The Cinderella Debutante (5 page)

“There is something about him I cannot like. Can we discover a little more before you encourage him?”

Lady Sinclair frowned. “Certainly not! Why, the Sneyds are one of the oldest families in England; they can trace their ancestry back to the Conquest.”

“That does not guarantee respectability. Quite the opposite.”

“Don’t be stupid! Your sister is fortunate to have caught the attention of such a man.”

“Are you jealous of Lord Sneyd’s preference for my company?” asked Belinda with an arch look.

Lucy was saved from replying by Stanton announcing Lord Devlyn and Lord Ashe.

“Oh my word!” Lady Sinclair exclaimed, thrown into a fluster. “Belinda’s success is assured following this visit. Don’t stand there dawdling - show them up at once, Stanton! Belinda, do sit on the chaise where the light is beneficial.”

When Lord Devlyn entered, Lucy was instantly covered with a full-bodied flush. She fought to subdue her rapid heartbeat and the glow of pleasure she felt at seeing him again.
Stop this at once
, she told herself fiercely. Even so, her gaze feasted on him. He looked impossibly handsome to her eyes. An austere, strong featured man in his prime, tall, big-framed and yet a touch too lean. A force of nature who looked uncomfortable and restless constrained by an elegant London drawing room. His dress was almost careless compared with many. His shirt points were moderate, his neck cloth perfectly laundered but simply tied.

His companion was a blond-haired young man who stood rooted to the spot and gazing in stunned admiration at Belinda.

“Lord Devlyn!” cried Lady Sinclair. “How kind of you to call.”

He bowed. “I must compliment you on your choice - a fine property in an excellent location.”

His gaze met and held Lucy’s, and she stifled the urge to giggle at the sudden laughter in his eyes.

“May I introduce Lord Ashe,” he continued. “He has been impatient to meet you and your daughters.”

Toby, still recovering from the impact of the younger Miss Sinclair’s beauty, opened and closed his mouth like a fish at this untruth. “Very happy to make your acquaintance. And both your daughters of course.” Turning to Lucy, he enquired, “I trust you have recovered from your accident? Dev told me of it.”

“Thank you, but I did not suffer any ill-effects. It was fortunate Lord Devlyn arrived in time to help.”

“Lucy has always been more robust than her sister. Belinda is extraordinarily delicate, as you see,” said Lady Sinclair.

“Oh yes, Lucy has more fortitude than I have. On our journey to London, we stayed overnight at a horrid inn and she offered to sleep in the most uncomfortable bed imaginable. I do believe the sheets were damp.” Belinda gave a grimace but still managed to look adorably vulnerable.

Lucy’s brows rose at this version of events, but, conscious of Lord Devlyn’s steady gaze still upon her, she said nothing. The truth was that after rejecting a perfectly good room, Belinda had refused to sleep in anything but the best bedchamber and demanded Lucy stay with her. Desperate to get some sleep, Lucy had made do with a truckle bed.

“It would be dangerous for a lady of delicate constitution to suffer such hardship,” said Toby, much struck with Belinda’s ethereal appearance.

He was rewarded with a smile and they began discussing the delights to be enjoyed during a London Season, Belinda at her most charming when talking to a handsome and titled man.

Lady Sinclair observed this with satisfaction before saying, “Lady Fanthom visited us yesterday. She has obtained vouchers for Almack’s at considerable inconvenience to herself and we are most grateful.”

“My sister is on good terms with several of the patronesses - she looks forward to meeting you there,” said Devlyn smoothly.

She smiled graciously. “I hope Lady Fanthom and I can enjoy a
tete-a-tete
in the near future. How unfortunate she was unable to stay for too long when she called. I am persuaded we should go on well together.”

Devlyn made no comment, but again his gaze met Lucy’s and she thought she saw him smile at the idea of such an unlikely friendship.

“Have you found time to visit any attractions, Miss Sinclair?” he asked.

Lucy nodded. “I have already visited Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s and the Egyptian Hall, and although I could not convince Belinda to accompany me to any of those, we both enjoyed Astley’s Amphitheatre—”

Her stepmother sniggered. “Belinda detests the fusty old places you enjoy, Lucy, and Lord Devlyn can have no interest either. They must be commonplace to a gentleman who lives here most of the year.”

