by Karen Lynne
“Lady Moore, so good to see you and your lovely daughter,” the countess replied brightly. “Miss Hamilton and I are shopping for a few things before we join Lord Malmesbury for the Season in London.”
“The Season, in London?” Lady Moore asked, astonished.
Susan watched in wonder as the countess baited Lady Moore, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
“We are so pleased,” the countess continued. “Miss Hamilton has kindly accepted Lord Malmesbury’s request for her hand in marriage.” The countess paused for effect. “The house is a flutter with activity. So much to do before we leave for London.”
“Marriage!” Sophia sputtered in surprise, her face going red. “To Lord Malmesbury?”
“Oh, well, we are… pleased.” Lady Moore grabbed her daughter’s arm, pulling her forward. “We wish you much happiness, Miss Hamilton.”
Lady Moore dragged her daughter away as she hurried down the walk, not bothering to enter the dress shop.
The countess rubbed her hands together as a satisfied smile played about her lips. “That went very well. What luck. She has saved us a visit tomorrow. I dare-say your betrothal will be spread about the county within the hour.”
Susan paled at the thought of her name being bandied around the county. She would be the gossip of the town. Mothers speculating on how poor miss Hamilton caught herself an earl. She was beginning to feel the humiliation just at the thought.
“Come, Susan, do not distress yourself. I dare-say the ton of London will be much more jealous that James has dashed the hopes of many mothers with young daughters to settle.”
Susan was exhausted by the time she and the countess returned to Bowood House. A flurry of footmen began unloading the mountains of packages and boxes from their afternoon of shopping.
The countess began to pull off her gloves. “Mrs. Oakley, Miss. Hamilton and I will be having dinner in our rooms this evening. His lordship is in London and I am quite tired. Please show Miss Hamilton to the rooms prepared for her.”
The housekeeper paused in her direction of the footmen. “Yes, my lady”
“Susan, you will need your rest for tomorrow. The ladies will be flocking at our doors to see if the rumors Lady Moore is spreading are true. I advise you to get plenty of rest, dear.”
Susan watched the countess retreat to her chambers, admiring her energy in one her age.
“This way, Miss Hamilton. Your maid is waiting for you.” The housekeeper gestured for Susan to follow. Mrs. Oakley’s tiny frame in a neat gray uniform was dwarfed by the clutch of keys attached to her waist.
The housekeeper led her to the family wing of Bowood House stopping in front of large wood doors. “Your room, Miss Hamilton. I will see that your dinner is brought up.” She nodded before retracing her steps down the hall.
Susan could only think of the warm bath she wanted to sink into as her hand turned the crystal knob which opened the heavy ornate paneled door. She took in the large suite of rooms as her breath slowly left her lungs. Rustling of paper from an adjourning room caught her attention as Mary stepped through the opening.
“Miss Susan, isn’t it wonderful? I have been putting your things away, but the packages keep coming. All the staff is a-flutter about your betrothal to the master. A countess, miss. I’m going to be a lady’s maid to a countess,” Mary gushed as she continued to put the new clothes in a large wardrobe.
Mary’s prattle began to wear on Susan’s nerves. It had been a long tiring day and running into the town gossip hadn’t helped. She was losing control of her life and didn’t know what to do about it. She wished James were here. She could talk to him about his mother and her growing misgivings.
“Mary, please—” scowled Susan— “Order a bath, my patience is being tried with all this talk of my betrothal. My head is throbbing, please leave me in peace. I’m having dinner in my room tonight and then I want to sleep.” She waved her hand to dismiss Mary.
Her wide-eyed maid bobbed a curtsy and quickly obeyed. As the door closed, she threw her gloves and bonnet on the vanity. With a sinking heart, she examined the packages piled and strewn about the connected sitting room. She groaned and fell into the soft four poster bed. The fluffy mattress molded around her as she let out a soft sigh, her tired body relaxing into the bed.
