by Anne Herries
‘Lady Sparrow, how charming to meet you in Bath. I was thinking the company very dull, but now all is changed.’
‘Mr Bertram, you flatter me, as always,’ she said and laughed. ‘Sir, may I present you to Miss Lucy Dawlish, my cousin. Lucy—this is Mr Bertram. We have known each other for an age, for his estate marches with my father’s in Dorset.’
‘Sir...’ Lucy bobbed a curtsy to him and smiled. He had fair hair and blue eyes and wore a blue coat that must have come from Weston, his long legs encased in perfect pale-cream breeches and riding boots that shone like a mirror.
‘Miss Dawlish, your servant. I shall call tomorrow,’ he said and bowed over her hand. ‘Where may I find two such divine creatures residing? In an enchanted palace?’
‘Foolish,’ Judith said, but laughed. ‘You will find us in the Crescent, of course...the last house at the end.’
Lucy looked at her as he bowed once more and walked on. ‘Do you have many friends like that, Cousin?’
‘Quite a few,’ Judith said, amused by her look. ‘I disregard such fribbles, I assure you. Charming, but a flirt and no money, of course. I dare say his father left him nothing but debts.’
‘Is marriage always a question of money?’
‘In many cases. It must be either money or a title that means something for me this time,’ Judith replied. ‘I have money, of course, so perhaps I should look for consequence this time round.’
‘And what of love?’ Lucy asked her curiously.
‘I thought love was important to me once,’ her cousin said. ‘I was wrong... Look, Lucy, there is a delightful milliner’s shop. Shall we go inside and try on some of the hats?’
* * *
Paul looked at the young lady’s letter. If her claims were true, it would appear that his brother was not quite the demi-god they had all believed him to be.
Why had Mark proposed to a respectable young woman if his heart was not engaged?
Paul was disturbed by the information the letter contained, which was more serious than he had imagined. Ought he to tell his father that he had a grandchild, though born without benefit of marriage—or should he keep the whole thing secret?
He must arrange to see the young woman himself, for if she was coarse or common, there could be no question of a meeting between her and Lord Ravenscar. He would take a slight detour and do so on his way down to Bath.
And there were Lucy’s feelings to be thought of.
What would she feel if she knew that Mark had fathered an illegitimate child?
He would have to find a way of telling her, but it would not be easy.
Yet it meant that he was now free of guilt, free to follow his heart. Paul felt his spirits lift. He was young and strong and perhaps it was not too late after all to find the happiness he had once hoped for. He would find a way to tell Lucy the truth and then he would speak to her—tell her that he loved her. Only if she no longer cared for him would he consider making a marriage of convenience.
* * *
It was not until Lucy was alone in her room after supper that evening that she had time to think of what her cousin had revealed to her on their walk. Judith denied thinking love important and was determined to make a marriage of convenience and consequence.
She had been in love with George Daventry, but he’d left her and she had married a man she did not truly love. Lucy felt that she must have been very unhappy for a time, though she appeared to be quite over it now. She had greeted George that evening with a nod and exchanged pleasantries with him across the supper table, for they had dined at home.
‘We shall be out most evenings in future, unless we entertain here,’ Lady Dawlish had told them. ‘A quiet evening will suit me very well after the travelling.’
George had excused himself after supper, having engaged himself to play cards with some friends. He had, however, secured a box at the theatre for the following evening and they were to see a farce by Sheridan and a recital by an opera singer.
The ladies were left to amuse themselves and, after playing a game of cards, found themselves yawning over the teacups and very soon went to bed.
Lucy sat brushing her hair before the mirror for a long time before taking a book to her bed. She could not help wondering if her cousin still felt something for the earl, despite her denials...and that took her thoughts to Paul.
It would hurt Lucy to think of him married to a lady who did not love him. She thought that Judith was a little selfish to encourage his advances if she had no intention of marrying him...and hoped that he would see her cousin for what she was.
