‘Yes, I thought you would be. Do you care to dance, Miss Wentworth? On this occasion I’m sure that you won’t turn your ankle.’ His smile was intended to rob his words of all offence, but Perdita’s colour rose.
‘I have no wish to dance with you,’ she told him coldly.
‘A wise decision! It will be difficult for us to talk in such a crowd.’ He looked at her with twinkling eyes. ‘But perhaps you have no wish for conversation either?’
‘We have nothing more to say to each other, my lord. I am sorry if you thought that I should set Louise against you. Unlike yourself, I don’t propose to interfere in matters which are none of my concern.’
Rushmore grasped her firmly by the elbow and led her to a secluded alcove. ‘Dear me! Was it not only yesterday that you assured me that your friendship for Louise made her welfare your concern?’
‘I wasn’t referring to that!’
‘I know it, you prickly creature! Come now, let us be honest with each other. You hoped to keep the reason for your visit to Bath a secret from me, isn’t that it?’
‘I see no reason why it should interest you.’
‘But it does, my dear, since I am to blame for it. It was not intended, I assure you. Do you still regret the loss of your visit to Gibraltar?’
Perdita did not answer him for a time. She was never less than truthful, and now she was struggling with conflicting thoughts.
‘I wanted to go,’ she said at last. ‘But now, I can’t think it important. Tell me, sir, have you learned anything of this Matthew Verreker?’
Rushmore’s face darkened. ‘I’d hoped to meet him today, but the fellow is nowhere to be found.’
‘He is gone to London, I believe. Louise told Amy that he’d been called away on family business.’
‘How convenient! When did he leave, I wonder?’
Perdita gave him a demure look. ‘He left on the day that you arrived, my lord.’
Rushmore caught her eye, and they both began to laugh.
‘We are on the right track, I think. Give me a few days, Perdita. I have made some enquiries about this man of mystery. He’s unknown at any of the hostelries in Bath, so he must be in private lodgings. He isn’t a subscriber here at the Assembly Rooms, and neither the Master of Ceremonies nor such of the visitors I have spoken to know him by name.’
‘Verreker is a visitor to Bath himself, so Louise told Amy. He has no connections here who might give him an introduction into Bath society.’
‘Poor fellow! A worthy object of compassion to Louise, I must suppose.’ He looked up as she approached, accompanied by Thomas.
Anxious to intervene in what he suspected might develop into an awkward confrontation, Thomas handed Louise to a seat beside her guardian. Then he turned to Perdita. ‘You promised me a dance,’ he said. ‘I’ve come to claim it.’
As she reached out a hand to him, her companion rose to his feet. ‘Miss Wentworth is promised to me,’ he told the young man with a smile. He took the outstretched hand in his own, and tucked it beneath his arm.
Perdita was tempted to giggle at the look of astonishment on her cousin’s face. Then, to her consternation, she heard the first notes of the waltz.
‘What is it?’ Rushmore sensed her hesitation. ‘You do waltz, Miss Wentworth, don’t you?’
She nodded, but it was with the greatest reluctance that she allowed him to take her in his arms. His hands were gloved, as were her own, but she could sense the pressure of the powerful arms about her waist as he swung her into the dance.
All her misgivings vanished as she surrendered to the movement and the music, and Rushmore smiled down at her.
‘Aren’t you glad that I persuaded you?’ he whispered.
‘You did not persuade me, sir. You brushed aside my offer from another partner, as usual, and dragged me on to the floor. If you go on like this I shall become a wallflower. No one will dare to approach me.’
‘You? A wallflower?’ He threw back his head and laughed. ‘I dare not leave your side, Miss Wentworth. I shall not see you for the rest of the evening.’
She smiled, but she did not answer him. Then, as she looked about her, she realised that many of the other couples had stopped dancing and were grouped by the side of the floor, even though the music had continued.
‘My lord,’ she whispered, ‘we are the only couple left. Pray let us sit down.’
‘Are you tired?’ he teased.
‘No, but…we are making an exhibition of ourselves.’
‘We are giving a demonstration, Perdita. It is all thanks to you. You are an excellent dancer.’
