Fortunately, she had yet to tell Viola they had been uninvited so she decided not to mention what had taken place that afternoon. The twins were in the garden with their nursemaid and she went to join them. Richard, Emma and their governess appeared shortly after this and they played hide and go seek until it was time for nursery tea.
She had asked for dinner to be served outside on the terrace. A trestle had been found in an outhouse and set up. Now draped with a crisp, white tablecloth and laid up with the best cutlery and crystalware, it looked quite magical.
Of course, they didn't change for dinner, there was no point in such an informal household. Viola joined her outside after she had supervised the older children's bedtime routine.
'I have not eaten al fresco for years, I think it an excellent notion.'
'Being outside is a little more inconvenient for the staff, but I'm sure they won't mind. I know Cook much prefers to prepare a formal meal than send us up something on a tray each night.'
'I have asked Beth to put out anything she thinks will suit you – they are already arranged like an Indian bazaar over the furniture in my sitting room.'
'I do have suitable slippers and gloves – but I do not own a fan. Do you think I could borrow one of those?'
'Good heavens! I've never used one and don't intend to start now. I'm hoping we can wander about outside as the invitation stated quite clearly it was an informal event. I'm glad there will be no dancing as that is not one of my strengths.'
Viola laughed. 'I was obliged to teach my previous charges how to dance. When we have dined, I shall teach you how to waltz and perform a country dance. I doubt, even if there is dancing, there will be anything else you need to know.'
'But we have no music to accompany us.'
'I shall be the music as well as the instructor. You play the pianoforte beautifully, you will have no difficulty learning these few basic steps.'
The air was filled with the beautiful song of the nightingales when they finally went inside. Although the candles had looked quite beautiful in the darkness, Lydia didn't like the way the moths were attracted to the flames and was eager to go inside.
She had sent word upstairs so her maid was waiting for them. She beckoned her friend into her sitting room and gestured to the half a dozen gowns waiting to be inspected. Viola clapped her hands like a child and ran from one to the other exclaiming in delight. Eventually she settled on a cream silk with a pale green underskirt and matching flowers sewn around the neckline and hem.
'This is the most beautiful gown I have ever seen, are you quite sure you wish to loan it to me.'
'It is not a loan, my dear, it is a gift. There are gloves and slippers to complete the ensemble – you must have those as well. I apologise for the lack of a fan, but I did not ask for any to be made up for me.'
They parted, both delighted with the exchange. She had yet to decide which gown she was going to wear. She had asked her maid to put out the six gowns she owned as she thought Viola might not have been so ready to accept her gift if she believed the five dresses were all she had.
Being in possession of five evening gowns was more than she had ever dreamed of and far more than she would need. Even if she was invited to something as prestigious as the event to be held tomorrow night, she saw no reason why she shouldn't wear the same ensemble again. As far as such people were concerned she was a nonentity, not a person to take notice of, and therefore whatever she wore would be of no interest to those present.
Whilst busy folding up the gowns in preparation for placing them carefully on the shelves in her closet Lydia made her selection. 'I think I will wear the emerald green, I have my sister's emerald ear bobs and necklace which will go perfectly with them. In fact, that was the reason I chose the material.'
'It's not the usual colour for an unmarried lady, miss, but with your dark colouring and green eyes it will be perfect. You will be the belle of the ball.'
'It is not a ball but an informal supper party. I have no wish to be the centre of attention so perhaps I had better wear the pink damask instead.'
'Forgive me for saying so, miss, but I think that would be a mistake. You want to look your best and this gown will make sure that you do.'
Reluctantly Lydia agreed with her maid. Tomorrow might be the only opportunity she had to wear the emeralds. They had once belonged to a grandmother she had never met – they were the only things she owned of any value.
*
'Do you wish to inspect the arrangements, your grace?' Frobisher asked.
'No, I'm certain everything is exactly as it should be. I observed from my apartment several carriages turning into the drive. The first guests will be here in ten minutes.'
Everett had sent a carriage to collect the young ladies from the Dower House and he had been hoping they would be here first, but for some reason they had not as yet appeared. He had no intention of standing in the vast entrance hall bowing and smiling to everybody as they came in. His staff could greet his guests and he would speak to them individually when they came into the drawing room, or joined him on the terrace.
The outside area looked magical tonight and would look even more so when it got dark. His gardeners had arranged flowers in every corner and entwined ivy in and out of the balustrade. The lanterns that hung in the trees were not yet alight as the sun was still shining.
He had expected a trio or a quartet at the most, but Digby had taken it upon himself to engage what looked like a small orchestra. From the screeching and wailing coming from the dozen or so musicians as they tuned up their instruments, he supposed they were about to start playing.
He had done as the doctor suggested and rested all day yesterday, and most of today, and now felt fitter than he had for years. His leg didn't ache, he was walking smoothly, and he had found himself agreeing there should be dancing after supper. He didn't intend to dance himself, but he would enjoy watching others prancing about the floor.
