by Anne Ashley
‘Beg pardon, ma’am?’ Ruth responded, quite naturally puzzled by the pronouncement.
‘What...? Oh, nothing, my dear. Merely thinking aloud. Do remove that charming bonnet of yours and come and make yourself comfortable next to me on the sofa,’ she added, patting the richly coloured upholstery beside her invitingly. ‘I’m sure we shall become the very best of good friends! In fact, I’m determined on it!’
Although she felt she would need to get to know the lady a good deal better before committing herself to any sort of friendship, Ruth was somewhat encouraged by the warmth of the smile she finally received, most especially as it closely resembled that of a certain special gentleman’s.
‘Oh, and dark chestnut hair, too!’ Sarah acknowledged, when Ruth had done as requested and removed her bonnet, just prior to seating herself. She frowned. ‘I wonder if that is where I have been going wrong all these years?’
‘I’m sorry, my lady, I do not perfectly understand,’ Ruth responded, wondering whether the journey to the capital had fatigued her more than she might have supposed. Her companion seemed to talk in riddles. Quite unfathomable!
‘Oh, you mustn’t mind me,’ Sarah advised, reaching for one slender white hand and retaining it companionably. ‘I do have a tendency to say what I’m thinking, making absolutely no sense whatsoever.
‘Now, Hugo did tell me something about why you’re here,’ she continued, ‘but I’d much rather hear it all again from you. We have plenty of time before luncheon for a long, comfortable coze, so, you may begin by telling me all about yourself.’
* * *
When Hugo returned to the house later that same afternoon, he was immediately struck by his sister’s altered demeanour the instant he entered again that small salon overlooking the street to discover Sarah humming a ditty, while gazing dreamily into space.
Long before he had left the house earlier, his sister’s outraged modesty had given way to interest, and then, unless he had very much misunderstood the matter, utter amazement. Why she should have been quite so surprised by Ruth’s appearance he could only speculate, of course. All the same, he strongly suspected that Miss Ruth Harrington hadn’t turned out to be anything like the female his sister’s ever-fertile imagination had conjured up as his ideal mate.
On first making Ruth’s acquaintance, no one with a ha’p’orth of intelligence could mistake the fact that she was a young lady of quality, both gently bred and virtuous; moreover, one blessed with an abundance of natural charm, and a quick mind. What she lacked in worldly experience she more than made up for in a ready wit and a willingness to learn. As a connoisseur of feminine attributes, he rated her well above the norm, if not strictly speaking a beauty. Consequently, Hugo doubted his sister’s stunned disbelief had arisen from any serious flaw Sarah had immediately perceived in her unexpected houseguest’s overall appearance. Oh, no, it was much more likely, he mused, that her amazement had stemmed from the fact that Ruth resembled not at all that tall, willowy female, with flowing blonde locks and bright blue eyes, whom she had imagined would suit her brother perfectly.
He didn’t doubt, either, that his sister had already begun, mentally at least, to matchmake in a very big way. He had appreciated from the first that this might prove a very real hindrance to furthering his relationship with Ruth, but had been obliged to weigh this possible danger against the many benefits in placing Ruth in Sarah’s care. This did not mean, of course, that he would tamely brook interference in his private concerns, a fact that he had every intention of making perfectly plain. He fully intended to do his own wooing in his own good time!
‘Where’s Ruth...?’ He was not unduly alarmed to discover she wasn’t there. In fact, he had every intention of putting her absence to good use. ‘Resting, I suppose?’
‘Yes, poor girl. Clearly she’s not accustomed to travelling great distances... Well, hardly at all, from what I can gather. And the exertion has finally caught up with her. But it won’t do her a mite of harm to rest. She must accustom herself to town hours quickly, if she wishes to move in polite circles. Which I’m reliably informed is her objective.’
After helping himself to a glass of wine, Hugo seated himself in the chair opposite. ‘And you do not envisage any bar to this, I trust?’
