“What do your parents think?”
“They are more than happy to have me home.” He hesitated. “My grandmother is frailer than she appears and my brother is . . . fragile.”
“Then I would consider it your duty to obey your parents and stay close to home,” Robert said diplomatically. “Your grandmother is probably quite grateful, really.”
Uncomfortable at being cast in the unlikely role of confidant, he allowed his attention to return to the matter at hand. “Let’s go and play cards, and before supper, I’ll introduce you to the Misses Harrington, Mrs. Giffin, and her mother. I’m sure they will be delighted to make your acquaintance.”
Lucy was enjoying herself far more than she’d expected. She’d danced every dance, and not all of the gentlemen who’d asked her merely wanted information about Anna. Her aunt confided that Anna was a success and that she expected a flood of callers the next day and wanted Lucy and the Hathaways to be present to witness her triumph.
“And here comes Major Kurland, Lucy,” her aunt murmured. “He’s remarkably prompt.”
“As are most military men,” Lucy replied. “I wonder who the other officer is?”
“I think we’re about to find out.”
The major smiled at her aunt. “Countess, Miss Harrington, may I introduce you to Lieutenant Broughton? He served with me in the Tenth during the war.”
Aunt Jane nodded. “Ah, yes, Broughton. I know your mother and grandmother. Are you also on leave, Lieutenant?”
“I’m selling my commission, my lady. I find my presence is required here to support my family.” He turned to Lucy and bowed. “Miss Harrington, a pleasure.”
Lucy studied the lieutenant’s unremarkable face. Like the major, he was dark skinned from his time on the continent, but his eyes were brown and his hair had a reddish hue to it. She caught Anna’s attention and brought her forward.
“Anna, here are Major Kurland and Lieutenant Broughton.”
Broughton’s gaze settled on Anna and stayed there as she placed her hand in his.
“Miss Anna, a pleasure.”
“Oh yes, indeed.”
Lucy glanced at Anna, who was staring up into Broughton’s face, her lips slightly parted as he brought her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers.
Major Kurland’s eyebrow went up and he cast Lucy a quizzical glance as the pair continued to simply stand and stare at each other. She could understand why Broughton was entranced by her sister, but what on earth was Anna seeing in his far from remarkable face? It must be the uniform.... She cleared her throat and Anna stepped back, blushing.
The orchestra struck up the supper dance and Broughton bowed. “Miss Anna, would you do me the honor of dancing with me?”
“Yes.”
Before Lucy could remind her that she’d probably promised the dance to someone else, the couple headed for the dance floor and was soon swept away in the wave of dancers.
“Well,” Lucy said, “how strange.”
“Indeed,” said Aunt Jane. “Broughton is the heir of an earl, you know, and from a very respectable family, as I’m sure Major Kurland can vouch.”
“Indeed, my lady.” Major Kurland offered his arm to Lucy. “Shall we go and find somewhere to sit so that we may converse more privately?”
“The supper room?” Lucy shook out her skirts. “We shall meet you there later, Aunt.” Ignoring her aunt’s look of quiet satisfaction, she allowed Major Kurland to take her through to the calmer part of the establishment and find them somewhere to sit.
“Would you like some refreshments, Miss Harrington?”
“No, thank you. Please sit down and tell me how I can help you. Was Mr. Fairfax unacceptable? Has Mrs. Bloomfield given in her notice already?”
He took the chair opposite and regarded her for a long moment. “Mrs. Bloomfield is still in my employ, and Mr. Fairfax is currently evaluating the estate while I kick my heels here in London.”
“Oh good.” She let out her breath. “Then why did you want to speak to me?”
“To discuss another matter.” He rested his cane against the side of his chair. “Do you remember declining a dinner invitation from the Prince Regent for me?”
“Yes, it was one of the first tasks I completed.”
“Did you mean to send my reply directly to the prince?”
“I wasn’t quite sure whom to address the missive to, so I wrote the name of the prince’s private secretary and that of your regimental commander on the outside. Why, what happened?”
“The prince’s private secretary received it. The prince himself happened to read your no doubt gushing story of my heroics, and decided he wanted to know all about me.”
“I didn’t gush. I simply said that you were unable to accept the invitation due to injuries sustained in battle.” Lucy regarded him doubtfully. There was a grim set to his mouth, which didn’t bode well for her. “It was an honest mistake. Did the prince ask to meet you? Is that why you are in London?”
“It’s far worse than that. The prince has decided to ennoble me for my heroic conduct at Waterloo.”
Lucy clasped her hands to her bosom. “Oh, Major Kurland, how exciting! That a small error of mine in addressing that letter brought you to the notice of the prince himself, and that he deemed you worthy of such a great honor!” She faltered. “Why aren’t you pleased?”
“Because I’ve never wanted to draw attention to myself in this way. And I’ve certainly never wanted to join the ranks of the titled aristocracy!”
“So you are blaming me for your good fortune?”
“You’re the one who wrote the damned letter.”
Lucy glared right back at him. “You said that the prince asked his secretary to find out about you, which indicates that others thought you were worthy of the honor, too. I cannot believe I am being held responsible for everything.”
