A Lesson in Friendship

by Jennifer Connors

  Their mother returned to the room to see both her daughters smiling. Lady Weston would never notice that neither smile was genuine, nor would she care. To her, appearances were everything. If her beautiful daughters looked serene and happy, that was all that mattered.

  “I see that you are back to your cheerful self, Sarah dear. I hope you are ready to meet some fine gentlemen this evening.” Ginny noticed that her mother's smile was painted on as well.

  “Yes, mother. I had felt a bit out of sorts, but I assure you, that is all in the past. I look forward to our outing this evening.” Ginny never considered herself an actress before, but she was putting on the performance of a lifetime.

  Charlotte chimed in. “Yes, mother, Sarah was only playing a bit of a joke on me. Still the scamp I remember from her youth.” The last part was delivered with a wink.

  Ginny smiled, as she knew she was supposed to do. Every part of her rebelled the idea of living another life. Every thought was of what she'd lost. Although she kept telling herself that this was all make believe, she couldn't bring herself to believe it. Colby was gone, never to be resurrected, but her heart ached with his loss. Her only consolation was that in the world of romance novels, she knew he was living his happily ever after. Not that her consciousness got to enjoy it as well.

  Chapter 2

  After a brief carriage ride, they arrived at the home of Lord and Lady Hammersmith. Their townhome was enormous, with three floors full of gleaming windows. The entryway had shiny marble floors, with a mosaic inlay showing a coat of arms. A footman retrieved their coats and directed them to the second floor, where a large parlor contained seating for the musicale.

  A footman approached as they entered the room to offer each lady a glass of champagne. Ginny, who was already breaking out in hives over the evening ahead, took a glass and swallowed a large gulp. Neither her sister nor mother saw her, which suited Ginny just fine. She was in no mood for a lecture on decorum.

  By the time they'd made their way to the hostess to give their regards, Ginny had finished her first glass and pilfered a second glass from another passing footman. If there was one thing she could admit, it was that wealth did have its privileges.

  “Good evening, Lady Hammersmith. Thank you so much for inviting us to your evening's entertainment.” As the champagne began to work its magic, Ginny had to refrain from snorting over her mother's statement. All she'd listened to on the carriage ride over was how much she detested listening to second rate musicians butcher Mozart.

  “The pleasure is mine, Lady Weston. It is good to see you too, Mrs. Stevens. Oh, and Lady Sarah, you look very pretty this evening.”

  Charlotte murmured an acknowledgment and Ginny smiled. “Thank you, Lady Hammersmith. And where is your beautiful daughter? Will she be exhibiting for us this evening?” Ginny's memories of Penelope were snobby and unkind. The girl, who wore glasses most of the time, was painfully shy.

  “Oh, no. Lady Penelope is more interested in listening to the musician's play. I was not sure if I would be able to acquire him, but at the last moment Mr. Wilhelm Richter has agreed to come and play the piano forte for us. His talent is... sublime.”

  Charlotte's eyes lit up with excitement. “Wilhelm Richter? Truly? I have heard he is magnificent.”

  Lady Hammersmith, realizing her coup, went on about the talents of Mr. Richter. Ginny, who enjoyed well played music, still didn't care that “the” Wilhelm Richter was going to be playing, no matter how magical his fingers were against the keys of the piano forte. To fortify her for the rest of the night, Ginny helped herself to another glass of champagne.

  By the time they were seated for the concert, Ginny was feeling no pain. She even thought she would be able to stomach giggling at some gentlemen later, befitting Sarah's demeanor. The first performers were a pair of opera singers. When the female singer hit a few high notes, Ginny cringed and hoped her glass didn't crack.

  When Wilhelm Richter came on next, Ginny felt Charlotte sit a little straighter in her chair. Her eyes alighted as the man began his set. Ginny had to admit that he was truly talented. Even through her champagne buzz, she could recognize his skill and feel the emotional response he elicited from her. As moved as Ginny was, Charlotte had tears in her eyes when his performance was over.

  “Have you ever heard anything so beautiful, Sarah?” Charlotte asked as the crowd began to stand up and mingle.

  “No. Mr. Richter has an amazing talent,” Ginny replied, truthfully.

  Looking to her sister, Charlotte was amazed. As much as she loved Sarah, her sister was often self-centered and unwilling to see the beauty in ordinary things. “I should love to meet the man, if only to express my gratitude for his coming tonight.”

  Ginny's eyes looked around, then set on her sister's face. “Then why don't we?” she asked.

  Looking appalled, Charlotte face flushed. “We have no proper introduction, Sarah. It would be unseemly,” she whispered as Ginny pulled her toward the crowd surrounding the virtuoso.

  “Charlotte, sometimes you have to take the bull by the horns.” Ginny knew that the champagne was talking now and it would end up getting her in trouble. Although she realized it, she didn't give a damn.

  When her sister dug in her heels and refused to continue, Ginny sighed her exasperation. Spotting Lady Hammersmith, she saw her solution. “Lady Hammersmith, could you introduce Charlotte and I to Mr. Richter? His music so moved us both.”