Even when he had been young and uninjured he had never danced – it was not a pastime he found pleasurable. He much preferred to converse, or even better, to play cards. Digby had assured him that at least half the gentleman would be happy to sit down with him to play Vingt-et-Un, Piquet or Loo.
There was a considerable advantage being a head taller than most of the gentlemen present as it meant he could see who was moving in his direction and take appropriate action if he didn't wish to speak to them.
The musicians were now playing and the sweet sound of music echoed through the reception rooms; these had been cleared of all large furniture so there was room to move around freely. Small groups of chairs and tables had been positioned around the edge of the drawing room, and ballroom. The second drawing room had been utilised as a card room and the music room would be used for people to eat their supper.
The meal was to be served on a buffet and his guests left to select what they wanted. There would be ample footmen around to serve beverages. There would be both tea and coffee available in the dining room later in the evening for those who wished for a non-alcoholic drink. His eyes widened when he saw his physician talking to Miss Sinclair and the governess. He had only recognised her because of the startling colour of her companion's hair.
How could he have ever thought her plain? He was not the only gentleman glancing admiringly in her direction. The confection she was wearing was an unusual shade of green, emerald he thought it might be called. Her hair was arranged in an elaborate style and she was wearing what he was certain were expensive jewels around her neck and in her ears.
He was about to turn away from them when he overheard two matrons talking.
'My dear Lady Ponsonby, who is that young lady dressed so unsuitably? Such bright colours should only be worn by married women, not someone of her age and status.'
'And the other girl, such shockingly bright hair. I cannot abide red hair and certainly not such a shade as that. I much prefer a young lady with golden curls myself.'
He changed d
irection and strode across to greet them as if they were close friends. 'Miss Sinclair, Miss Carstairs, thank you for gracing my humble abode this evening.'
They curtsied and he bowed. Miss Sinclair replied, she was smiling at him in a most particular way. 'Thank you for coming to greet us personally, your grace. I fear I have made the most dreadful blunder coming in this gown. I could not resist the colour as it matched my eyes.' She stopped and her cheeks flushed becomingly.
'I can assure you, your gown is perfect. You will, without doubt, be the most beautiful young lady present tonight.'
He offered her his arm and was pleased to see that the doctor did the same for the governess. He guided her across the hall, the drawing room and out onto the terrace.
'How beautiful you have made it look, your grace.' She glanced at him and he responded to her smile. 'Although, I'm sure you actually had nothing at all to do with it yourself. Your staff have done an excellent job.'
'When the lanterns on the poles, and in the trees, are alight it will look even more beautiful. Devil take it! Benji has followed you. I can see him hiding in the shrubbery over there.'
Instead of being shocked by his appalling language she ran to the balustrade and followed his stare. 'Yes, I can see him. He is a very loyal and protective member of the family and I must thank you again, your grace, for being so kind as to loan him to us.'
'He is yours to keep, my dear. I will have papers drawn up to that effect. He will never be happy anywhere but with you and the children.'
'Mr Digby told me he was your favourite hound. I wish there was a way we could all share him.'
*
Lydia was surprised at his reaction to her words. She had not said anything out of the ordinary. However, he looked at her strangely and then changed the subject.
'There will be dancing later, my dear, I hope you will stand up with me for at least one dance. I am sadly out of practice but I’m sure you will not let me down.'
'I'm afraid I must decline your kind offer, your grace, as until last night I had no knowledge of any dance steps. Miss Carstairs has done her best to instil the rudiments of the country dance and the waltz into my head, but I fear I should be a poor partner for you.'
His expression was as if she had been speaking to him in a foreign language. Then his mouth curved. 'Have I heard correctly, Miss Sinclair? You have just refused to dance with the most important person in the neighbourhood? Have you forgotten I am a duke and an unmarried duke at that?'
She raised her hand to cover her mouth and try and push back the giggles that were fighting to escape. 'You're being ridiculous, but I must own that I much prefer you in this mode than when you are roaring and shouting at a person.'
'Either you will dance with me, my dear, or I shall not dance at all. Do you wish to be the young lady who ruined my evening?'
'We can hear the music perfectly well from the terrace so I agree to dance one dance with you out here. However, I refuse to expose my shortcomings in front of your neighbours. I've already garnered more than enough comments because of my gown.'
'Then it is agreed, we shall waltz out here. Forgive me, my dear, I must abandon you and talk to my other guests or there will be wild speculation at my spending so much time in your company.' His smile made her toes curl in her slippers and her bodice feel uncomfortably tight. He really was a most attractive gentleman when he put his mind to it.
She had no idea why he had paid her so much attention this evening or why he wished to dance with her. Up until this point in their brief acquaintance they had been mostly at daggers drawn and cordially disliked each other.
Perhaps she had been misjudging him and his curmudgeonly behaviour had been a direct result of being incapacitated; a fine, athletic gentleman such as himself would obviously resent being obliged to be pushed around in a wheeled chair.
