by Anne Herries
‘Yes, indeed,’ Phipps murmured, ‘and our fortunate friend has both title and fortune to offer—a temptation for any lady.’
‘Perhaps,’ Amanda replied. She could make no comment for she had not yet spoken directly to the gentleman, but there was something about him that set her teeth on edge. The way he looked at Cynthia...was not quite what she thought proper. His smile had the eager sharpness of a predator and she thought him a rake. ‘I believe Miss Langton to be a woman of sense, sir. She may not be distracted for long.’
‘You may be correct,’ he murmured softly in her ear. ‘Brock hates him. I was surprised that he agreed to be a part of an expedition got up by Shearne.’
‘Major Brockley hates the marquis?’ Amanda looked at him in surprise. ‘Does he have good reason?’
‘If he does, he has not spoken of it, but I know he distrusts and dislikes the man intensely.’
‘If Miss Langton is in any danger...’
‘Oh, I do not think he would dare to try to seduce such a popular lady; he would be ostracised by society if he did her some harm...yet if I were her I should think twice before accepting an offer from him.’
‘Why?’ Amanda asked, but they had reached the card room and the others were waiting for them, the marquis still hovering at Cynthia’s side as if he meant to watch their game and perhaps advise her.
‘Another time,’ Phipps said and smiled at her, making Amanda’s heart leap for joy. Even though she’d been hurt earlier, she was powerless in the face of that smile.
Approaching the table, Amanda took her seat and looked across the table at her partner, suddenly realising that she would not find it so boring after all. Phipps sat to her right and Cynthia to her left, Shearne and two other gentlemen lounging against the wall and making comments as the players settled down to cut the cards.
No, she thought, it might be a pleasant enough evening after all and smiled inwardly as she saw that the marquis was not having things all his own way. Cynthia might enjoy his flattery, but she had more sense than to exclude her former suitors, and since Phipps was her partner he received his fair share of smiles and warm looks, especially as they took trick after trick.
Lord Johnston was not a competent player at all; indeed, he made so many foolish discards that Amanda was hard put to hold her tongue. However, she managed it and by the time the party was about to break up received a look of understanding from Phipps that quite restored her mood of despair.
‘We shall see you in two days,’ the marquis said, taking his leave of Miss Langton, though he hardly bothered to glance at Amanda.
Phipps took her hand and bowed over it, giving her another of his devastating smiles. ‘Please forgive the tedious evening you have endured, Miss Hamilton. I truly believe you have the patience of a saint.’
‘Oh, do not say so,’ she murmured and blushed. ‘I was able to observe the skill of your play, sir, and that was entertainment enough.’
‘You must be my partner another evening,’ he said, pressed her hand and departed, leaving Amanda to sigh and wish for a future she knew was quite impossible.
Why could she not be tall and willowy like her friend Miss Langton? Just another two inches in height would have made all the difference. But she was being a fool, for did the Bible not say that a woman should be judged by her heart and not dwell on her vanity—or some such thing? Her vicar at home was fond of preaching on the evils of vanity and indeed it had never occurred to Amanda to worry about her looks until she came to London and was taken up by Miss Langton. She was a fool to long for her friend’s looks, just because she feared that the man she wanted was preparing to ask Miss Langton to wed him.
In two weeks Papa would think of returning home. Mama would be disappointed that her daughter had not accepted an offer of marriage, for she had not spoken of those she’d dismissed without a thought—but Papa would not mind. Amanda believed that her darling father would not mind if his daughter never left home.
Chapter Two
The following morning Amanda received a note from Lady Langton to tell her that Cynthia had a sore throat and would not be able to keep an appointment to walk with her that afternoon. Amanda immediately wrote to sympathise, promising that she would call another day and enquire after her friend’s health.
‘Since you are free for one afternoon, you might like to come visiting with me,’ Mama said, arching her brows. ‘Your time has been so occupied with Miss Langton that we’ve hardly been out on our own for an age.’