Chapter Ten
James and his valet left Bowood House before sunrise. He decided to ride so he would have his mount while in London. He would have his phaeton delivered to the London house. They made good time, letting the horses rest at the Arms and Cross posting inn while they ate. He arrived at his town home just after nightfall.
The butler took James’s hat as he entered the foyer. “Sorry we sprung on you unannounced but had to get to town quickly. Lady Malmesbury and my betrothed, Miss Hamilton will be here at the end of the week. Inform the housekeeper to have the countess’s rooms ready and have her put Miss Hamilton in the rose room down the hall from the countess.”
James headed to his room where his valet had unpacked his satchel with enough clothes to keep him until his trunks arrived in the morning. James relaxed under his valet’s ministrations.
He felt confident that his mother would have the word spread of Miss Hamilton’s engagement, ensuring Mr. Caldwell and his cousin would hear the news. He smiled to himself. His mother knew just the right people to announce this juicy gossip to. He relaxed, knowing Susan would not be subjected to gossip here in his townhome. His staff had been with the family as far back as James could remember, and they kept a tight rein on the help from the scullery maid up to the top stairs staff. If any of his servants were caught spreading his personal business outside of this house, they suffered immediate dismissal without references. James paid his servants well and expected their upmost loyalty.
After a quick bite to eat, James left to inquire at his gentlemen’s club as to the availability of rooms. He had kept the dues paid even when he was serving the regent during the war. He was taking no chance that Susan’s reputation would be sullied. Besides, he would better be able to keep his ear to the ground at the club where information flowed freely. It was imperative he locate Mr. Hamilton before Susan and his mother arrived in town.
James took a hackney to the club, throwing coins to the driver as he disembarked in front of the club. The driver tipped his hat. “Thank you, my lord.”
James entered the club to familiar smells of cigars.
“Good evening. It’s good to see you, my lord.” The door man took his coat and hat, handing it off to a waiting footman.
“I need a room while in London. Can you accommodate me here by the end of the week?” James asked. The man flipped through a heavy leather book supported on an oak podium, quickly writing with a quill.
“Very good, my lord. A room will be ready.” Laying down his quill he gave James a slight bow.
James nodded, satisfied. “I will have my man come by then.”
Pleased with himself, James moved into the club. It was time to pursue his quarry and run Mr. Hamilton to ground. Gentlemen were dispersed in small groups, talking in the smoke-filled room. The ladies were not the only ones disposed to gossip. News flew through the gentlemen clubs faster than the society pages could report.
Susan woke to sun filtering through the windows. Her maid had pulled back the curtains and was setting a breakfast tray on the small table by her bed.
“Miss Susan, I am to get you ready as there are visitors coming this morning. Her ladyship has asked her maid to show me how to do your hair,” Mary gushed. “I have your dress ready in your sitting room. Her ladyship says Miss. Phelips is to be here shortly, so you need to be quick.”
Susan brightened at the thought of Abby coming. It was the catalyst to get her moving. She washed up and was just finishing her meal when Mary returned to get her dressed.
When she stood before the looking glass Susan’s heart skipped a beat at the vision before her. She hadn’t realized the beauty of the dress in the shop with so much fuss going on aroun
d her. Mrs. Summers work would match any modiste in London, she was sure of it.
The countess’s maid entered with a basket full of hair pins and ribbons. Mary wrapped a robe around her and guided her to the vanity. “Miss Susan, we need to get your hair styled.” Mary clasped her hands together, carefully watching the older maid as she deftly styled Susan’s hair in the upturned style that was so popular. Taking a ribbon matching her dress, she wove it through her hair. Soft wisps of curls floated around her face.
Susan’s eyes grew wide as she reached her hand to her hair. The transformation surprised her. “Here, Miss Susan, her ladyship wanted you to have this.” The maid reached into her pocket and pulled out a brilliant jewel set in gold hung on a silk ribbon matching her dress and tied it round her neck. “There, it is perfect,” the older maid cooed.
Susan walked over to the mirror to see for herself when a small knock sounded. Abby bounced into the room.