She coloured and shook her head, but she was too embarrassed to continue, and after another turn about the room, Rushmore led her to a seat beside her aunt.
‘That gave us all such pleasure, my dears!’ Miss Langrishe beamed upon them. ‘What it is to have such grace and energy!’
‘But not less than your own, I’m sure, ma’am.’ Rushmore bowed to her. ‘May I engage you for the next waltz?’
‘Good gracious! A woman of my age? Go on with you, my boy… It is a kind thought, but—’
‘Miss Langrishe, were you not the belle of the London Season? Your graceful dancing is still a legend. You cannot have forgotten it.’
‘Well, no, but…it is so many years since.’
‘But you have not lost your interest? Confess it, ma’am, you have given in to temptation. You may not have waltzed in public, but I suspect that you have learned in private.’
‘Wicked creature! How did you guess? Have you been speaking to the Colonel?’
‘No, Miss Langrishe, but once a dancer, always a dancer. Now, do I have your promise?’
His request was supported by the girls. ‘Dear Aunt, we wish to see you enjoying the ball,’ said Amy. ‘Your toes are tapping when the music starts, and his lordship is an excellent partner, as Perdita will assure you.’ She gave her sister a look which was filled with meaning.
Miss Langrishe needed no further persuasion, and when she and Rushmore took the floor the girls were startled into silence.
Like many large people, Miss Beatrice Langrishe was light upon her feet. Somehow her massive bulk was forgotten as she floated across the floor in perfect time with her partner.
Amy leaned towards her sister. ‘Rushmore is making himself agreeable this evening,’ she observed. ‘He looks like the cat that has found the cream. Has he unmasked Verreker? That is his intention, surely?’
‘He hasn’t yet met Mr Verreker, as you know. You told me yourself that he is gone from Bath.’
‘Well then, why is he so pleased with life this evening?’
‘Must he have your permission to enjoy himself?’ Perdita’s tone was cooler than she had intended.
‘Oh, hoity-toity! Here’s a change! Are you defending him, Dita? I tell you what! You have spent too much time in his arms. First at Almack’s, then when you blistered your feet, and now tonight. Take care, or I shall think that you have a tendre for him.’
Perdita glared at her. ‘If this were not a public place I’d pull your hair, you little monster! The Earl is worried, though he does not show it. No one seems to know the name of Verreker. What has he told Louise about his family…his parents?’
‘They were killed in a carriage accident.’
‘And other relatives…aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, cousins?’
‘He has none.’ Amy looked at her sister. ‘I didn’t mean to snip at you, but don’t you see? I know that it sounds strange, but he and Louise have so much in common, being orphaned as they are… It is another bond between them.’
‘But curious, Amy. How many people do we know who have not a relative in the world?’
‘Not many,’ Amy admitted cheerfully. ‘Though some would be glad to have it so. I can think of a few myself.’
‘So can I, and one of them is sitting beside me!’
‘You don’t mean it, Dita. Now confess it…you ain’t quite so set against the Earl as you once w
ere.’
‘No, I’m not, but I cannot like his assumption that he may do exactly as he wishes.’
‘Well, it takes one to know one,’ Amy teased. ‘How many times have I heard Mama accuse you of the same thing?’
‘This is different,’ Perdita said with dignity. ‘I, at least, do not attempt to order other people’s lives, but, well, he has convinced me that he wishes to protect Louise.’
‘And he has chosen you for his ally?’
‘You too, Amy. He knows that we are fond of her. Has she no idea when Mr Verreker will return?’
‘I don’t think so. I’ll admit that it is a little odd that he should go away just now, leaving her to face the Earl alone.’
‘It was the action of a coward.’
‘Well, you know, he may have hoped that the news of her betrothal would be less surprising if she explained it to Rushmore herself.’
‘Then he’s either a fool or a scoundrel!’ Perdita cried hotly. ‘It would have been more honourable to seek out the Earl and ask permission before addressing himself to an innocent girl.’
‘Keep your voice down, Dita! You may be misjudging Mr Verreker. Louise is convinced that he will make himself known to his lordship as soon as he returns from London.’ She grimaced. ‘I wish that I may not be there. The Earl of Rushmore is not the man to cross, I fancy.’ She looked up as her cousin Henry came to claim her for the next dance.
