“Lord Brockwood it is as always a pleasure to see you here,” she greeted him. “There are two newcomers to our Assembly who I would to introduce to you.”
Rollo groaned inwardly but his features did not reflect his thoughts. It seemed to have become a custom that every new debutante had to be paraded in front of him. He knew that regardless of how they looked or how large or small their dowry was he would offer to dance with them both. He did this purposely to emphasise the fact that he was not influenced by either asset.
As he expected two girls were drawn forward for his inspection. They were obviously friends and, heads together, they giggled as Lady Sefton first introduced their mothers to him. He then waited for them to introduce their daughters. He had played this part out so many times it was no effort to look bored. He did wonder if he was becoming somewhat jaded because the young lady debutantes seemed to get younger and younger.
He thought the first girl was called Caroline but was not sure as he had not been paying much attention. He showed no emotion as she smiled up at him in awe and pencilled him in for a dance.
The second young lady was propelled forward and introduced as Miss Diana Wells; as Rollo asked her if she would be so kind as to reserve him a dance he did not bother to hide his bored expression. She raised her head and looked directly into his eyes as she withdrew her dance card from her reticule. Immediately frissons of shock ran through him. He had seen those large brown eyes before and they were now looking at him with exactly the same compassionate expression that he had seen in them then. He knew instantly that she was the girl from Yorkshire who had witnessed his seizure…this young lady knew his greatest secret.
Rollo experienced a number of different emotions but he did not allow any of them to show on his face. Anyone observing very closely would have seen at the most a slight catching of his breath. That she had recognised him was beyond doubt; it had shown in her eyes. Whether or not she would disclose his secret he did not know. To his knowledge she had never done so before but maybe she had not known who he was.
Looking at her empty dance card he indicated the next dance but one. He was fully aware that this was a waltz however he kept his face schooled and gave no indication of this. He needed to speak with her and the waltz would give him the best opportunity. He hoped that people would not see anything in this; after all, as far as any observer would be aware, there was nothing remarkable about the girl to warrant his particular attention.
Rollo was not sure what he hoped to achieve but knew that he needed to gauge whether Miss Diana Wells was likely to tell others what she knew of him; if this happened, the reaction from society would be swift. Society did not like imperfection amongst the nobility and, if imperfection was found, it was kept hidden or the unfortunate person almost shunned. He did not care over much for the opinion of others but he knew that, if his affliction became known, not only himself but his mother and siblings would suffer from the tainting of the family name.
Having gained permission from the patron for Diana to waltz he approached her and she smiled shyly at him. He had noticed she had not been partnered to dance since her arrival and hoped for her sake, that having danced with him, this would encourage some of the young gentlemen to do likewise.
“I believe I have this dance reserved?” Rollo asked. “Lady Sefton has given permission.”
Without speaking Diana took his arm and he led her to the dance floor. She was of petite build with her head coming no higher than his shoulder. Her gown was a pale peach colour and was suitably demure for a young girl in her first season. Her light brown hair had been fashioned in a simple style. He noted that there was nothing in her features to displease but she was not a beauty.
Having swiftly made his assessment of her he raised her hand and placed his other hand on her back just above her waist as he heard the orchestra strike up the first bars of the waltz. She rested her free hand timidly on his shoulder and feeling her trembling he knew that she was nervous. He did not speak to her immediately but waited until he felt her relax as they moved across the dance floor. She danced extremely well.
Eventually he broke the silence. “Miss Wells I think we have met before?”
Rollo had to revise his first observation that her looks were nothing out of the ordinary when she raised her large brown eyes to his and smiled. Her eyes were very fine indeed and her smile transformed her face making it, if not beautiful, very compelling.
“Yes, indeed; I hope you are now keeping well?” Her eyes searched his as she waited for a response. Rollo felt as though she was looking into his very soul and had to blink and quickly dismiss this thought as being fanciful.
Keeping his expression shuttered he probed further trying to determine whether or not she intended to disclose his affliction.
“I am indeed keeping well. Thank you for asking. I am only very rarely afflicted in the way you observed. So rarely in fact that none of my friends and acquaintances are aware of this issue.” Damn it, he wished she would stop looking at him; he was not going to beg her to keep his secret.
“I am pleased you keep well my lord.” She studied him closely as if trying to read his mind. “I can see no benefit for you in others knowing that you have suffered fits. It is after all a very personal matter.”
It was only habit that prevented Rollo from smiling down at her in relief. He knew instinctively that he could trust her and that she would not spread her knowledge. He respected the fact that she had directly referred to the fit rather than trying to politely fudge around the matter.
“I had not had a seizure for many years and I was so very taken aback by it that I did not think to thank you for help at that time. So I will do so now.” He hoped that was now the end of the conversation however the young lady was not prepared to let it drop so easily.
“Is it the fits—or seizures, as you call them—that make you unhappy and cross?” Diana questioned without guile.
Rollo was at first at a loss how to respond; it was not polite for a young lady to ask such a direct and personal question. However reasoning that it had been he who had first introduced the topic he felt a rebuke would be unjust.