Oh dear, was she jealous? Lucy thought she might be, and soon came to realise that she might be accused of being as heartless as her cousin. She had encouraged George Daventry and, because he was accepted into her family now, it was almost expected that he would offer for her. If she said no...then she was as careless of his feelings as Judith seemed of Paul’s.
How had it happened? She had never intended to become so embroiled, but Paul had hurt her by showing that he admired her cousin so much more than he admired her. Had he not made his feelings clear—and then arrived far too late at her dance—this would never have happened.
Yet, if her suspicions were correct, it was she who had been used by Daventry. For she was certain there was more to their quarrel than Judith had told her—and why had she spoken so oddly just before they met one of her friends?
Had she been hinting that Daventry was interested in rekindling their affair only because she had a very large fortune at her disposal? That would be despicable indeed! To use Lucy to make Judith jealous in the hope that she would quarrel with him—and then perhaps show feelings of love towards him...
Could the earl be that callous? She would not have thought it for his manners were so good and he could be very charming. Perhaps it was merely because he’d let Judith down once that she suspected him.
Tears stung Lucy’s eyes and she felt confused and bewildered.
Why could things not be simpler? If Judith had not been staying with them, perhaps Paul would have taken her driving more often and he might...he might have discovered that he still liked her very well. She might even now be promised to him.
Her throat was tight with emotion as she snuggled down into the warmth of her bed. She felt as if she had become enmeshed in silken bonds, which tightened about her each time she moved.
It was all too difficult and Lucy needed to sleep.
* * *
The next day was spent visiting silk merchants, dressmakers, milliners and various other establishments that sold the trifles ladies found so necessary for their comfort. In the evening they attended the theatre and a stream of gentlemen visited the earl’s box. The earl introduced each in turn to the ladies, a smile on his face as they showered both Judith and Lucy with pretty compliments. Glancing at him as the tenth gentleman asked to be presented, Lucy saw amusement and then a flicker of annoyance in his eyes. She wondered at it, particularly as the young man, who had been introduced as the Marquis of Elver, paid particular attention to Judith.
* * *
When the footlights went down and the curtains were drawn back, George Daventry sat at Lucy’s side. She turned her head to look at him, seeing that he was still deep in thought.
‘You would seem to have many friends in Bath, sir?’ she said playing with her pretty fan.
‘Yes, indeed, I had not thought myself so popular,’ he said. ‘I dare say I can find the reason easily enough.’
‘Do you not mind that they did their best to charm Lady Sparrow...and me? We are, after all, your guests.’
‘Beauty brings the bees as to the honey,’ he said. ‘Why should I mind, Miss Lucy? Lady Sparrow informed me that the purpose of her visit was to find a husband who would oblige her by giving her the lifestyle she desires.’
>
A frown creased her brow, as she caught something in his tone. ‘Do you think she means it—or is she merely funning?’
‘I believe she is in earnest,’ he replied. ‘But Lady Sparrow is free to do whatever she wishes with her life—I have no right or interest in advising her. You must know that, Miss Lucy?’
Lucy’s cheeks fired and she could not look at him as she said, ‘But I believe there was an understanding between you once.’
‘Where had you that from?’ he enquired and she sensed annoyance or perhaps tension in him.
‘I was given to understand that it was some years ago—before my cousin’s marriage.’
A glimmer of anger showed in his eyes then. ‘I should be sorry to think something of this nature should give you a dislike of me, Miss Lucy.’
‘A dislike, no,’ Lucy said honestly. ‘Pause for thought, yes. My cousin is dear to me, sir. Anyone who hurts her...well, they would not be a friend to me.’
‘Ah, then I understand,’ he replied and she saw his hand clench. ‘I had wondered... There has been a slight distance in you since we visited Ravenscar last. I thought...but if Lady Sparrow has raised doubts in your mind...’
