by Abby Ayles
“I believe the dowager duchess left for Wales last week. You remember Ben’s sister, Olivia?”
Annette recalled Ben’s oldest sister. She had never interacted with Olivia and Eliza very much, preferring the company of their brother. “Yes, of course.”
“She has just had another baby and Clarissa was very excited to meet her new grandchild! Eliza is also doing well, I’ve heard. She is living in London with her husband.”
Annette nodded politely at the news of Ben’s two sisters, but she was interested in something else. “Has Ben gone with his mother?”
Lady Rutmont frowned, considering. “Do you remember, James?” she asked, turning to her husband.
He held up his hands in innocence. “I don’t remember these sorts of things nearly as well as you do, darling.”
She shook her head and looked back at Annette. “I don’t recall, Annette. He might have gone, but he also might have stayed home to look after the estate.”
Annette sincerely hoped it was the latter. “I will take my walk there tomorrow and determine the truth for myself.”
Lord Rutmont smiled. “It seems some things never change, even after all these years. Ben has missed you dearly, Annette. He’s told us every time we’ve seen him.”
“I’ve missed him, too. We rarely spent a day apart when we were children.”
“He’s turned out to be a fine man.” Lord Rutmont nodded. “Of course, his manners are still a little lacking, but I’m sure you will rectify that soon enough, my dear.”
Annette chuckled, thinking of all the times she had gotten Ben out of uncomfortable situations when they were younger. “I will make sure to help him as well as I am able, Father.”
“As well you should,” Lady Rutmont interjected. “Your manners are impeccable, and I have no doubt you will find an eligible suitor by the end of the season.”
Lord Rutmont’s eyes widened. “Dear me! I had no idea I would be parting with my daughter so soon.”
“We will see,” Annette settled on. She couldn’t deny she was excited at being introduced to society and meet new people, but she wasn’t sure about being rushed into a betrothal. It would depend on the man, she supposed.
The day was spent in comfort, as Annette spent time with her parents and walked through the grounds of the estate she had missed so much.
She tried not to let herself settle in too much, as she would be leaving home for London in only a week’s time. For a moment, however, she knew she could rest in the security of being at home after three long years.
The next morning, Annette woke up with the single design of going to Longford to see if Ben was there. She rushed through breakfast, wanting to be on her way as soon as possible.
“Longford will still be standing in an hour,” Lord Rutmont said with a laugh, as he watched her speed through her meal.
Lady Rutmont shook her head and touched her husband’s arm. “Let her be. She hasn’t seen Ben in nine years.”
Annette forced herself to slow her pace. Her father was right; no matter how soon she began her walk, Ben would still be either at Longford or away in Wales by the time she arrived. Once she finished breakfast, her parents didn’t even wait for her to announce her intentions.
“Enjoy your walk,” her mother said with a smile. “And give our greetings to Ben if he’s at home.”
“I will! I will be back soon.” Annette grabbed her bonnet, donned her boots, and went outside.
The sun had already made some headway in the sky, but a mist hung over the grass. It was a rather chilly morning, but Annette fully enjoyed the weather as she took the path to Longford. It wasn’t too far, but the walk was long enough to give her good exercise.
She grinned as she caught a glimpse of Longford from far off. Though she had still visited the estate after Ben had left, she had missed it almost as much as her own home while she’d been away.
She slowed as she neared the entrance, her thoughts turning somber, as she remembered walking to the estate dressed in mourning black. Ben’s father, the Duke of Longford, had passed away four years ago, and Annette and her parents had arrived the day after to console Lady Longford.
Though Ben hadn’t been able to take a respite from his studies to visit his grieving mother, he had written to Annette of his overwhelming sorrow. She had wished she could be with him more than anything, thinking of how much he was suffering. Ben’s father had always been so kind to her, and he had been one of the most important figures in Ben’s life.
Shaking off the gloomy thoughts, Annette approached the door and knocked. An elderly butler answered, smiling as he saw her.
“Lady Annette.” He bowed.
“Fletcher!” Annette grinned, the butler’s face reminding her of her childhood spent between home and Longford. “It is so good to see you again.”
“And you, my lady.” He paused. “Unfortunately, the dowager duchess and the young duke left for Wales last week. Lady Montagu had her second child and they went immediately to visit her. I don’t believe they’ll be back for a fortnight at least.”
Annette’s spirits fell. When Ben came back, she would be in London. However, she didn’t despair. She looked up at Fletcher. “Can I leave a message for Ben?”
“Of course, my lady.” He invited her inside to the study, where there was a desk with all the necessary writing equipment. Annette sat down, wondering how to begin her note.
