His mother’s lips pursed. “I’ve invited a family to come to tea tomorrow. I would like you to be there to help entertain their daughter.”
“Mother, I don’t need your assistance in choosing how I spend my time.”
“I think you do.”
“Please, Mother. She might be someone I cannot abide. And then I will be left entertaining her at balls and expected to not neglect her. Once introductions are made, once the familiarity of our home has become a part, there are expectations.”
“Precisely. Please, humor your mother, if nothing else. While this Lady Eva might be intriguing for the moment, you might be wise to find someone who has been raised as you have, who understands the workings of the ton, your expectations in the House of Lords, someone who can complete you and make you happy as well as knows how to run a proper estate.”
Could Lady Eva run an estate? She had such outlandish views of things. He’d never been so shocked to discover she had such strong Whig tendencies. And to hear her talk passionately about subjects so decidedly beyond her understanding was at first interesting to him but then worrisome. He couldn’t have her spouting off any of her thoughts to their friends and family or to other members of the house of lords.
He had to be careful how he moved forward in the current opinions that were unfolding around him. The disappointment that had fueled a disheartening sense of doom where their potential was concerned made him doubt any further potential with her. He sat down with a disheartened plop next to his mother. “Who is this woman you would like me to meet?”
She patted his knee. “Oh, thank you, son. I hoped you’d be agreeable. She’s well sought after. Most men would be happy to be aligned with her and her family. Her dowry is excellent, and she’s a lovely person besides. Lady Everly.”
He’d seen her. What man hadn’t noticed the beautiful Lady Everly? She glided across the floor, held herself in a state of elegance whenever he saw her, and she had the perfect heart shaped face with bright eyes. She was gentle and accepting and cheerful. Someone he might have considered before he’d met the delightfully unique and daring and enticing Lady Eva. But he had learned what came with the daring and enticing side to her and wondered if his family and his estate might do better with someone who wasn’t so bold and, he admitted, frightening.
“She’s an excellent choice, Mother.
He spent the next several hours answering correspondence. Rubbing his fingers into his temples, he thought about his mother’s desire that he meet and court Lady Everly. They were to pay a call to her mother that very afternoon, and he determined to make a good impression, regardless of what came of the meeting. Once back in his rooms, he rang for his valet.
When his trusted man arrived, he held his arms out. “I’ll be making calls. I think I’d rather the green jacket.”
“And the Oriental perhaps?
“Yes.” Oliver preferred the more traditional knots, but he knew the ladies were prone to observing knots and even commenting on the degree of elaborate fabric right below his neck. Lady Eva herself had been so fascinated she wished to watch Beau Brummel. Of all the ridiculous…
“Do you suppose Beau Brummel has created another knot?” His valet was instructed to remain current on the latest fashions in the event Oliver would ever care to know.
“He’s doing a public presentation of his latest knot come Thursday.”
Oliver jerked his head towards his valet, messing up the good servant’s efforts. “Are you certain?”
“I am.”
“Has he ever done such a thing before?”
“No, my lord.”
How incredibly fortuitous that one of the items Lady Eva hoped to accomplish was coming to fruition already this week. He frowned. How could she possibly know such a thing was possible? Well, he certainly wasn’t going to stand around outside Brummel’s window, watching the man dress so Lady Eva could participate. He snorted. Imagine his mother’s face when she found out Lady Eva was likely the only woman to do so.
But his valet most definitely should watch. “Of course, you must be in attendance.”
He nodded. “Yes, my lord.”
He finished up and met his mother at the bottom of the stairs.
“Oh, you do look well. I’m certain they will be most impressed.”
“I hope to gain their good favor for more than my cravat.”
“Yes, of course. But you know a woman looks with her eyes first, her heart second.”
He wasn’t certain his mother was accurate, nor did he want her to be. Surely the whole lot of them, men and women, were much more concerned with matters of the mind and heart? But he knew his hope founded on only the wishes of a flawed man, for wasn’t he naturally influenced and drawn to women who were attractive to him?
He straightened his jacket as they approached the front door of Lady Everly’s home. Perhaps she’d be someone he could become enamored with, someone he could make a happy life with. Thoughts of Lady Eva clouded his thinking, but he pushed them aside.
Their butler let them into the house and a footman guided them to a set of double doors. When he nodded, they opened and the servant announced, “Lord Hereford and Lady Hereford.”
Lady Everly stood. Her smile was lovely and polite. Her mother stood. Three other ladies were apparently visiting and all stood, their faces somewhat flushed, their eyelashes fluttering.
All he could think about was any number of things Lady Eva might have said in that moment to bring a shocked smile to his face.
“We are so happy you stopped by.” Lady Everly’s mother curtseyed and held out her hands.
Oliver’s mother rushed to her and the two reminded him of young girls with their news. They turned to him, their eyes calculating and as pleased as he’d ever seen a pair of women.
“I would like to make some introductions.” Oliver’s mother smiled and reached her hand out to Oliver.
He stepped forward and introductions were made. When he bowed over Lady Everly’s hand, his gaze flicked up to hers, but she was looking elsewhere. When he rose, her gaze was on him exclusively.
