by Joyce Alec
“You are returned, then,” Lady Crampton said as they approached. “We saw you stop and thought to wait for you here.” Her eyes searched Phillip’s face but he only smiled back at her.
“I have two dances with Lord Wiltshire, Aunt,” Miss Williams said with a quick smile up at him. “That is quite all right, I hope?”
Lady Crampton nodded. “But of course, my dear. I should hope, in fact, to fill your dance card completely before that oaf of a gentleman returns and again demands that you dance with him also.” Tutting, she shook her head. “A most displeasing gentleman.”
Nothing was said for a moment or two although Phillip knew that they all fully agreed with the sentiment.
“Then mayhap I might ask for a dance or two from you also, Miss Williams?” Lord Hoskins asked, and Miss Williams quickly nodded and handed him her card. “I should do anything I could to protect you from that particular gentleman, given that your aunt dislikes him so.”
“As do I, I can assure you,” Miss Williams replied, handing him the dance card and glancing up toward Phillip. “A most displeasing manner, I must say.”
Lord Hoskins chuckled. “I see Lord Wiltshire has chosen the very best of dances, Miss Williams. What a pity. I had hoped to steal the waltz from you for myself.” He grinned up at Phillip, who felt his face grow hot but could only roll his eyes at his friend. “Then it must be the quadrille and the cotillion. I hope that both will satisfy you.”
“I am very grateful,” Miss Williams replied with an honesty in her voice and an expression that Phillip knew came from the depths of her heart. “I thank you both for your kindness. I look forward to our dances together.”
These last words were spoken directly toward him and Phillip’s heart began to beat wildly in his chest, unable to tear his gaze from her. Miss Williams was quite lovely and the more he could do to be in her company, the better it would be.
“That is the country dance, I believe,” Lady Crampton said, giving her charge a gentle push in Phillip’s direction. “Are you not engaged for this one?”
Phillip grinned and bowed low, one hand outstretched toward Miss Williams. “I believe we are to dance this one together, Miss Williams,” he said as she reached for his hand. “Shall we step out onto the floor together?”
She smiled back at him, her eyes holding a warmth that had not been there at the first. “Indeed, Lord Wiltshire,” she replied softly. “And might I express my thanks to you once more.”
5
Lucinda could not help but blush as a large bouquet of flowers was brought in, carried in by one maid whilst another brought a vase into which the flowers might then go.
“It seems you have an admirer, Lucinda, dear,” Lady Crampton murmured, looking on delightedly. “I have no doubt as to where these particular flowers have come from.”
Lucinda laughed softly and accepted the card from the maid with a word of thanks. Opening it quickly, she read the short lines within, fully aware of the warmth still in her cheeks and her aunt’s watchful gaze.
“It is from Lord Wiltshire,” she admitted as Lady Crampton beamed with evident delight. “He thanks me for a very pleasant evening and hopes that we might soon continue our acquaintance.” She continued to smile as she folded the letter back into its envelope. “He means to call tomorrow afternoon, if we can receive him.”
“Wonderful,” Lady Crampton replied, clearly quite delighted with Lord Wiltshire’s attentions. “I did speak to one or two of my acquaintances last evening—most discreetly, you understand—and they have stated that Lord Wiltshire is an excellent gentleman.” Her smile faded for a moment. “Although, they did mention that he had some difficulty with his estate for some years, but that it had recovered itself since.”
Lucinda nodded. “He mentioned it briefly last evening,” she told her aunt, who lifted her brows in surprise. “His father, I believe, was not the wisest of gentlemen when it came to his estate and his wealth. Lord Wiltshire had to do a great deal to restore his fortunes. I think, however, that such a trial shows a great strength of character and I shall not consider a lesser fortune to be any sort of disgrace.”
“Indeed not,” her aunt smiled. “And he did appear to be very taken with you last evening, Lucinda. I do not think you spent much time out of his company.”
Her smile began to fade as a worry suddenly struck her heart. “Do you mean to suggest that the ton would have noticed such a thing?” she asked, a little anxiously. “I should not like my behavior to be the cause of any rumors or the like.”