‘Good heavens, no!’ Sarah appeared amazed that he felt the need to ask. ‘You must be aware yourself that her birth is perfectly respectable—the Cambridge Worthings on the distaff side, and a general for a grandfather on the other. I should say not!’
Sarah gazed thoughtfully down at the hearth for a moment, before adding, ‘The life she led in her formative years might, quite naturally, result in a few raised eyebrows if it were to become common knowledge. But I’m sure we can avoid too many references to her childhood.’ She frowned as she stared across at her brother. ‘It might be as well, too, not to mention her recent—er—good fortune.’
Hugo shrugged, thereby betraying his complete unconcern at the prospect of this being spread abroad. ‘I should imagine that if either of Lady Beatrice Lindley’s sisters are intending to spend the Season in town this year, then downright spite might come into play. Besides which, being comfortably circumstanced will prove no handicap. Quite the contrary, I would have thought.’
Sarah almost gaped. ‘But, do consider, Hugo...she’ll have every dastardly fortune-hunter in town after her!’
Hugo smiled. ‘You underestimate her if you suppose she’s incapable of piercing the insincerity of money-seeking wastrels. And then, of course, I shall do my utmost to protect her from unwanted attention.’
‘That’s all very well, Brother, but just supposing that not all those who are attracted to her are merely bent on improving the state of their finances? She’s a fine-looking young woman, after all.’
‘I’m well aware of it. And would be amazed if she didn’t attract a following from discerning members of my sex,’ he returned, not altogether happy at the prospect, but having already accepted the likelihood of it happening. ‘After the life she’s been obliged to lead during the past decade, she richly deserves to find a gentleman with whom she could happily spend the rest of her life. And I, for one, sincerely hope she does.’
If Sarah had been perplexed by his attitude a short time before, she appeared positively astounded by it now. ‘Oh, I see,’ she murmured. ‘Well...at least...I think I do.’ She regarded him in silence before asking, ‘So it is your wish that I take her to some fashionable parties and...and introduce her to some eligible gentlemen?’
‘I don’t see how you could possibly avoid doing so, as it is her desire to mix with the fashionable world. But don’t forget, Sarah, she has a reason for wishing to do so and it has nothing whatsoever to do with finding a husband.’
‘N-no, I quite appreciate that,’ she assured him. ‘And it just so happens that I discovered quite recently that Lady Constance Styne is overseeing her eldest granddaughter’s come-out this Season. If my memory serves me correctly she was a close friend of Lady Beatrice for many years. I shall make it my business to ensure our paths cross in the near future. But in the meantime, Hugo...’
Experiencing a surge of unease, not to mention perplexity at her brother’s attitude to various matters, Sarah began to gnaw at her bottom lip, wondering how best to approach what might be termed a delicate subject, then quickly deciding only bluntness would serve. ‘Hugo, if you wish me to chaperon Ruth to some fashionable parties, I’m afraid certain necessary additions must be made to her wardrobe.’
One masculine brow rose, clearly betraying surprise. ‘Oh, why so? I’ve observed nothing amiss with her attire.’
‘Well, that’s absolutely no commendation!’ Sarah returned tartly. ‘As you’ve spent so little time in the capital in recent years, you’re hardly in a position to say what is fashionable and what isn’t. And I tell you plainly, her attire is sadly provincial. Well made, I will own,’ she co
nceded. ‘I saw that for myself when I helped her and her maid unpack earlier.
‘Furthermore, she knows precisely what suits her,’ she continued, pleased to be discussing a subject on which she was far more knowledgeable than her brother. ‘Her day dresses will do very well, with perhaps one or two additions, and a few accessories. But I’m afraid she has brought nothing suitable for evening wear. She’s going to need several new gowns.’
‘So wherein lies the problem?’ he asked, smiling to himself as he had a fairly shrewd notion of what his sister was about to demand of him next.
She didn’t disappoint when she spread her hands in a helpless gesture and said, ‘Well, I hardly know her, Hugo. And the last thing I should wish is to cause offence.’
