Jenny rose hastily to her feet. "It is sufficient," she said, attempting to retain her composure, "that I have to contend with my brother forever badgering me to marry, without your joining his ranks. I am well aware of your desire to remove me from this house, but you may tell Arthur that you have failed in your mission."
Miss Cheviot had the grace to blush, "I assure you, dear Jennifer ..." she began, but words failed her at the look of scorn that crossed her companion's countenance.
"There's no need for you to make avowals that are blatantly untrue, Amelia. I am well aware that my continued presence becomes an embarrassment to you both, but I warn you that you must bear it as best you may. I have no intention of marrying for your convenience." Without looking back, Jenny left the room; it would not do to stay, lest her companion became aware of the hurt she felt.
"Well!" expostulated Miss Cheviot to the empty room. "Well!"
The Duchess of Rye's ball was hailed as one of the main events of the season. The splendid rooms of Rye House had been transformed into temples of old Rome, and even the servants wore togas for the occasion. Magnificent dishes were laid out in the supper room, where a small fountain flowed with wine.
No matter how magnificent the occasion, however, Jennifer found no delight in having to accompany her brother and his affianced. Indeed, she would have much preferred to remain at home, but to refuse the invitation would appear churlish. She had resisted the temptation to dress as a Roman goddess, as had so many of the other ladies present, preferring instead to wear a gown of ivory silk adorned with knots of goldspangled ribbon.
Nevertheless, once the Earl of Hawley's party arrived in the ballroom, it was not long before Lady Jennifer became the center of a small group of admirers, each eager to attract her attention. However, it was to the young Lord Melville that she finally granted the first dance, and he eagerly led her onto the floor as the strains of the orchestra heralded a cotillion. Lord Melville proved an engaging partner, his bantering conversation keeping her amused throughout the movements, and when, at its end, he offered to find her refreshment, she had no hesitation whatsoever in accepting.
So engrossed was she in watching the progress of those engaged in the current set of country dances that she failed to notice her escort's return. However, she was visibly startled when, taking his seat beside her, he bent close to whisper into her ear, and it took a moment before she could take in what he was saying.
"My dear Lady Jennifer," whispered Lord Melville, drawing his seat closer still, "I hope you will not find it indelicate of me, but I must make you aware that Sinclair is here. Indeed, he draws quite a crowd. So many are there who are eager to welcome his return that he is positively surrounded with wellwishers."
For a moment she turned startled eyes to his face but soon recovered, not wishing to seem in any way perturbed. She smiled, attempting the ordinary. "His return is of no consequence to me. I assure you, I find his comings and goings no matter for comment. Indeed, if I should never set eyes on the man again, I will not feel his loss."
Much heartened by this response, Lord Melville proceeded to attempt to divert his companion with the latest morsels of gossip, oblivious to the emotions his words had evoked in her breast.
As the evening advanced and the earl had still not seen fit to seek her out, Jennifer's mood became one of forced indifference, and she entered into the spirit of the evening with much enthusiasm. However, in a quiet moment, when she had removed herself to a seat by an open casement, eager to feel its cooling breeze, she became aware that she was the object of scrutiny.
Turning in her chair, she saw the earl, elegant in evening attire, standing but a few feet away, conversing with one of his cronies. If not for the loss of his arm and the pale scar that now creased his left cheek, Jennifer would not have believed him returned from war. He retained his noble grace and bearing, appearing oblivious to the interest he evoked, and she could easily believe that he would once more become the darling of the London hostesses.
As he excused himself from his companion, she saw that he intended to advance toward her, and she immediately rose to leave.
"What, you would desert me, Lady Jennifer?" he said, smiling as he came to stand before her. "Am I not to be allowed at least one word with you?"
"I am totally out of patience with you, my lord, and have no desire whatsoever to talk to you," she snapped, resuming her seat and refusing to meet his gaze.