“Not at all, I appreciate Miss Sinclair’s tastes.”

Lucy threw him a grateful look. “You are right that Belinda’s interests do not match mine, Mama, but then they cannot be expected to. I take equal pleasure in less cultural pursuits when I have the chance. The weather was fine so Belinda and I strolled in Hyde Park yesterday. We could have been in the country if it were not for the bustle and noise which were greater than I remember. The array of carriages and people is a sight to behold, although I prefer to go there early in the morning when it is less crowded.”

“It is improper for a young unmarried lady to be there so early!” said Lady Sinclair, shocked that Lucy should divulge this information in front of their visitor. “I trust a servant always accompanies you?”

“No,” replied Lucy in a cool voice. “And I should dearly love to ride rather than walk. I have seen a number of gentlemen and a few ladies riding through the park at that hour and I would do the same if I had my mare here.” She looked at Lord Devlyn, daring his disapproval also, but he surprised her.

“It is fashionable to exercise one’s horses early in the day when there are fewer obstacles to avoid. I would be happy to put a horse from my stables at your disposal if you wish.”

“That is generous but I cannot accept – it would be too much of an imposition—”

“Now don’t be foolish and refuse Lord Devlyn’s offer,” urged Lady Sinclair.

“I should consider it helpful rather than an imposition.”

Lucy saw from his expression that his offer was genuine. She could resist the temptation no longer.

“In that case, thank you,” she said quietly.

He smiled. “Pray do not thank me – my horses are in need of the exercise. Would you also allow me to drive you around the park one afternoon?”

Lady Sinclair’s face lit up. “A singular honour!” she gasped. “Belinda would appreciate such a treat.”

“Naturally I would be delighted to take Belinda as well,” he murmured.

Overhearing this, Belinda gave Lucy a triumphant glance.

“Belinda, you are very fortunate,” exclaimed Lady Sinclair. “Lord Devlyn
and
Lord Sneyd anxious to take you up in their carriages!”

Under Lucy’s interested gaze, Devlyn’s lazy smile vanished at the mention of Lord Sneyd. His fingers, which had been smoothing his driving gloves, stilled suddenly. A flicker of annoyance crossed his face.

Her stepmother noticed nothing amiss and chattered on, but Lucy was intrigued. Why had Lord Devlyn’s demeanour altered at the mention of Lord Sneyd? Did he dislike him or was he annoyed he had a rival for Belinda’s affections?

Soon after, Devlyn declined an offer of refreshments and made to leave. He paused before he went out, his gaze resting on Lucy for a long moment before promising to find a suitable horse for her to ride.

***

Once back in his curricle, Devlyn cracked the reins and he and Toby set off down Mount Street.

“Miss Sinclair is an incredibly lovely girl - quite took my breath away,” said Toby, adding hastily, “Not that I’m in the marriage market yet.”

“Yes,” mused Alex. “Beautiful and intelligent: a rare combination.”

“I don’t know about that. All she talked about was how many invitations she had received, and if I knew any ladies who patronized Madame Helene, a hat-maker in Bond Street. As if I would know! I’m afraid there’s not much sense in her pretty pigeon loft,”

“I was referring to the elder sister,” Alex countered with a smile.

Toby considered the matter. “Now I come to think of it, you’re right. Very elegant too. The younger girl is so exquisite that I didn’t notice her sister at first. Lady Gainsford was truthful on that score after all - Lucy Sinclair is charming. You didn’t mention any details after you visited, only to tell me of the accident and that the mother was a conniving sort of female.”

“Would you disagree, having met her?”

“Good grief, no! Lady Sinclair doesn’t have much understanding either. Don’t know how I kept my face straight when she said she had a lot in common with Lady Fanthom. Most unlikely thing I ever heard!”

Alex laughed. “Not a natural meeting of minds, I agree. Lavinia was furious at being obliged to sponsor a woman she described as ‘lacking any taste or reserve’. Only by agreeing to help with the costs of my niece’s come-out next year did I persuade her to carry out my request.”

“Well, despite her mother, with
that
face and a fortune, the younger sister will have a host of admirers in tow. Sneyd has already paid a visit, probably with a view to getting her money,” said Toby, disgust in his voice.

