by Gayle Buck
"Indeed." Mrs. Weatherstone looked at him over the rim of her cup and shook her head. "I shall not pretend to you, my lord, that I have not been concerned from time to time about her. Why, I am told that she is now called the 'Belle of London.' Such nonsense! Pray do not mistake me. I know that Belle would not deliberately put herself in an awkward position. Because of her sheltered upbringing, however, she is perhaps not aware of all the nuances of her actions. For instance, this business of riding off to the park without an escort."
"I am persuaded that your own example must hold sway, for Miss Weatherstone will surely not abandon all of the good sense that you have undoubtedly instilled into her," said Lord Ashdon politely. He was remembering how easily he had brushed aside Crocker's offer to introduce him to the Belle of London. What a fool he had been! It was pure chance that he had subsequently discovered Miss Weatherstone at the park. A few minutes one way or the other, he would have missed her altogether, and he would have left London for Bath without ever having met her. He smiled at his hostess without giving away his shaken thoughts. "As for society, London is certainly a far cry from Bath, or indeed, any other city that I know. I suspect Miss Weatherstone will discover tolerance for any small steps that she unwillingly takes beyond the most rigid boundaries."
Mrs. Weatherstone smiled at her visitor. "I am happy that Belle's unwitting flout of convention did not make you think ill of her, my lord."
"I could not think ill of someone whom I hold in utmost regard, ma'am," said Lord Ashdon.
Mrs. Weatherstone smiled again, and her manner became increasingly friendly. "My lord, I shall not stand on ceremony with you since we are already acquainted. I am also acquainted with your lady mother, Lady Ashdon, and your cousin Mr. White. Though I have already sent out the invitations, I should personally like to invite you to attend the ball that we are holding." She named a date. "It will be my niece's official coming-out, and I am certain that she would be delighted if you were able to come. Naturally, I will look for Lady Ashdon's presence as well, for I included her name on my list."
"I can think of little that would please me more," said Lord Ashdon quite truthfully. He gave an easy smile. "I shall certainly mark the date on my calendar."
He glanced casually toward the door. He had hoped that Miss Weatherstone would return to the house during his visit, but it did not seem likely that she would now make an appearance. He knew that the conventional fifteen minutes deemed proper for a social call had passed, and so he began to make his good-byes.
Mrs. Weatherstone walked with him as far as the drawing room door. She held out her hand to him. "Good-bye, my lord. I know that my niece will be most disappointed that she missed your visit this afternoon. I hope that the next time you call, she will be at home."
Lord Ashdon bowed over Mrs. Weatherstone's hand. "I appreciate your kind hospitality, Mrs. Weatherstone. Pray relay my compliments to Miss Weatherstone."
"I shall do so," said Mrs. Weatherstone with a nod and a smile.
Lord Ashdon left the Weatherstones' town house, well satisfied with the outcome of his first visit. As he had hoped, he had been able to reestablish his acquaintance with Miss Weatherstone's guardian. Mrs. Weatherstone had been all that was gracious and encouraging. She had expressed her willingness to pursue the acquaintance by extending the invitation to the Weatherstones' bait.
Lord Ashdon knew that his mother would not wish to attend such a function. Her ladyship generally confined her acceptances to only the most elite parties of the ton. He, however, meant to be at that ball, and he was determined that he would escort his mother. He knew just what would induce her to accompany him, too, and that was to casually mention that he had met a young lady of good family with whom he was interested in furthering his acquaintance. Lady Ashdon would leap at the opportunity to look over the Weatherstones.
Such a coup as drawing the haughty Lady Ashdon to her niece's come-out would certainly be a feather in Mrs. Weatherstone's cap. Lord Ashdon thought that his own credit with Mrs. Weatherstone would assuredly ascend with the delivery of his mother's person, and it was of some importance to him to be in good standing with Miss Weatherstone's guardian.
When Belle returned to the town house after her outing, she was at once commanded by her aunt to come into the drawing room. By this time Belle was well attuned to the nuances of her aunt's voice and mannerisms. She realized at once that some strong emotion was working on Mrs. Weatherstone.
