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‘He wanted me to walk further down the bank with him and the way he looked at me—I was ready to die,’ she whispered to Amanda. ‘Truly, I was afraid he meant to—to seduce me, but then Major Brock came and the marquis went off alone.’
Since Amanda had expected something of the sort, she was not surprised. She had instinctively disliked the marquis from the start and guessed that he had turned his attention to her shy friend because he was angry that Miss Langton had not come to the picnic he had arranged especially for her.
It was perhaps as well that she had not, for if he was not to be trusted Cynthia must be warned.
Chapter Three (#ulink_3542a2ab-6a67-5043-9386-f37731ed1278)
Much to Amanda’s surprise when she next went into society, she discovered that most of the ladies and gentlemen who had flocked to join her and Cynthia continued to pay her attention. She had taken Jane Field under her wing and the girl accompanied her to most of the balls, routs, card evenings, soirées and other diversions society was pleased to hold for the delight of its friends.
Only Shearne and one or two other gentlemen, who were particular admirers of Miss Langton’s, had deserted to the side of another rather pretty young girl freshly come to town. Moreover, Amanda found that another gentleman of some importance had joined her court. Lord Armstrong was often to be seen at the ton parties, sometimes accompanied by his mama, at others alone. He invariably spent time sitting or standing next to Amanda and danced with her at least once on every occasion, taking her into supper at one very splendid affair.
‘Mama is so looking forward to your company,’ he told her one evening when the countess had not appeared. ‘She has been dining with friends most evenings and was too tired to come tonight—as she says, balls make her long to dance and it is a little sad only to watch when one was accounted good at something.’
‘Yes, sad indeed,’ Amanda agreed warmly. ‘I think her very brave to attempt this visit to London, for it must be so much easier to stay at home and have everyone come to you.’
‘Yes, though a little boring. Mama was a lively person until her accident.’
‘I imagine so. It is unfortunate for her.’
‘She does not speak of it, but is often in pain. One of her main reasons for coming was to see a doctor she had heard of who may be able to help relieve at least some of her discomfort.’
‘Then I hope she has good news from him.’
‘You are truly a kind girl,’ Lord Armstrong said. ‘As an heiress in your own right, and widely admired, you might have become spoiled or selfish, but you retain a pleasant manner and seem to show true interest in your friends. I have noticed your kindness to Miss Field.’
‘Jane is a little shy,’ Amanda replied. ‘I do not think I betray a secret if I tell you that she was not at first invited everywhere—but that is no longer the case. Now she has several admirers and friends of her own.’
‘Due to your generosity in taking her everywhere with you, I dare say.’
‘Oh...’ Amanda blushed. ‘Until recently, it was I who was taken everywhere in Miss Langton’s train. However, she has been unwell and her mama takes her home the day after tomorrow.’
‘Miss Langton is your particular friend?’
‘We are good friends,’ Amanda agreed. ‘I shall visit her tomorrow to take my leave of her—and I believe she may wish me to visit her at her home in a few weeks.’
‘After your visit with my mother, I dare say?’
‘Perhaps, though I must go home first. Papa will not wish me to be lost to all sense of duty. At home there are people—cousins and friends—who will wish to hear all about my trip to town. To keep them waiting too long would be unfair. I visit some of our dependants most weeks to take them comfits and keep them company for an hour or so; Papa would think me lost to anything but pleasure if I neglected them too long.’
‘As I said before, you are a generous girl—but these people will have to learn to do without you when you marry, you know.’
‘Yes, of course. Mama or my cousins will take over my duties then—but if and when I marry, I shall pay proper farewell visits and so satisfy their wish to say goodbye.’
Lord Armstrong inclined his head and said no more on the subject, but he had a small smile on his lips and, when Amanda was asked to dance next, she saw him seek out Jane Field. The thought crossed her mind that if he were looking for a companion for his mama, he could not do better than Jane—but she was not certain how the girl would feel, for he was a very strong-willed man.
* * *
Amanda danced almost every dance that evening and it was not until supper that she had a chance to talk to Jane.
‘Are you enjoying yourself? I saw you dancing with Lord Armstrong, Mr Pearson and Major Brockley. I do not think you have often sat out this evening.’
‘Oh, no, everyone has been so kind, especially Lord Armstrong,’ Jane said. ‘He admires you so much, Amanda, and talked to me of you in such tones that I think he is falling in love with you.’
