The Belle Dames Club

by Melinda Hammond

  ‘Well, my love, you are very welcome here. Henceforth my home shall be your own. I know that after your father’s death I could not comfort you as a mother should—’

  ‘You were distraught, Mama-Nell.’

  Lady Wyckenham studied her cup.

  ‘Nevertheless, I was not a good mother to you in those days.’

  ‘But Henry had just gone off to war, and Anne was alone, so it was natural that as sisters we should comfort one another.’

  ‘But I should have looked after you both!’ cried Lady Wyckenham, her pretty face crumpling.

  Clarissa shook her head.

  ‘You know that was not possible. I was desperate to stay away from town at that time. Besides, Anne was never close to you, as I was.’

  ‘She dislikes me.’

  ‘No, no, not now. It is true she resented you a little, when you first married my father, but she was so much older than I, and could remember Mama so much better. It was quite natural.’

  My lady gave a little laugh.

  ‘Both William and Anne thought your father had run mad when he married me. They thought I could not make him happy, but I did, Clarissa, I did!’

  ‘I know it, Mama-Nell. I was very young, but I remember how he changed: he came alive again when he met you.’

  Lady Wyckenham smiled mistily.

  ‘We had some good times, Clarissa. I would wish to see you as happy in a marriage. And now you are come back to live with me I shall do my best to find you just such a husband.’

  ‘Thank you, Mama-Nell, but I have not come to town to find a husband.’

  ‘Oh? Is there a beau back in Royston?’

  Clarissa’s dark eyes were alight with laughter.

  ‘Several!’ she replied saucily, ‘but none that I liked well enough to marry.’ She grew serious. ‘I have a very comfortable income, so marriage is not a necessity for me. I thought….’ She paused. ‘I thought, if you would let me live with you, we could perhaps travel together: I do so long to see something of the world.’

  ‘Well of course, my love, if that is what you want.’ Lady Wyckenham was rather startled. ‘But, my dear, you have unfortunate memories of your first season, surely now—’

  ‘My dear ma’am, that is not why I have stayed away from you. True, I thought myself bereft when Papa died, and Jack’s betrayal was painful, but I have not been nursing a broken heart all these years, believe me. The truth is, I fear I am too particular. I want just such a partnership as you had with Papa, and if I cannot find that, I think I shall remain single.’

  Lady Wyckenham was too wise to continue the subject, but silently made up her mind to find a suitable husband for her beautiful stepdaughter. Clarissa might be three-and-twenty, but with her luxurious dark hair, deep-brown eyes and a generous mouth that always seemed on the edge of laughter, Lady Wyckenham thought there were few men who would not take a second look when Clarissa entered a room.

  ‘Well,’ she said at last, ‘I shall be delighted to have your company here in town, my love, and if you are of the same mind next year, then you shall come with me to Paris. You will like that, I think.’

  ‘Indeed I shall, thank you, Mama-Nell.’ Clarissa paused. ‘About last night—’

  Lady Wyckenham set down her cup with a clatter and pushed the tray to one side. ‘Goodness, I can hear the church clock chiming the hour! Send for Polly, my love, I must get up.’

  Clarissa leaned forward, imprisoning her stepmother’s hands in her own.

  ‘No, no, I shall not let you get up until you explain to me about last night.’

  ‘But I have an appointment with my milliner.’

  ‘You promised, Mama-Nell.’

  Lady Wyckenham saw the determination in Clarissa’s face and sighed.

  ‘Oh very well.’ She sank back against her pillows, as if considering where to start. ‘When your dear father died, you know I shut myself away to mourn, as was proper, for a full year. Since then I have travelled widely, as well as coming back to town regularly. There is so much more freedom granted to a widow than a single lady, but even so the conventions have to be observed, and I had become so very bored.’ She looked up. ‘You are not a babe, Clarissa. You know that in such cases many women amuse themselves by taking a lover. For a short time I thought—’ She broke off, biting her lip, then said with a sigh, ‘I found I did not wish to do so – it would insult the memory of your dear papa.’ My lady’s lips curved slightly and there was a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. ‘Besides, I have never met anyone who aroused my passion for more than a month, and a mere infatuation would not do! No, I wanted no male attentions, though there were plenty for the taking, I can assure you.’