“You started it.”
She raised her eyebrows at him. “Really, Major, how juvenile.”
He let out his breath and looked away from her. “You believe I am overreacting, but when I think of all the men I commanded during that slaughter, and all those who died and were far more heroic than I will ever be, I feel like an impostor.”
“Then perhaps you might see the honor as one that represents all those men and can dedicate yourself to making sure those brave souls are never forgotten,” Lucy said quietly.
He stared at her for a long moment and then nodded abruptly.
Lucy allowed a moment to elapse before she asked, “So you came to London at the command of the Prince Regent?”
“Yes, I am to meet with his private secretary, Sir John McMahon. Then I will be granted an audience with the prince himself where I will be honored with the title of baronet.”
“Indeed.”
“I’ve written to my aunt Rose to see if she wishes to accompany me to the ceremony.”
“She will be thrilled beyond measure.”
He managed a smile. “I know.” He shifted in his seat. “And now let us talk of other things. How is London treating you?”
“I’m enjoying it greatly, Major.”
“You don’t mind all the people?”
“It is certainly a rather crowded city, but it has other qualities that make up for that.”
“Is Miss Anna enjoying herself, too?”
“I believe she is.”
“You are being rather short with me.” He fiddled with the handle of his cane. “Have I offended you in some way?”
“Why ever would you think that?” She gave him her best society smile. “How is everything in Kurland St. Mary? Do you think Mr. Fairfax will make a satisfactory estate manager?”
“I believe he will.” He hesitated. “Miss Harrington, I apologize if I have offended you. My own distaste for the situation I find myself in is hardly an excuse to rail at you.”
“When have you ever needed an excuse, Major? Your temperament is rarely sunny.” She focused on the doorway that led into the ballroom and s
aw the flash of a blue uniform twirl by. “Is Lieutenant Broughton a good friend of yours?”
“I wouldn’t say we know each other well, but we served together in the regiment for a few years. He was a stern but exemplary officer.”
“Anna seemed rather taken with him.”
“So I noticed. I don’t think he’ll do her any harm, and he is looking for a wife.”
“He told you this?”
“Why else do you think I’m attending a ball? It’s hardly a place I would choose to frequent for my own benefit. Broughton asked me to accompany him on his quest for a wife, and as I have plenty of time on my hands, I agreed.”
“That was kind of you.”
He shrugged. “I’m rarely kind, as you well know. Coming here gives me the opportunity to at least be seen by my peers and means that I don’t have to waste valuable time making endless pointless morning calls just to prove I am alive.”
She suspected it was also about him not wanting to expose himself in his present weakened condition to those who had known him before his accident, but she didn’t intend to mention that. Unlike him, she did have some standards.
“So we shouldn’t expect to see you at Clavelly House or in Dalton Street?”
“Of course I’ll visit you there. I meant other people, not those whom I can tolerate. I’m rather glad Broughton took a liking to Anna.”
“Why is that?”
“Because he was extolling the virtues of Miss Chingford yesterday, and admitting she was his first choice as a wife.”
“Your Miss Chingford?”
“Mine no longer, but, yes, the same.”
Lucy leaned closer. “She is here tonight.”
“Good Lord, no.” Major Kurland took a hasty look around the room. “I hope she doesn’t see me.”
“She’s bound to notice you in that uniform. You are rather hard to miss.” Her gaze drifted over his shoulder. “There is a lady trying to get your attention. Do you wish to acknowledge her, or shall we move away?”
He turned in his seat and then rose awkwardly to his feet as the elderly woman tottered toward him. “It’s Broughton’s grandmother, the dowager countess. I’ll introduce you.” He raised his voice.
“My lady, may I offer you a seat?”
The dowager came closer and scowled at him. “Thought you were my grandson from over there. I forgot my spectacles and everything is a little blurred.”
“We do have similar uniforms.” Robert held out his chair and the dowager sat down in a rustle of stiff black satin. “May I introduce you to an acquaintance of mine, Miss Lucy Harrington?”
Lucy smiled at the dowager, who didn’t smile back.
“Harrington. Are you related to the Clavelly family, gel?”
“Yes, my lady. My father is the younger brother of the current earl.”
“Good pedigree.” The dowager stiffened as a woman approached their table. “And what do you want?”
Lucy turned to see a thin elderly woman with fading yellow hair glaring down at the dowager.
“Maude Broughton. I’m surprised you dare show your face about town!”
“You’re the one who should remove yourself, Agnes. You are a thief and a liar!”
Lucy cringed as both the old ladies raised their voices and other people in the supper room started to turn toward their secluded corner.
“Me? A thief? You haven’t changed your spots in years, Maude, and now I hear you’re accusing me of stealing jewelry from you? Jewelry, I might add, that rightfully belonged to my husband’s family and was never given freely to you in the first place!”
The dowager drew herself back like an enraged snake. “So you did steal it back!”
“I did no such thing! One would hope that your conscience would make you return the jewels to their rightful owners!”
“Ha! I always intended to be buried in them.”
“You venomous, old—”
Lucy stepped between the two women. “Ladies, I hardly think this is the place for such a discussion. Perhaps you should continue it at a later time when you will not be on such public display.”
