Chapter Nine
The social whirl continued for Lavinia, but she was not as happy now as she had been on her return from France. No doubt, though she had tried not to do so, she had, deep down, nurtured the hope that with her ‘transformation’ Jonathan would fall in love with her. But it was obvious now, she thought, that he had not done so and that in all probability he was still in love with Lady Anthea. Though why someone with Jonathan’s intelligence could not see Lady Anthea for the cruel, shallow woman she was, Lavinia could not understand. Though Cupid is reputedly blind, she thought, and it must be so.
From the night of the ball, Lavinia saw very little of Jonathan, but she began to see a good deal more of one person who she would rather not. have seen—Lord Francis Selwyn. At first she thought that it was merely a coincidence that he should be present at nearly every social event to which she was invited, but as the weeks went by, the number of occasions on which she found herself, through no fault of her own, in his company, it became apparent that these occasions were too frequent to be coincidental. Whenever Giles was her escort, her escape from Lord Selwyn’s advances was easy, for he was somewhat unwilling to approach her when she was accompanied by Giles Eldon, who glowered at Francis when they met or deliberately led Lavinia in the opposite direction.
Of course, Lavinia was always properly chaperoned at all the public functions she attended by a married woman, Mrs Jay, whom her grandfather had appointed for that purpose. But Mrs Jay was not always able—or inclined—to fend off the unwelcome attentions which young men paid to Lavinia. Fortunately, for the sake of her reputation, Lavinia was well able to take care of herself. Her kind heart prevented her from telling her grandfather of Mrs Jay’s shortcomings as a chaperon, so she continued to try to avoid Lord Selwyn as best she could without being deliberately uncivil to him for the sake of her friendship with Phillippa. In actual fact, she saw less of Phillippa than she had anticipated and had wondered why until, meeting her friend at a ball some weeks after the one given by her grandfather and at which Phillippa had promised to meet Lavinia more frequently, she learnt the reason from Phillippa herself.
‘Oh Lavinia, you shall be the first to congratulate me. I am engaged to be married!’
‘My dear Phillippa, how happy I am for you,’ Lavinia smiled, kissing her friend’s cheek.
‘Look—there he is, over there, talking to Francis. Don’t you think he is the handsomest man you’ve ever seen?’
Phillippa’s fiancé was indeed handsome with a moustache and side-whiskers, but when Phillippa introduced him to her, Lavinia found herself looking into a pair of eyes so cold that she felt a shudder down her spine. There was no humour in this man’s personality and the gay Phillippa would find, Lavinia was sure, that her husband-to-be would try to curb her natural high spirits.
‘My dear Miss Kelvin, may I have the honour of the next dance?’ Lord Francis interrupted his sister’s chatter.
Lavinia was forced to acquiesce. They danced in silence but Lord Selwyn’s eyes never left her face, and on his thin lips was a small smile as if he were enjoying some private joke. During the evening he claimed a total of four dances with her which Lavinia found herself unable to refuse. She knew it could place her in an awkward situation for social convention was such that if a girl danced with a particular young man three or four times in one evening, it was expected that before long their engagement would be announced.
Worriedly, Lavinia wondered whether Lord Francis was deliberately trying to provoke such a rumour so that Lavinia’s friendship with the Eldon family, and with Jonathan in particular, would be put under some strain. Then again, she mused, as her maid brushed her hair for her late that night before retiring, Lord Francis could be trying to ingratiate himself with her in order to find out about the steamship, for perhaps his renewed friendship with Lady Anthea could mean that he too was engaged with the rival company.
But this thought was dispelled a few days later by Giles—though she told him nothing of her thoughts. They were out driving in the landau one sunny afternoon—Lavinia pretty in a summer dress of white muslin over a pale blue taffeta underdress, flounced at the hem. Her small flower-trimmed hat was perched on the front of her hair which was dressed in a smooth chignon in the nape of her neck.
‘I can see every other fellow casting envious glances at me,’ Giles grinned, ‘driving out with the prettiest girl in London.’
Lavinia laughed. ‘ Where are we going?’
