There was food in the ballroom.”

  “Oh, I’m not really hungry. I just wanted her to leave us alone. Servants often gossip.” Lady Cassandra winked at Fiona. “How can we get to know each other if we’re thinking about whether our words will be repeated?” She looked at Prudence. “You don’t gossip, do you?”

  Fiona answered for her. “Prudence is my friend. She would never.” She didn’t really know that, but she couldn’t see Prudence sharing information. Particularly given her assistance yesterday morning when they’d walked to Hyde Park. To see one of London’s primary attractions firsthand had been exhilarating. Fiona couldn’t wait for her first promenade during the fashionable hour.

  “Wonderful!” Lady Cassandra sat on a chaise and leaned back, bringing her feet onto the cushion. “Is Mansfield on your list of potential husbands?”

  Fiona perched on another chaise but didn’t lie back. “I don’t have a list.” She wanted to tell her she had no plans to wed but also didn’t want to sound provincial or silly. “Do you have one?”

  Lady Cassandra laughed briefly. “No. My father does, but I choose to ignore him. It’s a miracle I persuaded him to let me wait this long to come out. I’m twenty-one, for heaven’s sake. Almost on the shelf.”

  It definitely seemed as though Lady Cassandra’s mother was no longer living, but Fiona wouldn’t ask about it tonight. Hopefully this would be the beginning of a friendship in which they commiserated about a great many things. “Is that true? I’ll be twenty-two in just a few weeks.”

  “I’ll be twenty-two in May, and yes, we are not as young as we ought to be.” She snorted. “But can you imagine being chained to a husband at seventeen or eighteen?” She shuddered.

  “No, but then I can’t imagine being chained to a husband now.” She clamped her lips together as if she could somehow stop the words, but it was too late, of course. “Nor can I imagine anything about being in London, but here I am.” She forced a laugh to cover her mistake.

  Lady Cassandra swung her feet back to the floor and sat up. She did not angle her legs as Lady Pickering had instructed. And she leaned slightly forward, her eyes animated. “Miss Wingate, do you even wish to marry?”

  Fiona wanted to expose her true feelings to this new friend, but Lady Cassandra was the daughter of a duke. On the other hand, she’d also asked for biscuits to keep a maid from eavesdropping on their conversation. Squaring her shoulders, Fiona said definitively, “No.”

  Clapping her hands together, Lady Cassandra rocked back with a delighted chortle. “Oh, this is excellent! You are being forced into this absurdity just like me.” She straightened and looked directly into Fiona’s eyes. “Now we don’t have to do it alone.” Her gaze shot to Prudence, who stood to Fiona’s right. “But I suppose you weren’t anyway. You have a supportive young companion—a friend.” She sounded…envious.

  “And now I have another friend. You must call me Fiona.”

  “Then you must call me Cassandra. We will make the best of the time we have left. Hopefully we can delay having to accept a proposal until the very end of the Season.”

  “That would be lovely. I, er, haven’t told Lord Overton that I don’t wish to wed. I don’t think he’d understand.” Then again, Fiona hadn’t been sure Cassandra would either.

  “Probably not. Men like him have a duty to marry, and women like us are expected to fulfill that duty.” Cassandra lip curled ever so slightly. “And why don’t you want to marry?”

  “It’s so…final. And limiting? I’ve been stuck in a very small town with very few options for so very long.”

  “That’s a great many verys.”

  “It’s so very lovely to be somewhere else. With other people.”

  “You want to experience some freedom,” Cassandra said with an understanding smile. “As much freedom as we’re allowed anyway.” She looked toward Prudence. “What are you doing to help Fiona?”

  “We walked to Hyde Park yesterday morning since she hadn’t been there.”

  “An excellent start.” Cassandra turned her gaze back to Fiona. “Monday we must go to Gunter’s.”

  “Lord Overton is taking me to the British Museum on Monday. I can hardly wait.”

  “Tuesday then. We must also visit Hatchards, Fortnum and Mason, and it would be ever so wonderful to take you shopping in Cheapside.” She frowned. “I’m not allowed to do that, but my aunt has secretly taken me twice.”