Her aunt’s expression did not change. Instead, her smile grew and her eyes warmed. “My dear Lucinda, I do not think that the ton need to be any of your concern,” she said gently. “I believe that Lord Wiltshire will do all that is required of him and will soon have you courting…that is, if you should wish it.” Seeing Lucinda’s fervent nod, she laughed softly. “Then there is nothing you need fear, my dear girl. The ton may talk and whisper but by that time, you shall be courting and need not consider anything they will say.”
“Provided my father is willing,” Lucinda replied, another flare of anxiety grasping at her heart. “He has not said a word to me for some days and I fear that the gentleman he sent last evening will have reported to him that our introduction did not go as expected.”
At this, Lady Crampton frowned heavily, reaching for her teacup. “That was a most extraordinary encounter,” she remarked as the maids quickly left the room, leaving the flowers in the vase sitting prettily on the table. “Why a gentleman should do such a thing and expect us both to simply accept his rudeness is quite beyond me.” Shaking her head, she sat back in her chair and studied Lucinda. “I am sure that, if your father is keen for you to meet this gentleman for whatever reason, he will make certain that it occurs. Although, of course, I shall be present with you and—”
Her words were cut off by a loud exclamation that came from just outside the door. Lucinda’s heart began to pound furiously whilst Lady Crampton remained seated, her brow furrowed hard.
“That is quite enough, Swinton.”
“Good gracious!” Lucinda exclaimed, feeling suddenly sick with fear. “My father is here. Whatever is the matter with him?” She had seen him in a temper before, of course, but to hear him shouting in such a loud fashion in the middle of Lady Crampton’s house could only mean one thing: he had come to see her.
Whatever she had done wrong, it had evidently angered him so much that he was quite furious with her—and Lucinda could barely think for fear. He had only just agreed to allow her to reside with her aunt and uncle for a time. Was he now to force her to return? Would he no longer allow her to remain? Closing her eyes, Lucinda dragged in air, hearing her uncle, Lord Crampton, and her father speaking in loud tones just outside the door.
“I believe,” Lady Crampton said, moving out of her chair and into the one next to Lucinda, “that this is about the gentleman last evening.”
Lucinda opened her eyes and let out a shaking breath. “Then he is angry with me?”
Her aunt shrugged, clearly less anxious than Lucinda over the fury of Lord Swinton. “If he is, then I shall set him to rights,” she stated plainly. “You need not have any fear, my dear girl. I shall not permit you to return with him.”
“I do not think you shall have any choice,” Lucinda began, but her aunt reached across and grasped her hand.
“Courage, my dear girl,” she said firmly. “Your father expresses his anger in all manner of ways, but that is not something that you need to contend with at present. I am here with you and I can assure you that neither I nor Lord Crampton would permit you to return to your father’s house when he is in such a temper. Why, we would fear for your safety.” She smiled and let go of Lucinda’s hand. “Come now, settle yourself. You must remain composed when he is finally permitted entry.”
Lucinda nodded and tried to do as her aunt suggested, only to feel her breath shuddering out of her again as she began to tremble. Her father had not been in such a t
emper for a long time and she was very much afraid of the consequences, even with her aunt beside her. It took a good few minutes for Lord Crampton’s voice to subside and for her father’s temper to be reined in, meaning that Lucinda and Lady Crampton had to sit silently together, simply waiting for the moment that the door would open to admit him.
Eventually, the moment came.
“Remain seated,” Lady Crampton murmured to her as Lord Swinton came into the room, his face bright red and contorted with anger. Lord Crampton came after him, his own color a little high as he watched Lord Swinton with a hard gaze, clearly determined to make certain that his brother-in-law did not begin to shout all over again. To Lord Swinton, she said, “How very good to see you, brother. Please do sit down. Lord Crampton, might you ring the bell for another tea tray, since we have both you and my brother joining us?” She smiled, her calm voice bringing a stillness to the fierce storm going on within Lucinda’s heart. Trying to find the courage she required, Lucinda forced herself to look directly back at her father, only to find that he was glaring at her with such evident ire that it was difficult to hold his gaze.
Clearly, she had behaved very poorly indeed, as far as he was concerned.
