A Season of Romance

by Wendy Soliman

  'I'll explain who they are once we're safely inside. I hope Papa is within as he must be prepared for the arrival of my would-be suitor.'

  Once she had handed over her bonnet, pelisse, gloves and reticule to her waiting maid she went in search of her parents. She hated to disappoint them but they would have to wait for their grandchildren to elevate the family as she had no intention of doing so.

  They listened to her explanation as to why she had changed her mind without comment. It was her father who spoke first.

  'I think you're as prejudiced as those you despise. How can you dismiss a person because of their birth without actually talking to them, knowing them? Of course, I agree there are members of the aristocracy I'd not wish to be acquainted with but equally there are members of our class who are equally despicable.'

  'My dear, we shall not push you to do something you don't like but why not experience the Season, mingle with the ton before you dismiss them all.'

  'Mama, I'll do as you ask but I'm certain I wouldn't be happy being the wife of a lord, having nothing better to do than speak to the housekeeper, look at fashion plates and hold supper parties.' No sooner had she spoken than she realised how foolish she was being. The life she described was the one her mother now had and was the kind of life that every young lady aspired to.

  'Exactly what do you expect to be doing if you marry someone from the bourgeoisie?'

  'It's wealth that makes the difference, not birth – I understand that now. There must be hundreds of genteel young ladies who are impoverished and forced to work for their living and I'm certain they would prefer to be ladies of leisure.'

  'Good girl, I see you understand. Why not marry someone with a title if he's a gentleman that you like? Equally, if you find no one you think you will be happy with over these next few weeks then we will widen our search.'

  'Thank you for being so understanding, Papa. I think what has caused me to vacillate over this subject is not the thought of marrying out of my class, but marrying without love. I thought I would be content with a business arrangement but now think I will wait until my affections are engaged.'

  'In which case, Bella, shall I send this Sawsbury fellow packing when he comes to me?'

  'I don't think he will apply to you just yet, he wishes me to meet his sister who is also on the marriage mart this Season. Have your cards been delivered around the square, Mama?'

  'A footman is taking them at this very moment. If Lord Sawsbury and his sister come to call this afternoon then I'm sure the others will follow his lead.'

  'If you will excuse me, I must write a letter of apology to Lady Danbury. Perhaps the footman can deliver it after he has finished taking the cards.'

  It was difficult to compose a letter expressing sentiments she did not feel but she thought the letter should be enough to smooth things over. Her behaviour had been selfish; her mama had obviously enjoyed the company of Lady Danbury, and Lord Danbury was a personal friend of her father's. She would do nothing further to jeopardise these relationships even if it meant spending more time with Elizabeth and Sarah.

  Morning calls, as far as she knew, took place between eleven in the morning and three in the afternoon. It was now a little after midday so it was perfectly possible, but unlikely, they could receive the first of their visitors at any time.

  Bella rarely took an interest in the ensemble she intended to wear. Today was different and she selected a gown of moss-green velvet that had long sleeves and a pretty heart-shaped neckline.

  'That looks a picture, miss, it complements your eyes,' her maid said as she shook out the skirt.

  'I'll not need to take a wrap which is why I chose it.'

  Satisfied she looked her best she glanced at the overmantel clock. She had taken more than an hour to get ready and this was unheard of. As she hurried towards the stairs she heard voices coming from the drawing room and knew there were already callers. She was tardy and this was not a good first impression to make on her neighbours.

  *

  'Shall we go immediately to visit the Burgoynes, Simon? I've changed my gown, have no wish to eat luncheon and have no need to rest.' Emily moved rapidly towards the front door leaving Simon no option but to follow.

  'I thought tomorrow would be soon enough, I've no wish to appear desperate.'

  'That's as may be, but I'm eager to meet this young lady who will shortly become my sister if you have your way.'

  He knew when to give in and was certain she would go on her own if he didn't accompany her. 'At least we have received their card. I doubt that anyone else will visit so we must be as visible as possible as we walk across the square.'