  Fiona grinned, so glad she’d met Cassandra. “That all sounds splendid. I want to see everything.”

  “And the Phoenix Club!” Cassandra exclaimed. “That’s the best part of finally having a Season. Now I can see for myself what takes up so much of my brother’s time.”

  “What is the Phoenix Club?” Fiona asked.

  “For us, it’s like Almack’s but so much better.” Cassandra paused, riveting her gaze to Fiona. “Are you familiar with Almack’s?”

  “Only that there are weekly balls later in the Season, and one of the patronesses must invite you or something.”

  “That’s about right. It’s very exclusive and is the premier location of the Marriage Mart. It’s also dreadfully boring, and the food and drink are atrocious.” Cassandra made a face. “Not that I’ve been yet, of course, but that’s what my brother says.”

  Fiona tried to follow everything Cassandra said. There were so many places and people to remember. “Aldington goes to Almack’s but spends most of his time at the Phoenix Club?”

  “My apologies, I have two brothers,” Cassandra said with a smile. “Aldington thinks Almack’s is pleasant—that’s what he says about most things, which renders his opinion almost moot—and he’s never been to the Phoenix Club because he isn’t a member. My other brother, Lucien, owns the Phoenix Club, and he finds Almack’s dreadful. I suppose that’s one of the reasons he founded his club.”

  Her mind swimming, Fiona wanted to know more about this club that Cassandra was so keen to visit. “What’s so exceptional about the Phoenix Club? And why wouldn’t Aldington be a member if your other brother is the owner?”

  “The club is very exclusive, perhaps even more so than Almack’s, though not at all in the same way. Members of the Phoenix Club are more likely to be found on the periphery, or even on the outside, of a ballroom. People like my eldest brother—staid, respectable heirs with every possible privilege—are not generally invited to join.”

  “How fascinating. Do people like Aldington want to be members?”

  “Some do. Others pretend they’re above it, that its membership is lacking.” She lowered her voice to a conspiratorial volume. “I suspect those people are envious and would enthusiastically accept an invitation if it were offered.”

  “I wonder what prompted your brother to establish such a place.” Fiona rather liked the sound of it.

  “He and Con are complete opposites. Where Con is solemn and restrained, Lu is gregarious and…indecorous.” Cassandra grinned. “On occasion. Lucien found the typical gentlemen’s clubs a bit too stiff. The Phoenix Club is his answer. The best part is that the club has a ladies’ side. A women’s version of White’s, if you will.”

  “Indeed? How marvelous. You said you were glad to finally be able to see it now that you’re having a Season. Does that mean I can go too?” Fiona hoped so.

  Cassandra’s mouth compressed into a brief pout. “No. And neither can I, unless it’s to attend one of their assemblies, which they host every Friday starting in March.”

  “Then we’ll do that,” Fiona said eagerly, despite hearing the edge of pessimism in Cassandra’s voice. “Unless there’s some reason we can’t?”

  “Our sponsors must be members of the club for us to attend an assembly. Unfortunately, my aunt is not a member, and I don’t th
ink Lady Pickering is either.”

  “My goodness, the Phoenix Club does sound exclusive,” Fiona said. “And wonderfully progressive. I’m astounded that women have their own side of the club.”

  “And they are allowed to enter the men’s side on Tuesdays.”

  “We can’t be members?” Fiona was certain the answer was no but wanted to be sure she’d understood everything correctly.

  Cassandra shook her head. “We must be married or widowed.” She pursed her lips a moment. “Or perhaps we can be spinsters. I can’t recall. In any case, an assembly is the only time we can see the interior, and we’ll be kept to the ladies’ half of the building and the ballroom, which is shared with the men’s side. We are not allowed to visit any other part of the men’s portion. What I wouldn’t give to see all of it, but especially the men’s side, where my brother reigns supreme. Or so I imagine.”

  “Perhaps there’s a way for us to steal inside,” Fiona suggested with a grin.