The dowager glared at her and Lucy stared right back. Major Kurland had taught her a lot about standing her ground.
“Humph.” The dowager turned away with a toss of her head.
Lucy turned to Agnes Bentley, whose cheeks were bright red. Her bosom was heaving and her eyes were narrowed slits of rage.
“Ma’am?”
“All right! I’ll take my leave of her, but this thing is not finished. I will not have her maligning my reputation and that of my family with malicious gossip and innuendo. She’s worse than the scandal sheets!”
She stalked off, leaving the dowager cackling with undisguised glee. “Agnes never could stand up for herself for long. Far too meek and mealymouthed.”
Lucy resumed her seat. It was amusing that despite appearances, the aristocracy behaved just like the old ladies in Kurland St. Mary when they fought over who should do the church flowers for the harvest festival.
“Perhaps she decided that a retreat now would gain her a better position in the next battle. I believe that was the Duke of Wellington’s strategy, too.”
“That might be true, my dear.” With the major’s assistance, the dowager pushed down on her cane and rose unsteadily to her feet. “I’m feeling rather tired. Perhaps you might take me back to the ballroom to find my daughter-in-law.”
“Certainly, my lady.” Major Kurland tucked her hand in the crook of his arm. “I’ll return in a moment, Miss Harrington.”
Lucy sank back down and watched the dowager until she was safely through the door before letting out a sigh of relief. When Robert returned, he brought another man with him, one Lucy recognized.
“Miss Harrington, how delightful.”
“Mr. Stanford. I didn’t realize you knew Major Kurland.”
He smiled. “We were allies at school against the majority of the boys who thought we weren’t quite up to snuff and should’ve been sent to the local village school instead of Harrow. And how do you know the major, Miss Harrington?”
“We live in the same village. My father is the rector of the parish of Kurland St. Mary.”
Mr. Stanford nodded at Major Kurland. “I must come and visit you at Kurland Hall, Robert, now that I know the inhabitants are so charming.”
Lucy vigorously plied her fan. She suspected she was blushing. She liked Mr. Stanford. He had been charming during their dance and more than happy to make the acquaintance of Sophia and her mother, and had promised to call on them.
“What brings you to London, Robert? I thought you had an aversion to the place.”
Robert sat down across from Lucy, and Mr. Stanford joined them. “I had business with my regiment. I’m selling my commission.”
“Was that your decision?”
Robert glanced at his old friend and then down at his left leg. “Yes, I wasn’t forced out. But I can’t imagine ever being fit enough to engage the enemy again. I have an estate to run and a house to renovate, which will keep me very well occupied.”
Andrew Stanford chuckled. “I can’t quite imagine you striding around your acres, discussing the livestock and what sermons the rector should preach in your church.” He paused. “Begging your pardon, Miss Harrington, I’m sure your father doesn’t need any advice on that subject at all.”
To Robert’s surprise, Miss Harrington merely smiled and murmured something diplomatic rather than taking Andrew to task for his remark, as she would certainly have done if he’d made it. He looked from her to Andrew and noticed they were still smiling at each other. What was it about London that had this effect on people? Did everyone become a simpering fool when they came to Town? He’d never thought to see Miss Harrington behaving like all the other young ladies of his acquaintance.
He cleared his throat. “You are, of course, welcome to visit me, Andrew. I’ve been busy repairing the roof of the manor house so that my future guests won’t have to wo
rry about leaking ceilings and mildew.”
“I’m glad to hear it. I assume you’ll be returning home quite soon, then?”
“I have some other commissions to fulfill in Town, so I might be here for a week or so.”
Miss Harrington leaned forward. “Major Kurland has been ennobled by the Prince Regent! He will be a baronet. He has to stay in London to attend the prince in person.”
“Good gracious, Robert. Is this true?”
“Yes, but for God’s sake, don’t tell anyone yet.” He glared at Miss Harrington, who had the grace to look guilty. “I’d rather keep it quiet.”
“But it is such a well-deserved honor! I can’t believe Prinny had the intelligence to offer it to you.” Andrew reached over to shake his hand. “Well done, sir.”
“Thank you.”
“I assume it will be announced in the papers?”
“I suppose so.”
Andrew winked and rose to his feet. “Then I’ll keep it to myself until then.”
“I’d appreciate that.”
“A pleasure to meet you, Miss Harrington.” He bowed. “I hope to continue our acquaintance.”
Robert waited until Andrew was out of earshot and then turned to Miss Harrington, who was looking rather wretched.
“I’m sorry, Major. I won’t blurt out your good news like that again, I promise.”
“No harm done. Stanford’s a lawyer. He’s used to keeping secrets.” He sighed. “The news will come out eventually. It always does.”
Miss Harrington closed her fan. “He seems like a very respectable man.”
“Who, Andrew Stanford? He is.”
“I understand he is a widower with two small children.”
“I believe that is correct.” He frowned. “Why are you asking about him?”
“Why do you think?”
Realization dawned. “You think he might make you an amiable husband?”
“Don’t you?”
“Well, as to that—”
Death Comes to London Page 4