  Instead of taking the shortcut through the gardens they walked around the perimeter and he saw several curtains twitch as they went past. Hopefully, whoever was watching would see them go into the house and be curious enough to follow suit.

  Personally, he didn't give a damn that his future wife and her family were cits but he was determined to make things as easy for her as he could by drawing in the toplofty families who looked down on trade.

  'I have their invitation to my come-out ball here and will deliver it myself.'

  'Have we had many replies, Emily?'

  'A dozen so far and all of them in the affirmative. Don't look back, but three ladies and their daughters are following our lead.'

  The door opened as they approached and a smartly dressed footman bowed them in. He then led them across the hall and announced them loudly at the entrance to the drawing room.

  To his surprise there were already several visitors. Mrs Burgoyne hurried over to greet him. 'Thank you for coming, my lord, I cannot think why my daughter is so late. I'm certain she will be here shortly. Allow me to introduce you to Lady Danbury and her daughters.'

  'First I'd like you to meet my sister, Lady Emily.'

  Introductions over he wandered off and positioned himself behind a convenient plant. The refreshments being served were better than the usual fare one was offered when making morning calls. There were dainty sandwiches, a selection of small pastries and cakes, as well as both tea and coffee to drink.

  He already knew Lady Jamieson and her feckless son – she was obviously on the lookout for an heiress for him. Emily circulated whilst he remained in the shadows where he could watch the door.

  A few minutes after his arrival Annabel came in. He was certain she saw him but instead of greeting him she went immediately to the Danburys. He was pleased that she was obviously smoothing things out after her behaviour this morning.

  His sister glided up beside him. 'Come, I wish to be introduced at once.'

  He was about to escort her over when his quarry turned and walked towards him. Her smile tilted his world.

  'Lord Sawsbury, thank you so much for coming. This must be Lady Emily for there is a strong familial resemblance.' She curtsied, he nodded, but his sister offered both her hands and after a slight hesitation Annabel took them.

  'I only arrived a little while ago, Miss Burgoyne, but could not wait another minute to meet the young lady who has made such an impression on my brother.'

  'I'm delighted that you came, my lady…'

  'No, you must call me Emily and I shall call you Annabel.'

  'I would prefer it if you called me Bella, I'm only called by my full name when in disgrace.' Emily delved into her reticule and handed over the invitation. 'Thank you so much for bringing this personally…'

  His attention was distracted as Lady Jamieson and her son, having stayed the allotted quarter of an hour, were obliged to go without more than a few moments with the young lady they'd come to see. As they departed so a further rush of visitors came in.

  Bella exchanged a few more words with his sister and was then forced to greet the newcomers. Two maids served the refreshments and by anyone's standards this had to be a resounding success for Mrs Burgoyne.

  After drinking his coffee and eating a plate full of delicious titbits he thought they must take their leave. It
wouldn't do for him to be seen to outstay his welcome.

  On their return his sister squeezed his arm. 'I'm going back when everyone has left so I can get to know her better. There's no need for you to accompany me. I can see why you're so taken with her – not only is she beautiful, she is also intelligent and witty.'

  'I'm glad she has your approval, but I'm not sure I wish you to spend time alone with her. You are notoriously indiscreet…'

  'Fiddlesticks to that! I shall tell her whatever she wants to know about the family and in so doing will discover what we want to know about her. I suppose tomorrow we must be at home and entertain the square and anyone else who cares to call.'

  A hackney carriage drew up outside their dwelling. 'Tarnation take it – it's Mrs Featherstone and I wanted us both to be there when she arrived.'

  'Are they so short of funds that they don't have a carriage in Town?'

  'I'm certain they are wealthy. Featherstone told me his aunt is somewhat eccentric so that must be the explanation for her extraordinary mode of transport.'

