Ordering another large brandy Rollo put this from his mind for the time being and discussed the financial news with Bono who was quite astute in these matters.
The next morning Rollo stayed in the breakfast room until Oliver made an appearance. He did give his brother a chance to get a plateful of food before asking him if he had heard of the wager.
“I heard a rumour last night that some young bucks have wagered on being able to compromise a young lady’s reputation; do you know aught of this?”
Oliver completely missing the censor in Rollo’s voice was eager with his reply. “Cotson and Straw were bored with the round of balls and card parties and thought a challenge would add a spark of excitement. Woody heard about it and we asked to be included.”
“What?” Rollo stood and faced his brother. “Do not tell me you are involved in this matter?” He kept his voice low but no one, let alone his brother, could miss the censure.
“Well it seemed a good idea; make chasing the ladies a bit more interesting, you understand.” Oliver tried to brush it off.
Rollo could not believe what he was hearing. “Do you have any idea what the consequence would be for any young lady if one of you succeeded? I do not expect that you numbskulls will have thought of that!” He exploded. “Well let me tell you if I so much as hear a whisper that you have, or have even tried to, compromise any young lady I will withdraw your allowance completely and, if you think you can afford to live the rest of your life on the winnings of two hundred guineas, you will quickly find that you are mistaken.”
Oliver was very shaken by this. He realized that Rollo was right and he had not thought of the consequences for the young lady. “I give you my word that I will not progress with this. I really do not expect any of them to succeed; it just seemed a good laugh”.
Rollo relented somewhat. “I will accept your word but in future you must think before accepting foolish wagers from your foolish friends.”
“I think that is a little harsh calling my friend foolish.” Oliver defended.
Rollo got up and left the room before he was tempted to give full vent to his anger. This now accounted for why Diana and her cousin were so seemingly popular with the young bucks. He hoped the rumour of the wager did not reach them and spoil their enjoyment.
Believing that Oliver would be true to his word Rollo put the episode from his mind.
The next time Diana and Rollo’s paths crossed was at a card party hosted by The Viscountess Newton, who was the mother of Mr. Henry Straw. It was becoming clear to Diana that her cousin was showing a marked preference for Henry Straw and he seemed to be reciprocating. He was always the first to ask her to dance and he had called twice to their home as well as taking her riding in the Park on no less than three occasions.
When they arrived they removed their cloaks and bonnets and followed their mothers into the drawing room of the grand town house. The room was already crowded and Caroline scanned the room searching for Henry Straw, eventually locating him lounging by the window in languid conversation with Oliver Stannington and Lord Cotson. Pulling Diana behind her she headed across the room in his direction. Diana realizing what she was about pulled her to a halt to offer some concerned advice.
“Do you think you may be seen as chasing Mr. Straw if you go to find him so directly?” She knew Caroline’s feelings were engaged but, having had no indication of his intent, Diana did not want to see her friend hurt or the topic of unkind gossip.
“Oh…I never thought,” murmured Caroline. She need not have worried however, as Henry Straw having seen her, immediately disengaged himself from his companions and walked towards them. The smile on Caroline’s face could leave him in no doubt of her affections. He gave her a ready smile in response and Diana felt reassured and happy for them.
Diana herself had received a lot of attention but as yet had not begun to form any attachment. Lord Cotson showed a marked interest in her but she did not encourage him. She found him pleasant company but his flowery speech and false compliments did not win her over. She sighed, although she was truly enjoying her season she did envy Caroline a little for having found the romance that had so far eluded her.
People were drifting into the card room and Henry Straw had secured Caroline to partner him for a game of whist. Diana, not an accomplished card player, drifted around the room watching and stopping to talk with one or two people. Hot and bored she decided to visit the cloakroom and freshen up. She drifted out of the card room and headed for the entrance hall from which the great staircase led to the first floor where the cloakroom was situated. The cloakroom was mercifully cool and, after splashing cold water on her face and straightening her hair, she felt she ought to return to the party.
Descending the stairs slowly Diana was trying to decide where to go. She could return to the card room and watch the play or she could join her mama who had remained in the drawing room to gossip with her friends. She had not made up her mind when she reached the bottom of the stairs and stood for a while whilst trying to make a decision. Neither option really appealed. So engrossed was she in her own thoughts Diana had no awareness of her surroundings until a voice close to her made her jump.
“A penny for your thoughts,” drawled Rollo who had just entered through the front door and had seen Diana standing motionless. He had in fact been watching her for a couple of minutes before saying anything.
Startled, Diana’s eyes flew up to see a large gentleman looming in front of her and her pulse began racing at such a pace; she wondered if she might faint from fright.
“Are you unwell?” He questioned as he saw her face visibly pale.
With a huge effort Diana took a deep breath and mentally chided herself for having such a reaction. She had been startled but now, recognizing the gentleman was the Earl of Brockwood, she calmed sufficiently to answer him.
“I am afraid I was wool gathering,” she explained. “I am trying to make a mighty decision as to whether I should return to the card room and watch the play, or to go join my mother in the drawing room.” Her wry smile demonstrated that she was laughing at herself for being so indecisive.
“Let me help,” Rollo offered. “Pray explain the advantages and disadvantages of each option and I may be able to help you with such a momentous decision.” Although he did not let it show, he was amused enough to continue this dialogue.
Diana, realizing he was playing along with her, pretended to take careful thought before replying. “Well I am a poor card player, so the card room does not hold much appeal. I know very little gossip so I shall not be much sought after in the drawing room. Hence my current predicament.”
“Is your friend not here to keep you company or do you not have a bevy of beaux to pay court and amuse you this evening?” he probed.
“Alas, my cousin has deserted me to partner a handsome young gentleman in a game of whist and I find that my ‘bevy of beaux’ appear to be otherwise occupied tonight.” Diana smiled and her eyes danced in amusement at this exchange.
“I can understand now why you are in such a sad predicament.” Rollo was enjoying himself, he could not remember the last time any lady had dared to enter into this type of light-hearted repartee with him. He noted that his customary harsh, schooled expression was having little if any effect on Diana. He would have expected this realization to annoy him but in fact he found that he did not, on this occasion, mind. “I may have an answer to your predicament,” he offered.
Diana smiled at him. “I must declare, Lord Brockwood, that I would be grateful for any assistance you can give me in this matter.” Looking at Rollo’s face Diana thought she detected the slightest hint of humour in his blue eyes as he offered his solution.
“If I were to accompany you to the card room and take a turn around the room with you, this would create such comment that it would then allow you to retire to the drawing room with some gossip. This would then provide enough diversion to keep those ladies’ tongues wagging happily for the rest of the evenin
g.”
Laughing aloud at Rollo’s perception of the situation she knew she would accept this offer.
“My lord, how can I refuse such a gallant offer? Had you not come to my rescue I may have still been standing here at midnight.” She placed her hand on the arm Rollo offered and, still laughing, proceeded with him into the card room.
The Earl of Ice by Helen A. Grant, coming in early 2015 from Arrow Publications.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Helen A. Grant lives in the county of South Yorkshire, England.
Having been introduced to Jane Austen novels while in high school she developed a life-long passion for history and historical novels.
With two grown children who have now left home and a lots of storyline ideas Helen has now found the time to pursue her dream of writing historical novels. When she is not writing, Helen works part time as a community nurse with people with learning disabilities.
In Pursuit of Miriam is her first historical novel.
Visit her website at https://sites.google.com/site/helenannettegrant/home.
Follow her on Facebook and twitter@helen_a_grant.
Readers can contact Helen via e-mail at [email protected].
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