‘And you think the suggestion would be better coming from me, is that it? Well, perhaps you’re right,’ he conceded. ‘But should it slip my memory to broach the subject at an appropriate time, then just take her about and buy whatever she needs and have the bills sent to me.’
* * *
It would have been a rare female who wasn’t both dazzled and delighted by the sheer choice and wide variety of female attire offered for sale in the capital, and Ruth, very much conforming to type, enjoyed immensely visiting various bazaars and warehouses during the following days. It wasn’t until her first week in London was drawing to a close and the Lansdowns’ fine town carriage had conveyed them to the premises of one of the city’s most select modiste’s, that she felt she must call a halt to what she considered a rather extravagant spending spree.
Any formality having ceased between them almost from the first, she didn’t think twice about grasping Sarah by the elbow in an attempt to edge her surreptitiously towards the shop door again.
‘Oh, do pray let us leave,’ she implored in an undertone, when she met with surprising resistance, and Sarah continued to examine a length of fine amber silk. ‘Didn’t you hear how much that gown is costing the customer over there? Why, it’s extortionate! I could have at least half a dozen made for that price back home!’
Like her brother, Sarah utterly adored her charming house guest’s openness and unaffected manner. The fact that she didn’t boggle at plain speaking was also, Sarah considered, very much to her credit, especially on occasions such as these, when only bluntness would serve.
‘My dear girl, you cannot possibly go about resembling a country milkmaid here in town if you wish to make any kind of impression.’
‘But I don’t want to make an impression,’ Ruth pointed out.
‘Now that’s just plain silly,’ Sarah didn’t hesitate to counter the instant she had fully digested the very interesting reply, which gave her every reason to suppose that searching for a suitable mate really wasn’t high on Ruth’s agenda at all. ‘You’re here, are you not, to discover what happened to your late benefactress, and you’ll not do so unless you mix with those people who knew her well.’
‘Well, I suppose you’re right,’ Ruth conceded. ‘But I do think Hugo would be better at doing that.’
‘Of course he wouldn’t! It would create a very odd impression if he suddenly began asking questions about a woman he hardly knew, whereas it would be deemed quite natural for you to do so.’
Honesty obliged Ruth to concede that this was possibly true also, before adding, ‘But I simply cannot have Hugo presented with such extortionate bills. It was good of him to offer to stand my banker, but I shall not take flagrant advantage of his generosity.’
‘My brother is no pauper,’ Sarah assured her. ‘Not only did he attain sizeable sums of prize money during the Peninsular Campaign, not to mention his share of dear Papa’s private fortune, he was left a considerable sum by a wealthy aunt of ours. She favoured him above any other member of the family. But I was not one whit jealous. She very generously left me most all her jewels.’
Ruth couldn’t help smiling at this. Although she had grown to like Hugo’s sister very much, there was no denying there was a streak of quaint snobbery in her character, much the same as Lady Beatrice had possessed. Money and social position meant a great deal to both ladies. Which wasn’t so very surprising when one considered they both sprang from the same social class, Ruth decided.
But she did not, and spending so much money on just one gown seemed outrageously extravagant, not to say downright sinful. She was on the point of attempting to argue further when she was foiled by none other than the proprietress of the establishment herself, who appeared from behind a curtain and immediately approached Sarah, instantly capturing her attention.
‘Lady Lansdown perhaps wishes a further gown for this Season?’ she said in a French accent that sounded distinctly false to Ruth’s ears.
‘I must confess I’m rather taken with this amber silk, Madame Carré. But I’m not come for myself. Miss Harrington, here, has recently arrived in town and is in urgent need of several evening gowns.’
The modiste threw up her hands in an exaggerated Gallic gesture. ‘Ah, madame! I should be only too happy to oblige, especially to one who has remained a loyal and valued customer for so many years. But, alas, the start of the Season, my busiest time, and so many orders to complete...’
