by Kira Stewart
“Oh Izzie. Of course we shall. I have it on good authority. I was speaking with John Mathers, and he said that all of the officers had planned to visit the Pump Rooms this very morning. Some are even going to bathe in the waters, I believe. Will not that be fun? I asked John in particular if Mr. Parnell would be joining them, and he said yes.”
“Oh Emily. You should not wear your heart so much on your sleeve. Mr. Parnell will think that you are chasing him, and what shall he think of you then? You have your reputation to think of.”
The girl stuck out her bottom lip a little.
“Oh Izzie, do not be such a spoilsport. I have now danced with Jack Parnell on two occasions, and have had at least three conversations with him.”
“That hardly means you are engaged, Emily. And you cannot be sure of his, or indeed, your affections, after such a short acquaintance.”
But could not the same be said for her? She had danced only once with the man, and had barely uttered a word, and yet, he fluttered in her heart like a caged bird.
True love would find a way. She wished it could be true.
By the time they had walked the short way from the town house to the Pump Rooms, the City of Bath was thronging. The early worshippers were heading back home from the fine Bath Cathedral, the sun burnishing the honey colors of the fine Bath stonework.
The top hats and silk dresses of the wealthy middle-class people mingled with the coarser cloth of the working classes—the street sellers with their trays of brightly colored fruit and vegetables, and the apron clad women selling sweet violets and roses.
The trio bustled down the dusty street, carefully avoiding the carriages and sedan chairs overtaking them on their way to the Pump Rooms.
Emily skirted the dirtiest parts of the street, in an attempt to keep her white silk shoes clean. They were not practical for walking, but it was only a short distance to the Pump Rooms, and she did want to look her very best. She had spent the previous evening adding lace to a light blue pelisse and was very proud of her handiwork. Teamed with her white gauze dress with its light blue sash, she looked her best, and could not wait to arrive at the Pump Rooms.
“Come along you two slow coaches, it will be noon before we get there.”
Charles laughed at his sister.
“Emily is worried that she may not get to see the young officers bathing. Isn’t that right, Emily?”
The young girl blushed.
“It is nothing of the sort, Charles. It is just that there are so many people heading in the same direction, I fear the place will already be overcrowded.”
Emily was not wrong. They had to pushed through the crowded entrance and make their way through to the main rooms. Emily giggled excitedly, eyes wide open on the lookout for the red coated officers.
“Over here.”
Tugging at the hands of the other two, Emily squeezed past two rather large and dimpled ladies, and headed towards a group of officers who stood watching the proceedings from the far corner.
Trying to hold her cousin back in an attempt at decorum, Isobel held firmly onto her cousin’s hand, trying to make her arrival more dignified.
Inside, her own heart beat wildly, as she glanced around for signs of Jack Parnell.
“Oh look, Izzie, it is Henry Woods and John Mathers.”
Waving her hand in the air, she called out both names loudly above the babble of the crowds, so that she might be heard.
Soon, they were surrounded by the red jacketed officers.
Almost breathless, Isobel looked around at the sea of faces, hoping to see a certain pair of dark eyes. However, she seemed to see every face, but his.
“Oh Izzie, Mathers hasn’t seen Jack, but perhaps he is already bathing. Come, let us go up onto the balcony and see. What fun it shall be to look down upon the bathers.”
Leaving Charles behind to talk to the officers, Emily and Isobel climbed up the grand staircase and into one of the upper balconies. Below, the bathers stewed in the hot spring waters. Men and women, fully clothed, sat up to their necks in the water, some even retaining their hats.
One man even smoked a pipe as he sat red faced in the waters.
The two girls eagerly skimmed the surface of the water, inspecting every face that floated like a headless corpse upon the waters, but he was not there.
“Oh.”
The girls were united in their disappointment.
“Are you looking for anyone in particular, ladies?”
For a moment, Isobel’s heart skipped a beat. She turned around. It was Sebastian Adick.
Her face spoke a thousand words.
“Well I hope that I am not a disappointment to you, ladies. Were you hoping to see someone else here today, Miss Channing?”
The Earl’s eyes narrowed as he looked her directly in the eye.
“We are looking for a friend of mine actually, sir. And my cousin, Isobel, is helping me to find him.”
The Earl smiled his wolfish smile.
“Ah. Indeed. And what is the name of your gentleman friend? Perhaps I can help?”
“He is an officer by the name of Jack Parnell, sir.”
“Oh dear. Well, well. I am afraid that you will not be seeing him here today. What a coincidence. I have been speaking earlier today with the general, and apparently, some men were drunk on the way home from the Assembly Rooms last night, and unfortunately got into some trouble on their way back to camp. They have been confined to the camp today and I am afraid your young man was one of them. I distinctly remember his name from last night. Jack Parnell. What do you think of your young man now, eh ladies?”
He addressed his last comment to Isobel, who blushed under his stare.
Emily was already pouting, heavy with disappointment, whilst Isobel tried to keep her face straight under the watchful gaze of Sebastian.
“I am surprised, sir. The men may have been a little merry last night, but none seemed the worse for it.”