  Cassandra laughed, a devilish glint in her eye. “I do like how you think.” She sobered and cast a glance toward Prudence. “I really hope you don’t gossip.”

  “I do not,” Prudence said. “That would be a most unwelcome trait in a companion.”

  “I assure you, she’s completely trustworthy.” Fiona smiled at Prudence just as the door opened.

  The maid had returned with a plate of biscuits. She was also followed by two guests.

  “Here you are, my lady.” The maid offered the plate to Cassandra, who plucked a biscuit from the top.

  “Thank you so very much. These are my favorite.” Giving the maid a bright smile, Cassandra nibbled the biscuit before rising.

  Fiona also stood. Taking a biscuit for herself, she silently asked Prudence if she wanted one by inclining her head. Prudence gave a slight negative shake. Then the three of them quit the retiring room.

  By the time they’d returned to the ballroom, Fiona was feeling even more excited about the Season ahead. It wasn’t just because of all the places Cassandra had mentioned, it was finding Cassandra. A friend.

  After several more dances, multiple glasses of warm lemonade, and making the acquaintance of more people than she could ever recall, Fiona made her way to the coach on aching toes. Lady Pickering said good night and went to her own carriage, while Fiona, Prudence, and the earl climbed into his.

  Fiona and Prudence situated themselves, and Overton sat on the rear-facing seat. He reached up and loosened his cravat the barest amount. Fiona suspected he would like to remove it entirely, but to do so would probably be improper.

  “What did you think of your first ball?” the earl asked.

  “I’m glad it was smaller. There is so much to remember. Particularly the dancing.”

  He chuckled. “You’ll get better.”

  “I should have practiced more.”

  “Perhaps I should have practiced with you. My apologies.” He leaned back against the seat. “Did you have a favorite dance partner?”

  “Mr. Rowntree, I think. He was the most adept at avoiding my missteps.”

  “That bad, eh?” the earl asked, wincing. “I really am sorry I didn’t help you prepare. We’ll do that before the next ball.”

  “Speaking of the next ball, I heard about the Friday assemblies at the Phoenix Club. Will we attend one?”

  His gaze arrested on hers. “No.”

  Disappointment doused Fiona’s enthusiasm. Cassandra had quite provoked her anticipation to attend. “Are you not a member?”

  “I am. A founding one, in fact. Lady Pickering, however, is not, and as your sponsor, she would need to accompany you.”

  “Why isn’t she a member? Cassandra made the club sound quite popular. I would imagine she would belong.”

  He hesitated in answering. “I’m not sure. You’d have to ask her.”

  “Can someone else sponsor me for that assembly?”

  Again, he took his time answering. “Let me think on that. The first one isn’t until the first Friday in March.” He folded his arms over his chest and studied her for a moment, the light from the lantern hanging in the coach casting a warm glow over the planes of his face. “Finding someone to sponsor you—indeed, retaining Lady Pickering as your sponsor—will depend upon your behavior.”

  Fiona’s pulse quickened. “Did I do something wrong tonight?”

  “Not that I saw, and I do recognize this is a huge change for you. But it has come to my attention you were seen walking in Hyde Park early yesterday morning. That is not something young ladies do.” He transferred his disapproving gaze to Prudence. “I would have expected you to know better.”

  “She did,” Fiona said, coming forward from the squab. “She said I couldn’t go, but I insisted. I said I’d go without her.” She glanced over at Prudence and hoped she wouldn’t contradict her. “It was my fault, not hers.” Fiona stared squarely into the earl’s eyes. The pewter looked almost silver in the dim light.

  “I see.” He cast a dubious frown toward Prudence. “I expect you will be more persuasive in the future?”

  Prudence stiffened. “I will try, my lord.”

  Fiona felt terrible. She would not risk Prudence’s position ever again.

  Turning her head as her heartbeat finally began to slow, Fiona stared out the window. This was a big change from the life she’d known. Was it so bad that she wanted to experience every moment, to see as much as she could?

  “I am sorry, Lord Overton,” she said quietly.

  “Just be careful, Miss Wingate. You wouldn’t want to ruin your chances.”

