The Cinderella Debutante (10 page)

And there was another problem.

After his conversation with Toby, he had returned to the Barchester’s library alone, convinced that someone had been there. As he picked up a forget-me-not posy from the carpet, his heart had twisted in his chest. He knew it was Lucy’s. Had she overheard him tell Toby how he felt, or had she been in the library earlier? He wasn’t sure whether he longed for the former or the latter.

It was a salutary lesson for him to feel jealous. That she was unaware of this made her even more endearing. In the past several women had tried to arouse his jealousy but it had never worked.

How would Lucy react when he found the right moment to finally propose? He felt as nervous as a bloody schoolboy to declare his feelings and just as awkward. She placed no store by wealth or social status. The attributes that attracted others would not weigh with Lucy. While he wanted to avoid her being scrutinized by the gossips, he found himself drawn to her, for the pleasure of her company but also to discover what, if anything, she felt for him. He had sought her out as often as he possibly could without causing undue gossip.

Three days after the Barchester’s ball, he rode his black gelding into Hyde Park through the Stanhope Gate. He smiled when he spotted her. She was dressed in a riding habit and a shako-style bonnet and was riding his mare, one of his grooms trotting a discreet distance behind. It has been easy to discover what time his groom took the horse around to Mount Street and this was one of several mornings he had ‘accidentally’ met her. He pushed his horse to a canter.

“Good morning,” he acknowledged, drawing alongside. “I am happy to see you exercising Thetis again.”

“Lord Devlyn.” Her cheeks were becomingly flushed as she stroked the mare’s sleek neck. “I need no encouragement to ride this beautiful creature - her manners are excellent.”

“So I would hope, although she has spirit too. But you will have discovered that yourself.”

“She is well named,” said Lucy. “In mythology, I seem to recall Thetis was the sea-nymph who changed herself into fire, water, and various creatures until captured and tamed by Peleus.”

“Your knowledge is superior to mine; I can only remember that she was the mother of Achilles.”

A delicious dimple appeared at the corner of her mouth. “My father taught me, but perhaps I should change the direction of this conversation before you think me a bore. Belinda says gentlemen find a well-read woman tedious. In view of her popularity, perhaps she’s right.”

“Your sister’s beauty and fortune will obtain the rewards she values. She will not need to be well-read to appeal to the majority of London society.”

She tilted her head and gave him a curious, speculative look. “I-I did not think to meet you so early.”

“Oh, I am not a stay-a-bed. My preference for early starts stems from my time on the Peninsula; rising after noon is not generally well thought of in the military, even among the officers,” he replied, grinning broadly.

“I wasn’t conferring that sin on you,” said Lucy.

“But there are many who believe the Corinthian set, of which I believe I am accused of belonging, to be entirely given over to sporting pursuits. We are not all frivolous, although perhaps I may have been in my younger days—”

“Of course, now you are a veritable greybeard!”

“I hope you do not really see me like that,” he declared ruefully, “There’s no need to visit Bath to take the waters just yet.”

“I’m sure you don’t,” said Lucy, adding with a mischievous grin, “but Mr Pottingham informs me that they are beneficial, even if one normally enjoys good health. They are apparently able to improve the mind as well as cure ailments.”

“Indeed? Then he must have visited Bath frequently!”

Lucy laughed. “He has traveled a great deal. It must be wonderful to visit new places. I should have enjoyed the Grand Tour - perhaps I should have been born a man,” she said, her expression wistful.

“I’m afraid I can’t agree with that, and neither could the majority of men.”

She coloured at this praise. “I often enjoyed conversations with my father on subjects considered unsuitable for a lady.”

“Your father was a scholar, an expert in ancient civilizations, I understand?” said Alex.

“Why, yes. After my mother’s death, he became increasingly insular, living among his books but he did have a worldly wisdom strangely at odds with that philosophy.”

“From what I have heard, I should have enjoyed meeting Sir Nicholas. You must have been a delightful companion to him.”

“Your compliments this morning will turn my head,” observed Lucy with a smile. “How fortunate I don’t take them seriously. But do, pray, continue - I am enjoying your flattery.”

