by Anne Herries
‘No, I fear I am much too sensible—even prosaic,’ she said and sighed. ‘I do envy girls who can faint at the sight of blood and cry to order.’
‘Why should you envy anyone? It seems to me that, as popular as you are, you have no need to regret your lack of these things.’
‘No, and that was a foolish thing to say,’ Amanda admitted. ‘It was thinking of those foolish novels that are so much the rage these days that made me say it.’
He laughed and shook his head, but seemed reflective, as the dance demanded that they pass on to another partner. By the time the elaborate set of steps had been executed and Amanda once more found herself with his large hand clasped about hers, he had changed his manner once more and was full of a titbit of gossip he had heard about the Regent’s wife.
* * *
When the musicians had put down their instruments there was a general move to fetch cloaks and greatcoats. Waiters circulated with cups of a warming nightcap to see the guests on their way.
Amanda went to stand by her mother and wish her guests a safe journey home and hope they had enjoyed the evening. As it was a fine night and no one had far to go, most people had stayed to the very end and seemed reluctant to leave.
Phipps and Brock were amongst the last. Brock was talking with Miss Field, who was to stay the night and go home in the morning. Phipps made his bow to Lady Hamilton and thanked her for a wonderful evening, then drew Amanda a little aside.
‘I have spoken to your papa,’ he said softly. ‘I am to see him at ten tomorrow. I shall be the first of five gentlemen who have sought appointments, Amanda. Will you see me afterwards, if your father permits?’
‘Of course,’ she said and gave him her hands. ‘Papa would never refuse me, Phipps. He has always spoiled me.’
‘Then I shall see you tomorrow,’ he said and raised her hand to his lips, kissing it softly. ‘Goodnight, my dearest.’
Amanda bid him goodnight. She stood, feeling a glow of happiness spread through her as the last of their guests departed, and then Mama turned to her and kissed her cheek.
‘Papa has told me he has promised Lieutenant Phipps an interview in the morning—has he spoken to you, Amanda?’
‘He—he has said enough to lead me to understand he means to ask for my hand, if Papa admits.’
‘And is it your wish that he should?’
‘Yes, please, Mama.’
Mama smiled at her. ‘I thought so. I am glad he has spoken at last, dearest. Take Jane up now and try to get some sleep, for you would wish to be at your best in the morning.’
Chapter Five
Well, the die was cast and Phipps did not regret it. He had dallied long enough and was pleased that he had decided to speak, though, in truth, he had not intended it until he realised that something had changed. If pressed, Phipps could not have said what was different, but he had been aware from the first that several gentleman had cast interested glances at their hosts’ daughter that evening. Amanda was certainly looking very well, but then, he’d always thought her an attractive girl, if a little plumper than he normally admired. However, for a long time he’d found her excellent company, charming, witty when she chose and genuinely kind-hearted.
Realising from a chance remark that Lord Johnston meant to ask for her—and to be told later that four other gentlemen were bent on the same mission—Phipps had been spurred on. His unguarded words to Amanda had been an impulse, but having spoken he discovered that he was satisfied with the bargain he’d made, perhaps more so than he’d expected to be. Lord Hamilton had told him in an open, frank manner that his was not the only offer his daughter might expect, but was surprisingly welcoming. Whether he would feel the same once he knew the exact nature of Phipps’s circumstances remained to be seen. It was certain that at least one of the offers made would be of a more substantial nature than Phipps could hope to make. Amanda was sure her father would oblige her, but he could only hope that she was not mistaken in his indulgence of her wishes.
Walking home with Brock, he was inclined to be thoughtful and discovered that his friend was also in a reflective mood. He offered Brock a bed for the night, but was refused and they parted on good terms, Phipps to seek his own bed and Brock to walk the silent streets for longer than Phipps guessed he intended.
* * *
It was a little after seven the following morning and Phipps was just thinking of calling for his shaving water when the knocker sounded urgently. He left his bed and had just put on a rather splendid crimson-and-black-striped silk dressing gown when a footman knocked and entered.