  For marriage. He hadn’t said that, but that’s what he’d meant. For a brief moment, Fiona wondered if ruination might be better.

  Chapter 5

  Tobias could still feel the excitement radiating from his ward as they left the map room at the British Museum. They’d spent all of their time in just this one place, and she still hadn’t seen everything she wanted to.

  “I’m sorry we didn’t view anything else,” she said a bit sheepishly as they made their way along a gallery, her hand curled about his forearm. “And I’m glad Prudence didn’t come, for then I would have bored two people instead of one.”

  Lady Pickering had assured Tobias that he could escort his ward to the museum without a companion or chaperone since he was her guardian, and it was a very public place.

  “I wasn’t bored at all.” He’d enjoyed perusing the maps with her. In all honesty, he enjoyed watching her delight. “Besides, I’ve been here many times, and we shall return.”

  She beamed at him, her deep brown eyes gleaming with joy. “This is the best day I’ve ever had.”

  Tobias felt rather humbled by her statement. It was, after all, just a trip to a museum. Except he supposed it was much more than that for her. She’d spent a few hours poring over maps, which was apparently her favorite thing to do. “I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. Since you like maps so much, I wonder what you think of cartography.”

  “Well, obviously I support the endeavor,” she said wryly. “If you’re asking if I’d like to create maps, I’ve never considered it.”

  “Would you like to read about it? Perhaps you could start with Ptolemy’s Geographia.”

  She slowed, and he had to drastically reduce his stride lest he drag her along. “I’m afraid I did not have an extensive education. I did read all that I could, but I am not familiar with that book.”

  Humility returned as did a bit of regret. He didn’t want her to feel embarrassed about not knowing things. “Are you familiar with Ptolemy?”

  “He was an astronomer, I believe?”

  Tobias nodded. “Also a geographer, mathematician, and astrologer, among other things. He wrote scientific treatises on a great many subjects.”

  “It’s too bad he couldn’t settle on one thing.”

  Tobias smiled in response. “You would find his Geographia interesting, I think. He explains how he used data to create a map of the known world.”

  “That soun
ds fascinating. How can I read it?”

  “I’ll procure a copy.”

  She stopped altogether then and pivoted toward him. “I can’t believe how lucky I am. Thank you. For everything you’ve done. For bringing me here—to London, I mean. I know your father made a promise to my father and that the guardianship was made in writing, but you don’t have to do all that you are. You certainly didn’t have to escort me here today.”

  “It is my pleasure to do so.” And he meant it. Her eagerness and excitement for her new life were infectious. He was surprised by how much he truly enjoyed her company.

  “How will I ever be able to repay your kindness?” She blushed slightly. “Well, I can’t ever actually repay you—that court gown alone is beyond my comprehension of expense—but I should like you to know how grateful I will always be.”

  “When you are married well and happily settled, that will be all the repayment I require.” He patted her hand and started walking again.

  “Lord Overton, Miss Wingate,” a gentleman Tobias recognized as Mr. Rowntree called as he strode toward them.

  Tobias tipped his head slightly toward Miss Wingate and whispered, “Didn’t you dance with him the other night?”

  “Yes,” she murmured as they came to a stop.

  Young and spry with a sharp chin and a warm smile, Mr. Rowntree bowed to Miss Wingate and inclined his head toward Tobias. “Good afternoon. Lovely day to visit the museum. Are you enjoying the exhibits?”

  “Yes, thank you,” Miss Wingate replied. “Do you have a favorite?”

  “I do love the Greek antiquities. I’m just headed there.”

  “Miss Wingate likes maps,” Tobias said. “We’ve just come from the library.” He felt her stiffen and wondered if he’d said something wrong.

  “Oh, indeed? How marvelous. Are you interested in travel, Miss Wingate?”

  “I think so, yes. For now, I’m enjoying exploring London. There is so much to see and do.”

  “You would like my home near Durham. It has a large library with many maps.” He winked at her. “And Durham is a lovely city. The cathedral is perhaps the finest in England.”