‘Wherever you say—your wish is my command.’
‘May—may we go and see the steamship?’
Giles looked at her sharply. ‘ Of course, if you wish. Jonathan will be there.’
‘He—he won’t mind, will he?’
A worried frown crossed Giles’ face. ‘No—I don’t suppose so, but …’
‘But what, Giles?’
Giles sighed and seemed embarrassed. ‘He’s been so odd lately. Bad-tempered, almost—and that’s not like him. I know he’s a bit of an old sobersides but he’s not usually ill-tempered.’
‘How long has he been like it? I have not seen him since the ball.’
Giles looked at her again thoughtfully as if her remark had reminded him of something.
‘He’s been moody since then, I suppose. He spends most of his time either working at the office, or down at Blackwall with the steamship, or shut up in his study at home.’
Lavinia had a mental picture of Jonathan sitting at his desk alone in his study as she had once found him.
‘Of course,’ Giles was saying slowly, ‘it might be something to do with what happened at the ball.’
Lavinia’s heart was heavy.
‘Lady Anthea, you mean? Do you think he—he still cares for her?’
‘Surely not!’ Giles exclaimed. ‘Why she’s creating a bad reputation for herself just lately, you know.’
‘No—I didn’t know. How do you mean?’
‘Well, she appeared at the ball with Lord Selwyn, didn’t she?’
‘Yes.’
‘Since then she’s been seen at various events in the company of Viscount Porley, Lord Goreman, Lord Selwyn again,’ he ticked off the occasions on his fingers, ‘and—believe it or not—with Lord Myron.’
‘Good gracious!’
‘And on none of those occasions was her husband present. I believe there have been others, too, from what I hear, but those are the only ones I know.’
‘I see,’ Lavinia said, and thought that Lord Selwyn would probably not be engaged with Lord Thorwald in business but would merely be one of Lady Anthea’s many escorts.
‘Do you think,’ she asked in a small voice, ‘that Jonathan has heard this too and is hurt by it?’
‘Oh Vinny,’ Giles took her hand in his and squeezed it, trying to comfort her for he knew how she must feel, loving Jonathan as he believed she still did. ‘I wish I knew but I dare not ask him.’ He grinned ruefully. ‘For all my brashness, I’m a little afraid of my big brother.’
Lavinia smiled.
The steamship had altered almost beyond recognition since Lavinia had seen it. Where previously there had been a mere skeleton, now there was a ship nearing completion, her sleek lines curving gracefully. Eventually, Giles told Lavinia, the ship would have a funnel to proclaim with pride the fact that she was one of the still rather rare steamships, but her masts would show that she did not spurn the heritage of sail. She was merely a vessel trying to move forward into the future and yet at the same time acknowledging the debt she owed to the past.
Giles brought the landau to a halt and they walked the short distance to stand near the Lavinia.
‘Isn’t it big, Giles? I had no idea it was such a size.’ Lavinia craned her neck to look up at the ship which towered above them. They stood some moments looking up at the ship before Lavinia said, ‘Isn’t she beautiful?’
‘Just like her namesake,’ a soft voice said behind them and they turned to see Jonathan.
Lavinia smiled at his compliment but she was
shocked to see the sadness in his eyes. He had reverted from the gay partner he had been at the ball to his previous reserved and solemn manner. His face was a little thinner and the scar ugly. She had never seen him look so unhappy.
An overwhelming desire to comfort him made her forget her shyness of him and she moved to his side and put her hand through his arm. His eyes never left her face and she had the impression that he was trying to read in her eyes the answer to some question. She smiled gently at him, trying to tease him out of his present mood.
‘I’ve not seen you these past weeks. Have you deserted me entirely?’
Not even the ghost of his half-smile could be coaxed to his lips.
‘I thought you had plenty of eligible company and that you would not need me.’ His deep voice was low.
She sighed and her mock show of petulance at his neglect of her held more truth than she hoped he would guess.
‘I see I am deserted in favour of a ship,’ she moaned, but her eyes twinkled merrily at him.
‘But she is named after you,’ he said, and gradually the gentle smile appeared—tentatively, as if unused for some time.