  ‘I am sure there were, Mama-Nell.’

  My lady glanced across the room to her mirror: even in the unforgiving light of the morning sun she was not displeased with her appearance. She was now approaching forty, but her skin was still smooth and the blue eyes as bright as ever. She continued.

  ‘About a year ago, I paid a visit to my relatives in Norfolk: cousins, and kindly souls who invite me to join them for a few weeks each year. While I was there I met an old man, some sort of great-uncle. We got talking, and he was pointing out to me a portrait of one of our ancestors on the wall: an ancient picture of a jolly-looking man with a squirrel resting on the sleeve of his coat. He told me the painting had been done as one of a set. The sitters were all members of a drinking club called Little Bedlam, and each of them took on the name of an animal so that their identities should remain a secret from the servants.’ Lady Wyckenham gave a little smile. ‘I well remember the old man’s words, “Crack-brained idea, that. Never known a household where a man’s servants didn’t know everything that went on.” ’ She gave a little shrug and looked up at Clarissa. ‘So there it is. I decided to start a little club for my friends – ladies only, of course. At first I thought to call it the New Little Bedlam, but thought the Belles Dames Club more appropriate. We meet to drink, talk, play at cards – oh, anything we wish. We have gone disguised to Ranelagh and even to a public masquerade. The element of secrecy means we avoid censure.’

  ‘And the scarves thrown out to the wrestlers last night? Was it like a medieval joust, the winner picks the lady of his fancy?’

  Lady Wyckenham’s cheeks betrayed a slight flush.

  ‘Some of the ladies were very taken with the wrestlers. And the victor deserves some reward for his efforts, don’t you think?’

  ‘Mama-Nell, that is outrageous!’

  ‘No more outrageous than the husbands spending the evening at Brooks’s or White’s before going on to some snug little house in Pall Mall. I do not wish to indulge in that way myself, but if others are so inclined….’

  ‘Lady Gaunt was definitely so inclined!’ retorted Clarissa.

  ‘Dorothea has always liked to set the world by its ears. I am sorry, Clarissa, have I shocked you?’

  ‘No, no. A little surprised, perhaps, but even more intrigued. When is your next meeting? I should like to be there.’

  My Lady sat bolt upright.

  ‘Clarissa, the Belles Dames Club is for married ladies.’

  ‘My dear madam, you can scarce prevent me from attending if these meetings are held here.’

  ‘I can and will. It would be unseemly.’

  ‘Oh? And why is that?’

  ‘I have already told you: it is for married ladies only. We have to consider your reputation.’

  ‘You have already told me that the club is secret.’ Clarissa reasoned. ‘How then could it damage my reputation?’

  ‘You are too young,’ declared my lady, a hint of desperation in her voice.

  Clarissa laughed at that.

  ‘How so? At three-and-twenty, I am as old as several of the young matrons I saw last night – perhaps older.’ She slipped off the edge of the bed. ‘Come, Mama-Nell, you must let me attend the next meeting, or I shall write to William and tell him all about your little club.’

  Lady Wyckenham stared a
t her.

  ‘You would not – you know how much he disapproves of me already.’

  ‘Of course I would not. I was only joking you, dearest. But the knowledge that my slow-top brother would disapprove of the Belles Dames Club makes me even more determined to become a member. Now, I will give you just an hour to dress and break your fast, Mama-Nell, then I have ordered the carriage to take us to King Street, for I must see the silk mercers. You tell me you have to see your milliner, and I am in desperate need of new gowns.’

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Lights blazed from Orpington House and, as Lady Wyckenham’s carriage approached the impressive entrance, she laid one gloved hand upon Clarissa’s arm.

  ‘No need to be nervous, my love. You look very well, believe me. It is a pity Madam Marguerite could not find you a gown at such short notice, but your embroidered muslin suits you admirably, and besides, you will be among friends.’

  Clarissa could not resist.

  ‘Fellow members of the Belles Dames Club, madam?’

  ‘Of course: that is why I was determined you should accompany me this evening. After your sudden appearance last night the other ladies would never forgive me if I had left you at home.’