At her attempt to rebuff him, he stood squarely before her. "Come, Jenny, it must not be seen that we argue and feed the scandalmongers. At least among company it must seem that we can be civil to each other. Think of the attention we would draw if we appear antagonistic." As she gave no answer, he drew up a chair to sit beside her. Concern showing on his handsome countenance, he laid his hand over hers as it rested in her lap.
"Would you have it said that there is a bitterness between us?" he asked quietly, attempting to read her face. "Is there a bitterness between us?"
Still she made no reply, and he pressed the hand that he held. "I see that I have wounded you, but believe me when I say that it is for the best. You would not wish me to be your husband. Come, did we not agree to at least be friends? I wish not to alienate you."
Jennifer still gave no immediate reply. But then, raising her eyes to his face, she smiled and said, "Yes, I do believe we may suit as friends. Though what society will make of us, I know not"
"Do you care what the tabbies say?"
She gave a small trill of amusement. "Not in the least, sir."
"Good," he said, rising from his seat. "Perhaps now that our friendship is confirmed, you might consider using my given name, for, as you may have noticed, I have every intention of using yours" He bowed formally and held out his hand. "Would you do me the honor of standing up with me for this waltz? I do believe we may attempt it in all propriety."
"But how, Edward?" she asked, for a fleeting moment allowing her eyes to glance at his left shoulder.
"Pay no mind to that, my dear. I do believe that with a little ingenuity we will manage quite creditably. You need only rest your hand on my shoulder, and all will work out perfectly."
She appeared taken aback by the suggestion. "I could not, sir. It would look almost as if we embraced, and as we are no longer betrothed, it would appear quite shocking. Even if we were, it would cause comments"
He grinned at the idea, his eyes dancing with devilment. "I'd not thought of it. Yes, I can quite see that we would cause a stir, but I do believe that we really must. Let the tabbies say what they like. I must have you dance with me"
She smiled, an answering sparkle in her eyes. "Then, sir, dance with you I will. I care not for the scandalmongers. I'm quite sure your impeccable reputation will more than render us immune to their malicious gossip."
"Is my reputation impeccable?" he asked with some surprise.
"Most certainly! Especially as you are one of the gallant few who are returned victorious from war."
"What utter nonsense," he scoffed, laughing. "I assure you, there's nothing gallant about war."
Taking her hand in a firm clasp, he led her determinedly onto the dance floor, and as they began the movements, they became aware that several pairs of curious eyes followed their progress around the room. At first his movements felt awkward, but soon he relaxed and followed the familiar rhythm of the dance, his right arm snugly encircling Jennifer's slender waist. It felt so right, and soon they were oblivious to the interest they evoked, only aware of their enjoyment of the moment and each other's company.
Reaching scarcely above Sinclair's shoulder, Jennifer stole a glance up at her partner's countenance to find him watching her intently, an unfathomable look in his storm-gray eyes. When she would have queried that look, he swept her into a series of intricate moves, from which they emerged breathless and laughing.
Once the dance ended, Sinclair still retained his hold on her hand as they returned to the seat by the window. He smiled, handing her to her chai
r as he scanned the onlookers for signs of disapproval. "We appear to have escaped censure for the moment, but now I will leave you before I render our reputations beyond repair."
As he bowed over her hand, her fingers clung for a moment to his, and he raised an inquiring eyebrow.
"I forget," she said, smiling. "I must thank you for allowing Freddie to stay with you last term. Arthur would have berated him terribly if he'd known that he'd been rusticated."
"He still does not know?"
"No, and I would be grateful if you would not mention the matter to him."
"Nothing would induce me to, my dear. It was naught but a boyish prank instigated by Perry and his hapless hound. Freddie but championed them. Do not fear, I've already read them a lecture on the subject and extracted a promise for more decorum in the future"
She laughed. "No matter what lectures you make, I can hardly see those two behaving with decorum"
Sinclair smiled in agreement. "Neither can I, but an attempt must be made to instill at least some sense into their nonsensical brains."