“I do not want tea,” Lord Swinton bit out, turning to face Lady Crampton. “What I want is an explanation.”
Lady Crampton shrugged. “Well, I wish for tea,” she said simply. “Therefore, brother, you shall have to wait for your explanation until it is brought and served.” She eyed him speculatively. “And there is no need to glare so at your daughter. She has done nothing wrong. I was present with her all last evening and can assure you of her excellent behavior at all times.”
Lord Swinton laughed harshly, the sound seeming, to Lucinda’s ears, to shake the entire room.
“Then I shall hold you equally responsible, sister,” he growled, only for Lord Crampton to rise to his feet, one hand pointed toward Lord Swinton and a furious look upon his face.
“You dare to accuse my wife of improper behavior, Swinton?” he began, and Lord Swinton glanced up at him, making to answer before being cowed by Lord Crampton’s loud voice. “How dare you suggest such a thing? Lady Crampton is nothing more than propriety itself. I was about to take my leave in the hope that you would be both civil and even-tempered, but it appears I cannot do so.” Sitting down again, he placed his hands on the arms of the chair and continued to watch Lord Swinton with a furious expression on his face.
Lucinda did not know what to say. Glancing at her aunt, who appeared to be quite calm, she chose to sit quietly and allow her aunt to speak.
In fact, Lady Crampton did not say anything for some minutes. The whole room descended into silence, with Lord Swinton evidently subdued by Lord Crampton’s fury. Lucinda herself admitted to being very relieved that she was with both her aunt and uncle, and in particular, grateful for Lord Crampton’s strong presence. He was not often out in society—was not often out of his study—but his strength and determination clearly forced her father to regulate his own behavior.
“Tea and refreshments, my lady.”
The maids entered quickly, taking away the old tray and setting out new ones which had been prepared. Thanking them, Lady Crampton took her time in preparing the tea and thereafter, pouring out four cups. Handing one to each person, she herself took a small sip and Lucinda followed her lead, doing whatever she could to help calm her nerves.
“Now, Swinton,” Lady Crampton said calmly. “What is it you believe has been done wrong here?” She held up one hand, palm out toward him as he began to speak. “I shall ask you to speak with calmness and gentleness, brother, for anything else shall not be tolerated.” Sitting back, she picked up her teacup with delicate fingers. “I look forward to being informed of what sort of behavior I displayed last evening that you found so abhorrent.” The sarcasm in her voice was not lost on Lord Swinton, who shot her a hard glance, but Lady Crampton merely sipped her tea and waited for him to begin.
A tight knot tied itself in Lucinda’s stomach but despite her inner anxiety, she did all she could to copy her aunt and try to drink her tea without evident concern for what Lord Swinton was to lay at her door.
“Last evening,” Lord Swinton began, his voice rasping, “I sent a gentleman to you, Lucinda. A gentleman that I have known for some time. A gentleman that I expect you to consider carefully. And yet, I am told that when he attempted to arrange an introduction to you, Lucinda, you ignored him entirely. You would not give him your name or even greet him in the proper manner.” The anger in his voice began to grow steadily, as though hearing such a thing from this gentleman had been a source of great embarrassment. “How dare you behave in such a manner? I—”
“And now you shall listen to what I have to say,” Lady Crampton interrupted, speaking over the top of Lord Swinton. “That gentleman you speak of must be the one who simply walked directly toward us and interrupted a very pleasant conversation, Lord Swinton. It was the most ridiculous, uncouth, and downright rude example of a gentleman I have ever seen.” She gestured toward Lucinda. “It was not your daughter that refused to speak to that gentleman, Swinton. Rather, it was I who told him that if he sought an acquaintance with Miss Williams, then he ought to go about it the right way—the proper way. And thus, he departed and did not return.”
Lord Swinton threw up his hands, narrowly missing the teacup in front of him that sat on the table. “That is nonsense. He would never do such a thing.”
“He did, Father,” Lucinda said in a weak voice. “He stated plainly that we were to dance and, even though we were not properly introduced, seemed to expect that I would agree without question.”
