by Kira Stewart
“You are quite distracted tonight, Henrietta?”
The young girl looked at her partner properly for the first time that evening.
“My apologies, Mr. Turnbull, it is just that I am trying to remember the dance steps. It is a long time since I have danced this particular reel.”
It was a half-truth.
“I do not think you have been listening to a word I have said.”
Henrietta blushed, embarrassed to have been caught out, as he twirled her sedately around.
“Do not worry. I should not have made you dance so much. Perhaps I should not have forced you. I was saying perhaps you would like to come out on a picnic tomorrow. A few of us are driving out to the country and it should be quite fun.”
“I shall have to check with mama. I am not too sure what she is doing tomorrow. I think she had planned visiting with Mrs. Everton.”
Taking her by the hand, he looked her keenly in the eye.
“The invitation is not extended to your dear mama, just you.”
Seeing her shocked expression, he laughed.
“Do not worry, it is all very proper. There will be several ladies of good reputation there. You will be well chaperoned.”
He watched her eagerly, as the dance finally ended and they stood side by side.
“What say you, Miss Maldon?”
Poor Henrietta. For the time being, she felt as if she had had her fill of young men, finished with them before she had barely started. Edward Turnbull was pleasant enough, yet she had no real feelings for him, and did not want to encourage him in that way, no matter what her mother thought.
Noticing her consternation, the young man came to her rescue.
“Well, perhaps at least you might say you will think about it during the next dance?”
She nodded.
“Yes, I will think about it.”
The next dance was another Scottish reel, and before she had the chance to refuse, he had taken her by the hand and escorted her over to where the other dancers waited to form a line.
They stood opposite each other, the first pair at the top of the line.
As the music started again, Edward took her hand and promptly marched her down the centre of the two lines of men and women, before they split off to meet back at the top again. She had learnt this at school and it was called Strip the Willow. It was an easy dance, and one that Henry enjoyed, slipping her arm one by one, through each of the arms of the men, spinning them around as she progressed down the line.
“Henry!”
The girl almost stopped in her tracks, as a familiar voice called her by her nickname. It was him, the man she had been trying to avoid. Tom.
For a brief moment, her arm was entwined with his, and she was looking up into his face, shocked at seeing him again.
And then he was gone, and she was back once again, arm in arm with Edward.
Her mind was in a whirl and she could feel the colour upon her cheeks, knowing that any moment, it would be his turn to Strip the Willow, and that they would be touching once again. She could see him advancing down the line toward her, until it was her turn, and gently taking her arm, he spun her around, keeping her close to him, his eyes locked upon hers. Neither spoke.
The musicians played the final reel and the dance was over. Henrietta, exhausted from the intense emotion, begged to be taken back to her seat. She had quite enough dancing for one night.
The grand clock struck nine. It was time for the band to rest and for the supper to be served, and the crowds moved across the dance floor and into the tea room, where the waiters had started to serve the food.
“Well, my dear, what did Mr. Turnbull have to say?”
Linking her arm with her daughter, Mrs. Maldon was eager to hear news of the budding romance.
“There is nothing to tell, mama.”
“Nothing to tell! Of course you must have said something, whilst you were dancing?”
The older woman looked incredulous.
“We were dancing, mama, not talking.”
Sophie Maldon sighed.
“You really must try, Henrietta. You do not want to end up an old maid. You will need to marry someone, and Edward Turnbull is a very good choice.”
Henrietta braced herself for a long lecture, when her mother suddenly stopped mid-sentence.
“Well, I never.”
Mrs. Maldon had spotted someone in the tea room and suddenly started to wave.
“Mr. Langton, Thomas. Look, Henrietta, it is Thomas Langton.”
Wanting to shrivel up and disappear from sight, the girl turned her head away.
“Do be quiet, mother, you are causing quite a commotion. I am sure Mr. Langton does not want to be disturbed. He is with his friends. Come on, mama, let us go. I am not hungry.”
“Do not be ridiculous, Henrietta. I do not know what on earth has got into you tonight. Now look, he’s seen me. We must go over and say hello.”
It was the girl’s worst nightmare.
Sandwiched between her mother and Mrs. Everton, she had no choice, but to move over to where Tom and his party were standing. Edward Turnbull followed quickly behind.
Giving a low bow, Thomas Langton extended his hand toward the ladies.
“Mrs. Maldon, what a pleasure it is to see you and Miss Maldon again. It is several years, is it not?”
“Indeed it is sir, too long a time, if I may say so. May I introduce Mrs. Everton, our gracious hostess, whilst we are in Bath?”
He bowed again.
“And this is Mr. Edward Turnbull.”
This time, Tom did not bow.
“I am already acquainted with Mr. Turnbull.”
Henrietta noticed the tension between the two men.
“May I introduce Miss Knightly?”
A beautiful young woman stepped forward and gave a small curtsey. It was the woman he had been dancing with earlier. She was dressed in the height of fashion, and made Henrietta feel very shabby, indeed.
All the time, Tom watched Henrietta, but she did not raise her eyes to him.
“Perhaps you might dance with Henrietta after the supper, Mr. Langton. Remember how you two used to dance at the parties back at Redmond?”
