His father’s eyes were boring into him. Jasper was surprised that he had not sensed the marquis’ attention. It was rarely a good thing, and he had developed a sixth sense about it as a form of self preservation as a child. Jasper lifted his eyebrow in inquiry, smiled slightly, and lifted his glass in salute. The marquis’ face remained inscrutable as he nodded in acknowledgement and then turned to speak to someone who had just hailed his attention.
Once again Jasper congratulated himself on the brilliant idea of bringing Daisy to accompany him to his mother’s house party. She was a hit with everyone she met. He wondered if it was a skill born of being a governess that she was able to sail so serenely through the social gauntlet or if it was a skill she had learned during that mysterious childhood of hers. He resolved to solve the mystery of his little friend, the governess.
Despite the commotion around her, Daisy had witnessed the exchange of glances between Jasper and his father. It bothered her that there was so little warmth between the two men. It was very different with Jasper’s sister and their parents. While the marquis would never be called a gregarious man, there was certainly much more warmth between him and his daughter. She wondered if it would be possible to mend the rift between father and son. Daisy would give anything to have her parents back; she hated to see someone throwing away the opportunity to enjoy their family. She pushed the thoughts to the back of her head as her attention was again demanded by one of the other guests.
There were so many more people this evening than on previous days. The marchioness had outdone herself. While Daisy suspected it would be far from a crush by London standards, for her it was the closest thing she was going to experience, and she was nearly beside herself with excitement. She gathered she was too old to clap her hands and do a little dance of joy, so she maintained her composure on the outside as best as she could but that was what was going on inside her head. Once again her eyes met Jasper’s, and they shared a delighted smile. They were both getting exactly what they wanted out of this week. She turned her attention back to getting the most out of the experience.
Just as the butler announced dinner, Daisy wondered who would be her escort into the dining room. She was surprised when Jasper came to take her arm.
“There are enough people here we need not stand so much on ceremony. I shall be your escort for the very short walk, my dear.”
“Delightful,” was Daisy’s reply. She wondered if the marchioness would be dismayed. Looking around, she was surprised to catch Jasper’s mother looking at them with approval. “Your mother looks happy, my lord,” she murmured.
“You have that effect on everyone,” he said, smiling disarmingly.
Daisy dismissed his words with a roll of her eyes. “You could charm a snake from its skin, my lord.”
They sat down and were introduced to the people closest, with whom they could converse. Jasper was on Daisy’s left; to her right was a rakish looking young buck. Daisy had heard the other young ladies chattering about Lord Ethan Hawkridge. He was the indolent heir to the Earl of Welland, Jasper’s brother in law. That is to say, he is the heir until the earl and his new bride manage to produce offspring of their own. Daisy anticipated some fascinating conversation from him.
Across from her was Lord Justin Fulton, his wife was to his right, in front of Jasper. Daisy had heard a few rumors about them and how they had come to be married. Of course, she would never be able to ask them about it, but she wondered if they would volunteer anything interesting.
The final guest with whom Daisy could reasonably converse was in front of Lord Hawkridge. A pretty young woman from a neighboring estate, Miss Margaret Ecklestone appeared to be overwhelmed with the company she found herself in. Daisy wondered if this was the first time she had been included in the Abernathys’ entertainments. It would seem the girl had not had a London Season to polish off her air of fascination. Daisy’s eyes flicked to Lord Hawkridge’s face to see how he was taking the prospect of being seated in front of a country miss. She was surprised to see a look of pleasant amusement on his normally bored visage. Daisy knew it was going to be an interesting dinner even before any food was served.
Daisy applied herself to making polite conversation with the people around her. She began with Lord Fulton, surmising he would be the easiest to talk to besides Jasper, but it would not do to allow themselves to monopolize each other all night.
“Did you have far to travel to arrive at Abernathy this evening, my lord?”
“No, Miss Pembroke, we were already at one of our nearby properties. It was a convenient invitation to accept. We had no idea Abernathy had such grand entertainment planned. It is a good thing one always dresses appropriately when dining with a marquis.”
Daisy grinned over the earl’s wry joke and watched with a pinch of envy as he exchanged a private glance with his wife. She almost sighed over the evidence that theirs was obviously a love match. The whispers she had heard indicated that it had not started out that way, but it was clear that it was now. Daisy swallowed the lump in her throat and pushed aside the wish that she was an adoring wife on the receiving end of just such a look. She took a sip of her wine to wash down the sour taste suddenly in her mouth and decided that Lord Fulton was NOT the safest first conversationalist for the evening and turned to the gentleman on her right.
“Did you have far to travel this evening Lord Hawkridge? I do believe I heard Lady Bess mentioning you would be staying on for a couple of days after this evening.”
“That is correct, Miss Pembroke, you shall not be rid of me quite so quickly as some of the other new additions to the party.”
“Why would I wish to be rid of you, my lord?” Daisy was intrigued by the young man’s choice of words.
“Are you not loyal to the Abernathy plots?”
