“Your first dance will be with Mr. Christopher?” Dorothy asked.
“I promised him so. But let us see if he will remember.”
“Oh, I believe he will,” Dorothy said, as they entered the carriage and settled themselves for the ride to Creassey Manor.
“I wish we were there to help Maria with last minute details,” Anna said as the carriage started up.
“She will be fine. She is wonderfully competent and said she could handle the final arrangements.”
They rode in silence for a few moments before Dorothy asked, “And Mr. Percy? Do you think he will ask you to dance as well?”
“He might,” Anna said with a blush, unseen in the darkness of the carriage. “He usually does. But it is more out of duty than desire, I am afraid.”
“How can you say such a thing?” Dorothy scolded. “He is always very attentive to you.”
“Only because he feels he must.”
“Whom do you prefer, Anna? Mr. Percy or Mr. Christopher?”
Anna turned to her sister. “That is a question I cannot answer. Both gentlemen have fine qualities. But Mr. Christopher I barely know and Mr. Percy has never evidenced any romantic interest in me at all.”
“Then maybe you will know by the end of the evening. I have a feeling this is going to be a significant event,” Dorothy said, opening her fan and fanning herself in the stuffiness of the carriage. “And His Lordship? Do you imagine he will ask either of us to dance?”
“Oh, Dorothy, of course he will. He and Maria are our oldest and dearest friends. And, as host, he is certain to do his duty and dance with all his female guests.”
Dorothy thought for a moment. “You know, Anna, I have a feeling that Harry has certain feelings for you.”
“Nonsense,” Anna replied. “You are making that up. We are like brother and sister. There has never been even the faintest hint of any romantic interest on his part.”
“I am not certain about that. I have seen him watching you when you are not looking at him and the fond look on his face would say otherwise.”
Anna did not think that was possible but, at the same time, she could not dismiss her sister’s observation out of hand.
Chapter 7
The carriages lined up at the entrance to Creassey Manor. A number of footmen were helping each set of guests from their carriage and directing them inside.
Maria and Harry were at the entrance to give a few personal words of welcome to each of the guests.
Maria looked stunning in a white gown with a necklace of white diamonds and small white jasmine flowers woven into her hair. Harry looked very handsome in his navy-blue frock coat, breeches and dark gold colored waistcoat.
The dance was to be held in a large salon. The furniture had been removed and small tables were placed around the perimeter for guests to make themselves comfortable between dances. Unlike a ball, there would not be continuous dance music. It was expected that the guests would mingle, drink champagne, and socialize as well as dance.
When the Hoskins sisters finally arrived, they gave Maria a hug.
“Is everything in hand?” Anna asked, “Do you need us to help in any way?”
“Everything is just fine. I only want you to enjoy yourselves this evening,” Maria replied.
Anna turned to Harry and he offered his hand. “Harry, nice to see you this evening. It is delightful to have a dance again. It has been so long.”
Harry took Anna’s hand and held onto in for a moment. The look in his eyes puzzled Anna. Perhaps he wanted to say something important, but all he said was, “We are happy to have you and Dorothy, and we hope you will enjoy yourselves. And I hope you will grant me the honor of a dance or two with you sometime during the evening.”
“I would be delighted,” she answered.
They turned and went into the salon.
They entered and were greeted by Christopher, who seemed to be waiting for their arrival.
“Good evening, fair ladies. Welcome. And how lovely you both look.”
“Thank you, Mr. Stewart. Has the dancing started yet?” Anna asked.
“Not yet. But remember, you promised me your first.”
“I have not forgotten,” she said, blushing. “Now, if you will excuse us, we must claim a table and make it our own.”
“And I will come to claim my dance when the first is announced.”
“Mr. Stewart,” Anna said She nodded and escorted her sister toward a table. At that moment, Percy entered the salon and stood to look around the room. Anna hesitated. In an instant she saw him but continued to the table she had selected; her heart beating a little faster.
At that moment, the orchestra gave a fanfare and the conductor announced the first dance. Anna and Dorothy no sooner reached their table, deposited their shawls and handbags, when Christopher came over and claimed his dance.
“Miss Anna. I believe the dance is about to begin.”
Anna turned to her sister, nodded, then accompanied Christopher to the dance floor.
The first dance was called About She Goes. It was a lively circle dance and there was no opportunity for Anna and Christopher to talk during the course of the dance. When it was over, another local gentleman came over and asked Anna for the next dance. So Anna had to bid Christopher farewell and entered into the second dance with no break.
But, when the second dance ended, she excused herself and her partner escorted her to her table.