  They took the shortcut this time and arrived, somewhat breathless, just as the redoubtable lady emerged from the vehicle.

  'There was no need to sprint across the gardens in order to greet me, my lord, lady. I've arrived earlier than anticipated as I decided to travel under my own volition and not wait around until the family carriage was available.'

  'Welcome, ma'am, we are delighted to have you with us.' Two footmen were now staggering under the weight of her trunk and seeing his surprise she laughed.

  'It's books, my boy, I cannot travel without them. The second trunk contains my personal belongings.'

  He offered his arm and she took it. 'We are dining at home tonight and we do not change for dinner when there are no guests.'

  'I'm glad to hear it, I cannot abide being obliged to forever change my garments.'

  Emily glanced at him and raised an eyebrow. He knew exactly what she meant. How could Mrs Featherstone act as sponsor and guide to his sister when she ignored the rules of etiquette herself?

  'The housekeeper is here to conduct you to your rooms, ma'am, but we hope you will come down to the drawing room so we may discuss what we're hoping you can do for Emily.'

  The sprightly lady with her wildly curling grey hair and extraordinary bonnet looked from one to the other in puzzlement. Simon understood at once he had been gulled by his friend into taking her. Mrs Featherstone was obviously an unwanted relative the family had been eager to move on somewhere.

  'Do? I don't understand.'

  Emily stepped in immediately. 'I'm hoping you can accompany me to the smaller parties so that my brother isn't obliged to. I can't go on my own and we have no one else in the family who can act as my chaperone.'

  'I see, for an appalling moment I thought you expected me to be a conduit to high society or something equally ridiculous. I could, of course, introduce you to a large variety of military gentlemen but I don't suppose that would be of any use to you.'

  'No, ma'am, I can't imagine myself following the drum as you did all your married life. However, it would certainly add colour to my ball if I can have a dozen officers in their best regimentals attending.'

  'Then I shall draw up a list and you can select from it. Now the war is ended many of them are kicking their heels at Horse Guards on half pay hoping for another posting.'

  Their guest followed the housekeeper and they could hear her chatting happily about the neighbourhood as they went. He beckoned his sister into the drawing room and closed the doors behind them.

  'We can hardly ask her to leave, it's not her fault she isn't who we thought she was. I did wonder why Featherstone didn't allow me to talk to her for more than a moment or two. I'm not usually so easily taken in.'

  'I like her, Simon, and even if she isn't as well connected as we thought I meant what I said about having officers here.'

  'I hate to state the obvious, my love, but she cannot go out in public dressed so bizarrely. There should be time to have your seamstress make her a new wardrobe…'

  'We cannot afford to do that and it would be unkind to suggest we find her appearance in any way unacceptable.'

  He shrugged and admitted defeat. 'I hardly think it matters as I've already made my choice and you're not serious about seeking a husband. Mrs Featherstone will be a welcome addition to our small family and I'm certain that Annabel will enjoy her company too.'

  'And once our fortunes are restored I'll not only be the daughter of an earl but an heiress too. Eligible bachelors will be fighting for my hand.'

  'This is no laughing matter, my girl, marriage is a serious business and cannot be entered into lightly. As you still have two years to go before you reach your majority I can ensure you don't make the wrong choice.'

  'Marrying for expedience might be all very well for you, but I intend to fall hopelessly in love before I am wed.'

  'Romantic love is a myth, there's no such thing.' He had been about to explain that desire and lust were what drove poets to write sonnets and couples to elope but thought this would be a highly unsuitable topic for an unmarried young lady.

  'I disagree. I know that marriage has been a disaster in this family for two generations but that doesn't mean we cannot break the mould. Spending the rest of your life with another person not related to you is a daunting prospect. I just think it would make life so much easier for both partners if they are in love with each other.'

  'You read too many novels, sister, and your head is filled with nonsense. A sound marriage is based on liking, respect and compatible interests. A different sort of love will inevitably follow, but this will be akin to affection.'