“I am neither unhappy or cross,” he replied a little sharply, and to his amazement he saw the girl raise one eyebrow slightly as though she did not believe him. He even imagined he heard a slight, “humph” sound come from her.
They continued the dance in silence and when the music stopped he escorted her back to her mother. With satisfaction he noted that it was time for him to find his friend Bono and escape to their club.
Chapter Two
Diana and her cousin, Caroline, were still vibrating with excitement as they returned home from their first ball at Almack’s Assembly Rooms. It was everything they dreamed of and more.
They had already been in London for two weeks; they had shopped, been fitted for new gowns, avidly read the gossip columns and the society pages in the newspaper whilst waiting for vouchers for Almack’s to be purchased. Tonight had been their first proper introduction into society and they had both enjoyed themselves immensely.
Caroline and her mother were staying with Diana and her family in her father’s London residence. Viscount Westbury, Diana’s father, had business to conduct and her mother and Aunt had the task of bringing the two girls to town for their first season.
Diana and Caroline’s worst fear was they would not have a partner for any dances but, although at first they had sat quietly, once Lady Sefton had introduced them to Lord Brockwood and they had each enjoyed a dance with him their dance cards filled up quickly. It was beyond hope that they would have met with the infamous Earl of Ice at their first outing!
“Did you see how severe he looked?” Caroline observed. “He well deserved his nickname, does he not?” She chattered on. “He was so frightening and cold. He did not speak one word to me throughout the entire dance. I noticed he did speak to you.”
Diana was not about to divulge the nature of their conversation
. “He said very little—just the commonplace.”
Caroline gave a pretend shiver. “I could scarcely remember the steps I found him so frightening. I will not dance with him again.”
Diana laughed at her friend. “You would never be brave enough to refuse him.”
Although the girls would have happily stayed up all night reliving the ball their mothers soon put a stop to this and ordered them both to their bedrooms.
Flinging off her clothes and with her maid’s help donning her nightgown Diana collapsed onto her bed. Only now did she permit herself time to analyze her meeting with the Earl of Ice.
Prior to being introduced to him she had no idea that this was the same man who she had seen having a fit in the library all those years ago. She had not made the connection because the butler had said the gentleman’s name was Viscount Maythorpe. He had not, at that time succeeded to the title he now held.
She had recognized him immediately but, on first introduction, he had given no sign that he recollected her. It was only when they were dancing that she realized that he had indeed known who she was. As she had looked into the piercing blue eyes, which were set in his expressionless face, she imagined she saw just a fraction of uncertainty. She instinctively knew that he was worried that she would relate to others the circumstances of their previous meeting. She would not, of course, and made sure he was aware of this; she would never be so unfeeling.
She had looked deep into his eyes trying to find some emotion underneath the cold exterior but she did not detect any. She blushed now to think that she had suggested that he was unhappy and cross. What must he think of her! She of all people should know better; it was quite obvious to her that this was his way of not letting people get close to him. When she had studied him further she did not see an ice man, she someone trying to protect himself and perhaps someone who was lonely.
But maybe she was imagining this and he really was as cold and uncaring as his reputation implied. After all, she always tried to see the best in people so perhaps she was just looking for a way to excuse his behaviour. His nickname she had to admit was well earned. When she had glanced at him during the evening she had not seen him display any emotion even when he was dancing with some of the prettiest ladies she had ever seen.
Gossip she had overheard enlightened her to the fact that it was almost unheard of for the Earl to ask any lady for the waltz but she knew he had done this so he could have a discreet conversation with her and did not read any more into it. She was very glad he did ask her because, although he did not look like he was enjoying himself, he had danced beautifully. Whatever the motives behind his offer that dance had been the highlight of her evening and, following this attention from him, her dance card had filled up quickly.
The girls spent the next few days busy making social calls with their mothers. Lady Westbury and her sister Lady Colpert were acquainted with many of the ladies of their social standing who were now in London for the season. Although these visits could be a chore at times Diana and Caroline mostly found them instructional as these ladies possessed all the up-to-date knowledge on the ton. They knew if any lady had set their sights on any particular gentleman. They knew the size of the dowry attached to each lady and also knew which gentlemen were in need of securing a wife with a fortune. Diana’s ears always pricked up a little when she heard the Earl of Ice mentioned but she soon came to realize that only the most determined mothers still considered him a possibility for their daughters although all acknowledged that he was handsome, wealthy and one of the most eligible bachelors in town.
The week flew by and soon the girls were agonizing over which of their new gowns they should wear for their next ball. Diana, being quite small, kept her dress designs simply styled as bows and frills overpowered her. Caroline, who was taller and had a much more defined figure, could carry the more elaborate styles. Diana, pretty in cream satin, and Caroline stunning in a low cut, rose coloured gown made a lovely picture. There was no jealousy in their relationship both being equally as attractive in their very different ways. In fact it was the contrasting picture they made that often drew people’s attention to them.