  *

  No sooner had the ladies put off their cloaks than they heard a pretty musical voice behind them.

  ‘So you have brought her.’

  Clarissa looked round and recognized the diminutive redhead she had seen the night before. The lady was coming towards them, smiling. She was dressed in a cloud of primrose lustring, her shining red curls piled artlessly upon her head, and a welcoming smile in her huge green eyes.

  Lady Wyckenham introduced her as Lady Sarah Matlock, but the redhead waved her hand dismissively.

  ‘Don’t you dare call me Lady Sarah – I am Sally to my friends, and I know you will be one of them, Clarissa – you will let me call you Clarissa, won’t you? I have been so looking forward to meeting you.’

  ‘I was only sorry Mama-Nell did not have time to introduce us last night,’ murmured Clarissa with a teasing glance at her stepmother.

  Lady Sarah gave a gurgle of laughter and tucked her tiny hand into Clarissa’s arm. ‘Your arrival caused a stir, I can tell you! But no matter. Helen has told us all about you, you see, so I know I shall like you. We are of an age, I think.’

  ‘Yes, you are,’ agreed Lady Wyckenham, adding pointedly, ‘but Sally is now a married lady, and therefore has much more freedom.’

  ‘But I am sure we shall find a great deal we can do together, Mama-Nell,’ murmured Clarissa. ‘Shopping, for instance, and joining clubs.’

  Sally saw the mischievous look and clapped her hands together.

  ‘I was so afraid you would be outraged by what you saw last night. I thought you might pack your bags and leave immediately, but Dorothea said you would not do so. She said you were always an unconventional child.’

  Lady Wyckenham frowned.

  ‘Lady Gaunt assumes to know my stepdaughter very well.’

  ‘But she is right, ma’am. You know I want to join your little club.’ Clarissa looked at Sally. ‘Could you vote me in?’

  Lady Sarah nodded.

  ‘Of course we could.’

  Lady Wyckenham opened her fan with a decided snap.

  ‘That is quite enough!’ she cried, much flushed. ‘This is not the place to discuss such matters. Sally, I would thank you not to encourage her.’

  ‘Oh fiddle, Nell! If you did not wish Clarissa to join us, then you should not have brought her here, for you know you will have to introduce her to all the other members of the club.’

  Lady Wyckenham opened her mouth, then shut it again, unable to think of a suitable retort.

  ‘There,’ declared Lady Sarah, casting a triumphant look at Clarissa, ‘I think it is safe now to assume that you will be joining us!’

  ‘By Gad, Marius, why in heaven’s name do you come out wearing that dead-and-done-for look?’ Barnabus Norwell shook his head at his friend’s sober mien. ‘For God’s sake man, smile.’

  Marius Lexington, ninth Earl of Alresford, raised his black brows.

  ‘I am not aware that I look so gloomy. It must be my nature.’

  ‘That I cannot allow! I think it is that you have got out of the habit of being sociable. When we were boys together you were awake upon every suit, always ready to run a rig.’

  ‘But I have grown up since then.’

  ‘Grown old, more like. There is still much to enjoy in life, Marius. I vow you are my despair.’

  Only someone as well acquainted with Lord Alresford as Mr Norwell would have noticed the slight softening of his look.

  ‘I admit I am a trial to you, Barny. I do not know why you bother with me.’

  ‘Because you are a good friend, and you can be excellent company when you wish to be.’

  ‘But I so dislike occasions such as these. The false smiles and simpering looks – the matrons determined to catch a husband for some fusby-faced daughter.’

  Mr Norwell gave a crack of laughter.

  ‘The matrons gave up trying to catch you years ago, Marius. And you may as well try to enjoy yourself. Mama is bringing Margaret to town next week and you know very well she will be calling upon you as an escort.’

  ‘I shall tell her I am otherwise engaged.’

  ‘Oh no you will not,’ retorted Mr Norwell hotly. ‘If you think I’ll go gallivanting around town with m’sister on my own you are wrong. As our cousin it is your duty to attend us! So you must brush up your social skills, my friend.’

