‘You are very good, Miss Allerton,’ put in Alethea, hastily, ‘but of course I could not dream of putting you or your brother to so much trouble on my account.’
‘There, Allerton,’ said Devenish, laughing softly. ‘You can’t leave it at that — you can’t possibly disoblige a lady. What do you say if we make up a party to visit London’s historic buildings? I dare say most of us have never set foot in them, unless in the course of duty.’
‘Visit historic buildings?’ repeated Allerton, aghast. ‘Whoever thought of a deuced odd notion like that? I must say, Devenish, it don’t sound like you!’
‘You are quite right. It was Miss Newnham’s notion. It seems she came to Town with the firm intention of seeing St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. She’s quite set her heart on it.’
He regarded his friend with a gleam of mischief in his eye.
‘Oh — oh, well, in that case,’ stuttered Allerton, returning this look with one which promised a reckoning later. ‘I beg your pardon, ma’am — of course, I’ll be happy to oblige. A party, you say, Devenish? My sisters, I suppose —’ he glanced at them a trifle unlovingly — ‘and Miss Newnham of course. Do I understand that you mean to go yourself?’ Devenish nodded, smiling cynically. ‘Yes, well, it could be managed, certainly. I don’t suppose,’ Allerton added, brightening, and turning to address Mrs Manbury, ‘that Lydia might possibly feel inclined to make one of the party?’
Mrs Manbury looked doubtful. ‘Oh, dear, I really cannot say. It’s not at all the kind of thing she cares for in general — indeed, we did tell Alethea so from the first — but if you are all to go together —’
‘I’m sure she would allow herself to be persuaded, ma’am,’ put in Clarinda. ‘Dear Lydia is so very good natured.’
Alethea happened to glance at Devenish at that moment, and saw the familiar cynical gleam in his eye. She looked away again hastily, for fear of breaking into a laugh.
‘Yes, to be sure,’ agreed Allerton, who evidently found it easier than Devenish to believe in Miss Manbury’s good nature. ‘And with a party, it will not be so bad — that is to say,’ he amended hastily, ‘we should all enjoy the outing. I’m not sure that it may not turn out to be a capital notion,’ he continued, warming to his theme. ‘Now, when will it suit you to go? No time like the present — how about tomorrow?’
This led to a somewhat tedious review of everyone’s engagements, but in the end it was settled that tomorrow would suit all those present.
‘As for Lydia,’ remarked Mrs Manbury, ‘I really cannot promise for her. I must speak to her first. I know of no previous engagement, but there may well be something or other that she hasn’t thought to mention to me. You know how it is. Perhaps I could send a message round later to you?’
‘I have a better notion, my dear Olivia,’ said Mrs Allerton. ‘Why do you not come and dine with us this evening — all of you, I mean? That is, of course, if Lydia should have recovered from her headache, for I know you won’t like to leave her at home on her own if she feels unwell.’
‘Oh, as to that,’ replied Mrs Manbury, a fraction out of countenance, ‘I think it was fatigue more than anything, and a good rest this morning will have put her right. Yes, I’m sure we shall all be delighted to come — thank you, my dear.’
‘Can we count on you, Vivyan?’ demanded his mother. ‘Or have you some other engagement?’
‘Oh, no, I shall be here,’ he replied with alacrity, conveniently forgetting a half promise to meet some of his cronies at White’s.
Mrs Allerton turned to Devenish. ‘If you should chance to be free also, Sir James, we should be very happy — nothing formal, you understand, just a family party.’
Alethea, watching keenly, fancied that she could almost detect Beau Devenish repress a shudder at these words.
‘You are too good, ma’am,’ he answered smoothly, ‘and nothing would give me greater pleasure. But unfortunately I am engaged for this evening.’
Mrs Allerton expressed her regret and hoped that perhaps it might be possible on another occasion.
He made a suitable reply before turning to Mrs Manbury and offering to take up Lydia and Alethea in his coach on the following day’s expedition.
‘That is, of course,’ he concluded, ‘if Miss Manbury does decide to go. Otherwise, I imagine Miss Newnham will be offered a place in your coach with your sisters, Allerton.’