‘Yes, I should like that, Mama,’ Amanda said. ‘I do hope that Miss Langton will be well enough for the picnic on Friday, for everyone would be disappointed if she were to cry off.’
‘Yes, though I see no need for you to disappoint anyone and I am certain Jane Field will be looking forward to it.’
‘Yes, of course I shall go,’ Amanda said, ‘though I fear some people will think it a waste of time if Cynthia is not there.’
‘I dare say some gentlemen would think exactly that, but others would be quite content with their company.’ Her mama smiled at her. ‘Lord Johnston likes you very well, my dear—and Lieutenant Phipps has been attentive, I think?’
‘Oh, Mama...’ Amanda sighed ‘...Lieutenant Phipps will not offer for me—and I should refuse Lord Johnston for I should not be happy as his wife.’
‘You must not be too particular,’ Mama said and looked sad. ‘It is unwise to give one’s heart until one is married—that way one does not have it broken.’
‘Do you believe that love comes to order, Mama?’
‘Certainly, if one schools one’s mind to it, at least affection,’ she replied and patted Amanda’s hand. ‘Do not fret. Neither your papa nor I wish to force you to marry anyone you don’t like. You may discover a gentleman you could marry sooner than you think...’
Amanda accepted her mother’s suggestion, though she thought it fanciful, for she knew her heart to be given irrevocably. However, she would wish to marry in time and perhaps someone would appear magically who would make her forget her love for the handsome lieutenant.
She spent the morning going through her wardrobe, for it was surprising how many pairs of silk stockings were needed on an extensive visit to town and she had already worn out two pairs of dancing slippers. She had one new pair of long white gloves, but judged she might well need another before they left for the country. It would be better to make any purchases she might need in the near future, rather than sending for them when they were at home again, and made out a list of shopping.
By the time she’d finished her calculations, it was time for a light nuncheon, then Mama called for her carriage. Dressing in a gown of light peach with white-kid boots, short lace gloves and a white shawl, Amanda discovered that the gown was a little loose around the waist. Since it was the first time she’d worn the dress, she realised that the seamstress had made an allowance for her to put on weight. No doubt the lady understood that attending so many parties caused one to expand.
It was not loose enough to return it, but she would have to ask her maid to make a small adjustment before she wore it another day. The slight annoyance was not enough to spoil her day, for she tied her sash a little tighter and glanced in the mirror. She looked her best, even though she could not compare to the beautiful Miss Langton.
She went downstairs to join her mama and soon they were bowling along in the direction of one of the most fashionable squares. Mama seemed happy to have her daughter’s company and talked of all the enjoyable times they had had since they came to London. Just as the carriage drew to a halt, she gave Amanda a look of approval.
‘That gown suits you, dearest. I have not seen you looking so well in an age. The air of London must suit you.’
Amanda groaned, for when people said she looked well it was usually because she was plump in the cheeks, which some elderly gentlemen actually seemed to admire—at least, they enjoyed pinching them.
‘Thank you, Mama,’ she said and followed her mother from the ca
rriage, not forgetting to smile at the groom who assisted first Mama and then Amanda down.
She murmured a ‘thank you’ in a soft voice Mama could not hear, because it was not really done to thank servants for every service. People of consequence accepted instant obedience as their right, but Amanda felt grateful for kindness shown her from any direction.
They were admitted to the house by a very correct butler who said they were expected and bowed them into a charming sitting room. A lady was sitting by the fire, a light blanket thrown over her legs. Her smile was welcoming and, as Amanda looked into her face, she saw that she had once been beautiful, but there was a fragility and vulnerability about her that immediately touched her.
‘Horatia, my dear friend,’ she greeted Mama warmly. ‘You have brought your daughter to see me, as you promised.’
‘Susanna dearest.’ Mama bent to kiss her cheek. ‘I was surprised to hear you were in town. It is such an age since we met and I am delighted to see you again.’