Frowning, his companion nodded. “His tastes do not usually run to innocents just out of the schoolroom, but even if you have judged his motive correctly, it would not do for us to meddle. We must hope Lady Sinclair is shrewder than she appears.”

Inwardly, Alex cursed that Lord Sneyd had visited the Sinclairs. The thought of Sneyd in Lucy’s vicinity made him uncomfortable, even if his interest lay with Belinda. Somehow he had to warn Lucy about Sneyd, perhaps through Lady Gainsford.

As he anticipated, his sister had objected violently to obtaining vouchers but almost from the moment of encountering Lucy Sinclair, Alex had wanted to offer her any assistance in his power. That included demanding Lavinia’s help to secure their position in the
ton
.

He had been wrong to assume he would soon forget Lucy Sinclair. Since meeting her, she had been constantly in his thoughts.

***

“You will be married before the Season is out,” announced Lady Sinclair when their visitors had gone. “To have many gentlemen showering you with compliments and jostling for your attention is gratifying, but I expected nothing less. Although his manner is a reserved and he does not have Lord Sneyd’s fashionable air, Lord Devlyn cuts a handsome figure.”

“Perhaps, but I can’t help staring at that awful scar,” said Belinda, pursing her lips in distaste. “It makes him look evil and dangerous
.
His other features and figure must be counted as agreeable though I suppose.”

Lucy gaped at her. “But that is nonsense!” she protested. “Lord Devlyn’s brother died in the same battle when he received his injuries and he was fortunate to leave the Peninsula alive. His bravery was mentioned in dispatches. How can you make childish comments about his appearance? It should be of no consequence if you recognize his worth as a man.”

Belinda had the grace to look discomforted, but she replied, “I cannot help how I feel, although the benefits of becoming a Viscountess should outweigh other considerations.”

Lucy looked to her mother for support, but Lady Sinclair simply remarked that Lucy must not tease her sister on the matter as it would not signify. When Lord Devlyn made an offer of marriage, as he surely must, Belinda would have grown used to his appearance.

Never had Lucy had felt so angry. She needed to get away, out of their company, and announced she was going to visit Lady Gainsford. Lady Sinclair, not noticing Lucy’s anger, declared the connection worth encouraging and offered Lucy the use of the carriage.

“Thank you,” said Lucy in a clipped voice. “It is only a short distance to Eaton Square, but I wish to visit Hookham’s library afterwards.”

Lucy left the house with her stepmother’s suggestion that Lady Gainsford call as soon as possible ringing in her ears. As the carriage moved through the streets, Lucy’s fury began to cool. She would never understand them. She hated their silly natures and found their shallowness suffocating.

But Belinda would be marrying soon and Lucy needed to plan ahead. She did not want to live with her stepmother afterwards - the prospect was utterly depressing. She had a modest inheritance from her mother, enough to cover renting a property and employ a chaperone. Her decision would be thought unconventional but not outrageous; at three-and-twenty, she was considered on the shelf and no green girl. She would enjoy managing her own affairs.

Arriving at Lady Gainsford’s townhouse, she was shown into the drawing room. It was furnished with gold silk damask with no allowance for economy. Lady Gainsford sat in the middle of this golden splendour wearing a gown of sage green crepe and with a set of magnificent pearls adorning her bosom. She greeted Lucy enthusiastically.

“My
dear
girl!” She rose and clasped Lucy’s hands between her own. “How wonderful to have you back in London! And just as beautiful as ever, don’t you agree, Amelia?”

Only now becoming aware there was someone else in the room, Lucy gave a cry of delight and rushed over to the grey-haired lady on the chaise.

“Grandmama! I am so glad to see you!” She bent to kiss a delicately perfumed cheek, shocked at how frail her grandmother had become.

“You have not changed at all in five years except to become more charming” observed Lady Derricott, returning her embrace and smiling.

“I was intending to visit you soon. My stepmother raises many objections but I pay no heed to her.”

“Nor should you,” declared Lady Gainsford in her brusque way. “A sensible person disregards anything Lady Sinclair says. It would be dangerous to do otherwise. Amelia thought it would be a less awkward if she were here today too. This way we can have a comfortable talk and no one will be the wiser.”

“I hope we judged for the best?” queried Lady Derricott anxiously.

“But of course!” Lucy gave a wry smile. “I keep my stepmother and Belinda in ignorance about many things.”