“It must have been hard moving out of your family home.”
“It was, and it was made worse at the time because of other circumstances which are irrelevant today. So, you see, My Lord, I need to earn my keep, and this is a perfect solution.”
“What is your mother’s opinion on the matter?”
“My mother isn’t yet aware of my application but has encouraged me to obtain a position as soon as possible. As she points out regularly, she can’t afford to keep me.” Milly did not use the words to instigate sympathy, but she saw a tensing of Henry’s face. “It is a fact of life that single women are a burden, My Lord. Do not think I am wallowing in self-pity, for I am not.”
“I think I would be in your position,” Henry responded honestly.
“In that case, it’s a good thing that our positions are different,” Milly responded with a smile.
“But Ireland? Why Ireland?” Henry asked.
Before Milly had the opportunity to respond, she saw Sarah at a distance and started to smile. Henry noticed the smile and looked at the woman approaching them. “What’s amusing you so much, Miss Holland?”
“The fact that I’m going to be providing gossip for my very good friend,” Milly responded in merriment just as Sarah reached them. She watched Sarah assessing Henry, immediately realising who he was and was amused at the speculative look in her friend’s eye.
Milly performed the introductions and, after Sarah had curtseyed, she smiled at Henry. “Ah, so you are the gentleman that Mrs Connor says comes bearing gifts when he visits, My Lord. Feel free to visit me anytime and, in fact if you wish to take away a gift, I have many children you could choose from. I’m sure my husband would not notice if one or two went missing.”
Henry laughed at Sarah’s words. “I thought all ladies doted on their children, Mrs Hastings?”
“I do, I’d just prefer sometimes to dote on them at a distance!”
“Do not listen to her; her house is the most welcoming in the town,” Milly interjected.
“You would make me out a liar in front of his Lordship, Milly. Now, you know the only way I can prove my words to be true is by showing him exactly what I mean. If you would both like to, please come and take tea with me. I don’t live very far from here, My Lord.”
“Miss Holland?” Henry asked, needing to speak to Milly further, but wanting to enjoy his time with her as well and not wishing to pass up an opportunity of seeing her at her most relaxed.
“I usually call in on my way home, so as long as we aren’t keeping you from anything important, I’m happy to visit,” Milly responded.
“I’m a tourist here, Miss Holland, so lead on, my time is yours!” Henry responded gallantly.
The threesome walked to Sarah’s town house, and Henry handed his horse to a male member of staff. There was a small stable at the rear of the house, which was perfect to provide food and cover whilst Henry was socialising.
Henry smiled as he watched the two ladies. He had never stepped foot into a house like Mrs Hastings’ before. The children were almost allowed free run of the house and had all run into the hallway to say their hellos when the group arrived.
Henry smiled down at the high-speed bundles flinging themselves at Milly and Sarah. They were a little more restrained with him, but only just. He looked down at the grinning child, just out of leading strings who was attached to his leg for support. The child seemed unconcerned at the unresponsive Henry.
A thought struck Henry; not so very long ago he would probably have shaken off the child in disgust that he might dirty his breeches or his boots, but looking from the child to Milly while wearing an expression of bemusement, he started to laugh. Something had happened to the great Henry, Earl of Grinstead, but he pushed the thought to one side, enjoying the fun and noise.
Eventually, they had extracted themselves from the children, who soon ascended the stairs and disappeared from sight. Noise could still be heard from the children’s play, but it was dulled by the separation of two floors. Sarah led the way into a comfortable drawing room and settled her guests while refreshments were brought in. She poured tea and handed the cups around before settling herself onto an overstuffed chair.
“You said that you are a tourist, My Lord. What sights are you hoping to see?” Sarah asked the moment she was happy that her guests had everything they needed.
“I was hoping to secure a guide who would show me the delights of the area,” Henry said, with a pointed look at Milly.
Milly flushed slightly, knowing that Sarah would be enjoying her discomfort, as only a close friend could. “I’m sure I could spend some time showing you the local areas, although I’m sure you’ve mentioned that you’ve visited before,” Milly responded a little tartly as she could see he was enjoying her discomfort.
“But never with such a willing guide! It’s always best to be escorted by someone who knows the area so well and is such good company,” Henry responded teasingly.
Sarah and Henry both laughed at Milly’s harrumph.
*
Henry insisted on walking Milly home after their visit and asked again if they could walk somewhere a little private. Milly led the way into a small wooded copse that skirted the edge of the village.
“We can see anyone approaching, although I would rather not spend too long in here. I don’t like giving the gossips too much pleasure,” Milly said, pausing at a fallen tree trunk and carefully leaning against it.
“If there was another way of having this conversation I would choose it, but I feel your mother would not leave us alone for long enough.”
“What is it that is so important?”
“I feel like the worse type of bounder, Miss Holland, I really do. You are in this situation because of me; and I can only apologise,” Henry started.
Milly waited until Henry composed himself enough to tell her the full story. She could see he was agitated and was a little surprised at the emotion. When they had first met she would have sworn that he had no decent feelings.