This was agreed, and Alethea was left to draw the conclusion that it would not be proper for her to travel alone in a coach with Devenish. Evidently driving in the Park in an open carriage with a gentleman was quite another matter. She was learning fast about London ways, she reflected as her Aunt rose to leave.
After a brief interview with his father, Vivyan Allerton and his companion also left the house.
‘A fine outing you persuaded me to!’ he protested, as they strolled along. ‘What the devil got into you? Historic buildings, good God!’
‘A little culture, my dear fellow, will not come amiss with you, for once. It will make a change from gaming or watching mills and cockfights — not to speak of wenching.’
‘A fine one you are to talk? I overheard Miss Newnham quizzing you about Vauxhall — I’ll lay any odds you were there with one of your ladybirds, and she noticed your company. If so, doubtless Lydia did, too. That should sober you!’
‘I’m not aware,’ drawled Devenish, ‘that I’ve given Miss Manbury any right to question what company I choose to keep.’
‘Oh, Lud, no — I expect she knows as well as everyone else that she’s just one of your flirts.’
Something in his tone caught Devenish’s attention. ‘Do you have a fancy there yourself, Vivyan?’ he asked, quietly.
Allerton shrugged. ‘Lud, what’s the use? She’s out for bigger game than me, I know that well enough.’
‘I think you may be right, but I can safely promise you it won’t be myself.’ He hesitated, then said, diffidently for him, ‘She’s not worth it, you know, Viv. A spoilt brat, if ever there was one.’
‘Yes, I do know, in a way. But —’ he broke off, flushed slightly, then said with an attempt at cynicism — ‘Oh, Lud, there’s no logic in love! I’m not the only one to be at her feet, so at least I’m in the fashion.’ He paused, evidently reluctant to say any more on that subject. ‘What do you think of Miss Newnham?’ he asked, after a moment. ‘Quite an attractive girl, though not in her cousin’s class, of course.’
‘No,’ replied Devenish, without appearing to consider the matter. ‘She’s decidedly in a class of her own.’
‘You don’t like her, I collect?’
‘I should say rather that she dislikes me.’
Allerton started. ‘You don’t say so? Well, I must admit that does set her apart — never yet came across a female, old or young, who didn’t fawn on you! No use to deny it, old fellow —’ as Devenish made a gesture of distaste — ‘You know it’s true enough. Wouldn’t surprise me if you don’t see it as a challenge, if she really has taken you in dislike.’
‘Possibly,’ replied Devenish, drily. ‘Yes, possibly I do.’
‘So that’s why!’ said Allerton, with a chuckle. ‘Historic buildings, indeed! You’re a sly devil, ain’t you?’
Chapter VII
When Mrs Manbury and Alethea returned home they found Lydia still inclined to be out of temper. She complained about the length of time they had been absent, and matters were not improved when she learnt that Beau Devenish had been at the Allertons’ house.
‘A fine thing that you should have been so well entertained while here was I sitting moped to death at home!’ she exclaimed, petulantly.
‘Whose fault is that, pray?’ demanded her mother. ‘I asked you to come with me, but you chose to stay at home.’
‘Yes, but I didn’t think anyone of interest would be there, and I wasn’t in the mood for Felicia and Clarinda.’
‘Well, it’s a pity, my dear, but you’ve only yourself to blame. However, we’ve made some s
chemes for your entertainment — that is, if you care to join in. For one thing, we’re all to dine at the Allertons’ this evening —’
‘Will Devenish be there?’
‘No, for he has a previous engagement. But Vivyan will.’
Lydia shrugged. ‘Oh, very well. But I don’t call that a vastly entertaining scheme — was there anything else?’
With less assurance, Mrs Manbury went on to outline the plan for the following day. Lydia listened with incredulity bordering on indignation, and in the end demanded what in the world had made the Allertons hit on such a very odd scheme.
‘I’m not perfectly certain how it started,’ replied her mother, ‘as I wasn’t particularly attending at the time. Perhaps your cousin will know more about it.’
‘I happened to mention that I would like to view some of London’s famous buildings,’ explained Alethea, in an apologetic tone. ‘I had no notion that anyone would take me up.’
‘I can’t imagine who would!’ said Lydia scornfully. ‘Not either of the girls, I suppose — nor Vivyan, if I know him!’