“It would be impossible to flatter you too much. No doubt Mr Pottingham would agree with me,” he replied.

*

Lucy felt the same astonishment as when he had offered to procure Almack’s vouchers. His praise seemed genuine, yet she could not attach any importance to it given his intentions toward Belinda. Perhaps he was making himself agreeable to his future bride’s family, but he seemed to care little for anyone else’s opinion.

He was a man of contradictions. He turned a cynical face towards the world, yet Toby had spoken of his kindness to the men in his regiment. Lady Barchester had said Devlyn did not suffer fools gladly and could be witheringly blunt, and yet Lucy had never found him so. And his views on marriage were widely known but her sister had made a conquest of him without much effort. He must truly have fallen in love with Belinda from the first.

“If you have a desire to see more of the country, you would enjoy a trip to Richmond Park,” he was saying. “Toby is keen to organize an expedition and wondered if you and your family would care to join the party. Lady Barchester and her daughters have already agreed - perhaps Lady Sinclair and Belinda would travel in my landau too?”

“That would be delightful!” Lucy coloured and tried to row back her too obvious enthusiasm. “T-That is to say, I am sure Belinda would love to visit Richmond.”

“I venture you would prefer to ride there?”

She nodded, grateful for his suggestion. “I am desperate to enjoy a gallop; I am always constrained by convention in London.”

“Then it is settled. Perhaps the day after tomorrow would be convenient, if the weather holds fine? ”

“I’m sure it will. We have no other engagements.”

They had arrived back at the gate so he left after promising to confirm details of the excursion.

Gathering up her reins, Lucy wheeled Thetis around and headed back. She suspected Belinda would prefer to ride to Richmond alongside Lord Devlyn, but her riding skills were passable at best and she was therefore unlikely to argue about the arrangements.

When she reached Mount Street, Lucy did not encounter either Belinda or her mother, but Lord Sneyd, who was in the hallway collecting his hat and cane. His expression was thunderous but it was swiftly hidden when he saw her.

“Good morning. I have just now left Lady Sinclair and your sister. I observe you have been riding?”

Lucy stripped off her gloves. “Lord Devlyn has kindly provided a mare for me to use during our stay.”

Something flared in his eyes and Lucy felt her flesh prickle in response; she sensed some of his fury was directed towards her.

“Lord Devlyn can afford to be generous; he is as wealthy as Croesus and can indulge his wishes. I must wait a little longer to gratify mine.”

With this cryptic comment, he stalked out. Puzzled, Lucy climbed the stairs and met her mother in a state of high excitement.

“Lucy! Where have you been? We have been waiting for you!”

“Riding. What has happened? Why is Lord Sneyd angry?”

“Angry? You must be mistaken. He is just disappointed at not receiving his answer today. Such a triumph! I can hardly think straight. Belinda said everything that was proper, and of course it is only the first of many—”

“Mama,” interjected Lucy, growing exasperated, “You have not yet told me what he wanted.”

They had by now entered the saloon where Belinda sat embroidering languidly but wearing a satisfied smile.

“I was about to explain if you will listen,” said her mother in a peevish tone. “Belinda has received an offer of marriage from Lord Sneyd! He asked my permission to address her, which naturally I agreed to. He has just left.”

“And how did you reply, Belinda?”

Her step-sister glanced up. “Just as Mama and I discussed. I have neither rejected nor accepted him – I intend to make him wait until Devlyn makes me an offer.”

Lucy drew in a breath. “Don’t trifle with Lord Sneyd! Judging by his expression, he will not be willing to wait long.”

Belinda rolled her eyes heavenward. “You are so stupid, Lucy. I know how to hold a man’s interest. If he is jealous of Devlyn and others, so much the better.”

“There can be no harm in delaying,” said Lady Sinclair. “Lord Devlyn will propose soon and if your sister has several offers to choose from, it is no more than she deserves. Now Belinda, let us decide whether you are to wear your pearls or your diamonds this evening….”

Lucy returned to her room. Her news about the trip to Richmond would wait until later. Belinda was intoxicated by her success, believing herself irresistible. She was determined to queen it over her suitors who she was sure were unable to stay away from her.