‘As I am to see you,’ the lady said and turned her soft blue eyes on Amanda. ‘Forgive me, I cannot get up to greet you, dear child. Pray come and give me a kiss.’
‘Yes, ma’am.’ Amanda moved forward willingly. ‘I am pleased to meet you.’
‘Susanna is married to the Earl of Sandown,’ Mama told her. ‘We were brought out together and she is my very dearest friend—though we have not seen each other since just after...’
‘I had an unfortunate accident when out riding,’ Susanna said to Amanda. ‘It robbed me of the power of my legs, as you see—but in all other aspects I do very well. My son is so good to me. When I said I should like to visit London, he moved heaven and earth to bring me here.’
‘How long do you stay?’ Mama asked.
‘Oh, for three weeks or so if I keep well and there is no reason why I should not. Nathan fusses over me, but I am determined to see as many old friends as I can—though in most cases they will have to come to me. I am able to drive out in the park, or to sit at the table when we give a dinner, but I fear that it would be too much trouble to inflict on a hostess if I were to attend a ball, for I must be carried everywhere in my chair.’
‘Now, Mama,’ a strong voice spoke from the doorway. ‘You know most of your friends would not consider that the least trouble...and if you will only allow them they will make all the necessary arrangements for your comfort.’
Amanda turned to look at the man who had spoken. At first glance she did not think him handsome, for he was of a dark complexion with heavy brows, black hair that was brushed back from his temples and a rather long nose. However, as he bent over his mother’s hand, his smile transformed him. Most would undoubtedly think him handsome, though something made Amanda remain a little aloof.
‘Will you not introduce me to your delightful company?’ His eyes flicked to Mama and then to Amanda.
‘This is Lady Hamilton and her daughter Amanda, dearest. You have heard me speak of Horatia many times, I think.’ Susanna smiled at him lovingly. ‘My son Nathan—you see what a scold he is!’
‘I have heard so much about you,’ Mama said, looking at him with interest. ‘I am sure you speak the truth, Lord Armstrong. I should be happy to make any arrangements necessary to have my dear Susanna at Amanda’s dance next week. It will be our last engagement in town, for after that we must think of returning home.’
‘Oh, surely not so soon?’ Lord Armstrong said, coming to take Mama’s hand and bow over it before turning to Amanda. ‘Miss Hamilton, I am delighted to meet you.’
Amanda smiled up at him, for he was tall and she barely reached his shoulder. ‘As we are to meet you, sir. We have been in town for a month now, you know, and Papa took the house for six weeks, so I fear we shall have to leave at the end of that period.’
‘Not at all,’ he said. ‘This house is far too large for the two of us. You must stay with us after the lease of your present house has expired. Mama must not be deprived of your company too soon.’
‘Nathan, my love. You may command me, but you must not marshal our guests into manoeuvres of your making.’
‘I fear Mama thinks me domineering, but indeed I am apt to see the easy route from difficult situations. Do you not think it is always best to cut to the chase, Miss Hamilton? People make heavy weather of things when if you simply ride straight at the obstacle you may clear it with ease.’
‘You are a hunting man, sir,’ Amanda replied with a teasing look. His manner was easy and since it was impossible to feel shy or reserved with a man who was so direct, she began to let down her guard a little. Clearly this gentleman scorned the polite conventions and meaningless compliments so loved by polite society. ‘I see no reason to scold you, for if it were possible I am certain Mama would wish to stay with the countess...but I know that Papa cannot extend his stay.’
‘Then I dare say Lord Hamilton is generous enough to allow us the pleasure of your company for another week or two, if I promise to see you safely home.’
‘I believe he would,’ Mama said, looking pleased. ‘I should certainly enjoy being here with Susanna as my hostess, sir. I thank you for the invitation—and it will give Amanda another two weeks in town.’
Mama was hopeful that two further weeks would give her daughter a chance to receive a proposal she could accept and the thought brought a flush to her cheeks. She saw the countess and her mama exchange knowing glances and felt hot of a sudden; they were plotting something together, she was sure of it. Mama must have told her that she had not yet received an acceptable offer.