  “Oh, of course. Mrs. Stevens, I had no idea you were so enamored with music. I, myself, have always given great patronage to the arts.”

  Ginny followed the two women as their hostess babbled on about her greatness for musicians everywhere. Taking yet another glass of champagne, realizing that her regret would come the following morning, Ginny still drank it down. Her whole life seemed like a regret, so what was one more thing.

  Waiting their turn, Lady Hammersmith finally bullied her way to the front of the group surrounding the young pianist.

  “Mr. Richter, may I present Mrs. Stevens and Lady Sarah. Both were so moved by your performance that they begged an introduction.”

  Ginny scrunched her eyes. That was laying it on a bit thick, she thought as the young man bowed to both ladies. Performing her curtsy, Ginny smiled as Charlotte took over the conversation.

  “I was so moved by your performance, Mr. Richter. Never before have I heard Mozart played with such feeling.”

  Speaking in a slight German accent, Richter replied, “Thank you, Mrs. Stevens. I am so honored to be able to play in the finest homes of London.”

  Ginny tuned out the conversation and instead surveyed the room. She spotted Lady Hammersmith's daughter, practically hiding behind a potted plant. Excusing herself from her sister, Ginny made her way over to the young woman.

  Slightly drunk, but still capable of sounding sober, Ginny said, “Good evening, Lady Penelope. Why would you be hiding at your own party?”

  Penelope's eyes widened. Ginny began to wonder if she sounded drunker than she thought. Then the mousy young woman, with dull, brown hair and non-descriptive brown eyes, asked shyly, “Lady Sarah, is there something you needed?”

  Taken back for a moment, Ginny realized that Sarah had never been particularly kind to the girl. They'd met on a few occasions, even before the season began, and Sarah had always acted her superior, snotty self. Well, it was Penelope's lucky day, she decided, since that personality would forever be altered.

  “Yes. I need to understand why this is fun,” Ginny remarked, smiling to show she was joking.

  Penelope smiled in return. “It makes the aristocracy feel intelligent and important.”

  “Yes, there seems to be a real superior air tonight, don't you think?”

  “Since most of my parent's guests couldn't begin to understand the finer points of Mozart, I would doubt that.”

  Laughing out loud and drawing attention to the pair, Ginny grabbed Penelope's arm and dragged her out of her hiding place. Taking a turn about the r
oom, which had been emptied of most of the chairs, she asked, “Why should you hide? There are many eligible men here tonight, or so my mother has told me. Don't you want to make anyone's acquaintance?”

  Shrinking before her eyes, Penelope shuddered. “I have not the skills to make conversation with strangers. It has never come easy for me.”

  Pulling her new friend aside, looking her in eyes, Ginny asked, “How much champagne have you had tonight?”

  “None. My mother would not approve.”

  Smiling wickedly, Ginny said, “Well, then, it's time you did, because believe me when I say that alcohol makes everyone interesting.”

  ********

  Ginny made Penelope pound two glasses and then handed her a third to sip. Not accustomed to the effects, it didn't take long before Penelope was having a much better time at her own party. Although she still refused to make conversation, she did follow Ginny around as she waxed drunkenly to anyone who was willing to listen.

  After an hour, the two girls had made several rounds of the room. Penelope had never felt so loose and easy going before. One thing perplexed her though. Why was Lady Sarah being so nice to her all of a sudden? The few times they'd met, she'd ignored Penelope, even on the one occasion she'd tried to speak to the beautiful girl. Bolstered by the champagne, Penelope decided to ask.

  “Why do you wish to be my friend, Lady Sarah? We have hardly spoken two words together before tonight.”

  Ginny turned her head and regarded Penelope for a moment. “I suppose I realized that I was being a first class snob and needed to come off my high horse.”

  Sputtering, Penelope stated, “No... I never thought... you have been very...”

  Ginny laughed. “No, I haven't been particularly nice or kind. I'm self-absorbed and annoying. Most of the girls I associate with are the same way. You seem like you'd be a genuine friend to me.”

  Looking down at her hands, Penelope was humbled. She'd always thought she'd be a good friend, but had never been given the chance to try. “I should like to have you as a friend, Lady Sarah.”

  “Good. Let's start by dropping the 'lady' part. Now, my sister said there was to be many eligible men here tonight, but all the men I see are old and infirm.”

  “The eligible men usually show up in time for dinner to be served.”

  Arching an eyebrow, Ginny smiled. Penelope couldn't help but laugh in response. Just as the pair were to head downstairs toward the dining room, Charlotte walked up to join them.

  “Mr. Richter is a fascinating gentleman. He has played in almost every royal court in Europe. Can you imagine?” Charlotte's cheeks were flushed and she had a dazed look in her eyes.

  “Is that right? Will he be joining us for dinner?” Ginny asked.

  Charlotte's blush intensified. “He has been invited to dine this evening, but I am sure he has many admirers who would request his company.”

  Ginny looked over at the man in question, standing by himself, sipping a glass of champagne. “He doesn't look occupied at the moment. Let's go nab him.”

  Charlotte grabbed Ginny's arm and gave her a look. “How much have you had to drink tonight, Sarah?” The tone was condescending and Ginny was in no mood for condescending.