Dear Benny,
How could you choose the worst possible time to be away from home? Couldn’t your sister have waited a little longer to have the baby?
Annette paused, smiling as she imagined Ben reading her note and laughing.
It is no matter; now you owe me a proper welcome. The season is upon us, and, therefore, I will have gone to London before you return. I do hope to see you there. I have missed you dearly, and home is not quite the same without you.
Your friend,
Annette
Annette looked over her note and nodded to herself, satisfied with what she had written. She gave the note to Fletcher and thanked him before leaving.
Though she was disappointed not to have seen Ben, she didn’t let it dampen her spirits too much. She had waited this long to see her best friend, and could surely wait a little longer.
Chapter 2
Excitement made Annette tap her foot incessantly, as the servants packed her trunks onto the carriage.
In only a few hours she would be in London for the start of the season! Her mother had told her that the first ball would be held in only a few days’ time, meaning they had quite a bit of shopping to get done before then.
“Are you excited to be leaving so soon after coming home?”
Annette turned to see her father watching her with a small, sad smile. She ran into his arms and embraced him tightly.
“I will miss you while we’re gone, Father.”
“You are certain to charm everyone you meet, my dear. I have no doubt you will, as your mother said, return home with a husband by the end of the season.”
Annette laughed. While she was looking forward to meeting lots of fine young gentlemen, she didn’t want to rush into anything. Her parents had always insisted that love took time.
Before she knew it, it was time for them to go. Annette hugged her father one more time before getting into the carriage beside her mother. Her father waved as they departed, and, for a moment, Annette’s mood sunk as she keenly felt she was leaving her home once again.
Soon enough, however, the scenery outside the carriage window began to change as they approached London.
Annette’s mother began talking of what Annette would wear to the balls and the type of people she would meet. She listed all the items they needed to purchase before the first ball and Annette grew excited at the prospect of shopping.
When the carriage finally arrived in London, Annette couldn’t tear her eyes from the window. Though she had visited London before, she would never tire of the constant bustle of activity. It ig
nited an energy within her that only enhanced her excitement.
Eventually, the carriage stopped outside their townhouse, and their butler, Jenkins, greeted them warmly. Annette couldn’t stop grinning as she stepped inside her new home away from home. She couldn’t help but feel that this London season was going to be one of the best times of her life.
***
Annette collapsed onto the sofa, completely drained of energy.
She and her mother had spent three days running around London, shopping for various items of clothing and meeting important people, whom Annette would also see at the season’s balls. While it had been fun, after three days, she was absolutely exhausted.
“Are you feeling quite well, Annette?” her mother asked with concern as she entered the room.
Annette managed to sit up and nod her head. “I’m fine, Mama, just tired after everything we’ve done over the past few days.”
Her mother sat down beside Annette and took her hand. “I know this can be overwhelming, but tonight is your first ball! You’re going to charm everyone you meet. Remember we set aside that beautiful green gown for you to wear tonight?”
At the thought of the ball, Annette perked up. She had always loved balls; the candlelight, music, dancing, and all the pretty gowns. Not to mention that one always had the opportunity to meet new people, which Annette also rather enjoyed.
That night, Annette found herself outfitted in a brand-new green gown that matched her eyes. Her rich brown hair was done up in curls and ribbons, and the silk gloves she had purchased the day before completed the beautiful ensemble.
Her mother smiled and gasped as she saw her daughter fully dressed. “My dear! You look so beautiful!” Her eyes sparkled with delight. “How are you feeling? Are you nervous?”
Annette considered her own feelings and smiled at her mother. “No. In fact, I feel quite excited!” This was something her mother had talked about since she was a girl, and Annette had always looked forward to her first London season.
Besides, she had never had trouble fitting in. She found it easy to talk to people, which was something she had never taken for granted, since seeing it was not so easy for everyone.
She remembered all too well how Ben would complain how difficult it was for him to engage in conversation with anyone other than her.
Annette could hardly keep from bouncing in her seat, as the carriage took her and her mother through the dim streets of London. They arrived at a great estate packed with carriages and people, where large torches lit the driveway.
Inside, the sight was so beautiful that Annette had to stand still for a moment and admire it. Every detail, down to the candlesticks, told of elegance and refinement. The chandeliers displayed elaborate swirled patterns, the wallpapers were full of intricate designs in soft colors, and everyone was dressed their very best; from the ladies in their gorgeous gowns to the men in their dark coats.
“Annette?” her mother urged.
Annette shook herself out of her study and saw a face she recognized. It was Lady Rushworth, a woman her mother had introduced her to while they’d been shopping two days ago. The woman caught Annette’s eye and made her way towards her.