“Oh, Susan I was so thrilled.” Abby stopped dead at the sight of Susan. Her hand flew to her cheeks. “You look wonderful.” Abby grasped Susan’s hands and twirled her around. “Let me see you.”
Susan turned to see herself full in the glass and held her breath as her hands smoothed down the soft shear muslin skirt. Tiny knots had been woven into the fabric, giving it a ripple effect. A single flounce adorned the hem and a rich purple velvet underskirt filtered through the muslin gauze, softening the colour.
“You are so lucky to be betrothed.” Abby sighed. “Aunt Lucy would never let me wear that colour.” She smiled with envy as she tucked her arm in Susan’s.
The two of them descended the wide stairs together. “I was so excited when Lady Malmesbury’s note came, inviting Aunt Lucy and I to join you. We are to lend our support.” Abby could hardly contain her excitement.
“I would have loved to have been there yesterday when her ladyship told Lady Moore and Sophia of your engagement. How Sophia drives me to distraction with her superior ways. It is all in her head, mind you, but I cannot like to be in her company for very long.” Abby hardly took a breath as she continued her tirade.
“Abby, please let’s be discreet about my betrothal to James. I would not like to come across as being above anyone else. It is not very lady like.” Susan’s face heated as guilt over took her. She hated keeping secrets from Abby.
The large front salon had been set up to receive the morning visitors. Susan was awed by the large space and, felt it could accommodate a ball if it had been in London. The dark paneling was brightened by the morning sun coming in the tall opened windows. The countess had made the room more comfortable with small groupings of overstuffed chairs and couches inviting conversation. Two tea services had been set next to the groupings with large varieties of pastries and cakes to choose from. Footmen were present waiting to replenish the refreshments as needed.
“Oh, my,” Aunt Lucy exclaimed as she caught sight of Susan. “Julia, you have done a wonderful job with our dear Susan.”
A flush rose to Susan’s cheeks. She was not used to this attention, and she shifted her feet uncomfortably as the ladies continued to talk.
“Susan, I have arranged two tea settings. I would like you to serve the young ladies and I will entertain their mothers. I think it will be more relaxing and you’ll practice being a hostess in a friendlier setting,” the countess explained.
The butler entered and announced, “Mr. Grant, Miss Joanne and Eliza Grant.”
The vicar bowed and followed his daughters into the room.
“Mr. Grant, it’s so nice to see you. Come have a seat,” the countess greeted him kindly.
After a quick greeting, Susan led her friends to the comfortable group of seats by the windows. “Susan,” Eliza started. “Lady Moore is spreading the most outrageous gossip that you’re to be married to the Earl of Malmesbury.”
“Eliza,” her sister Joanne admonished, looking toward her father. He was absorbed in conversation with the countess and Lady Phelips. “Father would not like you talking so about your elders in such a way.”
“Well, Lady Moore is a nosy gossip. She thinks she knows everything,” Eliza replied, lowering her voice as she glanced at their father.
“This time she is right,” Abby replied, giving Susan a little nod.
Susan coloured as she was forced to confirm the lie that stuck in her throat. “Yes, Lord Malmesbury has asked for my hand.”
“Susan is going to London for the Season. I am so happy that you’re coming,” Abby said. “It will be so much better to have a friend. I admit I am a little scared for my first Season. I hear it can be quite trying.”
Susan smiled, taking Abby’s hand. “I fear I have not any experience with the Season either, but we will do our best to support one another. Aunt Lucy will not let you flounder.”
“Susan, you will not forget your friends here? Please write. I would love to hear of the Season in London,” Eliza implored.
“I would never forget you, Eliza. Besides, it will only be for a few months and then I will be home.”
“When is the wedding?” Joanne asked. “Is it to be here? Will Father preside over the ceremony?”
Susan hadn’t thought of that. It would only be right the vicar perform the wedding as they were a member of his parish. She laughed. “I don’t know, I am sure James will have it all arranged. He is in London, talking to my father now.” She wondered how her father would receive James. Surely, he would not insist on Mr. Caldwell over the Lord Malmesbury. All she needed was time to reach her majority and then she could decide for herself.