“Looks can be deceptive, Miss Channing. Now, if you will allow me, I will escort you to the Pump Room. Perhaps you would like to partake of the mineral waters, or perhaps partake of some light refreshment? Your cousin is looking decidedly pale, Miss Channing.”
Emily sulked as the Earl hooked both of his arms around theirs and walked them back down the staircase to the main Pump Room, where the hot mineral waters were being served.
Isobel’s brain was working overtime. It was strange that Sebastian Adick should know about Jack and his whereabouts. The officers had all left the Ball early last night, and Jack certainly wasn’t drunk. She did not trust the young Earl.
“What happened last night, sir? I do hope that the officers did not cause too much trouble?”
Patting her arm, he smiled graciously.
“You do not need to concern your pretty head about the matter, Miss Channing. The officers can sometimes be rowdy when they have had a drink, although I cannot condone fighting, and the general will certainly not put up with such behavior. They got into a fight, I am afraid, and a couple of my own men were involved, and that is how I heard of it in the first place. My men were just walking across the edge of the fields when they were set upon, unprovoked by a few officers. Your Jack Parnell was one of the ring leaders, I believe. He is a hot headed individual, I am led to believe.”
“Mr. Parnell did not seem drunk last night, sir.”
“Ah, when he danced with you, is that what you refer to, Miss Channing? Well, my men would not have told such a story, was it not true. You seem quite the champion of the young man, Miss Channing. I thought he was the special friend of your cousin here? Now, that is enough talk of Jack Parnell. Come, let us take the waters.”
Emily eyed her cousin warily, as if the penny had only just dropped, but she said nothing. Why was Isobel so interested in Jack?
They drank the sulphurous waters in silence, but the bitter taste in Isobel’s mouth had nothing to do with the thermal waters.
“Perhaps I could take you out for a ride in my
carriage this very afternoon, ladies? The weather is fine and I have no other pressing engagements.”
Seeing her cousin’s eyes light up at the thought, Isobel quickly stepped in, staring hard at Emily to keep quiet.
“We are promised back at my uncle and aunt’s house this afternoon, sir, otherwise it would have been a pleasure.”
“Well, perhaps another day. We have the Ball next week, of course, at Wentworth House. I hope I shall see you there?”
“Indeed, you will. Now, sir, if you will excuse us, my cousin Charles is looking for us. I expect that he is ready to leave.”
On spotting the girls across the room, Charles hastened over to where they were standing.
“Izzie, Emily. I wondered where you were.”
“I am afraid I am guilty of stealing away your cousin and sister, sir, so please do not be too hard on them. Well, I shall take my leave, if you are promised elsewhere.”
Charles looked puzzled.
“Are we?”
Sebastian looked at Isobel and smiled.
“I see. Yes, I understand. Well, never mind, my dear. I look forward to seeing you again at Wentworth House. You will promise me the first dance, of course?”
Isobel nodded—anything to get away from the odious man.
“Well, goodbye until then.”
Bowing low, he took hold of Isobel’s hand.
“Remember, my dear. I have friends in high places. Goodbye.”
As the Earl walked away, Charles scratched his head.
“What on earth did he mean by that?”
Isobel frowned.
“I wonder.”
“Did the officers talk about what happened last night, Charles, about Jack and the fighting?”
The young man scratched his head again.
“What fighting?”
Emily told the tale as told by the Earl, but Charles looked surprised.
“That’s funny. None of the other chaps mentioned it. I am sure they would have told me something like that!”
4.
On the walk back to the house, and for the rest of the afternoon, things were slightly strained between the two girls.
Not seeing Jack Parnell, had put Emily in a bad mood and she constantly quizzed her cousin.
“Why did you not want to go out in the carriage with Lord Adick this afternoon, Izzie? It would have been better than coming back home. Why do you not encourage the man? All you did was talk about Jack Parnell and he is mine, as you rightly know.”
Isobel was tired. Her head ached from thinking about Sebastian Adick.
“He is not yours, as well you know, cousin. You hardly know the man, and you heard what was said about his conduct last night.”
Emily pulled a face.
“You do not really believe that, Izzie. You said as much to Lord Adick. I believe you are jealous of me, Izzie. You may have got your Earl, but my officer is more handsome. Anyway, I know something that you do not.”
She regretted saying the words as soon as they were out of her mouth, but it was too late.
“What do you know, Emily?”
Twisting her hair between her fingers, Emily looked sheepish.
“It is something I overheard when Charles was talking today with mother and father in the Drawing Room.”
“Well?” Isobel tapped her foot impatiently.
“Charles has told Papa all about the Earl’s attentions to you, and he in turn, has told your father. It has caused quite a stir I can tell you. In fact, both your mother and father are coming to Bath to attend the Ball hosted by the Duke and Duchess, so that they may be introduced to him.”
The girl blurted out the words almost triumphantly.
Isobel looked shocked.
“But they cannot! I mean, why on earth would they want to be introduced to the Earl?”
“It is obvious, silly. They want to encourage such a good match and make sure their daughter has every chance. Now, do not say a word. I am sure that Papa will tell you in his own good time.”
“But I do not want to marry the Earl. We are not suited.”