At that moment, they spied Lady Flora bearing down upon them, a young debutante in her wake.
"Oh, Lord, not Flora with one of her hopefuls again," groaned the earl. "She's forever trotting them out for my inspection. She still holds hopes that eventually one will catch my eye."
"And will one?" asked Jennifer coldly.
"Never!" he replied with determination, and, once more bowing, he relinquished her company and prepared for his sister's onslaught.
Viewing the earl's departure from the alcove where he'd been waiting, Lord Melville immediately returned to Jenny's side. However, his joy at reclaiming her company was shortlived, as he was met with a frosty reception and soon found it necessary to seek out his cronies in the card room.
When news that Lady Jennifer Lynton and the Earl of Sinclair had enjoyed a cozy tete-a-tete and even waltzed together at the duchess' ball permeated society, they found themselves the object of speculation and their movements commented on whenever they ventured forth to an event.
So out of patience did Jennifer become with the comments she frequently overheard, she decided to turn her energies in a completely different direction, eager for a diversion from Sinclair. To that end she commissioned her brother to purchase a high-perch phaeton for her. It had long been her ambition to tool such a vehicle, and this seemed an excellent opportunity to achieve it.
When approached on the subject, Hawley was not in agreement with her scheme, saying with a great deal of censure that no lady of quality would be seen driving such a sporting vehicle. That, however, only served to strengthen her resolve that no other conveyance would suffice, and to that end she engaged the services of a reputable coach builder. Within a short space of time she contracted to purchase a very smart phaeton with double perches of swan-neck pattern and eagerly awaited its arrival. Being presented with a fait accompli, Hawley, very much against his better judgment, eventually agreed to visit Tattersall's in an attempt to purchase a pair of suitable horses.
Upon his return he proudly informed her that he'd managed to acquire a pair of very sweet-goers, even if at one stage he'd been in danger of being outbid by the Duke of Cumberland's agent.
In less than a week the sight of Lady Jennifer Lynton driving a fine pair of grays with a liveried groom perched behind her became a familiar sight in town.
Driving down Bond Street one sunny afternoon on her way to the park, she noticed the Earl of Sinclair leaving one of the shops and setting out on foot toward his club. Bringing her horses to a halt, she ordered the groom to their heads and waited at the roadside for his approach. However, he appeared oblivious to her presence as he closely inspected something in his hand and almost passed the vehicle without noticing it.
"Edward!" she cried in a reproving voice, and immediately he turned to face her, slipping the article hastily into his pocket.
Making a slight bow, he smiled and approached the side of the vehicle, flicking his eyes over the equipage. "Lady Jennifer and her grays," he said, humor in his voice. "You set the town on its ears, my dear. I wonder at your daring."
"Edward, if you intend to find fault with me, I will have none of you," she said, feigning hauteur and taking the reins in both hands as if to move off.
Bowing slightly, the earl mastered his amusement. "Not at all, Jenny. I wholeheartedly approve of your spirit of adventure"
She looked a challenge at him. "Then will you prove your approbation by sitting up with me? I am headed for the park. That is, if you will trust me to drive you"
He grinned openly. "From what I've heard of your skill with the ribbons, I certainly need have no fear of sitting up with you. But do you think it wise that I accompany you and feed the gossips?"
"If it is your fear that we feed the gossips, then no more need be said," she said, nodding to the groom to resume his seat as she prepared to move forward.
"Nothing of the sort" The earl grinned, stepping nimbly up to sit beside her. "If you can brave the stares we will inevitably create, then so can I"
"It's uncommon to find you on foot at this time of day," she commented as they drove in the direction of Hyde Park. "Were you on some errand? What was it that you hid so quickly in your pocket? A billet-doux from a sweetheart?"
"Certainly not," he answered with amusement. "I have to admit, 'tis naught but a trifle."
"May I see this trifle?" she asked, curious.