  Their conversation was brought to an abrupt close as Mrs Featherstone strode in. His eyes widened when he realised she was wearing a divided skirt and riding boots topped by a blouse cut on masculine lines. At least she wasn't wearing a neckcloth.

  'I know what you're thinking, young man, that you can't possibly go into Society with someone dressed as I am. This is the garb I'm most comfortable in, it's what I wore throughout my travels with my dearest husband. I can assure you I'm not so eccentric that I intend to escort you in anything but an unremarkable and elegant silk evening gown.'

  'Exactly so, Mrs Featherstone. You can dress as you wish within these walls, and when we return to the country you'll be free to behave exactly as you want.'

  He saw tears in her eyes as she took her seat. 'I didn't expect you to make me a permanent member of your family, but I'm overwhelmed by your generosity.' She looked from one to the other her expression sad. 'We were not blessed with children of our own, my whole life was his regiment. I have sufficient funds to buy myself a small estate but cannot bear the thought of being on my own. I'm used to having people around me – of being of use to those I live with.'

  'Then I shan't feel the slightest twinge of guilt when, at some point in the future, we might wish to ask you to leave.' He said this with a straight face and waited to see if she understood he was teasing her.

  'Well said, my lord. If I find you and your sister unpleasant company then it will be I that leaves without a second thought.'

  Chapter Six

  The last caller departed at exactly one quarter of an hour past three o'clock and Bella was relieved to see them go. 'Mama, that was exhausting. Do we have to repeat this process or can we hide in future if anyone comes to the door?'

  'Tomorrow it will be our turn to visit those who visited us – that's if they are at home. I cannot credit how many came and I put it down entirely to the good offices of Lord Sawsbury and Lady Emily.'

  'I think you might be right, and I have arranged for Lady Emily to come here shortly. We shall go up to my apartment to get to know each other better. She is much more the sort of person I should like to be friends with than Lady Danbury's daughters.'

  'That's as may be, my love, but as Lady Danbury has kindly offered to sponsor you and has obtained all those invitations for us you cannot ignore them. T
hey might be empty-headed but they are sweet-natured girls and have no malice in them.'

  'We are to dine with them tomorrow but I've no plans to meet up with them before that.'

  A short time later Lady Emily was announced and she ran to meet her eagerly. 'Thank you for coming, I could have offered to come to you but that seemed presumptuous.'

  'I have so much to ask you and something most amusing to tell you.'

  When she heard about Mrs Featherstone Bella laughed. 'Papa employed a dreadful woman to be my sponsor but I loathed her immediately and now Lady Danbury is happy to introduce me. I have no wish to go to Almack's so don't intend to apply for vouchers as they would be refused anyway. Do you go there?'

  'Unfortunately, my brother has already obtained the necessary tickets. However, I think it quite possible we won't actually go as I can't see him parading in knee breeches and silk stockings and they won't let him in unless he is so dressed.'

  'I imagine he's told you that he intends to marry me – I'm not sure that I shall accept him when he does make me an offer.'

  'Why is that? Even biased as I am I know him to be a handsome man, he is kind, intelligent and his pedigree is impeccable. The only thing he lacks is money.'

  Bella immediately stiffened, thinking her companion was implying that if he had money he would not even be considering marrying someone like her.

  'No, don't poker up at me. He's not prejudiced against those not of our class like many are. He judges people by their behaviour not their birth.'

  'That may be so, but we both know he would not be looking in my direction if he didn't need my father's wealth to improve his own finances.'

  'I must contradict you, Bella, as from the moment you walked into his arms yesterday he was intrigued enough to make enquiries about your identity.'

  'Tell me a little about him, what sort of man is he? If he is to pursue me then I wish to know whether I should be running in the opposite direction.'

  They were now settled together comfortably in front of the fire in her sitting room and for some reason she felt completely comfortable with this new friend despite the disparity of background.