‘As a matter of fact, it was Clarinda,’ said Alethea, ‘and I thought it vastly good natured of her, for I don’t believe she herself was really at all interested. She only suggested going because she thought to give me pleasure.’
‘She is a prodigiously good hearted girl,’ agreed Mrs Manbury. ‘It’s a pity that she’s so plump.’
‘But surely that doesn’t detract from her good nature, Aunt?’
Mrs Manbury looked puzzled. ‘What can you mean, child?’
‘Oh, nothing,’ replied Alethea, hastily, regretting her mistimed liveliness. ‘Just nonsense — I beg your pardon.’
‘So Clarinda said she’d go with you, and then the others decided to go, too — is that it?’ asked Lydia. ‘I must say, I’m puzzled that Devenish should have agreed to make one of the party.’
‘It did seem to me,’ remarked Mrs Manbury, ‘that he was a prime mover in the scheme. I heard him point out to Vivyan that as Alethea so much wished to go, it would be ungallant to deny her the pleasure. Yes, and now I come to think of it, it was he who said why did they not make up a party. Wasn’t it so, Alethea?’
Alethea assented and Lydia looked more mystified than before.
‘I dare say, you know,’ went on Mrs Manbury, ‘that he was counting on your going with the rest, Lydia. You may be sure that was it.’
‘Sir James Devenish has no right,’ put in Lydia, loftily, ‘to count on my doing anything or going anywhere to oblige him. I am completely indifferent to him, and the sooner he realises that, the better.’
‘To be sure, love, but he’s not indifferent to you, as anyone may see.’
‘His attentions mean nothing as you very well know, Mama, since you are always reminding me of it. Only consider the company we saw him in at Vauxhall! I wonder he can expect any genteel female will so much as speak to him after that!’
‘Nonsense, Lydia. You are too severe. You know very well how it is with gentlemen — a well bred girl doesn’t notice such things, so I advise you to put it right out of your mind. And on no account must you make any reference to it, so pray keep a guard on your tongue when next you meet him.’
Alethea could only feel thankful that her own oblique remarks to Beau Devenish on this subject had not been overheard by her aunt. No doubt she, too, would have been given a scold. Lydia merely shrugged, knowing very well that her mother was right. She had no intention of making any direct reference to the incident at Vauxhall, but she thought there might be other ways of showing her disapproval to Devenish. One of these, she decided with a flash of inspiration, could be employed tomorrow, did she choose to accompany the others on their expedition. She was very well aware that Vivyan Allerton had long been a serious admirer of hers; it was time she offered him a little encouragement. A judicious flirtation with Vivyan should soon put Devenish firmly in his place.
This reflection did a great deal to restore her good humour; which was just as well, because it was not long before a visitor was announced.
‘Mr Paul Tracy,’ repeated Mrs Manbury, frowning over the card. ‘Now, who —?’
‘Oh,’ said Alethea, quickly. ‘It is a gentleman Miss More and I met at Mrs Montagu’s. He very kindly offered to lend me a book we were discussing and I expect that’s why he has called.’
Mrs Manbury looked at her niece keenly, but could see no sign of self-consciousness. She instructed the footman to show the gentleman up, and presently Mr Tracy entered the room, carrying a slim volume in his hand.
Alethea rose to greet him and present him to her aunt and cousin. He acknowledged the introductions with a grave bow to each lady, then laying the book on a small table at Alethea’s side, obeyed Mrs Manbury’s injunction to be seated.
Some small talk followed, in which Lydia played a lively part, bestowing her dimpling smiles freely on the visitor in what was to her a routine reaction to any male. In spite of this, Mrs Manbury noticed with surprise that his eyes went more frequently to Alethea’s face than to her cousin’s. She told herself that she must inquire into this gentleman’s background. Whatever notions the girl herself might hold on the subject, Mrs Manbury at least had no doubt of the real reason why Alethea had been sent to stay with her in London. Her sister Cassandra was seeking an eligible husband for this daughter of hers, and Mrs Manbury was quite willing to play her part in the affair. Up to now, though, she had been a little daunted by the fact that Alethea was an unusual type of girl. She was too bookish by half, and seemed to have no notion of how to play off those little feminine wiles which most girls could readily employ to enslave men. Then, too, she could not compare to Lydia in looks. There was a certain cool attractiveness about her, Mrs Manbury decided, watching her niece as she chatted easily to the visitor. Although brown hair must be thought ordinary enough, Alethea’s had interesting reddish glints which sprang to life in sun or candlelight. Her face was piquant at times, and her clear grey eyes were undeniably expressive. In short, if Lydia had only been missing, Alethea might almost have passed for a beauty.