Her words fading, the proprietress turned her attention to Ruth for the first time, casting an expert eye over a trim figure that couldn’t fail to do justice to any creation.
‘Ha! But wait, madame, I beg of you,’ she added, when Sarah turned, about to leave. ‘I just might be in a position to help, after all... If you and Miss Harrington would care to follow me?’
Clearly better pleased than Ruth with the modiste’s unexpected change of heart, Sarah didn’t hesitate to follow the famous dressmaker into a small back room, leaving Ruth to bring up the rear. A young assistant was dispatched to a stockroom and duly returned with three dazzling creations carefully draped over her arms.
The modiste then proceeded to display them on a wooden rail, announcing as she did so that, although unsuitable for a young girl embarking on her first Season to wear, they would admirably suit someone with Miss Harrington’s colouring.
On this particular issue, Ruth could not fail to agree, after trying on each beautifully made gown in turn, all of which required the merest adjustment to ensure a perfect fit. Although she did consider the low-cut necklines faintly immodest, it was the total cost of the creations that troubled her most of all.
‘You must not consider the cost,’ Sarah cautioned the instant Ruth attempted to broach the subject. ‘Hugo has promised to pay for anything you need.’
‘None the less, I’ve no intention of continuing to take such flagrant advantage of your brother’s good nature. I’m hard pressed now to look him in the face, after all the purchases I’ve made during these past days.’
‘A few furbelows, mere trifles!’ Sarah returned, with a dismissive wave of one hand.
Having followed this little exchange with interest, the wily modiste decided to intercede before she risked losing a promising sale, not to mention a brand new client who appeared to have already made for herself some influential friends.
‘You will have possibly appreciated by now, Mademoiselle Harrington, that these gowns were ordered by another client of mine, whose name I shall not divulge. Suffice it to say I accepted the commission on the strict understanding that all outstanding bills would be settled. This has not occurred and I therefore feel at liberty to sell the garments to another. However, I do appreciate that you did not personally select the garments yourself and I am prepared, therefore, to reduce the price...a little. I also promise to have the gowns adjusted, at no extra cost to yourself, and delivered to you within the next few days. Now, what could be fairer than that?’
Nothing as far as Sarah was concerned, and before Ruth could even begin to query the extent of the reduction, she was being whisked from the premises with unseemly haste, experiencing the distinct feeling that
the sooner she focused on the business which had brought her to town, the better it would be for her peace of mind.
Chapter Seven
By the time her second week in the capital was well under way, Ruth had almost accustomed herself to town hours and to the string of callers who almost daily invaded the house. It was all so very different from the life she had led back in Somerset, where it was unusual to receive more than half-a-dozen visitors a week!
In many ways she enjoyed all the hustle and bustle of town life. It was all so new and exciting. Although she had yet to attend any formal gatherings, she had received several invitations to accompany Sarah out, when that lively matron had called to see friends in the afternoons. Ruth’s days had also been occupied by viewing many popular sites, which had also proved to be enjoyably interesting. What hadn’t pleased her so much was the fact that Hugo had never once offered to accompany her. It had always been either her personal maid or Sarah.
As the days had passed, she had seemed to see less and less of him. He was always out in the evenings, meeting up with his wide circle of friends, a great many of whom, apparently, he hadn’t seen for several years. She knew she ought not to feel aggrieved. After all, she had absolutely no right to expect him to dance attendance upon her. He had already done more than enough for someone who was neither a long-standing friend, nor a family member, by escorting her to London, not to mention ensuring her continued safety by placing her in the care of his sister. The trouble was she found herself missing him more and more when he wasn’t there. Worse, still, she couldn’t rid herself of the lowering feeling that he just might be deliberately avoiding her and was possibly already regretting his altruism towards a virtual stranger.
Consequently, she couldn’t conceal her delight when, midway through the second week, he strolled into the breakfast parlour and instantly banished all those foolish notions about a possible thawing of pleasure in her company by casually asking her to accompany him out a little later in a curricle.