  Lord Alresford did not reply, his attention caught by a group just entering the ballroom and he laid a hand on his friend’s arm.

  ‘Well then, I had best make a start. Will you introduce me to a lady, Barnabus?’

  Mr Norwell’s eyes gleamed hopefully.

  ‘A lady? A young lady, Marius?’

  ‘Yes, Lady Wyckenham’s companion. But do not jump to conclusions, sir. I merely wish to be civil.’

  ‘Well, I know Lady Wyckenham, so let us begin there.’

  CHAPTER SIX

  ‘Dear ma’am, I have been away for so long it is like coming to town for the first time.’ Clarissa paused as they entered the ball-room, momentarily stunned by the noise and bustle and light. ‘Everything and everyone is new to me.’

  Lady Wyckenham smiled up at her.

  ‘Believe me no one looking at you would think you apprehensive. I have little doubt that I shall be besieged by your admirers tonight.’

  ‘Mama-Nell!’

  ‘It is true – and here come the first two now. Good evening, Mr Norwell.’

  Lady Wyckenham turned her wide smile upon the young man, who bowed over her gloved fingers.

  ‘Your servant, ma’am.’

  ‘And where is your lovely wife this evening, Mr Norwell? I made sure to see her here.’

  ‘Oh Julia is here, ma’am, dancing, I think. But never mind that: I have brought with me a friend, who is most anxious to meet you. Pray allow me to present the Earl of Alresford to you, ma’am.’

  Lady Wyckenham’s shrewd gaze flickered over the young men, noting their surreptitious glances at Clarissa, who was standing a little behind her. My lady smiled: it was not at all surprising. Clarissa had always been a spirited little thing, but now, dressed in a deceptively simple cream muslin, a slight blush suffusing her cheek and the candlelight glinting on her luxuriant dark hair, Lady Wyckenham felt a glow of pride for her stepdaughter, as she presented the gentlemen to her. They had not been in the ballroom five minutes and already the child was a hit!

  Mr Norwell laid a hand on his friend’s shoulder.

  ‘Well well, Alresford, this is fortunate! Since Miss Wyckenham is so new to Town she has no dances reserved and you will be able to take advantage of her state and lead her out – what say you, sir?’

  Lord Alresford’s naturally sombre look deepened to a frown.

  ‘Barnabus you are too forward.’

  ‘No, no – you ain’t
promised for this dance are you, Miss Wyckenham?’

  ‘Indeed she is not,’ put in Lady Wyckenham, avoiding her stepdaughter’s furious look.

  Mr Norwell grinned. ‘There you are then, Marius. Go to it, man, they are forming up now!’

  Lord Alresford held out his arm.

  ‘It seems we are besieged on all sides, Miss Wyckenham. Will you do me the honour of standing up with me?’

  Clarissa laid her fingers on his sleeve and with a final, darkling look at Lady Wyckenham she walked off with him to join the dancers. She risked a glance up at him as he led her on to the floor.

  ‘Between your friend and my stepmama there was no escape,’ she said lightly. ‘They seem determined we should dance.’

  ‘I am sorry for it, Miss Wyckenham. I asked for the introduction because I felt I had not thanked you properly for your assistance on the road to town the other day.’

  ‘Then I am sorry if your attempt at civility has resulted in this unpleasant experience, sir.’

  ‘That is not what I meant, I would never—’

  Her eyes twinkled.

  ‘I know it, but the temptation to tease you was too great for me. Your solemn look made it irresistible.’

  His brow darkened even further.

  ‘Do you treat everything with such levity, Miss Wyckenham?’

  ‘Yes sir, when I meet with pomposity.’ She bit her lip. ‘Now I am being uncivil. Forgive me, my lord.’

  He inclined his head and said no more. The dance separated them, they came back together, but still there was silence. When they parted again Clarissa made up her mind that she would converse with him, whatever the cost. As the dance brought them back together she raised her eyes to his face.

  ‘Who is Elizabeth?’

  She observed the start of surprise in his eyes, a shadow of annoyance, and thought at first he would not answer her, but at last he spoke in a low voice.

  ‘We were betrothed.’

  ‘Were?’

  ‘She died.’