‘No, no, it was nothing Judith said,’ she denied, wishing to protect her. Lucy took a deep breath, then, ‘I am fond of my cousin, sir, and would never do anything to disoblige her—but my mind was never made up, you know. I must consider carefully.’
He inclined his head and said no more during the play, though Lucy was aware of his displeasure and wondered if she had spoken too openly. She was not certain why she had decided against him, but something inside her had made her draw back before it was too late. Although the earl did not show his anger, she felt that she had perhaps lost a friend and was regretful, for though she now knew that she could never have married him, he was still a charming man.
* * *
After the play was finished, he assisted the ladies to their carriage with every care and then bowed and begged their pardon.
‘I shall not return with you this evening,’ he said. ‘I have something of importance to do, Lady Dawlish. I fear that tomorrow may be my last day as your guest. I must leave Bath for a few days on business.’
‘Oh, that is disappointing,’ Lucy’s mother said, surprised. ‘I had hoped you would be our guest for the whole of our stay.’
‘I shall return to Bath in time to escort you home, perhaps a day or so before your journey,’ he promised and inclined his head. ‘And now I bid you goodnight.’
Lady Dawlish frowned as the carriage drove off. She said nothing of her disappointment until they were back at the house and she was alone with Lucy in her bedroom.
‘Have you quarrelled with Lord Daventry, Lucy?’
‘No, Mama. We are friends as always.’
‘I was quite certain he meant to make you an offer—but he has not, I think?’
‘No, he has not, Mama,’ Lucy said, but felt guilty for she knew that it was her fault. She had spoken out and clearly offended him. ‘Perhaps he changed his mind.’
‘How do you feel, dearest?’ her mother asked, looking anxious. ‘Is this a great disappointment to you?’
‘No, not at all. I had not decided on my answer, Mama. Had he asked me, I should have requested time to think. He is charming, but marriage is a serious affair.’
‘Well, I suppose you have not known him long,’ her mother said. ‘He has promised to return to escort us home...so perhaps he will ask you then. We must just make the most of our time in Bath...’
Chapter Eight
The next few days brought a stream of visitors to their house and a flood of invitations. They attended their first public assembly and Lady Dawlish was to be seen in the Pump Room most mornings, where she attempted a sip or two of the water. However, Lucy and Judith were more often out walking, shopping or driving. Between them they had more than twenty admirers, all of whom found excuses to call or to walk in the gardens when the ladies took the air.
‘It is vastly amusing, is it not?’ Judith said to Lucy when they were preparing for yet another evening party. ‘I am not sure who is the most ardent of your suitors, Cousin. Would you say it was Lord Brough or Sir Arden?’
‘I really do not think that any of them mean anything by it,’ Lucy said, for she thought most of the young men that flocked about them idle and so wealthy that they needed constant amusement to prevent them from boredom. ‘Perhaps Mr Havers might be more serious than his friends...’
‘James Havers is the very one for you, though I would not have picked him out,’ Judith said. ‘He is extremely rich, you know, though he has no title and will not—unless his two male cousins were to die.’
‘How shocking if they should,’ Lucy said. If she had not believed her cousin to be teasing, she would have found her words truly shameful indeed. ‘I do not know that he likes me above any other lady of his acquaintance.’
‘That is nothing to the point,’ Judith cried, her eyes bright with mockery. ‘If you thought he would suit, we could devise a way to bring him up to scratch. It is easy enough, for we need only contrive to lock him in a room with you and then discover you in his arms.’
‘Cousin! You go too far,’ Lucy reproved. ‘I am in no hurry to marry—it is you who has set your mind to it. Have you discovered anyone who would suit you?’
‘Oh, I do not know,’ Judith said and for a moment the light of laughter had left her eyes. ‘This husband-hunting is not as amusing as I had thought...though I suppose Elver would do. He is in earnest, I believe, and he has both title and fortune...but I think he might be a little too kind and I should hurt him.’