  Looking back at her sister, pulling from what she knew, Ginny stated, “Maybe you should have a few glasses yourself, Lottie. It's obvious you admire the man and have been conversing with him for over an hour. He's probably surprised that you haven't invited him to sit with us at dinner.”

  “Sarah, a lady does not ask a gentleman to dine with her. That is behavior reserved for a certain type of woman.”

  During the exchange, Penelope kept silent but watched each woman in turn. Normally she wouldn't get involved, but she was feeling pretty confident at the moment. “I think Sarah is right, Mrs. Stevens. You enjoyed his company, did you not?”

  Turning her mature eye toward Penelope, Charlotte exclaimed, “I believe both of you should get something to eat. You have both obviously had too much to drink.”

  Laughing, Ginny replied, “Okay, we swear we'll eat. But only if you ask Richter to join us.”

  Gasping at her impertinence, Charlotte's face turned pink. When she refused to move, Ginny grabbed Penelope's arm and starting walking toward Richter. Before Charlotte could stop her, she was standing before the man, making a curtsy. All Charlotte could do was watch and pray that her sister didn't embarrass her too much.

  Ginny had spent over a year living in Regency England during her second romance novel life, and although it was 1830, she knew the rules were the same. She wouldn't be too outrageous, but only because she would never want to embarrass Charlotte that much.

  “Good evening, again, Mr. Richter.”

  “Good evening to you, Lady Sarah.”

  “Have you met our hostess's daughter.” Turning to pull Penelope forward, she smiled. “Mr. Richter, may I introduce you to Lady Penelope Hammersmith.”

  After his rigid bow and her wavy curtsy, Ginny continued. “Have you anyone to dine with yet this evening, Mr. Richter? My sister, friend and I were just about to make our way to the dining room and were wondering if you would care to join us.” Ginny leaned forward slightly and said conspiratorially, “I know it is somewhat improper for me to ask, but I just can't abide someone eating alone.”

  Richter smiled and leaned slightly closer as well. “To be honest, Lady Sarah, I am ever so glad you asked me. It is difficult to be the odd man out.”

  “Indeed it is.” With that, Ginny turned and grabbed Penelope's arm, leaving Mr. Richter to offer his arm to Charlotte. Blushing slightly, but determined to keep her dignity, Charlotte accepted and allowed herself to be led to the dining room for dinner.

  As they made their way down the steps, Ginny pulled Penelope to the side and allowed her sister to precede them. Before she could explain herself, Ginny spied a group of men who had just entered the house. There were four of them, all tall, all handsome and all finely dressed. It didn't take a script to read who these gentlemen were.

  Gasping quietly, Penelope turned her head so none of the men could see her face. Ginny looked at her new friend and noticed a blush creeping up her neck and settling on her cheeks. Her face must have revealed her confusion because Penelope started to explain.

  Whispering, Penelope said, “They are know as the Fearsome Foursome. They all attended school together and have always been inseparable. It is rumored that the group are seeking out brides, as they have all reached their thirtieth year.”

  Penelope's face was so serious that Ginny felt laughter begin to bubble up in her. Trying to quash it, she just ended up snorting. Turning her face away from her friend, Ginny walked down the nearest hallway and entered the study. Penelope, hot on her heels, joined her in the room, giving her a worried look.

  When the door was closed, Ginny burst out laughing. “Really?” was all she could manage, before continuing her loud guffaws. It wasn't like Ginny's prior experiences were not anything but formulaic, but this one took the cake. Four friends, all finally deciding to take a bride, working together to find the perfect mate. Ginny dropped her head in shame over the ridiculousness of it all.

  “What is so funny? Did you not see them? They are so handsome.” The wistful tone sent Ginny to giggles once again.

  Finally controlling herself, wondering if in part her laughter was caused by too much champagne, Ginny said, “Oh, Penelope. I can just picture all the girls falling over them. Surely, they don't deserve so much attention.”

  “Oh, but they do. They are all titled, handsome and wealthy. What mother would pass up such an opportunity? Tis hard enough to find men to marry during any season, but four titled gentlemen during the same season? Tis unheard of.”

  Taking a deep breath to relieve any possibility of future outbursts, Ginny stated, “Okay, then. Let's go meet'em.” With that, she walked to the door and didn't bother to wait for Penelope to catch up.

  When she returned to the foyer, the men were still standing around
, looking self-important, and casually turning their gazes toward the other guests in attendance. Penelope's father was talking to the men, trying to engage them in conversation. All of the four seemed bored by his attempts.

  “Damn fine filly you have, Conway. I believe it was the same horse I saw at Tattersall's not long ago.”

  Arching an eyebrow, Baron Conway replied, “Indeed.”

  “How is she treating you? I had hoped to purchase her myself, but you must have beat me to her.” Lord Hammersmith, both a little loud and a little drunk, smirked at his guests.

  Baron Conway, Oliver to his friends, knew that the old Earl never meant to buy the horse. Not only was she damn expensive, and the Earl without the proper funds to purchase her, but the man couldn't tell fine horseflesh from steak and kidney pie.