Daisy felt her eyes widen at his words. She tried to maintain a façade of nonchalance, but his words were far too surprising. She had no idea what he was talking about and refused to look to Jasper for assistance. She smiled brightly and pointed out to him, “I hope it is not gauche of me to point out that you did not answer my first question, my lord.”
Now Lord Hawkridge smiled with genuine amusement. “Ah yes, did I travel far? My dear Miss Pembroke, such a question reveals your ignorance about matters of the ton. You should be more careful what you ask.”
Daisy refused to be intimidated by his tactics of evasion. She stood her ground, unconsciously raising her chin and an imperious eyebrow. “Really, my lord?” she drawled, her tone implying boredom. “I thought it merely revealed polite interest and the fact that I do not follow the gossip too closely. As a young, unmarried lady I would consider it unseemly for me to be aware of your movements.”
She was happy to see that her words had gained her a modicum of respect in his eyes. He inclined his head to her. “Very well, my dear, you might have a valid point there. No, I did not have overly far to travel to arrive. In anticipation of the event ,I was visiting friends in the vicinity. But as Abernathy is rather far from my usual abode, I will be staying for a couple of days here as an additional house guest.” He paused for a moment before commenting, “If I understand correctly, you and the viscount will be heading back to London in two days.”
“That is correct. Many of the guests will be leaving on the morrow, but his lordship wished to spend a little bit of time with his family while there were fewer people about and his parents would be more available.”
“Reasonable sentiment, I suppose.” He nodded as though she had asked his opinion. “How do you feel about staying at Abernathy when there are fewer people as a buffer between you and the marquis?”
Daisy was astounded at the ill-mannered question and again wondered what the baron’s motivation could possibly be. He was a mere connection to Abernathy. Daisy did not pose any threat to his position whatsoever, unlike Bess whose potential pregnancy could disinherit him. She felt her hackles rising and wondered why he would try to antagonize her.
“I find the
marquis and his wife to be hospitable and generous hosts. It shall be a pleasure to remain as their guest for a couple more days, as I am sure you shall soon find out for yourself. I assume from your question that this is your first time to be visiting here.” She kept a polite smile pinned to her face as she watched his reaction to her words. She was surprised to see amusement once more shining in his eyes.
“Actually, I have been here on a couple of occasions, most notably my uncle’s marriage to Abernathy’s daughter. But I can see why you made the assumption. I hope you find the rest of your stay here as enjoyable as you have so far.”
“Thank you, my lord. I wish the same for you. I am certain it shall be an easy hope to fulfill.” With as gracious a smile as she could muster, she turned away, directing her attention back to Lord Fulton. His sweet attentions toward his wife would be easier to stomach than Lord Hawkridge’s snide questioning.
Daisy wondered what a debutante would ask an earl if she were seated across from him at dinner. “Have you heard any good speeches in the House of late, my lord?” That probably wasn’t what a debutante would ask, but it was what interested Daisy, so it is what issued from her mouth. She accompanied the question with a winsome smile, hoping the earl would answer the question honestly rather than in a way that he would expect would be socially accepted by a young miss.
“As a matter of fact, Miss Pembroke, there have been several interesting discussions recently, thank you for asking. Are you interested in the politics of our land?”
“Not necessarily the politics, my lord, but the results should be of interest to us all, would you not agree? I understand a degree of negotiating and wrangling might be necessary to accomplish the most good for the highest number of people, but I do not think I would wish to be in your shoes. I do think it would be fascinating to witness a session, though.”
“Why not do so, then? The gallery is open to visitors for most sessions, even ladies. My wife, on occasion, will come when she knows I am to speak.” He said this with a note of quiet pride. Daisy again felt the nasty bite of envy but refused to give in to it. Lord Fulton continued, “In fact, I am sure she would be glad for your company. She has mentioned she feels decidedly outnumbered on the occasions that she visits.”
His wife must have been listening to their conversation, though she was speaking with the person on her right, because at his words she glanced at Daisy momentarily with a welcoming smile on her lips before she turned her attention back to her companion.
A flush of pleasure suffused her body for a moment before Daisy remembered that she would never be able to accept Lady Fulton’s invitation. When she returned to London, she would be returning to her real life as a governess. That is, if she could find a position; the thought rolled rather hysterically at the back of her mind. She shoved the thought back into the furthest corner, refusing to allow her concerns to disturb her pleasant evening.
Keeping her attention on the earl before her, she probed a little deeper. “That would be lovely, thank you, my lord. You mentioned earlier that there have been several sessions of note. Are they on a subject that you could share at the dinner table?”
It was obvious that the earl was surprised by her continued interest but gratified as well. He answered honestly. “I have met very few young women who are actually interested in what the government does, Miss Pembroke. To what would you attribute your interest?”
“Even though, as a woman, I do not necessarily have all the same rights as the male members of our Society, I do appreciate that it must be a difficult task to run the Nation. And whatever goes on in Parliament will undoubtedly eventually affect me.” She offered a small shrug, unable to fully explain her interest. “I like to read the papers and be informed. I have rarely had the opportunity to speak with someone that actually witnesses firsthand the events that are discussed in the papers.”