Flowery words deserted Henry for the first time in his life. He had to be honest rather than behaving in his usual way. “Joshua Shambles knows who is behind the picture that is now circulating the underworld of London and, unsurprisingly, he isn’t happy about the fact. I needed to let you know in order that you are on your guard and assure you that I’m here to protect you.” Henry felt distinctly peculiar as he uttered the words. He did so want to protect her but was not convinced that it was as a result of the threat from Joshua. He began to question the effect Milly had on him; she moved him in ways he had never been affected before.
If Henry expected Milly to respond with fainting, remonstrations or curses, he was to be disappointed. She remained quiet for a few moments before meeting his gaze with her own clear one. “I appreciate your offer of protection and will avail of it. You have made a good case of your reasons for being here to the few people you’ve met. There should be no surprise if you visit here for two weeks and then continue on your travels. I shall also take more care, although I can’t envisage anyone following me here but, hopefully, if a stranger appears, they will be soon seen. I’m sure no one will be distressed at your being in our society; we rarely have Earls visiting our parlours. We are both aware of your ability to convince people you are one thing when in reality you are another.”
Henry thought he could detect a note of bitterness, but it was so soon disguised he was not completely sure. “I’m sorry you have to be inconvenienced because of your involvement with me.”
“I shall be gone in two weeks, so it will be an inconvenience of short duration. Shall we recommence our walk?”
Milly led the way out of the copse more annoyed with herself than she was with Henry. She had allowed her heart to rule her head, and now she felt the fool she was. He had followed her to Farnham not because she attracted him but out of obligation and a sense of duty. Well that had certainly put her in her place; and she would remember her foolishness until she could escap
e to Ireland and start a new life where no one knew of her foolish heart.
They walked in silence back to Castle Street; Milly was contemplating the importance of speaking to Sarah. They had both read too much into Henry’s visit.
Henry was trying to console himself over the fact that his actions had driven a wedge between them once more. It was clear from her silence that she wished him a hundred miles away; it was a pity that the thought depressed him.
Selfishly, he could take some enjoyment of the need to spend the next two weeks with her, but the fact that she would be leaving at the end of them to travel to another country made him long to stop her somehow. He silently cursed himself; he was a complete cad; she was in danger and had the perfect escape plan, and he wanted to prevent her leaving for his own selfish reasons.
He deserved to be flogged for being so wrapped up in his own needs.
Chapter 10
Milly should have been able to enjoy the following few days. She had an escort everywhere she went. If she left the house, he would appear. If she visited someone, he would not be far behind. If she stayed at home, he would visit.
It was driving her to distraction.
How cruel to have so much attention from the man she dreamt of every night and thought about from the moment she awakened; yet he was being so attentive out of obligation.
She had told Sarah the real reason Henry was staying in the area. She was sure of her friend’s confidence in anything she had to say.
“He should have considered the risk before asking you to provide the drawing!” Sarah had exclaimed.
“I suppose his motivation was more about the country’s security rather than the implications to me,” Milly responded realistically.
“He should have an army of men around you day and night.”
“That would certainly put a strain on mother’s resources,” Milly said with a smile at the lecture she had received only that morning from her mother.
“Well, at least he will be a good dancing partner for tonight’s ball. I do wish Mrs Connor wouldn’t try to Lord it over the town quite so much. We know she lives in one of the largest houses in the area, and yet she feels the need to remind us regularly just how important she is,” Sarah said with a sigh. “I’ve got more important things to concern myself with than her inflated self-importance.”
Milly smiled at the slight bulge in Sarah’s dress. It would not be too long before Sarah was confined to more sedate pastimes once she could no longer disguise the impending birth.
*
Milly prepared for the ball with care. Her hair was twisted into the tightest curls then fluffed to create a soft framing of her face. She wore a little black soot mixed with a drop of oil on her eyelashes, she applied the mixture and then took a corner of a cloth and removed the excess. The result was a darkening of the eyelashes that looked natural and enhanced the grey of her eyes. She had practised the procedure with Sarah since returning; Sarah was always at the forefront of the latest trends even though she did not frequent fashionable London. She claimed to be determined to avoid becoming a rustic and spent a considerable amount of money on magazines and fashion plates, receiving them far earlier than many of her contemporaries.
Milly then applied Rigge’s Liquid Bloom to her lips, a present from Clara. It gave her naturally rosy lips a transparent gloss, making them look fuller and drawing the eye to them.
Her dress was of a warm peach silk, a present from Charles. A matching peach overlay of fine organza was speckled with tiny cream flowers. The edges of the neckline, sleeves and hem were trimmed with deeper peach satin ribbon. She finished her outfit with cream satin gloves and a pearl necklace and ear rings. The jewels were paste, but it did not matter or detract from the overall effect.
Milly stood in front of her cheval mirror, running her hands down the length of her dress. For once she felt every inch the woman she could have been if circumstances had been different.