‘It’s a cotillion,’ he said a little doubtfully, ‘and with complicated steps, as I recall. Would you prefer to wait for a country dance?’
‘Not in the least,’ Amy told him grandly. ‘I know the steps of the cotillion as well as you do. Of course, I should have preferred to waltz.’
‘No chance!’ her cousin grinned. ‘I don’t want Aunt Trixie on my case. You ain’t out yet, so you can forget the waltz.’
‘A stickler for the proprieties, are you, Henry?’ Rushmore’s deep voice broke into the conversation. ‘I must say that I hadn’t noticed it before this evening.’
Henry blushed and looked an appeal at Miss Langrishe. ‘I don’t mean to be a spoilsport,’ he said in an injured tone. ‘But—’
‘You are quite right to consider your cousin’s reputation,’ she assured him. ‘But you must not tease her.’
Henry’s sunny smile returned. ‘Old Amy don’t mind, do you, coz? Blest if she don’t look as fine as a fivepence tonight.’ He held out his hand to lead her into the dance, and, mollified by the compliment, she took it.
As she passed him, Rushmore bent to whisper in her ear, ‘What do you say to a turn about the anteroom later, Miss Amy? No one will see us there, and you may waltz to your heart’s content.’
Amy was startled, but after a quick glance at her aunt to seek the lady’s approval, she smiled and nodded.
‘Amy will be your slave for life,’ Perdita teased. Rushmore’s whisper had been loud enough for all to hear. ‘Is this your way of making her your ally too?’
Rushmore slipped into a seat beside her. ‘I had no ulterior motives,’ he said quietly. ‘It is just that…well…she looked so disappointed.’
‘It was good of you to wish to please her.’ Perdita gave him a long look. He had surprised her once again. She was beginning to suspect that beneath his autocratic manner he had a kind heart.
‘You are the person I wish most to please,’ he remarked in a conversational tone. He had half-turned to look at her and saw at once that he had gone too far. Her colour rose and the easy camaraderie which he was beginning to enjoy so much vanished at once. He changed the subject swiftly.
‘I need your advice,’ he said. ‘If Matthew Verreker is indeed a fortune-hunter, it may not be enough simply to discredit him. Where their affections are engaged I find that women are prepared to forgive even the most villainous behaviour. Do you agree?’
‘I cannot help you, sir. I have not met a villain, and my own affections have never been engaged.’ Perdita’s tone was cool, and her manner was stiff, as she sought to hide her confusion. Why should Rushmore announce so calmly that he wished to please her? It had been said in a casual way, but she had sensed at once that it marked a change in their relationship. Amy’s words came back to her. Was she indeed developing a tendre for this arrogant creature who sought her companionship at every opportunity? She pushed the thought aside as Rushmore continued.
‘I have thought about this matter carefully. Louise was an easy target as she was so much alone. She has had so little pleasure. Perhaps if we were to show her a little more of life beyond the Academy?’
‘My aunt agrees with you. That is why she allowed both Amy and Louise to attend the ball this evening.’
‘It is a start,’ he mused. ‘Louise has made some friends and your cousins have been more than gallant. What I hope is that she will realise that her happiness does not depend on Verreker alone.’
‘What do you have in mind?’ Perdita asked cautiously.
‘I wondered if we might undertake an expedition into the countryside. The weather is holding well, and a picnic is always popular.’
Perdita was undeceived. ‘A picnic, sir? Is that something you enjoy?’
He gave her a rueful smile. ‘No, it isn’t! I don’t care to share my food with insects. I had enough of that in the Peninsular War, but I am prepared to suffer in a good cause.’
‘Very noble of you!’ Perdita had recovered her composure. ‘The girls would delight in it, and my cousins too.’
‘And you?’ Again there was something in the question beyond polite enquiry.
‘Of course, but there may be difficulties. You must ask my aunt’s approval. She may not care to allow it.’
Perdita was mistaken. Miss Langrishe was happy to agree to the expedition, although she begged to be excused from joining the party.