Wondering what she could possibly have done to set her aunt's back up, Belle obediently followed her into the drawing room. She was even more concerned when her aunt closed the door against the possibility of their being overheard by the servants and requested that Belle sit down with her.
"Dear aunt, what is it? Oh, dear! What have I done now?" asked Belle forthrightly as she sank down on the settee beside her aunt.
"Oh, nothing at all, dearest Belle. I simply wished to inform you about my visitor this afternoon at tea," said Mrs. Weatherstone. She was smiling suddenly. "Lord Ashdon paid a visit, Belle."
"Lord Ashdon! But I have only just met him," exclaimed Belle, much surprised. Her heart gave a bump and began racing a little. What had she done or said that the viscount should so honor her? Of course she had given her permission for his lordship to call, but that he should actually do so, and so soon, was astonishing.
"Yes, I am aware of that. He seemed to be so favorably impressed with you, however, that he decided to call," said Mrs. Weatherstone.
"How utterly extraordinary," marveled Belle. She shook her head. "It is very flattering, to be sure."
"Quite." Mrs. Weatherstone drew a breath and made her announcement. "I have invited him to your come-out ball."
Belle regarded her aunt in increasing surprise. She had been thoroughly instructed in the protocol surrounding the sending out of invitations. Written invitations were sent out a month or more ahead of the date, so that those who chose to respond could do so. She could think of only one thing to say. "I am persuaded that his lordship was not on your list, Aunt."
"A mere oversight, my dear. As you may know, I did send an invitation to Lady Ashdon. I did not know that the viscount had returned to London or I would naturally have included his name," said Mrs. Weatherstone, avoiding her niece's steady gaze.
Belle smiled at her good fortune. Everything was going exactly as she had hoped it would whenever she had dreamed about having a come-out in London. She was well liked and had several admirers. Though she was humble enough to realize that she could not include Lord Ashdon among her admirers, at least she could say that he was expressing an interest in her.
"I am not unhappy that you have invited Lord Ashdon," she said. "I liked him very well when I met him. He is very handsome and dashing, don't you think? That scar makes him appear a bit rakish, too."
"His lordship is not in the least rakish, Belle," said Mrs. Weatherstone quickly. "I do wish you would think before you speak, my dear. Cassandra would never have uttered such a thing."
Belle bent her head, making a pretense of smoothing a wrinkle in her skirt. "Forgive me, Aunt. Of course you are right. I spoke out of turn yet once again."
"Never mind, Belle. But I do so hope that you will be able to rid yourself of the habit," said Mrs. Weatherstone with a smile. "Now, what was I saying? Oh, yes! I met Lord Ashdon in Bath last year, when he was recovering from that terrible head wound that resulted in that very scar. His lordship and Cassandra struck up a bit of a friendship while promenading in the Pump Room. At that time I particularly took note of Lord Ashdon's behavior. He is quite thoroughly a gentleman, I can assure you."
"I don't recall that Cassandra mentioned him in any of her letters to me," said Belle, a tiny frown forming between her thin brows as she thought back to her sister's correspondence.
"Perhaps not. Cassandra was never one to make more of a thing than it was. When Lord Ashdon left to return to his duties, it was naturally the end of their friendship," said Mrs. Weatherstone with a dismissive shrug.
"The important thing, Belle, is that he has taken you in regard. Yes, you may stare! Those were his exact words, or at least near enough as makes no difference." She reached over to take her niece's hands. "My dear Belle, you have attracted a very worthy and suitable admirer! I could not be more pleased for you."
"Nor I, Aunt," said Belle with a quick smile. "I have never given much thought to it before, of course, but Lord Ashdon is just the sort of gentleman that I hoped to meet in coming to London. I already know that he is a good horseman and that he has seen something of the world. No doubt he can be a very pleasant companion, too."
"No doubt," agreed Mrs. Weatherstone dryly. She rose to her feet. "Well! That is enough excitement for one day. How was your shopping outing with Clarice Moorehead and Millicent Carruthers?"
"Oh! I completely forgot. I asked to have my packages taken upstairs. You must come up and see, Aunt. I found the most divine combs for my hair, and some ribbons and laces to refurbish that bonnet that we talked about, and a new pair of gloves to go with my gown for the ball," said Belle. She wound her arm through her aunt's as she was speaking and urged the other lady toward the drawing room door.