Not one for regrets she smiled at her reflection; picking up the cream silk shawl she wrapped it around her shoulders. She did not need her cloak tonight; Henry had insisted on escorting the mother and daughter in his carriage, promising hot bricks, rugs and warm drinks to help them on their short journey.
Henry felt his mouth go dry as he waited with Mrs Holland in the hallway of her house and watched Milly walk down the stairs. He had noticed that she was pretty when he had seen her in London, nothing compared to the diamonds of the season of course, but pretty and elegant in the way she held herself.
When they had been in Dorset, she had seemed to come alive a little. Whether it was because she had spent so much time out of doors, or if she was more comfortable away from the more formal role of being a companion, he had no idea, but she had certainly improved in looks. He had been moved enough to kiss her, although that had not been purely because of attraction, he acknowledged, which was to his everlasting shame.
Now though, as she walked confidently downstairs, she seemed to glow with good health and looks. The colour of her gown suited her perfectly, making her skin look warm, the material moving with a swish around her tall, slender figure. Her eyes seemed to draw him to her, as always looking at him as if she could see into his soul. Finally his eyes rested on her lips; they looked moist as if she had just licked them in readiness for being kissed and, once again, he had to swallow and try to focus so his body would move, ushering them out into the night. She would be his for the first two dances, and it was going to be hard to stop himself from touching her inappropriately.
Milly smiled at Henry, and he handed the two ladies into the carriage. He fussed over Mrs Holland, afraid of losing what little control he had over his faculties if he had to fuss over Milly. Thankfully, Milly was more than capable of tending to her own needs. They set-off, letting Mrs Holland lead the conversation until they turned into the drive of the Connor’s house.
“It will always grieve me to be a visitor in my own house!” Mrs Holland said, her mood unable to stay buoyant for long.
“Mother, we are here to enjoy ourselves; let us not go over the past now,” came the plea from the long suffering daughter.
“It could so easily have remained in the family!”
“Mother!” Milly said in a warning tone.
Henry noticed the exchange and, even in the darkened carriage, could tell that Milly’s cheeks had flushed in mortification. Not one to miss any signs, he was immediately alert that there was a part of the family history that had been omitted when Milly had told him their story. He determined to find out more.
*
Mrs Connor had put on as grand a ball as was humanly possible. As she had already informed the Hollands, no expense had been spared. The scent of the flowers that seemed to be tumbling out of every vase, jug and ledge almost overwhelmed the senses of the arriving guests. Garlands had been fixed to both banisters of the staircase, the amount of foliage wrapping around the newel hiding the wooden structure completely.
Candles blazed out of every sconce, chandelier and candelabrum, leading the way into the large double length drawing room, which was normally separated by large wooden doors for daytime use. A pianoforte in the corner was already being played by a hired musician, and a singer was singing an Italian melody, to which most guests were only giving passing notice, being more intent on speaking to friends and acquaintances.
Mrs Holland separated from Henry and Milly, seeing some of the elder members of the town who would be willing to give her a sympathetic ear. Milly continued through the drawing room, which opened onto the ballroom, a large room running across the side of the house.
There were fewer flowers in this room, but it was still decorated extravagantly. A three-piece orchestra were seated at the far end of the ballroom, playing quietly before the dancing started. Milly smiled when she saw Sarah and her husband Peter, making their way through the crush to them.
“I’m sure there aren’t this many families normally in town at this time of year,” Sarah said, looking
flushed and using her fan vigorously.
“No one wants to miss this event,” Peter said good-humouredly after the introductions with Henry had been made.
“It’s seems an event that is determined to make a statement,” Henry said observing the signs of wealth from the number of footmen serving drinks to guests and the number of plates of food that could be seen already laid out in the dining room. Far more food would be distributed before the end of the evening; the platters already available were only for those who could not wait for the main dishes to be served. The morning room and the breakfast room were reserved for those who wished to play cards.
“It is the highlight of the year. Apparently!” Sarah said mischievously.
“Which you wouldn’t miss for the world,” Peter responded.
“Unfortunately this year I won’t be dancing, unlike Milly who is sure to be the belle of the ball.”
“Mrs Connor rightly holds that title,” Milly said, looking warningly at her friend.
“I think tonight Mr Connor might be experiencing a pang that probably feels a lot like regret and with that I shall go and sit with the older ladies; thankfully I will be rejoining the dancers next year,” Sarah said airily before leading her husband to the edges of the ballroom where they were soon surrounded by friends.
“Your friend is a force to be reckoned with,” Henry said pleasantly.
“I thought marriage and motherhood would have mellowed her, but it appears to have made her even more outrageous,” Milly admitted.
“Shall we?” Henry asked as the orchestra prepared to start the first dance.
“I’d be delighted,” Milly responded honestly. How could she not welcome the opportunity of dancing with the most eligible man in the room? His dark frock coat, cream breeches and shining boots, all combined to make him stand out above everyone else. His figure filled his clothing, making the material appear to be straining against the muscular body. Yes, Milly was going to enjoy the next hour.
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