“If it keeps us away from Joshua Shambles, all the better!” Clara said with feeling. “I would rather Charles be associating with Earls than gentlemen of uncertain character any day!”
“Just because he’s an Earl doesn’t mean his good character is guaranteed,” Milly said reasonably.
“I know, but he’s nothing like Mr Shambles; surely you can see that?”
“Yes, he was every inch the gentleman,” Milly acceded. She was a little uncomfortable that a man so much older than Charles should suddenly want to associate with him, and that he was aware that Clara had risked her reputation did not settle well with the sensible Milly. She determine to reserve judgment on the Earl of Chertsey until she had seen more, but she was not convinced his motivation was honourable. The astute lady was not easily blinded by good looks and charming words as it seemed her cousin was.
Chapter 5
Clara took care in choosing her outfit for the Thurston’s ball. She did not try to make excuses to herself; she wanted to look her best for Lord Chertsey. He had affected her like no other man had ever done, although she would never admit to that. She was surprised he had sought them out after that evening; she was sure he found it amusing, the thought of which annoyed her; Charles’ escapades and over indulgence were very real to her.
Standing in front of her cheval mirror when her maid left her alone, Clara turned this way and that. Her blue eyes were emphasised by the pale blue satin gown that floated around her figure to perfection. The short puffed sleeves contrasted against the creaminess of her skin. The aquamarine lace edging along the sleeves, neckline and the flounces at the base of the skirt helped the overall effect. Clara did not have a large frame, so she always chose the lighter fabrics to good effect.
Her hair was no longer in the practical plait, but curled expertly by Jess, the ever efficient maid. Dark curls framed Clara’s face, and smaller curls tickled her neckline at the back. The remaining hair was piled on top of her head, making her look slightly taller and drawing attention to the slender figure she was blessed with.
Cream gloves and an aquamarine necklace and bracelet finished off the outfit to Clara’s satisfaction, and she smiled when Charles knocked on her bedchamber door and entered.
“You look very pretty, Clara,” Charles said with a smile. “I’ll wager you’ll not sit out a single dance tonight.”
Clara smiled. “Well thanks to your new acquaintance, I’m secured for the first two.”
“Yes, I’m sorry I missed him; Joshua had something he needed help with, and I completely forgot about Lord Chertsey’s visit. If I didn’t have such a poor memory, I would have been here for certain!”
Clara was not convinced of the truth of Charles’ confession; he would not meet her gaze while he spoke, choosing to fix his neckcloth in her looking glass ̶ a sure sign he was lying. She chose to refrain from antagonising him and let the comment pass.
“I’m glad you‘re accompanying us tonight; the night will be more enjoyable with you in the room.” It was true; Charles was such a pleasant, easy-going fellow that it was a delight to be with him as long as Joshua Shambles was not watching his every move.
“Thanks, Clara,” Charles responded with a grin. “I promise to dance with you at least once for that recommendation.”
Clara laughed. “I’d prefer you to dance with Milly, I dislike having her sit out so much.” Their cousin usually sat with the other chaperones at a ball, but Clara always thought she should be dancing.
The pair left the bedchamber and joined Milly in the carriage. The drive to the Thurston’s ball on Grosvenor Square was only a short distance, being less than a mile away, but the queue of carriages waiting to deposit guests meant that it was over an hour before the group were able to climb out of their carriage at the grand doorway.
Candlelight adorned the iron railings leading up the stairs to the open doorway. All was hustle and bustle in the hallway as footmen relieved visitors of cloaks and greatcoats. Charles offered his arms to Milly and Clara and eventually they reached the crush in the ballroom.
The room was a cacophony of noise and light. Hundreds of candles lit the room, most adorned with a foliage decoration at their base to catch the wax, preventing guests being made uncomfortable by hot dripping wax, a common occurrence at functions of thriftier hosts. The smell of flowers, perfume and bodies was quite overwhelming for a moment or two when first entering the room before they became accustomed to the atmosphere, and the group moved further into the throng.