‘Oh, no,’ Amanda denied, her cheeks heating. ‘I am sure it is not so, Jane. He speaks of me because he knows we are friends. You would make him a much better wife than I should.’
‘No...’ Jane’s cheeks went hot. ‘I am sure he would not look at me. I am such a little mouse...and you are so clever and bright, and pretty too,’ she added loyally.
Amanda pealed with laughter. ‘Jane, you must not tell fibs! I may have a quick mind, but I am not pretty. You cannot truly think it?’
‘Oh, I know that beside Miss Langton you may appear merely attractive,’ Jane replied earnestly. ‘She is a diamond of the first water, of course, and few ladies can compare to her. When she is not here you are as pretty as most other girls.’
‘If I were not quite as plump, or a little taller, I suppose I might be thought quite attractive,’ Amanda said with devastating frankness. ‘I am trying not to eat quite as much.’
‘You are a little plump, but it is the style of your gowns that make it noticeable,’ Jane said, looking at her thoughtfully. ‘But not so fat that you look ugly or unpleasant. Besides, a lot of men prefer plump girls and find thin ones intimidating. My uncle thinks you...’ Jane blushed again. ‘Forgive me, Amanda, but he said you were a delightful armful. If he were ten years younger, I think he would offer for you...’ She looked at Amanda awkwardly, but her doubts fled as Amanda burst into laughter.
‘I am most grateful to him,’ Amanda said, amusement dancing in her eyes. ‘One of the nicest compliments paid me, I think, because it was honest.’
‘May one share the jest?’ Phipps asked, coming up to them with his friend Brock. ‘You have danced with me but once this evening, Miss Hamilton. I fear I must have offended you?’
‘No, indeed, you have not,’ Amanda said. ‘If you wish, I have the waltz after supper free?’
‘I thank you. We should go now, for I think the musicians are about to start.’
Amanda had been so busy laughing and talking that she had left most of her supper untouched, but she did not regret it for she loved to dance, and since Major Brockley had once again solicited Jane’s hand, she had no qualms about leaving her.
‘I am getting up a little party at my country house for August,’ Major Brockley said as the two couples returned to the ballroom. ‘I should be happy if both you and your mama—and Miss Field—would make up part of the company, Miss Hamilton.’
‘I should like to come,’ Amanda replied. ‘I am not certain whether I shall be at home before that—or the guest of Miss Langton.’
‘Oh, Miss Langton will naturally be included,’ Brock said. ‘I shall send the invitations to your home. I dare say either your papa or your mama will let you know the precise details, if you are not at home.’
‘Thank you, I look forward to it,’ Amanda replied.
The two couples parted to take their places on the floor and the music struck up. Of all things, Amanda loved to waltz, and to do so with the man who made her heart beat faster and her feet as light as a feather was such a delight that the music was over too soon. However, Brock then solicited her hand for a country dance and Phipps partnered Miss Field.
* * *
After the set was finished, Lady Hamilton came in search of them and said it was time they left. Told of the scheme for a house party at Lord Brockley’s country seat, she appeared flattered and agreed instantly that she would be delighted to bring her daughter and to chaperon Miss Field.
‘We shall arrange for Jane to stay with us for two days before we come to your father’s estate, sir—and that way I may chaperon them both.’
Jane was flushed with pleasure and, on the way home, thanked Lady Hamilton so many times that that lady laughed and told her she had been thanked enough.
‘It is no trouble, my dear. You are a delightful girl and I am glad to see Amanda making friends that she may keep throughout her life.’
Jane afterwards contented herself with making plans for the visit. Her parents were not rich and, had she not had a generous aunt, the visit to town would not have happened. She confessed that she intended to make herself some new gowns for the promised treat, for the prices charged by London seamstresses were much too high for her pocket.
Amanda, having a generous dress allowance, felt as if she ought to offer some kind of help to her friend, but Mama intervened and spoke of Jane’s talent in dressmaking.
‘Did you make the gown you are wearing?’ she asked.
Jane smiled and inclined her head. ‘I have been asked for the name of my dressmaker several times, Lady Hamilton, but I make them all myself. Mama’s maid helps me cut the patterns, but the needlework and designs are my own.’
‘Amanda needs two new gowns,’ Mama said. ‘If you were to help her choose them, I dare say the silk we buy could be ordered in a sufficient quantity for you to make yourself a gown to match. Think how pretty that would look—the two of you in the same silk, but different styles.’