“Dear cousin. You are one of the most beautiful young ladies in the County, and you must use your beauty to your best advantage. I cannot compete and am left to make my match as best I can with much lowlier officer types, like Jack Parnell. You must not complain, Izzie, and just think how proud your papa will be.”
The very next day, Isobel’s Uncle Thomas called her into his study and confirmed what Emily had told her.
Arthur and Roberta Channing arrived three days later, and they had already been invited to the Ball. It had all been arranged through Charles.
Mrs. Roberta Channing was a beautiful, yet emotional woman. As soon as she saw her daughter again, she rushed to hug her, kissing both of her cheeks.
“Darling Izzie, we always knew you would make a good match. You are such a clever girl—an Earl indeed. Your father was right sending you to Bath for the Season. Things could not have been planned better. Isn’t that right, dear?”
Mr. Channing smiled proudly.
“We are both proud of you, Isobel. To think my little girl will be a Countess!”
Isobel could feel the color rising in her cheeks, but this time, it was not through embarrassment.
“Papa, Mama, I do not know what you have been told, but I barely know Sebastian Adick. We have but danced twice, and our conversation has been limited. I must admit that the Earl has pressed his attentions upon me several times since I have been here, but I assure you that I have no feelings at all for the man, and so have not encouraged his advances.”
Her mother looked shocked.
“But my dear, he is an Earl. He is everything, indeed much more than we could have hoped for. You should be very grateful indeed that he has shown you any attentions at all, and you should encourage the man.”
“But Mama, I do not love him. I do not even feel friendly towards him. To be honest, he is not the kind of man I would choose for a husband.”
“Love?”
Her father was not used to raising his voice and it cracked as he spoke.
“Isobel, you cannot be serious? What has love got to do with this matter? If you marry the Earl, you will be a Countess and want for nothing. Now, do not be silly. Just think what it will mean for the family. You must marry well, Isobel. Love is one thing, but money is another. You cannot live on love.”
Poor Isobel was almost in tears.
“But I cannot marry a man I do not love, Papa. I would be miserable. And who says that the Earl will even propose to me?”
“I have it on good authority that the Earl thinks highly of you, Isobel. You are far too young to know about love. Now, dry your eyes. We will say no more about it.”
Isobel pleaded with her mother.
“But Mama, please listen to me. I am too young to be married. I have barely danced with two or three officers since I have been here.”
“Officers, eh? I hope you are not harboring any silly notions about young penniless officers, Isobel?”
Her father was now getting angry, and Isobel felt her lip wobble.
“I would rather marry a penniless officer I loved, than an Earl who I did not.”
Her father’s eyes blazed angrily.
“So I am right, Isobel. There is perhaps a young man, eh? Well, I hope you have not given him any encouragement? Think no more about your poor officer, Isobel. I have not worked hard to give you away to a common officer. No my girl, you will marry an Earl, if I have anything to do with it.”
“But Papa!”
“And if you go against my word, Isobel, I will disinherit you and you will receive not a penny from me. What will you do then, eh?”
Isobel looked defiant.
“I care nothing for money, Papa.”
And with that, she rushed out of the Drawing Room, and into her bedroom, where she lay crying on the bed.
True love would find a way. The Duchess had said so, yet it seemed so unlikely now.
5.
Lying awake all night, Isobel planned her fate. She would not obey her father. How could she marry a man like the Earl? Surely her papa would come around eventually?
Once she was twenty-one, she would be free to marry anyway. She could then marry anyone she pleased, even Jack Parnell. Perhaps they could elope to Scotland, to Gretna Green, and be married in the Smithy’s cottage. She had heard about girls as young as fifteen, who had done the very same. But it was all conjecture. It was that true that Jack Parnell looked at her in a certain way, and when he held her hand, it had caused her heart to melt.
But was it true love, like the Duchess had said? She didn’t even know her own feelings, so how could she be sure of a man she hardly knew?
The day of the Ball at Wentworth House moved closer and there was much to be done. Roberta Channing insisted that her daughter be fitted for a new dress. She had already bought the scarlet silk that would set off her daughter’s looks, and a dressmaker could be found at little notice, if the money was right.
Isobel had little enthusiasm for anything connected to the Ball, although she did hope to see Jack Parnell again. She remained quiet as her mother fussed, preened and fluttered around her, trying out new ways with her hair, and checking her daughter every time she slouched.
“A lady can be recognized immediately by her posture, Izzie, by the way she stands and by the way she walks. Now, do come and walk up and down the room for me. Remember, head up and back straight.”
The poor girl suffered in silence during the day, whilst in her dreams she secretly met Jack Parnell and they planned their elopement together.
Emily at least had stopped taunting her cousin, and instead concentrated on her own plans for the Ball. At first, she was jealous of all the attention Isobel was receiving, but then she reminded herself that Izzie would be dancing with the Earl, leaving her free to dance with Jack Parnell.
At least the two girls were amiable once more, even though they dreamed of the same man.
By the time they arrived at the Ball, Wentworth House looked beautiful in the moonlight. The trees on the drive at the approach to the house had been hung with candles, and the whole place glittered like a fairy wonderland.