As the countess had predicted, a steady stream of well-wishers had called to gawp and wonder if it were true, that she, Susan Hamilton had managed to catch Lord Malmesbury.
Chapter Eleven
James had located the residence where Mr. Hamilton was staying. With some irritation he noted the address to be in a very fashionable neighborhood. He wondered that her father could leave Susan to fend for herself as he enjoyed the pleasure of London. James sent a note around to the Hamiltons’ address requesting an interview with him.
James decided to take his phaeton so he could ride through Hyde Park after his business was done. He hoped this wouldn’t take long.
“my lord, this way please”
James followed the butler to a set of large carved doors and gave a light knock before entering. “Lord Malmesbury, sir.”
Mr. Hamilton was seated in a comfortable chair where it appeared, he had been reading the news post. A smoking cheroot rested in a tray on the side table by his chair. He rose to welcome James.
“My lord, I was surprised to get your note. Come have a seat. Can I offer you some brandy?” Mr. Hamilton wore fashionable clothing which appeared a little too tight for comfort. His graying hair was well cut and the man was still handsome despite his years.
“No thank you, sir. I have just come from the country. Your daughter told me you were here on your wedding trip.”
Mr. Hamilton looked surprised. “Susan? How do you know my daughter?”
“Lady Phelips introduced us in town one day when I was escorting my mother, Lady Malmesbury. Lady Phelips and my mother, the countess, are friends and neighbors.” James thought it best to not inform Mr. Hamilton of Susan’s mishap on the road.
“Miss Hamilton— your daughter— and I have been thrown together these past weeks through our mutual friends, the Phelips. I have become very fond of her and I would like your permission to marry her, sir.”
Mr. Hamilton could not have been more surprised as he stared at James with open amazement. Finding his voice, he sputtered, “Marry my Susan?”
“Yes, Mr. Hamilton,” James replied.
Mr. Hamilton waved his hand as he slumped into his chair. “Call me George, and please have a seat.”
James sat beside George Hamilton. “Yes, sir. It seems Susan and I have developed a tenderness for each other. I told her I would come and talk with you.”
“I’m sorry, my lord but I have given Mr.
Caldwell permission to marry my daughter. I expect he has already asked her by now.” He reached for the cheroot.
“Susan tells me Mr. Caldwell has asked, but she has refused him.” James watched George Hamilton. He seemed to be taken aback. What wasn’t he telling him?
“That may be, but I have given my word and my wife is set on her marriage to Mr. Caldwell.” George Hamilton waved his hand, spreading ashes across the floor.
James couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He could feel his anger rising, but he would need to keep it in check for Susan’s sake. Taking a deep breath, he continued, “George, I have come to know of Mr. Caldwell’s character. I am sorry to say he has been a poor example to my cousin Mr. Bathurst and he has no title, a mere tradesmen’s son. Would you really force Susan to marry a man from trade over an earl?”
George Hamilton had the decency to look ashamed. “Well,” He babbled his face going red, “I have no money to settle on the girl. Caldwell is willing to take her as is.”
“I have no expectations of a dowry. Susan has already told me of her circumstances. I can provide well for her,” James replied
“Do you love my girl?” George asked.
“I do not, but I respect her.” He felt a strange feeling warm his heart at the admission.
James felt uneasy as he watched George Hamilton rise and begin to pace the room. “But I gave my word,” He mumbled as he continued to pace.
James formed a plan in his mind. “I am willing to settle a sum on her if you agree to the marriage.”
George Hamilton stopped and eyed the earl. “A sum? On my daughter’s marriage?”
“Yes,” said James, “if, we can come to an agreement.”
George Hamilton rubbed his hands together and returned to his chair. “Well, my boy, what did you have in mind?”
James ignored the disrespect in Mr. Hamilton’s address and settled back in his chair. “I would like to purchase Fyne Court from you. Susan seems fond of the place. I would like it to be given as a wedding gift.”