Charles greeted Mr Beresford, the father of a pretty blonde with whom Charles was smitten. She was the secret Charles wished to keep from Joshua; as much as he enjoyed his friend, he did not want Miss Beresford to meet Joshua and ridicule him for his affection. He stood chatting with the older gentleman, hoping the daughter would make an appearance at her father’s side.
While Clara and Milly joined in the conversation, they were approached by Edmund. The group paused to allow the introductions to take place. When Edmund had greeted everyone, he introduced Henry to them all.
“I have come to claim my two dances if you would be kind enough to oblige me,” Edmund said gallantly to Clara.
“Of course,” Clara responded calmly, but her heart raced a little faster at the thought of being in his company for the next hour.
Before Charles had been able to offer for Milly, Henry spoke. “If Miss Holland is not engaged, I would be honoured if she would dance the first two with me.”
Milly was surprised at the gesture. Yes, if she were a younger girl, it would be the polite thing to do: to offer to the one who was not dancing, but she was not a young girl. At eight and twenty she was becoming accustomed to sitting out at balls. The request showed an appealing characteristic on the part of Lord Grinstead.
Milly smiled at the gentleman. “I’m not engaged to dance, My Lord.”
“It is settled then!” Henry said pleasantly, his hazel eyes smiling into Milly’s clear grey ones.
The two gentlemen led their ladies into the sets of dancers being formed. Henry led Milly to a different set than the one Edmund had joined. He did not wish any of their conversations to be overheard. He was pleased that Miss Baker’s companion was an attractive lady. Although obviously on the shelf she was easy on the eyes, and Henry found dancing with pretty partners certainly helped assure his enjoyment.
“Your friend has not joined us,” Clara commented when she realised that Milly was not behind her as she had thought.
“No, he is afraid his lack of dancing skills would be more obvious with an expert in the set,” Edmund responded, knowing full well why Henry had moved away. Probing questions were best only directed to the person they were aimed at; if both family members heard the same sorts of questions being asked to one another they would more likely become suspicious.
“Are you always so confident, My Lord?” Clara asked with an arch of her eyebrow.
“I was referring to your ability not mine,” Edmund smiled in response.
Clara laughed and was glad of their separation in the set. He was charming without being fawning, and he was so handsome! She needed the space of the separation in the dance to get her racing heart under control.
As they joined each other again, Clara continued. “I’m surprised we’ve never met before. I would imagine Charles frequents a lot of the places a man like you does.” She was aware of Milly’s valid points that Charles had never attracted the attention of Edmund previously.
“A man like me?” Edmund asked. This time it was Edmund’s turn to raise an eyebrow at his partner.
Clara flushed. “Well, yes. One who enjoys the more–indulgent ̶ side of life.”
“Very delicately put,” Edmund responded wryly.
“As we met in such a place you can’t expect me to think otherwise!” Clara said tartly.
“Yes, as we met there I don’t suppose I can,” Edmund responded meaningfully.
Clara flushed at his tone, but continued nonetheless. “I had l
egitimate reasons to be there.”
“As did I.”
“Which you have never explained.”
“I didn’t think I had too.”
“I think it’s only fair; otherwise you have the advantage over me.”
“That my sweet, is an advantage I am reluctant to give up.”
Clara smiled. “A man of mystery then.”
“You make me sound intriguing.”
“More like tedious. I hate mysteries.”
Edmund blinked. “You think I’m tedious?” Surprisingly his pride had been dented by her words. He was not vain enough to think women found him irresistible, but he had always been sought after even though he was known as more abrupt than some of his contemporaries. He was easily bored and could quickly show it, but he had been decidedly charming in Clara’s presence. He had arrogantly assumed she would be charmed by his attention.
“It would be far more entertaining to be able to talk over the things we saw, to ridicule the nonsensicalness of the situation but, because you are being mysterious, we can’t do that. I would always be afraid of saying something that clashed with your raison d’etre. You’ve taken the fun out of it, My Lord.”