“Lady Rushworth,” Annette said with a curtsey. “It is good to see you again.”
“And you, Lady Annette, Lady Rutmont.” The middle-aged woman smiled and gestured to a young lady beside her. “May I introduce my daughter, Lady Julia Allen?”
Annette curtseyed to Julia, noting her friendly smile, bright blue eyes, and shining blonde hair. Julia curtseyed in return, grinning.
“It is such a pleasure to meet you, Lady Annette.”
“And you too, Lady Julia.”
Annette was soon introduced to several other prominent people in society of her age, but she could remember their names and faces with ease. Her parents had taught her well. Several times she found herself running into Lady Julia and discussing the people they had met so far.
It did not take long for Annette to be invited to dance. After her mother had introduced her to a young man named Lord Huddington, they talked for scarcely two minutes before he smiled, his cheeks a little red, and asked her to dance. Annette saw her mother’s bright smile out of the corner of her eye and promptly accepted.
It was a lively dance which they found themselves taking part in, and Annette realized that Lord Huddington was an excellent dance partner. They didn’t have the chance to talk very much, as the dance demanded much concentration, but Annette enjoyed the joyful expression in Lord Huddington’s eyes.
When the dance was over, Lord Huddington smiled at her. “You are an exquisite dancer, Lady Annette.”
“Thank you, my lord.”
“I do hope to see you again soon. Are you here for the whole season?”
“Indeed, I am. My mother already has several more parties and balls lined up for this week.”
“Then I have no doubt we will meet again soon.” He smiled and bowed to her. “Good evening, Lady Annette.” With that, he merged back into the crowd.
The night passed in a flurry of people, laughter, talking, and dancing. Two more gentlemen asked her to dance and she enjoyed their company, as well. Everyone seemed to have flawless manners and joyful attitudes. Annette truly enjoyed herself.
She met many young ladies she thought she could form acquaintances with. Julia introduced her to several of her own friends, all kind and lighthearted. It seemed like both an eternity and no time at all before Annette and her mother were once again in the carriage and returning to the townhouse.
Annette related everything that had happened and all the people she had met. Her mother listened attentively, nodding and making comments, or asking questions when necessary. Eventually, Annette sat back and sighed. She knew she would sleep well that night. It had been a long day, but a good one.
“What about young Lord Huddington?” her mother asked, once Annette had finished recounting the events. “He seemed rather smitten when he asked you to dance.”
“Did he?”
Annette thought back to the young man and recalled his joyful smile and the energy in his eyes. He seemed like the type of person who would be like that around anyone. “I didn’t notice him pay me any particular attention, other than asking me to dance.”
Her mother chuckled. “Annette, I fear that while you excel in many things, you may not be as good at reading people as you think. Trust me, my dear, I saw that look on his face. He looked quite taken with you. And even once you had parted, I saw him look in your direction several times throughout the night.”
“Oh.” Annette considered what that meant. Had she already found a suitor? Could this be the man she was going to marry?
Her mother laughed. “As I said, Annette, you will be betrothed by the end of the season. You already have an earl who is taken with you!”
“Mother,” Annette said, finding the idea a little overwhelming. She didn’t want to rush things; it was only the first ball. “I want to love a man before I marry him. Looks from across a ballroom don’t mean anything.”
“You’re absolutely right, Annette. I’m not suggesting you rush anything. Love comes from spending time with someone, and, as you said, looks mean nothing. Even one dance, or a single night at a ball, won’t create love. But once you spend time with someone and talk, that will allow love to grow. You must give a gentleman a chance to woo you, just as your father did me.”
“Tell the story again, Mama, please.” She had heard it at least a hundred times, but it never got old. She made herself comfortable in her seat and watched her mother’s face. She smiled down at Annette.
“No doubt you know it so well that you could tell it just as well as I.”
“But I love to hear you tell the story and see the look in your eyes when you talk about Father. Please?”
Her mother chuckled. “Very well. I was nineteen years old—the same age you are now. I was living in France, where I grew up, and my parents, being highly respected members of
society, took me to lots of parties and balls, though I was never fond of balls when I was younger. I always found them rather stuffy and too full of nonsensical people. I was almost always in bad spirits when my parents forced me to go to one—not to mention that French gown styles are more uncomfortable than English ones.”
Annette chuckled at the way her mother spoke animatedly and freely.
“But one day, I was forced by my parents to go to yet another ball. I tried to be polite, as my parents were keeping a watchful eye on me. I danced with several gentlemen; there were many Frenchmen who sought my hand. But then I met this silly Englishman who still looked like a boy. He didn’t even have a beard!”