But Lucy was worried by the course Belinda and her stepmother were pursuing. Lord Sneyd would not wait patiently while Belinda encouraged his bitter rival.

Secret Plans

That evening they attended their first assembly at Almack’s. Lady Sinclair had welcomed news of the Richmond outing, as had Belinda who viewed it as a chance to flirt with Lord Devlyn. She was in high spirits as they arrived at the Assembly Rooms in King Street well before 11 o’clock, after which time the doors were closed.

Lucy recalled Lord Devlyn’s views on Almack’s and found she agreed with them. The Great Room – over one hundred feet long and decorated with gilt columns and enormous mirrors - was opulent but its other attractions were few. Only country-dances and quadrilles were allowed and the refreshments consisted of weak tea, stale cake and bread and butter.

Yet it remained the most exclusive club in London. For Lady Sinclair, attending Almack’s was a long-held ambition. The ballroom and supper room were crowded and Lucy was intrigued to see so many of the
ton
under one roof, but she kept her observations on their attire, manners and partners to herself. They were under scrutiny here more than anywhere. But Belinda seemed determined to be outspoken and grew worse as the evening went on.

“I never saw anything as ugly as Charlotte Covington’s gown, although I daresay it would look a great deal more pleasing on me. She has the wrong figure for it,” said Belinda loudly, observing that young lady across the ballroom.

“Pray lower your voice!” urged Lucy.

“But it is tiresome to be always considering one’s behaviour. Even Mama lectured me on how to go on this evening, but soon I shall behave just as I please. No one will dare criticise me when I am a married to a leader of the
ton
.” She gave a trill of laughter. “La, they will probably say I am setting a new fashion for any odd thing I do! How I shall enjoy being above people like Charlotte Covington - she has been odiously condescending toward me all evening!”

Lucy bit back a barbed retort; it would be unwise to fan Belinda’s temper into flames in these surroundings. Her mood was already fractious. She had been engaged for every dance yet some of her beaux did not appear as enamoured as before. Arthur Baillie and Sir Jocelyn Gardner remained among the group following Belinda slavishly, but their numbers had dwindled.

Mr. Brindley-Soames had drifted away and was now expected to offer for Lady Charlotte Covington, a rumour which explained Belinda’s malicious comments.

Lucy was simply pleased not to be a wallflower. She was not rich or beautiful, but gentlemen had hurried to dance with her and several were left disappointed when her card was full. She was astonished to overhear Lady Jersey remark that the Hampshire Heiress would be well-served if she were to be ousted from society’s favour by her step-sister. It seemed Lucy had unwittingly gained the approval of the main patroness.

Lady Fanthom, the person who had made it possible for them to attend Almack’s, was also present this evening with her husband. He seemed good-natured and jovial, but intimidated by his formidable spouse.

Lucy had the opportunity to observe more closely just how proud and disagreeable Lord Devlyn’s sister was. She was on good terms with Countess Lieven, another woman with an overwhelming sense of her own importance. The two sat together, whispering as they surveyed the scene. Lady Fanthom acknowledged the Sinclairs with a curt nod but nothing more. This provided the only sour note of Lady Sinclair’s evening, as she indignantly explained to Lucy later.

“For you know, I meant to have a comfortable talk with Lady Fanthom and no sooner had I sat down than she must remember a pressing matter elsewhere. I was never so annoyed in my life. And she is Lord Devlyn’s sister! He is reserved, but Lady Fanthom is as rude a woman as ever lived. If she were not such a notable figure, I would return her snub!”

“I wonder how she was prevailed upon to provide vouchers if she does not like us?” pondered Lucy.

“She cares only for dukes and royalty! Lord Devlyn must have asked her - he is so taken with Belinda that he would go to any lengths to be of service. I am surprised he is not here this evening - Belinda is disappointed - but the gaming tables are tame and gentlemen often prefer higher stakes.”

In spite of his absence and Lady Fanthom’s snub, Lady Sinclair and Belinda still declared the evening a success. Lucy was relieved that Lord Sneyd had also failed to appear; his animosity made her extremely uncomfortable.

***

At Brook’s club, Sneyd was discussing this matter with Sir Oswald, his frayed temper intensified by the wine he had consumed.