Mrs. Weatherstone laughed. "I see that I missed a very good opportunity to acquire what I might need. Perhaps I should have accompanied you."
Belle turned a dismayed countenance to her. "Oh! I am sorry, Aunt Margaret! You had only to commission me, and I would gladly have bought anything you wished to have."
Mrs. Weatherstone patted her niece's arm. "At this moment, I have everything that I could possibly want, dear Belle. Now let us go upstairs and inspect your wonderful purchases."
Chapter 8
As Lord Ashdon escorted his mother up the wide carpeted stairs to the receiving line, Lady Ashdon said acidly, "You needn't clutch my elbow so tightly, Adam. I agreed to accompany you tonight, after all. I have no intention of bolting."
"My pardon, Mother," said Lord Ashdon, at once relaxing his hold. "I did not realize that I was behaving uncivilly. I appreciate the effort you are making on my behalf."
"Yes. Well, it is quite true that I am putting myself forth for you in an extraordinary manner," said Lady Ashdon. She cut a glance around her. "I never attend these insipid affairs. How ever did I allow you to persuade me to do so this evening? I do not at all comprehend it."
"As I told you, Mother, Mrs. Weatherstone was kind enough to include me among her guests, and I did not wish to appear alone at such an event," said Lord Ashdon quietly. "Especially knowing that Mrs. Weatherstone had sent an invitation to you. It would be odd for me to do so."
"There would not be the least oddity attached to my absence, I assure you," snapped Lady Ashdon. "No doubt there will not be a single personage in attendance whom I shall wish to see."
With relief, Lord Ashdon saw that he and his mother were shortly to approach their host and hostess. At least he would be spared his parent's acid tongue for a moment or two.
Though she had been standing beside her aunt and uncle already for half an hour, Belie was still nervous on the evening of her come-out ball. She had already been informally introduced to society, and so naturally there were many among the guests with whom she was already acquainted. This particular function was different, however, for she was to be the object of attention.
As she stood with her uncle and aunt at the head of the stairs, receiving the guests, she could at least reassure herself that she looked her best. Her coiffure had been carefully done, taking advantage of the natural wave in her chestnut hair so that wisps of curls softened her brow. The gown that her aunt had ordered for her was ravishing, all lace and seed pearls on pale blue, and showed off her slender figure admirably. Her grandfather had sent down the string of pearls that had once belonged to her grandmother, with a note urging her to wear the glowing, translucent necklace at her come-out ball, along with the expressed wish that he might see her on her grand night. Belle heartily wished that her grandfather had been in attendance, for she felt that she needed the support of Sir Marcus's bracing personality.
Belle smiled and replied graciously to all the greetings made to her, hardly recalling what it was that she said to anyone. She was all too aware of her aunt's occasional glance and considering expression throughout the interval, and she hoped that she was doing all that was considered proper. If she made any missteps, she was not aware of them.
Belle was relieved when she saw Lord and Lady Moorehead coming up the stairs with Miss Moorehead just behind them. Belle greeted the Mooreheads with all the reserved familiarity owed to those with whom she was well acquainted.
Lady Moorehead smiled and said, "Well! Your aunt must be very proud of you this evening, Belle. You show to great advantage."
"I truly hope so, my lady," said Belle in all sincerity.
"Indeed, Mr. Weatherstone and I are vastly pleased with Belle," said Mrs. Weatherstone, smiling, extending her own hand to Lord and Lady Moorehead and drawing them forward.
As her aunt and uncle spoke a few moments with the Mooreheads, Belle was at last free to greet her friend. When she took Miss Moorehead's hand, she whispered, "I am so nervous, Clarice."
"You, Belle?" Clarice's glance was openly skeptical.
"Yes, I!" retorted Belle. At once she felt some of her tension ease. She said fervently, "Oh, thank you, Clarice! I feel ever so much hotter now."
Her friend giggled and passed on with her parents into the ballroom.