‘I should love to help Amanda choose her new gowns,’ Jane said, ‘but I need no payment, ma’am.’
‘Oh, but I think that is a lovely idea,’ Amanda cried, thinking how clever Mama was. ‘You could help me make some adjustments to my gowns, Jane. I have discovered that at least three of my new dresses are too big around the waist. I think the seamstress made too much allowance...’
‘No, I think you have lost some weight,’ Jane corrected her. ‘I have an eye for these things and you were rounder at the beginning of the Season than you are now—at least that is my observation.’
‘Do you think so?’ Amanda was puzzled for she had not noticed anything. ‘I thought the seamstress believed I might grow into the extra size.’
‘No, Jane is right,’ Mama said. ‘I thought you might have lost a couple of inches about your waist, my love. I dare say it is all the dancing you’ve been doing...but will you help us, in return for the silk, Jane?’
‘Of course, if you wish it,’ Jane said. ‘I should like to redesign a few things for you, Amanda, if you trust my judgement.’
‘You must come with us when we remove to the countess’s house,’ Lady Hamilton announced. ‘I do not wish to see you girls parted and I know Susanna will be delighted to have you stay. You will prolong your visit to town, Jane, and then come home with us for a week or two. Unless your parents are desperate for you to return?’
‘No, ma’am, they will be only too pleased for me to stay with friends for a while.’
Having arranged the future to her satisfaction, Lady Hamilton allowed the girls to talk together, closing her eyes until Coachman stopped outside Jane’s aunt’s house, and they took leave of one another, after arranging for Jane to accompany Amanda to the dressmaker two days hence.
Continuing their journey, Amanda’s mother was silent for a moment, then, ‘Do you think Major Brockley has taken a fancy to Jane, my dearest? I noticed he danced with her at least twice this evening.’
‘Yes, Mama, he did,’ Amanda agreed. ‘However, he danced with several pretty girls twice—and with me also.’
‘You are a pretty girl,’ Mama said. ‘You put yourself down too much. I have noticed that you are even more popular of late, which proves that it was not just because you went everywhere with Miss Langton.’
Amanda shook her head, laughing a little in the darkness inside the carriage. Her mama was prejudiced, of course, and Jane was always so sweet to her. Amanda’s opinion of herself would always be that she had too many faults, for she did not notice the shine of her hair or see how her eyes lit up when she smiled. Obsessed by her wish to look more like Cynthia Langton, she could not think herself more than vaguely attractive. Yet she had not noticed that many gentlemen had defected and believed that her fortune had always been much sought after. Though several of the young men who had solicited her hand for a dance that evening could not be said to be in want of a fortune: of course, a dance was not an offer of marriage...
‘I must call on Miss Langton in the morning,’ Amanda said as the carriage came to a halt. ‘I am so sorry that she is being forced to leave town. She will miss the last weeks of the Season.’
* * *
‘I wish Mama would not insist that we go home,’ Cynthia complained when Amanda visited her in her room the next morning. There were some red patches on her face, though they seemed to be fading, and it was unlikely she would be permanently scarred. ‘It will be ages before we can go anywhere again and I hate the country.’
‘Major Brockley is getting up a house party for August,’ Amanda said. ‘You, Jane and I have been invited—and I know Phipps is going. I dare say a lot of your admirers will be there.’
‘Mama has not yet had the invitation,’ Cynthia said, but she brightened up and sat forward, but then frowned. ‘I dare say he will not have invited the Marquis of Shearne, though. I believe they do not much like each other.’ A wistful look came to her face, as if she regretted that she would not meet the marquis at Major Brockley’s house party.
‘No, I believe there is an old quarrel,’ Amanda said. She hesitated, wondering whether to tell her friend about Shearne’s behaviour at the picnic. It seemed not quite nice to blacken the gentleman’s name, and the probability that the two would not meet again before Cynthia was safely engaged or wed made her think it unnecessary.
Cynthia sighed, but cheered up as Amanda told her that Jane was going to make a new gown and had promised to help her adjust hers. She was always interested in clothes and soon the conversation passed on to a promised visit to Bath in the autumn.
‘Mama says she shall take me to Bath at the end of September,’ Cynthia told her, sitting forward eagerly. ‘You will come with us, Amanda? I was going to invite you to stay before, but you already have so many engagements.’ She pouted. ‘You must not desert me because you have so many friends.’