‘Huh, first time I’ve seen him smile in weeks,’ Giles grunted. ‘Seems you can thaw an iceberg, Vinny.’
‘It seems she’s thawed a good many icebergs from what I hear.’
‘What have you been hearing, Jonathan?’
‘Oh, that you have all the eligible bachelors at your feet.’
She laughed. ‘Nonsense.’
‘There’s only one she …’ Giles began and stopped, appalled at his stupidity. He turned and hurried away leaving Lavinia alone with Jonathan, her heart pounding for fear he should question her. So close to him, she doubted her ability to hide her feelings for him. But when she dared to glance at him, his eyes were not on her but were fixed straight ahead on his steamship. He began to speak about the arrangements for the launching, ignoring Giles’ remark entirely.
Lavinia noticed, however, that the smile had disappeared from his face completely and his eyes took on a haunted, defeated expression. Whether or not this was caused by what he chose to read into Giles’ remark, Lavinia could not guess. Instead, she tried to concentrate on what Jonathan was saying and take an interest in the steamship.
‘Have there been any more attempts at sabotage, Jonathan?’
‘No—thank goodness, though there have been rumours that another attempt might be made. The previous time caused a lot of excitement and speculation in the city. Of course, we’re trying to take greater security precautions now, but I must admit that I am surprised our rivals have tried nothing more.’
Perhaps, thought Lavinia, Lady Anthea has been instrumental in what seemed to be a withdrawal of opposition. Perhaps, with her recent renewal of contact with Jonathan, Lady Anthea found she really did still have some affection for him and had therefore persuaded her husband to cease hostilities.
At that moment Giles rejoined them.
It’s time I took you home, Vinny,’ he said in a subdued voice and she saw the silent apology written in his eyes. She smiled at him and he, seeing this, looked somewhat relieved.
‘When is the launching to take place, Jonathan?’ Lavinia asked as they moved towards the landau.
‘About three weeks from now.’
‘How lovely—I’m looking forward to it enormously. Grandfather is inviting you all to dine with us afterwards—you will come, won’t you?’
‘Of course.’
As the landau moved away Lavinia turned to wave to Jonathan as he stood, a lonely figure, watching them out of sight.
Although Lavinia’s excitement at the forthcoming launching of the steamship grew, it seemed as if the Fates were conspiring to spoil every event upon which she pinned special hopes regarding Jonathan.
First, there had been the time, when on her departure for France, she had been overjoyed to think that Jonathan had come to Dover to say goodbye to her, and Giles had dashed that pleasure by telling her that Jonathan was there on business anyway. The second occasion had been the ball and the dances which Lady Anthea had stolen from her and to add to this was the fact that she had seen Jonathan only once since, and then his mood had seemed so strange.
Now, when she had anticipated the launching of the Lavinia with such delight, again a disappointment awaited her.
The day of the launching arrived. Lavinia was in a fever of excitement. She had looked forward to this day for so long. She took a long time to dress and then went to find her grandfather in the long drawing-room.
‘Do I look all right, Grandfather?’ She pirouetted gracefully before him.
Her dress was royal blue, the skirt with the draped bustle effect which was now rapidly becoming popular. Her matching hat was trimmed with a paler blue ribbon and was perched on the front of her head. She again wore her hair in a smooth chignon at the back of her head. Her gloves and parasol were a pale blue to match the ribbon trimming on her hat. The short, tight-fitting coat was royal blue.
‘Perfect, my dear.’
‘I thought the plainer material and less frills and feathers more befitting the occasion.’
‘But you’ll wear that pretty evening gown tonight—the new lemon one?’
She laughed. ‘The one that’s a profusion of frills and roses—yes, if you like it.’
‘I think it suits your colouring, my dear,’ he smiled. ‘ But any colour seems to suit you—you look enchanting whatever you wear. Come, it is time we went to ‘Eldon House’ and collected the others. We’re all travelling in my carriage—it’s big enough to hold the six of us.’
The Eldons were waiting for them and they left immediately.
As the carriage sped towards Blackwall, Giles burst out.