Hidden by the other guests in the receiving line until that moment, Lord Ashdon stepped forward. Meeting the viscount's gaze, Belle's heart bumped painfully. She felt warmth rise in her cheeks and wondered at herself for reacting at the sight of his lordship like little more than a schoolgirl. She had so many admirers, but only in Lord Ashdon's presence did she feel as though she became slightly light-headed. She could not imagine why the viscount should affect her so.
Lord Ashdon was escorting an elegant lady whom Belle had no difficulty in recognizing. Suddenly Belle felt her aunt's fingers grip her elbow and heard her astonished whisper, "Why, it is Lady Ashdon!"
Belle knew that she was highly honored by Lady Ashdon's presence, and if she hadn't known that she was, she would certainly have realized it by her ladyship's gracious yet distinctly condescending smile.
Lady Ashdon offered two fingers in greeting. "Miss Weatherstone."
"My lady," murmured Belle, meeting her ladyship's gaze.
Lady Ashdon nodded to her. Her gray eyes were cold and appraising. "Miss Weatherstone, I am glad to have the opportunity to further our acquaintance."
"And I, my lady," said Belle with a smile.
Lady Ashdon smiled again and moved forward, making her greeting to the Weatherstones. During the stilted exchanges between the Weatherstones and Lady Ashdon, it was revealed by Mrs. Weatherstone that they had been previously acquainted with the viscount.
"Oh?" Lady Ashdon cast a glance toward her son before bending a polite smile on her hostess. "I am quite in the dark, Mrs. Weatherstone. Pray do enlighten me."
"Why, did not Lord Ashdon mention it to you, my lady? We became quite well acquainted with his lordship during his convalescence last year in Bath," said Mrs. Weatherstone with a smile. "Lord Ashdon and my niece often spoke together in the Pump Room."
"Indeed," murmured Lady Ashdon. She said all that was proper, with a great deal more warmth than before, and paused a few steps away to await her son.
Lord Ashdon bowed over Belle's hand, and as he straightened, his eyes gleamed with amusement. He said quietly, "My mother is a veritable dragon, you know."
Belle started to laugh, but quickly changed it to a cough. "I scarcely know how to reply to that, my lord."
He grinned down at her and said, "Damned to perdition whatever you say, Miss Weatherstone?"
"Something of the sort," agreed Belle, with a lurking smile. "Though I do not think that I would phrase it just so."
Lord Ashdon chuckled. "Naturally not. Pray keep a dance open for me, Miss Weatherstone," he said.
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"I shall certainly do so, my lord," said Belle. She watched as Lord Ashdon joined his mother and moved on to make way for other guests still arriving.
"Very well done, Belle," said Mrs. Weatherstone approvingly. "I do believe that you accredited yourself well in Lady Ashdon's eyes."
"I hope so, Aunt," said Belle, and turned to the next guest coming up the stairs.
As Lord Ashdon escorted his mother into the ballroom, Lady Ashdon said, "You first met the Weatherstones in Bath. How interesting, to be sure."
Instantly, Lord Ashdon realized what had happened. He pretended an indifference he did not actually feel. "Is it?" It was unfortunate that his previous acquaintance with Miss Weatherstone had come out so soon. He could see that his mother had made the obvious connection to his announced intention to seek his bride in Bath. If there was one thing he did not need, it was Lady Ashdon making his tentative attempt at a courtship very much her business.
"I am completely reconciled to coming this evening. Suddenly I find myself very much interested in furthering my own acquaintance with Miss Weatherstone and her delightful guardians," said Lady Ashdon.
Lord Ashdon acknowledged an acquaintance who hailed him with a wave, but he did not pause in his leisurely escort of his mother around the periphery of the colonnaded ballroom. "Pray do not leap to conclusions, ma'am. Unsupported assumptions often fail to live up to expectation," he said quietly.
"Quite true, Adam. One must never pin one's hopes on imaginations. Miss Weatherstone is, however, obviously quite important to you," said Lady Ashdon.
They stopped in their progress to speak for a moment or two to others who were known to them both. Lord Ashdon accepted the welcoming words of those who recalled him from years past and who now pronounced themselves very well satisfied to see him once again in England.
"As am I," said Lady Ashdon to one of these. "I am confident that Ashdon will perform his duty at last and settle down with some worthy young lady,"