“It was not my intention to spoil your amusement,” Edmund said his tone cool.
“But I won’t persuade you to explain yourself, will I?”
“No.”
Clara sighed. She was very attracted to the man who moved through the dance as if he had been born to it. He was an excellent partner and, even when he was scowling at her as he was now, he was still so dashingly impressive. If he was not so frustratingly coy about Mrs Langtree’s, she would be a fair way to being in love with him, but Milly was right: something about him did not quite make sense. That being said, she could still enjoy being in the company of a handsome man; she was only human after all.
Edmund, on the other hand, was cursing his lot. He wanted to tease and flirt with Clara, an unusual desire, but he could not. Yet again he was reminded of the inconvenience of his current occupation. Once Joshua Shambles was revealed to be of interest, or not, Edmund determined he was going to refuse to be of any future help; he had wasted too much time on being patriotic.
He sighed; if he did not change the subject it would be a very long hour. “There is one part of the night that we can discuss,” he whispered as they passed in the set.
“Oh?” Clara responded with a slight flush. She had detected the change in his tone and was a little wary; he was an expert at the art of flirting; she was out of her depth in that respect and did not like to be at such a disadvantage.
“Yes,” Edmund smiled, in control once more. “I was wondering what I needed to do to receive thanks from you again; I take it I could look forward to your kisses whenever you receive my help?”
Clara blushed deep red. “You know full well you were the instigator in that circumstance!”
“I didn’t see you objecting; in fact you responded well with a little direction.”
“You are not being a gentleman, My Lord,” came the prim response.
“I never promised to do that. If that is who you expect whenever we meet, I’m doomed to disappoint,” Edmund said woefully.
Clara nipped his arm with her fingers as their hands parted and was rewarded with a chuckle from Edmund. She hated feeling so out of her depth as she had since she had first been in his company, but she enjoyed the teasing at the same time. It was confusing but addictive, and she was sorry when the two dances were over.
Edmund returned his partner to the edge of the ballroom and was soon joined by Henry, Milly, Charles and Miss Beresford, who had made her appearance in good time for the dances. Edmund secured Miss Beresford for the next dance and Henry secured Clara, leaving Charles and Milly to rejoin the set.
Clara was curious about Lord Grinstead; she had seen him at entertainments, but their paths had never crossed. He was very popular and, even in the short time that she had observed him, had appeared far more sociable and accepted than his friend. Henry was constantly being greeted by someone or other during their two dances, whereas Edmund had been smiled at, but more or less left alone.
Henry was a handsome man, tall, dark and rugged looking. Clara thought he would suit being on a pirate ship on the high seas because of his looks alone, but his manner and easy way softened his ruggedness. She was inclined to like him for dancing with Milly.
“Lord Chertsey wasn’t too kind about your dancing ability, My Lord. I’d pitied my toes at the start of the dance, but I now know his criticism to be unfounded,” Clara said playfully as they danced.
Henry laughed. “He’s afraid of the competition,” he responded.
“Obviously.”
“Your home is on the Dorset coast I believe?” Henry asked.
“Yes, our family have lived at Seaton near Lyme for generations.”
“Ah, Seaton? Your cousin mentioned Lyme, but I hadn’t realised it was Seaton. An old friend lives there, Mr Brandon. I don’t know if you are acquainted with him?”
“Oh yes!” Clara replied with a smile. “His estate borders our own. My father was best friends with old Mr Brandon, but sadly he died a few months after my own father. I’m presuming you are friends with the son?”
“Yes, Thomas Brandon and I went to school together.”
“He has recently married I believe.”
“Yes, I attended the wedding. Miss Poplar, as was, brought a substantial dowry to the marriage.”
“A large dowry is always useful when an estate needs to be refurbished,” Clara said with a smile.
“Miss Baker! I’m shocked at your cynicism!” Henry said; his smile belied his words.
“I doubt that very much, My Lord,” Clara smiled sweetly. “Although in my defence, it’s not cynicism but truth. There is no point skirting the subject. Mr Brandon did need a large dowry to maintain his estate.”