‘Yes, Hardy, what is it?’
‘A message, my lord. Major Brockley was attacked last evening as he walked home. As I understand it, an attempt was made on his life.’
‘Good grief!’ Phipps was stunned for a moment, then, ‘He lives?’
‘Yes, indeed, sir. His message was to tell you that he has a wound to his left shoulder and is bidden to keep to his bed this day, but is in no danger. He would like you to call on him at your convenience for he has something of import to tell you.’
‘I shall certainly do so later,’ Phipps replied, frowning. ‘Send a message back. Tell Major Brockley that I have an appointment this morning at ten, but I shall wait on him no later than noon.’
‘Yes, sir. The messenger waits. I shall give him your answer at once.’
‘Thank you—and send up my man. I shall shave and dress immediately, then come down for breakfast.’
Phipps was thoughtful after the man left him. The streets of London could be unsafe late at night, for there were footpads and young fools on a wild spree after a night spent drinking and gambling. However, Brock was no unwary pigeon for the plucking and for him to fall prey to one of these persons was odd...indeed, it sounded as if Brock thought it more than an attempt to rob him.
He almost wished that he had gone to his friend’s side at once, but if Brock’s message had been urgent he would have said as much. Brock merely wanted to apprise him of what had happened and to speak to him later.
He took his time shaving and preparing for his interview that morning, making a light breakfast of some ale, cold beef and fresh bread, and then changed from his dressing gown into a pair of pale dove pantaloons, a dark grey coat that fitted him like a second skin and a pair of gleaming Hessians with silver tassels. After pinning a diamond into the snowy folds of his neckcloth, he saw that it wanted but half an hour to his appointment. Just time for him to walk there.
Phipps was aware of nerves in the pit of his stomach as he strolled towards Lord Hamilton’s town house. His own family was of equal lineage, to be sure, but his fortune, as a second son, could not compare with Amanda’s. He would not be able to afford to keep his future wife in the manner she was accustomed to and felt his position keenly, for it would be within Hamilton’s rights to send him smartly about his business.
Once again, Phipps was assailed by his doubts. What right had he to ask for a girl whose fortune was so far above his, though he was her equal in birth if not in consequence? He wished he might at least have had a promising future, but although a brave and sometimes reckless soldier, he had few talents to help him make a fortune.
Phipps was a modest man and perhaps not aware that his manners, caring attitude and genuine goodwill made him universally popular. Had he received more of his father’s approval and affection, he might have realised that he could look as high as he pleased for a wife, because there were many young ladies in society who would have been glad of his interest.
Feeling his neckcloth unaccountably tight, he arrived outside Amanda’s home and was assailed by a craven urge to take flight. However, he knew that she was expecting him and gathered his courage, raising his hand to knock sharply once. The door was opened almost instantly and the stately butler, who had been in evidence the previous evening, admitted him.
‘Good day, Lieutenant Phipps,’ Craddick said pleasantly. ‘His lordship is expecting you. I shall take you up to him.’
‘Thank you,’ Phipps replied and cleared his throat nervously. He was vaguely aware that the hall contained rather more servants than usual at this time in the morning and heard a woman’s laughter. However, he retained a dignified manner and refused to look for the source of the mirth. No doubt Lord Hamilton’s servants were aware that this was an important day for the daughter of the house.
Craddick conducted him up the magnificent staircase and then led him to the far end of the passage, before knocking on a door and opening it to announce him.
Phipps entered, feeling rather like the condemned man on his way to the hangman’s noose, but when his host looked up from a letter he had been studying, he saw that there was only welcome in the gentleman’s eyes.
‘Do sit down, sir,’ he invited.
‘I think I should stand for the moment, my lord.’
‘Well, please yourself. You asked for an interview, Phipps?’
‘I wanted to ask...for the honour of Miss Hamilton’s hand in marriage.’ Phipps blurted the words out, forgetting the speech he’d meant to make. ‘I know she is far above me in fortune, but I care for her deeply and I hope to make her happy.’