But it seemed that here was one man, at any rate, who liked the girl’s oddities, and even preferred to gaze at her rather than at her more attractive cousin. Decidedly, he ought to be encouraged, thought Mrs Manbury, should he prove eligible as far as birth and fortune were concerned. In any other way, she reflected, he could scarcely be considered a great catch. His dress, though of good quality, had none of the marks of fashion which distinguished Devenish and his set. His hesitant manner of speech, with his ‘Um’ and ‘Ah’, the frequent pauses and apologetic little laughs, she found irritating in the extreme. Still, he would do well enough for Alethea, who with her odd ways and bookishness could scarcely hope to win a husband of fashion and poise. As long as he was a man of substance and breeding; Mrs Manbury felt she owed it to her family to satisfy herself on this point.
Deep in conversation, the two people whose future she was settling remained mercifully unconscious of the trend of her thoughts. The talk had turned to the theatre, and Mr Tracey was again extolling the acting of Mrs Siddons.
‘I heard so much said in her praise at Mrs Montagu’s soiree!’ exclaimed Alethea. ‘I declare I’m dying to see her act for myself.’
‘Well, and why not?’ rejoined Lydia. ‘It’s true she’s all the rage. Mama, why don’t we go to the play — when we have nothing better to do, that is?’
Mrs Manbury said that this could be arranged, and turning graciously to Mr Tracy, asked him if he would care to make one of the party. He stammered out an awkward but obviously eager acceptance, and presently rose to take his leave.
‘What an odd creature!’ remarked Lydia with a giggle, when he had gone and her mother had left the room.
‘I do not find him odd,’ retorted Alethea. ‘And I’m told that he is a writer of some merit.’
‘Oh, but my dear cousin, all that stammering and those absurd little titters of his!’ And she pranced up and down the room
, giving a very fair imitation of Paul Tracy’s conversational manner.
Alethea could not help smiling. ‘Well, I’ll admit that his mannerisms take a little getting used to. But the matter of his conversation is so full of interest, that one soon forgets the manner.’
‘Well, I was fit to burst my sides, I assure you!’
‘Let me congratulate you, then, for concealing your mirth so well,’ replied Alethea drily.
‘Oh, pooh! One learns that kind of thing in the nursery. But never tell me that you admire him, Alethea! And after meeting such beaux as Devenish and Calver, or even Vivyan Allerton!’
‘I am not yet sufficiently acquainted with any of the gentlemen you mention to say whether or not they are admirable,’ said Alethea, coldly. ‘Although as far as Sir James Devenish is concerned —’
‘Yes? What have you to say of Beau Devenish?’
‘Simply that nothing you have told me of him leads me to expect it. And from what I’ve seen myself, he seems to be nothing but a — a fashion plate!’ finished Alethea defiantly.
Lydia looked annoyed for a moment, then laughed. ‘Well, it’s plain to see we differ in our tastes as far as gentlemen are concerned. Maybe it’s just as well,’ she added, reflectively. ‘Although to tell the truth, cousin, I am not best pleased with Devenish myself at present. I shall teach him a lesson, though, you’ll see. But why on earth should Mama have asked that odd little Tracy man to join us at the theatre, I wonder? Let’s hope she means to include someone more lively in the party, as well.’
Alethea made no reply to this, but an unwelcome suspicion crossed her mind. She dismissed it firmly, settling down to write a letter home.
The evening at the Allertons’ was pleasant, with that relaxed, informal atmosphere only possible when people are intimately acquainted. The only guest who was not a member of either family was Lord Calver, whom Vivyan had invited, so he asserted, to keep him in countenance among so many young ladies. Calver had accepted the invitation with alacrity; but this was no surprise to Vivyan, as for some weeks now he had noticed that Calver was betraying a certain interest in Felicia.
The Beau and the Bluestocking: Romantic intrigue in Regency London Page 5