Tom looked a little embarrassed.
“It would be an honour, Mrs. Maldon, but I am afraid that will not be possible, for we must be leaving as soon as the supper is over. Now, if you would be so kind as to excuse us?”
With another low bow, and taking the arm of Miss Knightly, the couple turned away.
“Well, I never. What a very rude young man. I should never have recognised him from his manners, he was such a sweet boy. We are obviously not good enough for Mr. Langton, now that he has money. He has soon forgotten his old friends, I see. And his manners come to that. And he was such a kind boy. Like a son to me, he was.”
While Mrs. Maldon talked away, Henrietta watched the elegant couple walk away, her heart aching with every step. For a brief moment, Miss Knightly turned around, and catching Henrietta’s gaze, looked the girl up and down, before smiling and whispering something into Tom’s ear. He laughed; they both laughed. They were laughing at her; laughing at her lack of style and elegance.
Feeling the tears fill her eyes, she blinked them away quickly.
“Do not let that arrogant young man upset you, Henrietta. I fear he has become quite a snob these days, but of course he has always had a weak character.”
Turning around, she faced Edward.
“It is not the Tom I used to know, that is for sure. Do you know Mr. Langton well?”
The young man paused for a moment, choosing his words carefully.
“I was at college with Tom Langton at Oxford. For a while, I thought that we were friends. Until, that is, a very unfortunate incident. Young Thomas was given a rather expensive ring by his father for his twenty-first birthday. The ring went missing and he accused me of stealing it. It ruined my name at college, even though I was innocent and I left under a cloud.
&nb
sp; “But why should he do such a thing?”
“I am not sure, Miss Maldon. It was most upsetting. I do believe that Tom was jealous of me, that I had been born into wealth, you see, and that he was not. He had a chip on his shoulder. He was not popular at first among the other boys, his lack of gentility and his country ways, singled him out. I had taken pity on him and befriended him, and that was how he repaid me. I believe that is why he has become such a snob. But despite everything that has happened, I do not hold the man a grudge. In fact, I wish him well, but I cannot bear to think that he has upset you. You looked shocked by this, Miss Maldon?”
Henrietta shook her head.
“I cannot believe we are talking about the same young man. We were such good friends.”
The young man shrugged.
“I can only tell you of my experience, but you have just said yourself, it is not the Tom you used to know.”
Sadly, she had to agree.
“Mr. Turnbull, I have thought about your proposition, and yes, I think I should very much like to join you on that picnic tomorrow. If the invitation is still open, that is?”
10.
Mrs. Maldon needed little assurance to allow her youngest daughter out on her own, unchaperoned and by herself. There were to be several young ladies and gentleman of fine standing attending the picnic, and she hoped it would bring the young couple closer together, without her interference.
The day was fine and fair, just the right weather for a picnic. Although Henrietta had lain awake for most of the night, puzzling over Tom, she had eventually slept a deep and peaceful sleep, finally resolving to put the boy quite behind her.
By the time Edward arrived in his carriage around noon, she had put Tom quite out of her mind, and was determined to enjoy the picnic.
Mrs. Maldon, who had been watching at the window for at least half an hour, called to her daughter as the awaited party arrived.
“Henrietta, come quickly, your Mr. Turnbull is here. See how very handsome he looks and what a fine carriage and horse he has? Come quickly, do not keep the young man waiting.”
“He is not MY Mr. Turnbull, mama. We have only just met.”
“Well, he may very soon be YOUR Mr. Turnbull, dearest, if you are quick about it and would only give him a little encouragement. I had only known Mr. Maldon for a month, before we became engaged. Now remember, do not try and be too clever, and do not argue with the young man. Men do like to think that they are right, even if they are not. Be sweet, smile, and laugh at his jokes. Now, do you have a handkerchief? And do not forget your parasol. You do not want a red nose.”
•••
Henrietta was glad as she finally managed to leave the house, her mother and Mrs. Everton watching eagerly from the house steps.
Indeed, Edward did look very fine upon his curricle, pulled by a fine white horse, and she felt a little giddy as he took her hand and helped her inside the small carriage.
Raising his hat to the two ladies at the door, he gave them a small bow.
“Do not worry, ladies. I shall look after your charge and have her safely back here by seven o’clock. Now, do hold onto your hat, Miss Maldon.”
Cracking his whip, the small carriage started with a jolt, and Henrietta did indeed hold onto her hat, as the pony started at some pace.
“Do be careful!” Mrs. Maldon shouted after them, but they were already too far away to hear.
“My word, he is a spirited young man, Mrs. Maldon, a spirited young man indeed!” Mrs. Everton sighed. “He quite reminds me of a young Mr. Everton.”
Henrietta had never been driven so fast in her life, and marveled as they raced through the streets of Bath, not a mean feat at noon, and many people hurried out of their path.
“I hope I am not driving too fast for you, Miss Maldon, but there is nothing like an exhilarating ride, do not you agree?”
Indeed, after the sudden shock, the girl relaxed. The roof of the carriage had been folded down, and it was good to feel the fresh air upon her face.