“And how are you finding the season?”
“Oh, it’s lovely. My first, you know.”
“I’m happy to hear it. You’ve made an excellent impression.”
She dipped her head in mock humility and fluttered her eyelashes at him.
He offered his arm, as he knew was expected of him. They walked around the room, taking a turn. She kept her expression pleasant, passive, but said nothing.
“I wonder, might I ask something that has been on my mind of late?”
“Of course.” Her smile was soft, demur, complacent.
“What are your goals?”
“Goals?” For the first time, she appeared flustered.
“Yes, a list perhaps, of things you’d like to accomplish?”
She colored slightly, and he inwardly celebrated that he’d unsettled her. For he’d love to see what Lady Everly was made of. And how would she compare to his ever-transparent Lady Eva.
“Oh, well.” She looked away. “I suppose I would like to finish my needlepoint this week and work on my painting.”
“I see. And where were you hoping to visit this week? The opera perhaps?”
She brightened at that. “Oh, I would dearly love to attend the opera.”
“Then it is decided. We shall go together, if I might be so bold as to invite you and your mother to join us in our box?”
“Of course, thank you.” Her demur expression returned, but if he looked closely, hints of pleasure lit her face here and there, the tiniest crinkle next to her eye, the turn of her mouth. Her hand pressing more into his forearm.
They returned to their seats, and Lady Everly’s mother served tea. All in all, Oliver thought the visit a success. He’d acquired a meeting at the opera. His mother would be proud. But for all the celebrations he would like to attempt, he couldn’t shake the feeling that perhaps no matter how he tried, Lady Everly would never
fascinate him as much as Lady Eva already had.
13
Eva tried to tell herself she didn’t care whether or not Lord Hereford attended Almack’s that evening. She was thrilled at an invitation, no doubt acquired because of her friendship with the duke and duchess. How would it be in this time period without so elevated a friendship? She imagined not nearly as enjoyable. Lady Anna again chose to stay at home. Eva suspected she was missing Trent.
Jane sat, pressed to her side. “Have I told you yet how much I enjoy that you and I can see eye to eye on certain things?”
“Yes, your grace. You’ve mentioned it.” The duke’s wry smile made Eva laugh. “But I daresay, your husband also understands much of what we see.”
“Much, but not all.”
“We’ve come to an agreement, a middle ground so to speak, haven’t we?” His hopeful smile was too charming.
Eva nodded to them both. “I can see clearly that you have. If only I could find something as well-worked and enjoyable as the two of you have managed, even with such a great distance between your birthplace and customs.”
The servants were no doubt constantly in a confusion about what their employers could possibly be talking about. But Eva respected the need to maintain secrecy about Twickenham and the many opportunities available at such a magical place.
“So, who should I dance with this evening?”
“I shall acquire all the necessary introductions for you. The hottest item this season is of course, Lord Hereford.”
“Is he?” She tried to suppress the excitement. “Do you think he’ll attend?”
“I imagine he has reasons for attempting to make an appearance.”
The duke snorted. “Men don’t enjoy Almacks quite as much as the ladies do, I’m afraid. Unless they are actively seeking a wife. House parties or private balls provide much more enjoyment, without so much stricture and watching eyes.” He wiggled his hands.
“I see.” Eva frowned. “And you must point out the patronesses. She will attend, do you think?”
“They’re all here, usually. Though I haven’t noticed, to be honest.” Jane shrugged. “But I’ll show you their venerable selves.”
“Thank you.” She smiled. Two bucket list items accomplished in one evening, perhaps. Swipe a souvenir from one of the patronesses. She laughed, and she thought of Lord Hereford’s laugh.
“Oh dear, and what devious plans have you just created in that active mind of yours?” The duke raised an eyebrow.
“Nothing at all. I’m simply looking forward to a lovely, memorable, evening.”
Jane nodded. “Just so you know, part of our history happened at just such an event and a painting made of Algernon here.”
Eva looked from one to the other, but they laughed to themselves and didn’t seem anxious to share.
When they were at last entering the ballroom, Eva relished the soft flipping of her stomach as she anticipated her evening. “Everyone is so beautiful.” The people danced, weaving around each other, dresses swirling, faces laughing. The walls were lined with couples talking and laughing, with chaperones looking anxiously or hopefully on.
“This is going to be a night to remember, I’m sure of it.”
Jane sidled up to her. “As far as other men to be made aware, would you like to know the disreputable sorts as well as the marriageable ones?”
“The disreputable might be best, since I can’t offer much by way of marriage.”
“And your heart is already taken in that regard.”
She sucked in her breath. “Is it?”
“Why yes, of course. If you were free to stay, do you not agree?”
She considered Lord Hereford and began to nod in agreement before she shook her head. “How could I possibly know? We have barely conversed.”
Jane smiled. “Sometimes it doesn’t take much more than a moment or two.”
Their names were announced and most of the eyes in the room lifted in their direction.
“Wow.” Eva had never been the very center of attention before.
“Just smile and enjoy yourself. This might be your only Almacks ball.”