They stayed to take some refreshment at the countess’s invitation and Lord Armstrong stayed with them for another twenty minutes, before excusing himself on a matter of business.
‘Nathan is my stepson,’ the countess told Amanda after he had left them. ‘He was but a year old when I married his father and I am the only mother he has ever known. I gave my husband a daughter, who died in infancy, and another son. However, Charles is a delicate boy and remains in the country with his father. He is seven years old and a little naughty, but Nathan adores him, and spoils him as much as he spoils me. Had we not engaged a wonderful nurse to help dear old Nanny, we should never have left him for this trip to town.’
‘You are fortunate to have Lord Armstrong,’ Mama said. ‘He could not be more fond of you if you were indeed his mother.’
‘I am fortunate,’ Susanna replied with a little smile. ‘Nathan is a determined man, but kind and generous. His father has not been entirely well of later years and Nathan runs everything to do with the estate. Indeed, he has been so busy looking after us that he has had no time for his own affairs. His father wishes him to marry, but he shows no sign of being interested in any lady of his acquaintance.’
Amanda sensed an understanding between Mama and the countess, and saw a look of speculation in that lady’s eyes. Was she being considered as a bride for Lord Armstrong? Perhaps the countess was here to find him a bride, though she felt sure that he knew nothing of her scheming.
* * *
When it was time to leave, Amanda thanked the countess for her hospitality and the invitation to stay with her another week or so in town and was instructed to kiss her.
‘You are as lovely and charming as your mama told me,’ Susanna said and patted her hand. ‘I have oft wished my daughter had lived—and I should wish her to be just like you, my dear.’
Amanda thanked her and they were escorted to the door by the stately butler. Once in the carriage, Mama turned to look at her.
‘Well, that was a surprise. I have so wished that I might spend more time with Susanna, but it was never possible, though I visited her at her country house soon after her accident—but since then somehow it was never thought of, though we often write to one another.’
‘You have not spoken to me much of the countess, Mama.’
‘Have I not?’ Mama looked at her. ‘I dare say I did not think the subject would interest you. At that time I thought it unlikely we should meet often
.’
‘I liked her—and Lord Armstrong. He is very direct, Mama.’
‘Yes, almost overbearing,’ Mama said thoughtfully. ‘But kind—so very considerate. Some gentlemen are like that... I believe his father was much the same. Now your papa has always been so easy-going...’
‘Papa is a darling,’ Amanda said. ‘I dare say Lord Armstrong has found it easier to organise everyone for their own good...since his mother and brother are delicate.’
‘His father, too, has been unwell for a couple of years. I imagine that Nathan has had to bear more than his fair share of responsibility for some years.’
‘I suppose that is why he has formed a habit of taking command.’
‘Yes, indeed. He is barely three years older than your brother, Amanda, and Robert is but twenty-one...but he seems older.’ Mama frowned. ‘I had thought...but I see it would not do...’
Amanda glanced at Mama’s profile. She looked disappointed, and Amanda guessed that she had been hoping her old friend’s son might appeal to her as a husband.
‘I do not dislike Lord Armstrong, Mama,’ Amanda said and saw her mother’s frown disappear. ‘At least he is not pompous or foolish—and I think him a man one might rely on in a crisis. However, it would be presumptuous to think he might look at me. There are so many pretty girls in London. Even if he admired me, I should soon fade from his mind once he saw Miss Langton.’
‘Susanna so wants him to marry a nice girl who will be content to live in the country with her and her family.’
‘Yes, Mama, I realised that you had hopes, both of you, but you must have seen that it is quite ridiculous. Why would a man who might have anyone he chose look at me?’
‘You may be a little plumper than I should like,’ Mama said, ‘but because you have been so much in Miss Langton’s company you have come to think yourself unattractive, but that is not so. Indeed, I thought you looked very pretty today and I know Susanna thought the same.’