“The picnic is a good fifteen miles drive away. We are to meet the others there. I hope you enjoy the trip.”
“I am sure I shall, Mr. Turnbull”
“And please, no more Mr. Turnbull. I do insist that you call me Edward.”
It was good to get back into the countryside. Even though Bath was beautiful and exciting, after spending such a short time surrounded by so many people, she was glad to be back in the wide open spaces.
Travelling East, they passed Solsbury Hill, an ancient place with connections to the tales of King Arthur. Mrs. Everton had told her stories of the magical place. As they passed by, the sun drifted behind a group of low lying clouds, and Henrietta suddenly shivered, feeling a chill in the air. She had an odd feeling, as if the ancient spirits were somehow calling to her. The hill looked bleak in the shadows, and suddenly she felt a sense of her own fate, as if this day was meant to be. It was a peculiar feeling, and for a moment, she felt afraid and thought back to the strange dream she had on her first night in Bath.
But the moment soon passed, the clouds drifted through the sky, and the sun shone out brightly once again. She laughed at her superstitious nature. Old Mrs. Everton had been filling her head with nonsense, and to think of such strange things on such a beautiful day.
It took almost two hours to reach the spot. They met up with the other carriages, a few miles out of Bath, and formed a sort of procession, the young men eager to show off their carriage skills and speed to the young ladies, which led to a spirited and energetic ride.
Chelmwood House was the weekend retreat of the parents of one of Edward’s acquaintances, Lord and Lady Siddons. They were hosting a grand picnic on their small estate, just sixteen miles East of Bath. A good deal of people had already gathered by the time they arrived, and it was to be a very gay party indeed. Several large trestle tables had been laid out with food and drink, and even a small quartet played out in the open air. There was a marquee, and a covered area filled with chairs, a place for the ladies to sit and escape the sun.
Introducing her to the rest of the party, Edward found her a seat with the other ladies in the marquee, fetching her a glass of champagne, and the bubbles were going straight to her head.
This was nothing like the picnics they had back home. She thought of the bread and cheese and cider they had enjoyed. This picnic was so grand, not a picnic at all, but a small garden party. The ladies were all out in their finery, perhaps not so formally dressed as in the Assembly Rooms, but still she marveled at the rich brocades and silks sitting around her.
“I did not realise it was going to be such a formal affair. I feel quite under dressed in my plain white muslin dress. You should have told me how grand it would be, Edward,” she scolded him lightly, but not really minding now that the champagne was taking hold.
“You are the most beautiful girl here, Henrietta. Now, let me get you a little more champagne.”
As she waited for his return, an area of the large marquee was being cleared to allow for country dancing. Looking around, she noticed a couple of young ladies looking at her intently, but as she caught their gaze, they immediately looked away. How peculiar. She did not recognise them at all, but she seemed to be of some interest to them. Perhaps they knew Edward?
“Who are those two young ladies standing over there? they seemed to be quite interested in me a few moments ago. Do you know who they are?”
Handing her the glass of champagne, he looked over to where she was indicating, and for a moment, looked puzzled.
“Oh, they are old acquaintances of mine, Miss Maldon. I fear one or both may have set their cap at me in the past. I knew their brother, you see. Silly girls, they are and prone to spreading silly gossip. Not sensible like you, my dear. Now, do not worry your pretty little head about them. Look, they will be starting the dancing up in a few moments. Finish your drink and we can join in the fun.”
The band struck up, and taking her hand, Edward led her onto the dance
area. After two glasses of champagne, she was feeling decidedly light headed, and clung to his arm more out of necessity than protocol. The dance started, and Henrietta could feel herself unsteady on her feet, the music causing her head to pound a little. As she wove in and out between her fellow dancers, she began to feel a little queasy, and as soon as the reel had finished, she excused herself, stating that she needed fresh air, whilst Edward went to fetch both of them a plate of food.
It was good to stand still for a moment, away from the buzz and noise inside the tent, and Henrietta gulped at the fresh air to help clear her head.
To escape the sun, she moved to the back of the marquee and into the shade. The side of the tent was slightly open to allow the fresh air to circulate. The two women who had been intently watching her earlier, were now sat by the open flap of the marquee and deep in conversation. Intrigued, Henrietta positioned herself in a way that she could not be seen, although she could hear their conversation plainly.
“I cannot believe he is back, after everything that has happened. Of course, dear papa kept everything as quiet as he possibly could, even though, of course he denied everything. Although, we knew it had to be him. Poor Charlotte, her life will never be the same again, but he carries on as if nothing has happened. If I were a man I would shoot him.”
“And now he has the cheek to turn up with this new girl at Chelmwood House. I do not think she is anybody, no one in our social circle knows of her anyway. Her father is a country vicar, I hear. Can you imagine that? The poor girl. I feel sorry for her, I really do. No respectable girl would be seen with him, if only she knew. Let us hope the same does not happen to her.”
Henrietta had heard enough, and feeling light-headed, moved away from the marquee. It was obvious that they had been talking about Edward, but what was it that had supposedly happened? What had Edward supposedly done? She had read enough books where women had lost their virtue to unscrupulous men, but surely not Edward, he seemed so polite, such a gentleman.