"I assure you, 'tis nothing that would interest you. I but collected a miniature I had had refrained," he explained. "The original was accidentally scorched by a candle."
"Who is it a portrait of?" she asked, not daring to take her eyes off the road in the press of vehicles that milled in the busy London streets.
"My grandsire," he replied with aplomb.
"Oh," she replied, losing all interest in the subject.
Their drive around the park was punctuated by many curious stares, some pedestrians actually standing agape as Jennifer drove the grays at a spanking trot around the park's perimeter. One hopeful even stated to his companions, "Mark my words, they'll make a match of it yet. I'll lay you a monkey on it."
However, if he'd been aware of the turn of conversation taking place in the phaeton, he would have been less than sure.
"Has Melville made you an offer of marriage yet?" asked the earl, watching from beneath lowered eyebrows for her reaction.
"Good heavens, no," replied Jenny with some surprise. "Indeed he has not. Whatever made you suppose such a thing?"
"He will. You mark my words...."
"Then I will leave him in no uncertainty of my feelings on the matter."
"Which are?"
"You are insufferable, Edward. I've no desire whatsoever to marry Melville!"
He chuckled. "Not even when he pays you such marked attention?"
"Most certainly not"
"Ah, then his heart will be broken!"
"His purse, more likely. I am well aware that my fortune is where my attraction lies."
He looked at her sharply. "I hope you will not judge everyone by that standard, my dear."
"I've had no reason to revise my judgment," she answered sharply, and, turning the vehicle, she headed out of the park.
A few days later Lady Flora found it necessary to take her brother to task as they sat over supper at Sinclair House, the earl's London residence.
"I've been out of town but a week, Edward," she said curtly, .,and the first thing I hear on my return is that you've been seen driving with Jennifer. In the park, if you please. I don't know what ails the pair of you. First there was the betrothal, then the rejection, and now you seem forever in each other's pocket. Exactly what is afoot?"
"I don't know your meaning," he replied, confining his attention to refilling his glass. "Are we not now allowed to continue as friends? Must something be read into our every movement?"
"When you feed the gossipmongers, what else do you expect? She has a fortune almost to compare w
ith your own, which she inherited from her mother's side of the family. In common with any other heiress, her actions must cause comment. Surely you must see that you will be observed" Fearing that her words made no impression on her brother, Flora redoubled her efforts. "Do you think you can play fast and loose with each other without raising interest? I am quite out of patience with both of you"
"Then you need not be. If you think I draw too much attention to us, I will attempt to avoid her company. I would not wish it to be thought that I prevent eligible suitors from presenting themselves."
"That's not at all what I meant, and you know it," said Flora contritely, "but I would ask if you have an interest in the child. Do you regret the break? Is there hope of a reconciliation?"
"No, there is not," he replied tersely, pushing his chair from the table and rising. "Must I keep repeating to you that I will never marry?"
"Then, Edward, you are a bigger fool than I gave you credit for. Surely you do not intend to remain unwed. If nothing else, think of the title!"
"Perry shall remain my heir, and he need have no reservations about marrying. Have no fear, the title will not die out. Does that satisfy you?"
Flora visibly blanched at this onslaught. "That's not at all what I meant... " But whatever else she would have said was lost as Sinclair strode from the room, leaving her to continue her meal alone.
When next the much-observed couple met, it was at a musical evening arranged by Lord and Lady Clay at their elegant town house. A quintet and a fashionable songstress had been hired for the occasion, and the stylish rooms were ablaze with light and filled with the cream of London society.
It was only at Flora's instigation that Sinclair accepted the invitation to the event. He bore no great liking for such entertainment, finding the music thought suitable on such occasions not at all to his taste.
However, arriving just as the quintet began their recital, he was obliged to sit well to the rear of the room and was therefore able to observe Jennifer for quite some time before she became aware of his presence during the supper interval.
The Portrait Page 4