Anna sat and asked Dorothy, “Have you danced yet?”
Dorothy pouted and said, “Not yet.” But then Percy came over.
“Fair ladies, good evening. And Miss Dorothy, I see you have no partner for this next dance. Might I accompany you to the dance floor?”
Dorothy smiled. “If you like, Mr. Percy. Do you know the dance?”
“I believe it is to be a La Coulotte. I trust you know it?”
“I do, Mr. Percy.” And he escorted Dorothy to the floor.
Anna watched as the dance began and she felt the slightest twinge of jealously as Percy had not asked her to dance. But she knew better than to expect anything from him and soon resigned herself to relaxing before she might be asked to dance again.
Maria had just finished dancing and came over to Anna. “Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. We will be serving the champagne at the end of this dance.” She sat at Dorothy’s place at the table. “Thank you so much for your help organizing this. I could not have done it without the two of you.”
“We were delighted to help.”
“You will never guess who appeared today at tea time,” Maria said, leaning in and whispering.
“No idea.”
“My wild Aunt Agatha—and with a young, and very handsome gentleman companion. She says they are traveling companions, but I have a distinct feeling there is more going on than just travel.”
“And they will be staying with you?”
“They will. I have given them separate rooms, but who knows what goes on in the dead of night. I shudder to think.”
“Oh, Maria, your aunt is a grown woman… surely she is able to make her own decisions.”
“Yes, but… well… what if people were to gossip?” They both laughed. “And she says there are many tales to be told. And of that, I have no doubt.”
“Are they likely to show themselves this evening? I should love to hear some of her tales.”
“I do not know. She claimed exhaustion from the journey, but she left it open and might appear.”
“And the young man?”
“He will probably do whatever she recommends. She appears to have him on a lead like a puppy.”
That set them both laughing again.
The dance ended, and Maria said, “I really must see to the champagne. It is time be hostess again.”
As Maria left, Percy returned with Dorothy, closely followed by Harry.
“Miss Dorothy,” Percy said as he assisted her to her chair.
“Percy, I see you have gravitated t
o the two loveliest ladies at the dance,” Harry said, clapping his friend on the shoulder.
“Only the very best,” Percy said and turned to Anna. “And Miss Anna, will you honor me with the next dance?”
“I would, but I believe we are to have a champagne break,” she replied.
“Then later, perhaps, for I never forgo the offer of champagne. Might I fetch you ladies a glass?”
“I believe you are too late, Mr. Percy, for I see Mr. Stewart coming this way with glasses for us.”
“Ladies, libations,” Christopher said, and handed each lady a glass.
“Thank you,” each sister said.
“I must say, your efforts with the flowers have been stunning. Quite an accomplishment for you both,” Christopher added. He took a sip from his own glass and turned his attention to Dorothy. “And I believe you promised me my second dance.”
“Certainly, first one after the break,” Dorothy said with a large smile.
“And might I claim a dance, Anna, my dear,” Harry asked.
Percy had already turned away and headed to the champagne table. And she watched him for a moment before answering. “I would be pleased to, Harry.”
When the dancing started up again, Christopher went over and offered his hand to Dorothy. She rose, taking his hand, and they went to the dance floor.
This was to be a waltz, so they had an opportunity to spend some time together without interruption.
They danced for a moment without speaking, enjoying the music and the dance. But Christopher could not help but notice how delightful Miss Dorothy looked. Her hair was golden, and he found the delicate shape of her neck entrancing. She was lost in her thoughts and was not looking at him, so that he could admire her graceful lines unobserved.
“Do you ever travel outside of Wiltshire?” he asked, finally.
She looked at him and smiled shyly. “We go to London occasionally. We have relatives we stay with. Father has never felt the need to keep a London house.”
“Our father keeps a small apartment in Mayfair. He often goes up to London on business and I frequently accompany him. I must say, I quite enjoy London each time I have been there.”
“It certainly has its amusements, but I think I much more enjoy the country to the city.”
“Have you ever been through Dorset?”
“I have not. We went to Cornwall once for a summer holiday, but that was because of the seaside.”
“Then on your next visit to London you must return via Dorset and be our guests. It is a lovely county and I should enjoy showing you around—and your sister too, of course.”
The dance ended and, reluctantly, Christopher escorted Dorothy back to her table where Anna was seated with her glass of champagne.
“It has been a pleasure, Miss Dorothy. I hope you will save me another dance this evening?”
“I should be honored,” she said, her eyes alight before she looked down modestly.
Christopher looked closely at each of the sisters. His first attraction had been to Anna, but now he thought Dorothy the more beautiful and she had danced so sublimely.