‘Of course I shall not,’ Amanda said and smiled in sympathy. ‘You have more than I, I am sure. I imagine most of them have called to see how you go on and brought you small gifts?’
‘A few gentlemen, yes,’ Cynthia agreed, but sighed. ‘I’ve had flowers and a book of poems, but no ladies have called—apart from my cousins, of course. You are the only one to visit me and actually sit with me, Amanda.’
Amanda was shocked, though she did not let it show. ‘I suppose the young ladies are afraid of contracting your illness.’
‘One or two send notes, but they do not know I have had more than a wretched chill. Mama has told no one but you, Amanda. She said you were to be trusted, but she did not want the news spread all over town.’ Cynthia pleated the white linen sheet between her fingers. ‘I am so miserable. I thought the marquis liked me, but apart from one posy, I have heard nothing from him.’
Amanda hesitated. Should she tell her friend that he was a desperate flirt and not to be trusted? Yet she was already feeling low and Amanda had no wish to distress her.
‘I believe he may have gone out of town,’ she offered uncertainly. ‘I have not seen him for a few days.’
‘Oh—well, perhaps he has,’ Cynthia said with a dismissive shake of her head. ‘Lieutenant Phipps has sent me several lovely bouquets and a box of bonbons. He is very kind, I think.’
‘Yes, he is,’ Amanda said, her heart sinking a little. If Cynthia decided that she would have him, her own faint hopes would founder immediately. ‘He has enquired after you several times, I believe?’
‘At least twice this week and the same last week,’ Cynthia said, her brow creased in thought. ‘Sometimes I think I would do anything to be married and my own mistress. Mama is good to me, but she smothers me—and I have been driven to distraction these past few days. I do not know what I should have done without your visits.’
‘I was happy to visit. It is such a shame that you should have caught the chicken pox at such a time when you had been enjoying your visit to town so much.’
‘Mama says we shall go to Bath in September, as I told you—but it is not the same as London. If I do not find a husband soon, I must wait until next spring.’
‘Oh, I should not despair,’ Amanda said in a rallying tone. ‘I am certain once it is known that you are out and about again, you will have visitors.’
‘Do you think so?’ Once again Cynthia looked wistful. ‘I’m not sure people like me as much as they like you. Everyone always looks pleased when you walk into the room, while...some ladies dislike me, I think.’
‘I suppose some are jealous,’ Amanda admitted. ‘You are very beautiful, Cynthia, and so many gentlemen choose to form a part of your court. You cannot wonder if a few girls resent you—you have both wealth and beauty.’
‘As do you,’ Cynthia retorted. ‘You have lots of women friends, and gentlemen, too. They all genuinely like you. My aunt told me that you are now the most popular lady at all the best affairs.’
‘I’m sure that isn’t true,’ Amanda replied. ‘Most of the people I know became my acquaintances when I went everywhere with you. Had you not taken me up, I dare say I should hardly have been noticed.’
‘That is what Mama says,’ Cynthia said and blushed. ‘I told her she is wrong. Oh, at first, perhaps, people might not notice you, but when they know you—they like you and want to be your friend.’
‘How kind you are to me,’ Amanda said. ‘Everyone asks me how you are. I tell them you are a little pulled down by the chill, which was severe, and they all tell me to send their good wishes.’
‘Matrons and friends of Mama’s,’ Cynthia said. ‘Shearne did not ask you how I went on, did he?’
‘The marquis never notices me,’ Amanda said. ‘To be honest, I do not much like him, Cynthia. He is a rake and I think he flirts with lots of young ladies and means no good to any of them.’
Cynthia looked away and did not answer. After a moment, she began to talk of fashions, showing Amanda a magazine her aunt had brought her.
* * *
They spent the next hour or so poring over various fashion plates and Amanda told her that Jane Field was going to help her design her new gowns.
‘Jane has a real eye for style,’ Amanda said. ‘She thinks I would look better in a simple cut without the knots of ribbons Mama likes for me. I think I shall take her advice.’
‘You always look nice to me,’ Cynthia replied, a wistful expression in her eyes. ‘Do not become so fond of Jane’s company that you forget me.’
‘I should not do that, Cynthia. You are my friend and I have so much enjoyed my visit to town—and that is very much due to your kindness in taking me up.’