“That sounds rather improper,” Lord Crampton muttered, looking at Lord Swinton with his brows low over his eyes. “You cannot have cause to rail at your daughter now, Swinton. Clearly none of this was her doing.”
Lucinda held her breath, her fingers grasping her teacup so tightly that she feared it might crack. Her father’s brow was still low over his eyes, his jaw working furiously as he held Lucinda’s gaze. It took all of her courage simply to look back into his face, but something within her told her that if she looked away, he would consider her guilty.
I have done nothing wrong, she told herself firmly. You need not accept his anger since it is not placed upon your shoulders.
“I wanted you to meet Viscount Astley for a specific reason,” Lord Swinton growled, jabbing one finger in the air toward Lucinda. “You did not do so.”
“I will not take the blame for this, Father,” she stated, despite the tremble in her voice. “It is exactly as Lady Crampton has described it. He did not go about things correctly but rather attempted to simply interject into a conversation I was enjoying.” She took in a slow breath but, seeing the encouraging smile from her aunt, continued to speak. “Lord Astley, if that is his name, was most unpleasant in his manner and I believe Lady Crampton had every right to tell him that he ought to return with someone able to make the correct introductions, given that I did not know him at all.”
“And of course, I did not either,” Lady Crampton added. “The truth is, Swinton, if you were so very eager for Lucinda to be introduced to Lord Astley, then you ought to have done so yourself.”
This did not sit well with Lord Swinton, for he appeared to balloon in his chair, his face now going a shade of purple that Lucinda had very rarely seen. She braced herself for the barrage that was certain to come, only for Lord Crampton himself to speak.
“Then it is settled,” Lord Crampton said firmly, before Lord Swinton could say even a single word. “There is no fault here, Swinton. Not with your daughter and certainly not with my wife.”
Lord Swinton deflated slowly, much to Lucinda’s relief.
“Might I ask why you were so eager to have Lucinda introduced to Lord Astley?” Lady Crampton asked quietly. “I have never met the gentleman.”
Saying nothing for a few short moments, Lord Swinton picked up his teacup and took a sip before sett
ing it down again. “Lord Astley is an excellent gentleman,” he said, glancing at Lady Crampton before returning his gaze to Lucinda. “I think he would suit Lucinda very well indeed.”
Lady Crampton looked at Lucinda, who felt as though her stomach had dropped to the floor only to then slam back up into her body. She felt sick and weak, her breathing rapid and a trickle of sweat running down her spine. That odious gentleman, the one who had been so rude and disrespectful, was someone her father thought would be a suitable match? The one who had appeared with such a dark expression, such an abhorrent manner, and who, thereafter, had gone to lie directly to Lord Swinton about what had occurred? She could hardly believe it.
“Is that so?” Lady Crampton asked slowly. “I should also inform you, brother, that your daughter has attracted the attention of one Viscount Wiltshire also. He has sent her these flowers you see behind her and expects to call later this afternoon.” She smiled brightly as though this was something Lord Swinton ought to be thoroughly delighted about. “It appears that Lucinda will have a decision to make, if you are truly eager for her to acquaint herself with Lord Astley.”
Lord Swinton shook his head. “I know nothing of this Lord Wiltshire,” he said darkly. “But I do know Lord Astley. You will consider him, Lucinda.”
Lucinda swallowed hard, her hopes beginning to fade away like the sea running from the sand. She was drawn to Lord Wiltshire and, for whatever reason, wanted nothing more than to be in his company. The thought of having to turn away from him now, when their acquaintance was only just beginning, was deeply distressing.
“That is hardly fair, Swinton,” Lady Crampton replied, her voice quite calm but, given the way that her hand clenched on the arm of the chair, she was clearly quite upset. “Lord Wiltshire might be all the better for your daughter, particularly in terms of his character. Why are you so fixed on this particular gentleman?”
Hot tears began to fill Lucinda’s eyes as her father rubbed one hand over his chin, looking from Lady Crampton to Lucinda and back again. Her father had never once stated that she was to have such an arrangement and yet to simply throw this at her now, with every expectation that she would agree, seemed deeply unfair. But she knew very well that her father did not care for her in any real way and that, for whatever reason, he would want her to obey his decision without question.