There was no sign of her friend or the young man who had been introduced to them as Dr Adams. Lydia had no intention of remaining on the terrace alone so decided to wander around the garden and avoid the press of people in the drawing room.
The grass was still dry, the evening dew not yet damp underfoot. With luck, she would be able to make her way to the maze without spoiling either her slippers or her gown. Only as she was halfway to her destination did she think about how conspicuous she might be if anyone happened to look out of the drawing room windows, or wander onto the terrace.
Then a wet nose was pressed into her hand. 'Benji, how good it is to see you here tonight. I'm going to walk around the maze and will be glad of your company as I doubt that you will get lost even if I do.'
The fact that the animal would leave hairs on her skirts did not bother her. The clipped hedges were shoulder height and she certainly wouldn't be able to scramble over the top in order to make her way out.
'Well, Benji, now that we are here I think we must investigate, don't you?'
She noticed there was a terracotta pot standing at the entrance in which there were half a dozen small flags. Presumably one took one of these so that it could be waved in order to attract attention if one became disorientated.
The grass inside was neatly clipped and dry underfoot. The paths were wide enough to allow her to pass through without danger of miring her gown. With the flag in one hand and the dog at her other side, she ventured inside.
The dog moved in front and she followed him as he appeared to know where he was going. After a few minutes they arrived at the centre where there was a marble bench upon which a visitor might rest before attempting the return journey.
From this vantage point she could see the house in all its splendour. All the downstairs windows were ablaze with candlelight, and the sound of music and merriment drifted across the grass.
There were several couples on the terrace but none of them were looking in her direction and for that she was grateful.
'Come along, you must lead me out as…' Before she could complete her sentence to the dog, his head came up, his ears twitched and he vanished down one of the pathways leaving her on her own.
Despite calling him several times she got no response and a few minutes later she saw him tearing across the grass after an unfortunate rabbit.
She had paid no attention to the turns she had taken in order to reach the centre of the maze and now must try and find her way back without the assistance of her erstwhile companion.
Chapter Eleven
'Miss Carstairs, I am in search Miss Sinclair as she has promised to stand up with me for the first waltz. Do you have any idea where she might be?'
'No, your grace, I have not seen her for this age. Last time I was with her she was on the terrace, and that was over an hour ago.'
Everett nodded and strode outside determined to find his reluctant partner. A flash of green caught his eye. Good God! The ridiculous girl had got herself lost in the maze. What had possessed her to venture in there at this time of night?
Regardless of what any spectators might think of his behaviour, he broke into a run. This was the first time he had attempted to move at more than at a sober walk and he hoped his newly-set leg would survive the experience. He was not stupid enough to go full pelt, but kept to a steady jog.
When he was close enough to be heard and without raising his voice, he called out. 'Miss Sinclair, if you remain stationary I shall come and find you.'
'I'm so glad you have come, your grace, I have been wandering about in here like a lost sheep forever. Benji led me in but then abandoned me in preference to chasing a rabbit. I've whistled and called but he has not returned to guide me out again.'
He had spent many happy hours in the maze and knew every twist and turn and reached her in moments. She looked rather dishevelled, the hem of her gown was damp from the evening dew and her slippers were equally mired.
'I'm still at a loss to know why you decided to come here in the first place.'
'I know it was foolish of me, but I do not like crowds, particularly of people I do not know. I only intended to
be gone for half an hour at the most. I take it you came in search of me because it is time for our dance.'
He led her back into the centre of the maze where there was room to move. 'Stand still, I will attempt to remove the debris from your person and make you presentable again. Fortunately, your hair has remained in place as I doubt I could remedy that. My experience as a lady's maid is somewhat limited.'
She laughed at his remark. 'I should hope so, your grace. Is my gown quite ruined by this nonsense?'
'No, you are beautiful still.' He offered his arm and she slipped hers through it. He was beginning to enjoy being her escort.
When they were halfway across the grass the missing dog bounded up to them, something gripped in his jaws that he guessed was a dead rabbit. 'No, Benji, take it away.'
The animal stopped, cocked his head and waited for his companion to confirm the order. 'Horrible dog, I've no wish to receive that present; take it home and give it to someone in the kitchen.'
Benji wagged his tail and ran off into the darkness as if he had understood every word spoken.
'It has taken him more than an hour to find that wretched rabbit, I thought hounds were hunters. Benji is obviously not particularly good at this pastime.'
'You should be pleased, my dear, that is the first rabbit he has caught. I'm sure you will receive a steady supply now he has got the hang of it.'
He wished to dance with her, to hold her in his arms and whirl her around the floor.
'Forgive me, your grace, will you excuse me from dancing tonight? My slippers are saturated and I did not bring a spare pair. I cannot venture anywhere that I will be seen with wet shoes.'
'You can hardly remain out here on your own, that will be considered even more peculiar than wearing such a gown.'
Her fingers tightened on his arms. 'I thought you told me I looked stunning, your grace. Now the true story is emerging.'
For a horrible moment, he thought she was speaking seriously, but then she laughed softly.
The Reclusive Duke Page 10