‘Have you heard the news, Lord Rowan, Jonathan has only just told us?’
‘Depends what it is, my boy,’ Lord Rowan remarked. ‘Can’t say I can think we’ve heard anything of import recently, have we, Lavinia, my dear?’
‘I don’t think so, Grandfather.’ She looked towards Jonathan anxiously. ‘Is it something to do with the ship?’
‘No,’ he said slowly. ‘Not directly, though I suppose it could ultimately affect the present situation.’
‘What is it?’ Lavinia asked, her wide eyes never leaving his face.
‘Lord Thorwald has died.’
‘What?’ exclaimed her grandfather, but Lavinia merely gasped and turned pale. As if about to speak the very thought she herself had, Giles burst out, ‘Affect the situation? Jonathan, you don’t mean you’d—oh no, dash it all!’ Then realising the rashness of his words Giles reddened and subsided into silence. Jonathan merely glanced affectionately at his brother and smiled quietly to himself. Everyone in the carriage was uncomfortably aware that Giles’ question had been provoked by Jonathan’s remark that Lord Thorwald’s death could affect the present situation existing between the rival companies. Giles, and possibly everyone else, thought that Jonathan meant that a change in the present circumstances would be brought about because Lady Anthea was now free to marry again and if he were to propose to her and be accepted, the two companies would be somewhat united by their marriage.
‘Er—um. Well, now,’ Lord Melmoth broke the uneasy silence. ‘Can’t pretend much regret, though I didn’t wish the fellow any personal harm. Mind you,’ he added wisely, wagging his forefinger, ‘he wasn’t the most dangerous of our rivals—you mark my words.’
‘Quite so, Rupert,’ agreed his wife, and, with her eyes on her eldest son, she added, ‘I should not be surprised if his wife were not one of the prime movers against us.’
The subject was closed, but remained in the minds of them all, and for Lavinia the day which had begun so light-heartedly was in one short moment spoilt.
‘Good gracious, there’s quite a few people here, Rowan,’ Lord Melmoth remarked as the carriage drew to a halt near the steamship. ‘Didn’t realise it had created quite so much interest, did you?’
‘I know there’s been a lot
of talk about it in the city, especially since the sabotage episode.’
‘You don’t think they’ll try anything today, do you?’ Giles asked.
There was a slight pause.
‘I don’t think so—I don’t think they’d want to risk harming innocent people,’ Jonathan said. ‘You’re not afraid, are you, Lavinia?’
‘Only for the ship,’ was her reply.
‘We’ll stick close by you, anyway,’ Giles said. ‘Mama, you stay close to Father and Lord Rowan. We’ll look after Vinny.’
Lavinia, with Jonathan and Giles close beside her, climbed to the platform where the traditional bottle of champagne was held in place until she released it to fall against the ship. In her clear, steady voice she said, ‘I name this ship the Lavinia. May God bless her and all who sail in her.’
Privately she added ‘and God bless the man whose pride she is.’ She let the bottle swing towards the ship. It smashed at once, splashing champagne in all directions. A few drops fell on Lavinia’s dress. The crowd cheered and the ship began to move, gathering speed until it hit the water. It was a wonderful moment, but an anxious one for in these first few moments the ship had to prove her ability to float. Gradually the water, disturbed by the ship plunging into it, calmed and she lay peacefully below them as if quite ready to begin her maiden voyage without further delay.
Lavinia turned to look at Jonathan, who was standing beside her. His face was animated with pride and a fire glowed in his usually calm eyes. He turned and met her gaze.
‘Isn’t she beautiful? Isn’t she perfect? Look at that line?’
He looked back to the ship. ‘My goodness, we’ll show those clippers.’
Lavinia followed his gaze and ran her eyes over the sleek lines of the new ship. There was no doubt about it—the ship was similar in appearance to the clippers but so very different in modus operandi, and she still had to prove herself better than they were. No doubt their rivals were hoping that, as they had failed to prevent the completion of the steamship and the launching, the Lavinia would now fail in proving herself better than the clippers.
Portrait of Jonathan Page 11