The thought brought such a sadness to her, she determined even more to make the most of her time. “Too true. Find me the handsomest rake in the room.”
“Okay. Here we go.”
Eva was introduced to half the men in the room, her dances almost taken in completion before they approached Lord Grenville.
Jane smiled and curtseyed. “May I present Lady Eva to your lordship?”
His smile lifted at the corner, and he appraised her from head to toe. “You might, indeed. Who is this lovely new contender?”
“Contender?” Eva tilted her head in question, and Jane nearly laughed out loud.
He stepped closer. “Or perhaps she is unconquerable?” He lifted her hand to his mouth. “I’d love to dance with such a woman.”
His gaze stared deep into her own, and even though she knew him to be a master player in the most expert sense, she felt her temperature rise. She dipped her head. “I have a set free. My fifth from now.”
“So many taken?” He placed her hand on his arm. “I should have known and been the first to approach you as you entered. My eyes have been drawn to you, following your every step since then.”
“Oh.” She smiled, and Jane laughed.
“I see you’ve found a comfortable arm to rest upon while waiting your first set.” She curtseyed and Eva could only shake her head.
“Is she your chaperone this evening?”
“Of a sort. I don’t hold much to the need for such things.” Her gaze turned suggestive. Perhaps if Lord Hereford would be off limits, this lord could help check the kissing box. His hair styled in a wave on top of his head, his jawline sharp against his cravat, his jacket fit to perfection and his breeches, when she dared let her eyes wander, were just right.
Lord Hereford’s face flashed through her mind, and she felt twinges of guilt. But she tried to stamp those feelings away. Why should she hold to the same morality as prescribed in such an outdated time? What was a kiss to most people in her day? A friendly greeting. It’s not as though she were committing to marriage or anything, and besides, this man was a rake. He probably kissed as many women as would allow it. And besides, Lord Hereford need never know.
In the meantime, Lord Grenville stood closer, his breath tickling her neck. “In that case, I have just become your most avid contender.”
She wanted to be enamored with this incredibly handsome man who was so interested in her, or rather a dalliance with her. “Perhaps I shall need a bit of fresh air.”
She felt eyes watching her. She lifted her gaze, and to her surprise Lord Hereford’s frown penetrated across the room straight to her throat it seemed, choking her next words. A new lady clung to his arm in a proprietary manner, and Eva wondered why he could even feel the need to censor her associations if he too was entertaining others.
Mr. Alcott approached. She’d agreed to a dance with him. Lord Grenville held her hand as long as possible as he passed her over to this new person.
“Are you and Lord Grenville…friends?” Mr. Alcott seemed to be asking more with those few words than were stated. Did he wonder if she was, “That kind of girl?” Such an interesting time to live.
“No, I just happened to meet him this evening. I believe we will have a dance later.”
“Ah, very good.” He stood taller and behaved as every proper man would. They danced a form of the waltz. She’d never seen it before, but it was easy enough to pick up. The music moved in threes, but a group of four of them performed the steps, almost as though they were to do a Quadrille. She enjoyed it. The thought of dancing the whole evening, practicing the steps she’d learned for her re-enactments, meeting all these new people and fully immersing herself in this lifestyle thrilled her.
One of the other ladies, a Miss Harper, whispered. “Oh, that we could just dance the waltz itself. This foursome is tiring.”
&n
bsp; When Eva circled back and landed at her side, she nodded. “I so agree.”
“Have you been approved yet?”
“I have.” Jane had told her they’d already worked some kind of social magic, and she was free to dance the waltz openly.
“Oh, if only I could be approved.” Her pout was endearing.
Eva was impressed at the training and the mannerisms of all these women, so versed in acceptable matters of deportment and speech. They were charming, every one of them, and quite lovely.
No wonder Lord Hereford was quite shocked at Eva’s behavior. But he’d also seemed refreshed by it.
At any rate, he hadn’t left Eva’s eyesight since she left Lord Grenville’s side. Every time she looked his way, he was staring. Did the lady at his side notice such a thing? Surely she must. But she stood demurely, responding with a small smile whenever he spoke to her.
At the conclusion of this set, another handsome man bowed over her hand. She couldn’t remember his name, but she curtseyed and greeted him. They began the very longest dance ever made—the Quadrille.
She understood at once what the young ladies in all the books she read were complaining about when having to dance the Quadrille with an odious partner. For this new man, though not odious, was the most boring creature she’d encountered.
But as she circled, Lord Grenville brushed her shoulder a bit longer than necessary and let his hand rest in hers long past when it needed to be there. Now here was something to add some excitement to the dance.
She grinned in response and nearly laughed at his wink.
Jane waved from the corner, obviously enjoying her own entertainment all provided by Eva’s first Almack’s experience. Her partner leaned closer, and Eva had to look away as his breath wafted over. “You’re a proficient. Excellent dancing.”
“Thank you.” She greatly preferred the silent and boring man with no offensive smells. As she circled back around, Lord Grenville once again took her hands. He smelled lovely, as he whispered, “Perhaps we can end this interminable dance early.” A lovely clove smell filled the air around her.
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