“Miss Anna, I hope you might grant me another dance before the evening is out?”
“If you like. Perhaps after dinner.”
He nodded. “I look forward to it.” He looked at Dorothy again and bowed slightly. “Miss Dorothy.”
Maria had not danced with Percy yet, but expected to. Presently, she was conferring with Daniels about the timing for dinner.
“We are ready whenever you like, Miss Maria. But I suggest within the next half hour.”
“That sounds about right. Please call dinner in fifteen minutes. That should give everyone time to seat themselves before you serve.
“Very good, Miss Maria.”
As Daniels left, Maria scanned the room to find Percy, but her eye was caught instead by the entrance of Aunt Agatha and Mr. Oakley. They had decided to come to the dance after all. And Maria was not certain that pleased her. She went over to them.
“Aunt… Mr. Oakley, dinner will be served soon, but might I offer you some champagne before?”
Agatha was no longer dressed in her safari outfit but wore a dress with a great deal of white ruffles with black trim. She was wearing a white cap also trimmed in black, giving her the look of some exotic bird.
“Oh, my dear, champagne would be just the thing… If I could drink right out of the bottle I would, but that would no doubt scandalize your guests. And I have only been here a few hours. I think it best if I wait a few days before I disgrace myself and ruin your reputation.” She let out a hearty laugh which caught the attention of many of the guests who looked askance at the strangely plumed lady.
Agatha took Chilton by the arm and said, “Come, dear one. We need some refreshment,” and she pulled him toward the table where the champagne was being served.
Maria was wondering how she might contain her aunt when Percy came over and took her hand.
“Dearest Maria, I have been longing for a dance with you all evening, but you have to been so caught up in your hostess duties, I have not had an opportunity.”
Maria felt flustered for the first time that evening, as she desperately wanted to dance with him. “Dear Percy, I am sorry to say, it will need to wait until after dinner, as we are to invite our guests to the dining room in just a few moments.”
She reached out to take Percy’s hand, Instead, Aunt Agatha reached Percy’s hand first.
“Maria, my dear, and who is this charming gentleman?”
Percy bowed, “Percy Garvey, the heir apparent to the Crauford Dukedom. We have been neighbors and friends since we were children. And you are, Madam?”
“Agatha Livingston, but you may call me Aunt Agatha, everyone else does,” she said with a laugh.
At that moment, Daniels called dinner.
Chapter 8
Harry had placed Anna to his right at the top of the table. This might seem unusual to the casual observer, as there were many more elevated guests that one might expect to sit in such a place of honor. But Harry wanted to engage in conversation with the woman he cared about so very much. To his left was Nora Fitzwalker, the daughter of the Lord Mayor of London. He had been introduced to her only this evening, but Maria had decided the lady needed to be honored with the place to his left because of her father’s position.
The table looked beautiful. Dorothy’s flower arrangements were stunning and low enough so that all the guests could see each other and converse. There were many candelabra along the length of the table and chandeliers overhead that gave the dining hall a warm glow and showed off the ladies and gentlemen at their very best.
The footmen began serving the wine and the soup course—a clear beef consommé.
Harry turned to speak to Anna, but Miss Fitzwalker intercepted.
“Your Lordship, I cannot tell you what an honor it is to be asked to your dance this evening. My father will be very pleased to hear I have enjoyed myself so much.”
Miss Fitzwalker was a stunning looking woman in her late twenties. She was tall, with dark hair, finely sculpted features, bright brown eyes and long slender hands that she used to great effect when speaking.
“Forgive me, I missed hearing where you are staying,” Harry said.
“With my grandparents, the Conrad Fitzwalkers, over by Cheltenham. Your sister was so kind to invite me as I have not met your family before.”
“But my father knew your father very well before he was the Lord Mayor.”
Nora placed her hand on the table nearby —but not touching—Harry’s hand. “And how is your dear mother? I heard she was injured in the accident that killed your father,”
“She is an invalid. She cannot walk and deals with constant pain. It is very difficult for the family, but I have to say she is very brave. She was not up to attending the dance this evening. It would have been too much for her.”
“I understand,” Nora briefly touched the top of Harry’s hand.
A footman leaned over next to Miss Fitzwalker to pour her more wine, and during that interval, Harry turned to Anna and asked, “Have you heard any news of your father?”
Anna seemed pleased with his attention. “We have not. But this has been one of his longest sojourns in India, and I have to say, I am a little worried we have not heard from him in quite a while. We had several letters soon after he arrived but nothing for several months now.”
The Scandalous Saga of the White Lady: A Historical Regency Romance Novel Page 5