‘Yes, I’m sure you do,’ the doting father said and beamed at him. ‘I understand you are the second son of your father and entitled only to a younger son’s portion?’
‘Yes, sir.’ Phipps surreptitiously tugged at his neckcloth, which was somehow much tighter than before. ‘I have a small estate that is my own and four thousand a year from my father—I believe he may give me something, perhaps a thousand or two as a gift, when I marry. There is a trust fund to bring me an income of five thousand when my father dies.’
‘Yes, I see,’ Lord Hamilton said. ‘Not very much for an expensive young man to live on, is it? I imagine you may have a few debts?’
‘Yes, sir.’ Phipps swallowed hard. ‘I believe I may clear my debts by selling my commission. I would not expect Miss Hamilton to follow the drum, sir.’
‘No, neither her mama nor I should care for that,’ Lord Hamilton said and looked thoughtful. ‘You are prepared for a civilian life? I know you young chaps like the army way of doing things.’
‘It is for young and mainly unmarried men,’ Phipps replied. ‘I shall take my wife to my estate and do what I can to make it prosper. We have the use of my father’s house here in town and I should bring Miss Hamilton up to visit when she wishes.’
‘As to where she wishes to live, you must consult with her—if I agree,’ the father went on, his gaze narrowing. ‘She is a considerable heiress and has a large estate of her own, besides what I choose to settle on her. There is no town property and my country seat, along with the property in Scotland and Devon, will go in its entirety to my son, but my daughter has always been happiest in the country. I own a decent house in Bath, which will always be available to Amanda, and, on her mama’s demise, will be wholly hers. They have been accustomed to visit at least twice a year, you understand.’
‘I had no notion of it, sir—but I should wish to accommodate my wife’s wishes in these things.’
‘I shall settle thirty thousand on her when she marries. Another twenty is in trust for her and becomes hers when she takes a husband—that capital will be available to her husband should he wish it. Much of her fortune is tied up in property and land, and was bequeathed her by a great-aunt. She has capital of fifty thousand pounds invested in blue-chip shares, left to her by yet another aunt, which shares I should not like to see sold for they bring in a good income—and there is another twenty thousand bringing her in around five per cent annually, which is what she has been accustomed to using for pin money. Together with the various land, property and capital, she has somewhere in the region of two hundred and fifty thousand pounds, give or take a few thousand...and an income of some five-and-twenty thousand a year.’
‘Good grief,’ Phipps said and sat down suddenly in case his legs should not support him. He felt overwhelmed and aware of his inadequacy. Had he realised, he would probably not have dared to ask. ‘I had no idea of the extent of her fortune, sir.’
‘What are the extent of your debts, Lieutenant?’
‘Five thousand,’ Phipps answered, too shocked to realise what he was saying. ‘But I told you, I can cover them with the sale of my commission and my next allowance.’
‘If we agreed on a contract, I should think it only right to make you a gift of say...ten thousand pounds. Would you find that satisfactory? You see, I prefer that my daughter’s land and property remain her and your property and would not like to see them sold and the money wasted on the payment of large debts.’
‘Five thousand is all I owe... Good grief! Do you think I ask for Miss Hamilton only to cover my debts?’
‘I am aware that several have tried to win her heart for that purpose, but my daughter is a sensible girl. She sent them packing without my help, though I should have done so had they got as far as addressing me.’ Lord Hamilton paused. ‘Amanda is not a great beauty. Had she no fortune, we might have had difficulty in finding her a husband she could like, but I want her to be happy, sir. I know that she likes you very well and, for that reason, I am happy to overlook the disparity in your fortunes. However, if I thought you did not care a button for her, you would not be standing here now. Do I make myself clear?’