“Some would say it’s ill-bred to be so open, Miss Baker.” Henry lessened the potential sting of the words with a winning smile, one that he used to achieve his desired effect.
“Then I’m afraid I’m ill-bred, My Lord. You should choose your dancing partner with more care. It’s a label I shall not lose sleep over,” Clara said with a shrug. “I would rather be honest than talk around a subject.”
“An endearing quality,” he responded as they parted once more in the dance.
After the dances when the group had separated to spend time with other acquaintances, Henry approached Edmund at the edge of the ballroom. His friend was watching the Baker brother and sister, but it was Clara that took most of his attention. Edmund raised his brow as his friend leaned against the marble pillar. “Had enough of this nonsense yet?” Edmund drawled.
“Soon, my social butterfly, soon,” Henry said with a smile. “The family live next to Thomas Brandon.”
“Do they? Can’t see what help that would be. I thought he’d cast you off his estate for causing the local smuggling ring to be caught by the excise men on his land?” Edmund smirked at the memory of Henry’s dressing down at the hands of their old school friend.
“Smuggling is a crime,” Henry responded unremorsefully.
“One that half the coast is taking part in,” Edmund said being realistic.
“He shouldn’t have allowed it, especially when I was visiting. He’ll have calmed down by now. He’s been married for months; he’ll probably welcome a visit from us. I would imagine he’ll be henpecked to death; we’ll provide some relief from the tedium of matrimony,” Henry responded confidently.
“I thought you liked his wife,” Edmund said in surprise.
“I liked her when she was unmarried. Every woman turns into a termagant when she marries.”
“Good grief! I thought my outlook on life was bleak; I’m positively chipper compared to you! So, we’re to visit him are we?”
“Not yet, but I think it’s always wise to have a plan forming, don’t you?”
“I’m just glad my mind works nothing like yours,�
� Edmund said with feeling. Henry loved the thrill of the chase and, although Edmund had also initially, the pleasure in that had soon worn off. Now he wanted something else; he just did not know what it was.
Chapter 6
Charles entered the breakfast room waving a missive at Clara and Milly. “You must have made a hit last night; we’ve been invited out,” he said cheerfully.
“Made a hit with whom?” Clara asked, already finishing her breakfast.
“Lord Grinstead and Lord Chertsey. I’ve received a note inviting us all out for a ride today to Hampstead. They say the heath is lovely on a sunny day. They are providing a picnic for us all; one of them must be sweet on you Clara. Come, tell me which one do you hope to secure?” Charles said teasingly, whilst filling his plate with ham, eggs and bread.
Clara laughed. “Neither!” she responded, but her stomach had fizzed at the thought of one of the gentlemen mentioned.
“It is an honour that they have invited us on such a short acquaintance,” Milly said quietly.
“Exactly! Which is why I think one of them is sweet on my dear sister!” Charles responded. “There’ll be a wedding before the season is out; mark my words.”
“Charles you are ridiculous!” Clara scolded.
“Well, why else would they ask us out?”
“I have no idea,” Clara responded. “Are you free, Charles? You are normally busy every day.” She had tried to keep her tone level, trying not to sound accusing.
“I was going to go out with Joshua today, but I’ll send a note with my apologies. I’d be a fool to turn down this invitation.”
Clara and Milly exchanged a glance at Charles’ words. Clara was especially inclined to look on the day with pleasure now that she knew Joshua Shambles would not be in the company of her brother.
*
The party set-off from Half Moon Street in good time to get the best out of the day. Milly was seated next to Lord Grinstead in his high perch phaeton, her lilac day dress and deep purple pelisse, looking fine against Henry’s dark grey great coat. Charles, Edmund and Clara had all chosen to ride. Clara was dressed in a deep blue riding habit, with black top hat, the organza swathed around the hat and flowing down her back, ready to stream backwards in the wind when she was travelling at speed.
My Lord the Spy Page 5