‘Picnics are for the young,’ she announced. ‘I am too advanced in years to think of dining other than at a table. Bless me, if I sat down upon the ground, I might never get up again!’
‘You could sit in your carriage, Aunt.’
‘No, no! You shall not persuade me, Perdita.’ Miss Langrishe turned to Rushmore. ‘You understand, my lord?’
The Earl bowed. ‘I can’t accept your reference to advancing years, ma’am,’ he said gallantly. ‘But as to the rest, I have already explained to Miss Wentworth that alfresco dining is vastly overrated and only to be undertaken upon special occasions.’
‘And this is a special occasion, Adam?’ The old lady’s eyes rested briefly on his face.
‘Yes, ma’am, I think so. If possible, I’d like to change the direction of Louise’s thoughts…to show her that Verreker need not be the centre of her world. She needs young friends, and laughter, and other occupations for her mind.’
‘You are right, of course. Have you seen Miss Bedlington? If Louise is to spend more time away from the Academy, you should speak to her.’
Rushmore’s face darkened. ‘I have not paid her a visit yet. I could not trust myself to speak in any civil way about her lack of supervision. Such neglect is monstrous! Bath has its share of villains, I imagine. I can’t believe that she allowed my ward to wander unattended, at risk of insult or the attentions of some cut-purse, aside from striking up a friendship with a stranger.’
Perdita was alarmed. ‘Oh, please!’ she whispered as her aunt’s attention was distracted by the arrival of the Colonel. ‘I beg that you will say nothing of that friendship to Miss Bedlington. She does not know of it, and it will only stir up trouble. She hates men and…well…I think her a vicious creature.’
‘Because she hates men? I thought you hated them yourself!’ Rushmore’s eyes were twinkling as he looked down at her, and she was relieved to see that his angry expression had disappeared.
Perdita knew that he was teasing her, but she would not be drawn. ‘I can’t imagine how you came by that idea, my lord,’ she said sedately. ‘I have the highest regard for my father and my uncles and my cousins.’
‘That wasn’t quite what I mea
nt, Perdita. You told me earlier that your affections had never been engaged in any particular way. Why is that, I wonder?’
She was spared the need to reply to this impertinent question by the arrival of Amy, who was bursting with excitement. She addressed Rushmore direct.
‘Sir, the next dance upon my card is a waltz, and you did promise, if you recall…’
‘So I did!’ His lordship rose to his feet. ‘Come, Miss Amy, let us remove ourselves from the public gaze.’ He tucked her hand within his arm and led her into an adjoining salon.
Thomas stared after them in astonishment. Then he spoke to Perdita. ‘Should Amy be wandering off like that, alone with Rushmore? That ain’t the refreshment room, you know.’
‘Don’t make a cake of yourself!’ Perdita replied with some asperity. ‘Amy longs to waltz, and she can’t do so in public. His lordship offered to give her a turn about the salon.’
Thomas grinned at her. ‘He’s putting himself out for you ladies tonight. I’ve never seen him quite as affable. What have you done to him, Perdita?’
‘This is merely an example of his good manners,’ she replied in a lofty tone. ‘You might study them yourself.’
‘Ouch! I’ll hold my tongue in future.’ Thomas turned to Miss Langrishe. ‘Aunt, do you care for a glass of wine? I’ve promised to find a table for Louise and the rest of our party.’
‘Well, do you go on, my boy. I expect that you are starving. It is a common complaint with the young men of my acquaintance. Your brothers will bring us along to join you.’ Miss Langrishe eyed him fondly as he ushered Louise away.
‘Such a dear creature, isn’t he, Perdita? Will you think me a meddlesome match-maker if I say that Louise could do much worse?’
‘Than Thomas, Aunt?’ Perdita was startled. ‘Why, he’s just a boy.’
‘He’s five years older than you are yourself, my dear, and he is not a boy. Have you not noticed how he looks at her?’
‘Calf-love!’ Perdita announced scornfully. ‘Oh, I know that he was with Wellington’s army, but he has no thought of marriage. If you could but hear him on the subject!’
‘Opinions can change…sometimes overnight. However, let us say no more of it. When do you plan to go upon this picnic?’
The Rebellious Debutante Page 12