Tonight there was no waiting for their cards to be filled up. Both young ladies were pursued by eager young gentlemen who were attracted by their looks, youth and smiling faces. Mr Oliver Stannington, the Earl of Brockwood’s younger brother, danced with them both and he and his friend, Lord Cotson, brought them refreshments. The Earl of Ice was present but much to Caroline’s relief and Diana’s disappointment did not request a dance. The girls danced nearly every dance and were tired with sore feet by the time the carriage was sent for to take them home. Their mothers were very pleased at the attention they had attracted but, as yet, neither girl had met anyone whom they liked more than any other.
Diana struggled to get out of bed the next day she was so tired. She would have stayed in bed longer if Caroline had not come barging into her room full of excitement.
“You’ll never guess what has just arrived!” She danced around the room holding two cards aloft.
“I don’t need to guess because you are going to tell me.” Laughed Diana stretching and sitting up, now fully awake.
“It’s an invitation to the ball being held by the Earl and Countess of Whittington.” Caroline jigged about with excitement.
“When? When?” Diana demanded now out of bed and dancing around holding Caroline’s hands.
The Whittington Ball was considered to be one of the greatest events of the season. To have secured an invitation was proof that they had been accepted by the highest level of society. The ball was to be held at the end of June at the height of the London season.
“We must spend the time between now and the ball practicing our dancing and our good manners,” Diana exclaimed.
“If you mean our teasing and flirting skills,” replied Caroline, “I think you are most definitely right.”
“Now Diana you had better be getting up and dressed. Lord Cotson has asked permission to take you to Hyde Park this afternoon and his friend, Mr. Straw, has asked the same for me and our mama’s have agreed to it. It will be such fun.”
Lord Cotson and Mr. Straw drew up outside the house in their open barouches at precisely four o’clock. Diana and Caroline were dressed in readiness and, on the announcement of their arrival, only needed to don their cloaks, hat and gloves to be ready. The weather was perfect and Lord Cotson with Diana led the way to the Park closely followed by Mr. Straw and Caroline.
Both the young men were dressed in the highest fashion and their equipage gave an insight into their wealth. On arrival at Hyde Park, at what was considered to be the most fashionable time of day, they almost came to a standstill due to the number of carriages, riders and walkers taking the afternoon air. It was the place to see and be seen. People were dressed in their finest and were greeting each other and engaging in conversation. Diana was pleased to have such a handsome escort and was flattered at the number of people who nodded to them as they made their way through the Park.
She recognized Oliver Stannington who looked magnificent riding on a large black stallion. He was accompanied by another young gentleman who Lord Cotson informed her was Woody, the Viscount Woods. When they went out of their way to ride alongside the carriage for a short while and exchange greetings Diana was very flattered.
Lord Cotson was congenial company and she found him easy to respond to. If he was on occasions a little extreme with his compliments she chose to ignore this. Glancing backwards she could see Caroline in deep conversation with Mr. Straw and looking very happy.
On returning them to their home both gentlemen extracted promises from the young ladies to have a dance reserved at Almack’s the following week. Caroline, blushing, agreed and Diana did not hesitate in doing the same.
The next day flowers arrived for Caroline and the card identified that they were form Mr. Straw. Caroline pretended not to be impressed by these but Diana knew otherwise.
C
hapter Three
As the season progressed Rollo knew he had been right to trust Diana to keep her word and not reveal his secret. He had kept and eye on her when their paths crossed at Balls and assemblies but had not favoured her with another dance. Indeed he noticed that she and her cousin were never lacking partners and always had several young gentlemen dancing attendance on them. His own brother, Oliver, included.
Having escaped early again from the Wednesday Ball he was relaxing with a port and cigar at his gentleman’s club when he overhead Diana Wells and her Cousin Caroline being discussed. Although he strained his ears he could not make out the subject matter so when his friend Bono arrived shortly after him he asked if he knew any reason that the ladies should be the topic of discussion.
“Oh. Have you not heard? It is the talk at Brooke’s. I understand that there has been a wager made which may involve those young ladies along with others.” Bono confided.
“What sort of wager?” Rollo questioned, interested.
“My understanding is that a couple of young bucks claimed that they could compromise a young lady in her first season before the season was out. I think Miss Diana Wells and Miss Caroline Priest are on the list of possible candidates.” explained Bono relaxing into the seat opposite Rollo.
Rollo did not like the sound of this. “Who on earth has made such a wager?”
“I heard that originally it was Mr. Straw and Lord Cotson who were bragging and then one wagered the other fifty guineas that they could succeed. I have since heard that Woody and another gentleman went in on it. So one of them stands to win two hundred guineas if they succeeded.” Bono refrained from telling Rollo that Oliver was the “other gentleman” involved; he had once seen Rollo loose his temper and did not want to be around should he do so again.
Rollo tried to digest what he had heard. “This is preposterous!” He exclaimed his eyes darkening in anger. “The silly, stupid young bucks.” The gentlemen Bono had named were his brother’s contemporaries so he thought Oliver may know more of the matter. He’d have a talk with him.
In Pursuit of Miriam Page 21