‘Perfectly,’ Phipps said a little stiffly. He’d known this interview would not be easy, but had not thought it could be quite so humiliating. Lord Hamilton’s kindness was making it worse, for Phipps felt shamed. ‘May I ask you to arrange the contract so that Miss Hamilton and I continue to enjoy the income from her property, for I should not wish to deprive her of anything she is accustomed to command—but I do not wish her capital to be available to me. Once my debts are paid, and I have the gift you so generously offered, I shall not need more.’
‘Well said, sir, and I am glad of it,’ Lord Hamilton said. ‘But Amanda must have the last say. Some of her capital is tied up in various trusts, but I think she might wish the twenty thousand I spoke of to be available to you both. As her husband you will have control of the whole, should you wish to make changes.’
‘I shall need no more than the income you have mentioned,’ Phipps said. ‘I hope and expect to increase my own once I take charge of my estate—small as it is—and shall not touch her capital. However, it shall be available for her use. For myself, I would see the rest of her fortune in trust for her heirs.’
‘Well, well, I see you are a sensible fellow. There is no need for that—though we may set a part of the property aside for that purpose if Amanda wishes it. However, I see no reason for haste. It is clear to me that my daughter’s affairs will be in good hands, sir—and if she accepts you I shall wish you both happy.’
Phipps rose at the same moment as his host and they shook hands. Feeling a little dazed, Phipps allowed himself to be escorted to another parlour where he was assured Amanda would soon join him. He stood looking out at a pleasant garden, his mind still reeling from the shock of discovering just how vast was her fortune. Phipps doubted that anyone had been aware of the full extent of it, perhaps even Amanda did not know herself, for her father was a shrewd man. He might appear a bluff good fellow, but when it came down to business he was not behind the times. His stewardship of Amanda’s fortune had clearly been exemplary and Phipps could only hope to follow in his footsteps.
Lost in his thoughts, he did not notice when the door opened behind him, and it was not until he heard a small cough that he turned to see the lady who had entered. Amanda was attired in a simple gown of primrose, her hair caught loosely back by a ribbon; she looked very young, innocent and pretty, her cheeks pleasantly plump, but her features well defined, and he drew a sharp breath, assailed by feelings he could not place. Why had he not realised how very attractive she was before this—but surely there was a new glow in her eyes, an air of confidence that had not always been there?
‘Miss Hamilton...’ He moved towards her, holding out his h
ands. ‘I can scarce believe it, but your father has approved my suit. I have the honour to tell you that I consider myself a truly fortunate man and to assure you of my deep regard. You may look for me to be a constant husband, who will have your best interests at heart—if you will consent to be my wife?’
Amanda slid her hands into his, her clear eyes seeking his. She seemed to find what she was looking for, because she smiled and blushed rosily.
‘I thank you for your kind offer, sir, and I do most readily accept you. I am very happy that you have done me this honour.’
‘It is an unequal match, my very dear girl,’ Phipps said, then bent his head to kiss her softly on the lips. He made no attempt to hold her to him, but the kiss held for several seconds. ‘I am a very happy man...and I hope to deserve you.’
‘Fustian!’ she said calmly and startled him out of the daze he had been in. ‘If you speak such nonsense to me, Phipps, I shall be cross with you. I am rich, I know that, but I do not consider it. Money does not make anyone happy, though it makes life very much easier, especially for those unfortunates who have none. I give away what I can afford to those who need it, did Papa tell you that? Here in town I have been used to spending a fortune on my clothes, but in general, you know, I spend little on myself. I prefer a simple life in the country with my horses and dogs—though I shall be happy to visit both London and Bath when it is time for a change. I do not expect you to live in my pocket. You must consider yourself at liberty to visit the town on business whenever you choose.’
Was she giving him carte blanche to enjoy himself with a mistress if he chose? It sounded very like it, but the idea revolted him coming on top of her father’s revelations about her fortune.
‘What, would you get rid of me so soon?’ he teased. ‘I believe I am content in the country for the most part and, if my understanding is correct, we will have vast estates and property that will take up a considerable amount of my time, for I mean to care for them for you.’