‘You do not care for him?’ Judith shook her head. There was something in her eyes then—a secret sorrow that made Lucy frown. Now she thought of it, her cousin had not been quite her usual self for days...since the earl left them.
Lucy had thought when they were at Dawlish that her cousin meant to have Paul Ravenscar, but Judith had not mentioned him once since they had come to Bath. She had, on the other hand, asked several times if Lucy thought the earl would return sooner rather than later.
‘I like him very well. I dare say he would be a comfortable husband,’ Judith said and sighed. ‘In truth, I do not know my own heart, Lucy. I think I may be more vulnerable than I imagined.’
‘Is there someone you would rather marry...someone who is not here?’
‘No, if you mean Ravenscar,’ Judith replied and now she was smiling again. ‘I did consider him, but he would not suit me at all, Besides, I do not mean to be buried in the country. I intend to live in London when I am not travelling.’
‘No, I wasn’t thinking of Paul,’ Lucy said, though it hurt her to hear Judith dismiss him as if his feelings counted for nothing. ‘Forgive me if I intrude, Cousin, but I thought...perhaps you still cared for Daventry?’
‘Daventry!’ Judith’s colour waned and then returned. ‘How could you think I care for him? He has eyes only for you, Lucy—and I can only think you quarrelled with him or he would never have left Bath so suddenly.’
‘We did not quarrel,’ Lucy replied. ‘However, I gave him to understand that I was not certain of my mind.’
‘So that was it. He would not like that, Lucy, for he is very proud.’ Judith’s gaze narrowed. ‘My aunt told me that you meant to accept if he offered. It was the reason I—’ She broke off and turned her face away. ‘It does not surprise me that he left us if you refused him.’
‘He did not ask in so many words,’ Lucy said. ‘He gave me to understand that he admired me and I...believe I made him angry, though he was perfectly polite.’
‘He would be,’ Judith said and looked thoughtful. ‘Daventry keeps his own counsel. It is difficult to know what is truly in his mind. Do you really not want him, Lucy?’
Lucy smiled at her. ‘
I thought he might do for a time, though I never loved him,’ she confessed, ‘but then...’
‘There is someone else, is there not?’ Judith’s eyes were intent on her face. ‘Is it Paul Ravenscar, Cousin?’
Lucy felt her cheeks heat. ‘I have loved him for years, but I think...I am sure he likes you better.’
‘Oh, no, he is not in love with me,’ Judith told her. ‘I should not have tried to bring him to heel had I known you cared for him, Lucy.’ She laughed. ‘What a coil! We have been at cross purposes, Cousin.’
‘Yes, perhaps,’ Lucy said, her throat tight as she added, ‘I had thought he might have come before this...’
‘I dare say something delayed him,’ Judith said. ‘Well, I shall not stand in your way, dearest Lucy. I am determined to marry soon...it may as well be Elver as any, I dare say.’
‘Judith, do not throw yourself away if you do not love him,’ Lucy begged her. ‘I admire you and I know what you want of life, but surely...would it not be better to wait until your heart is involved?’
‘I gave my heart once, only to have it broken,’ Judith replied with a little shrug. ‘I shall not do so again.’ She glanced at the pretty gold watch pinned to her pelisse with a gold bow. ‘We should go home, Lucy. It is time to prepare for Lady Marling’s ball and I am engaged to the marquis for the first waltz.’
* * *
Lucy watched her cousin doubtfully. Judith was dancing with Elver for the second time. She was undoubtedly the belle of the evening, surrounded by at least fifteen young men who vied for the favour of dancing with her or fetching her a glass of iced champagne or the fruit cup. Judith’s laughter rang out several times and it was evident that something was exciting the noisy group.
Lucy’s partner escorted her to her mother’s side and left her as he went in search of another young lady to whom he was engaged for the next dance. In another moment Lucy’s partner came to her and she took his hand. Since she could see that her cousin was still talking rather than dancing, she asked Captain Hanson what was causing so much laughter in the group he had just left.