The earl gave a small nod as though he were accepting her explanation. “Well, Miss Pembroke, this may not affect you personally or directly, but one of the sessions of late that I found most interesting was with regard to the colonies. The discussion centered around whether or not they should be allowed a measure of autonomy. The representatives from the Canadas had some sound points, as did the opponents in the House. A decision has not yet been made, but it shall be interesting to see how it unfolds.”
Daisy tilted her head, thinking about the earl’s words. “Why would they want autonomy?”
“They do not consider the government here able to represent their needs and situation accurately, and therefore, they do not think our Parliament is in the best position to make decisions that would affect their future.”
Daisy nodded and asked, “What do you think, my lord? Do you favor granting their request?”
“I can see their point about saying that a bunch of gentlemen living in a thriving metropolis like London cannot possibly know what it is to live in the New World, particularly if we have never even visited there. And if we do not grant them some concessions, I fear they shall become further disgruntled and demand complete independence as their neighbors to their south have. The war with the Americas was costly and could perhaps have been avoided.”
Daisy was finding the earl’s words fascinating. She wondered absently why such things were not discussed more openly. The constant conversation about weather or fashions was rather trying for her. She nodded encouragement, hoping the earl would continue.
“On the other hand, as some argued, if we grant them some concessions now, where will it end? Perhaps they will eventually want full independence too, but will just attain it without bothering with a war.”
“That would be better for everyone, would it not?”
The earl smiled. “Well, yes, of course. No one wants another war, especially not to the west of us, as we have just managed to take care of the situation to the east. But you see, Miss Pembroke, the resources contained in the colonies are the full reason why we cannot allow them to distance themselves from us. The nearly constant war we have fought against Napoleon for the past eleven years has been dreadfully expensive. The taxes we receive from the Canadas are rather important to our national coffers at the moment and are one of the main sticking points for the representatives of the colonies. They want the taxes reduced. We cannot find it in our hearts to wish to agree.”
Daisy smiled at his word choice but nodded somberly at his words. “Thank you so much for sharing this with me, my lord. You have filled me with relief that it is not my job to decide on such matters. And I have even greater respect for those who do take it upon themselves to deal with these necessary things. Do you find it particularly burdensome?”
“Not at all, my dear girl, but thank you for your concern. We shall manage to solve this dilemma without difficulty, have no fear.”
Daisy found herself clenching her teeth in frustration as the promising conversation turned condescending without warning. She kept an agreeable smile upon her face with effort, nodding to him instead of replying as she had no idea how to answer graciously. Finally she turned to Jasper, surprised to see suppressed laughter dancing in his eyes.
“What have you found to amuse you so, my lord?” she asked primly.
“You, my dear,” he replied, smiling at the ire that leapt to her eyes. “You have managed quite well to hold onto your temper despite both of your conversations thus far turning rather sideways on you.”
“You are not supposed to be eavesdropping, my lord,” Daisy said, her tone repressive, although amusement did begin to dance in her eyes. “It is not seemly in a viscount.”
“Is it seemly in others?” Jasper asked, feigning intense interest.
“I do believe your father could get away with it,” was Daisy’s prim reply, much to the viscount’s amusement.
“Be that as it may, my dear, I still think you have been handling yourself exceptionally well. Are you finding the experience to be daunting, or are you having a reasonably good time?”
“Oh no, my lord, I am
having a grand time.” She lowered her voice to not be overheard as she added, “Of course, there are a few moments where I have wished it would not cause a scene if I were to speak my mind, but for the most part I am being kept exceptionally well entertained.”
“Perhaps you could share with me later what it is that you feel you could not express freely,” Jasper offered.
Daisy was delighted with his offer. “Thank you, my lord, that would be wonderful.”
Jasper was surprised at her acceptance. She so often held him at a distance and kept so much of herself a secret. He was learning to read her expressive face and knew quite well that the earl’s conclusion to their conversation had earned her ire, but he looked forward to hearing what she had to say on the subject. He caught his mother’s censorious eye upon him and realized he ought to be making a greater effort to converse with the people around him other than Daisy so, with a soft sigh, he applied himself to the task.
The rest of the dinner flew by, despite the many courses the marchioness had planned. Daisy was surprised by the variety and range produced by the Abernathy kitchen. Everything had been delicious, but it crossed her mind to wonder if she had perhaps eaten too much to be able to comfortably dance for the rest of the evening. When Lady Abernathy stood to signal the ladies to leave the gentlemen to their port, she confided in Miss Ecklestone as they left the room together.
“I fear I may have eaten a little too much,” she whispered.
Miss Ecklestone giggled behind her hand. “Everything was delicious. I know exactly what you mean.”
“I am worried I will cast up my accounts if I try to share in any of the more vigorous country dances,” Daisy complained.
“Do not trouble yourself, my dear Miss Pembroke. It shall be several moments before the gentlemen join us and the orchestra strikes up the first number. Why do we not promenade about the room and allow our repast to settle itself comfortably.”
A Dangerous Debut: A Sweet Regency Romance (Ladies of Mayfair Book 5) Page 12