by Ella Quinn
Several gentlemen drove or rode past them, slowing down to glance over. Augusta supposed she would have to meet them at some point. Thank goodness men could not simply introduce themselves.
She blinked as the handsomest gentleman she had ever seen came up, riding on a black gelding, and stopped. He had curly, sable hair that had been fashionably cut, and eyes the color of new grass. When he smiled a dimple appeared on his right cheek. “Lady Dorie, well-met.”
How had he even recognized her when she had been looking at Augusta?
For a mere moment, Dorie closed her eyes and a crease appeared in her forehead. The next second, a bright smile dawned on her face, and she inclined her head. “Lord Littleton, I did not know you were in Town.”
“I arrived yesterday.” Lord Littleton gave her a wary look. “Have you been in Town long?”
“Long enough.” She turned to Augusta and the rest of their friends. “Ladies, on the subject of gentlemen who appear eligible and are not, permit me to introduce Lord Littleton to you.” Once they had murmured a greeting, Dorie continued, “My lord, Lady Adeline Wivenly, Lady Augusta Vivers, Miss Featherton, and Miss Stern.”
Smiling again, he executed an elegant bow. “Ladies, it is a pleasure to meet you. I hope you enjoy your time in the Metropolis.” The grin faded when he glanced at Dorie. “I hope to see you as well, my lady.”
“I suppose that is unavoidable.” She dipped a slight curtsey. “Good day to you, my lord.”
He touched two fingers to his hat, and rode away at a trot.
“Insufferable man.” She drew in a breath and let it out. “Shall we continue our stroll?”
By unspoken accord, they started walking again.
What in Heaven’s name was going on between the two of them? Augusta would have asked but did not feel as if she knew Dorie well enough.
“What makes him ineligible?” Georgiana asked.
“He has no desire to marry,” Dorie answered. “But he will make a lady think she is his sun, moon, and stars.”
She must have fallen in love with him and been disappointed.
“It does not matter.” She smiled again. “Look, here comes Lord Turley. He is probably searching for Lord Littleton. They are quite good friends, but Lord Turley is eligible.”
Lord Turley—his father had died eighteen months ago—was Elizabeth Harrington’s brother. Like her he had blond hair and lovely light blue eyes. He also stopped and greeted Dorie. Once again, Dorie made the introductions.
When he rode off, Georgiana’s gaze followed him for a few moments. “I must say, he is very handsome. He has newly come into his title, has he not?”
“About a year or so ago.” Dorie glanced at Georgiana. “Does his rank matter?”
“Not at all.” She grinned. “My sister may have married the heir to a dukedom, but a viscount was good enough for my mother.”
“Henrietta, are your parents coming to Town?” Augusta asked.
“Only if I wed.” She gave an insouciant shrug. “Papa said they have no reason to visit the Metropolis. Dotty and Grandmamma are here. That will be enough.”
By the time they had finished their stroll, they had met a number of other gentlemen as well. Some they wanted to know and one or two Dorie warned them about.
“Now, back to our plans.” Georgiana gathered them into a circle. “We must look out for and stand by each other. If one of us is gone too long, the rest of us will come looking for her. However, it will be better if none of us goes anywhere by herself.”
“You are saying that if a gentleman escorts us onto a terrace,” Adeline said, “the rest of us will follow shortly thereafter.”
“Indeed.” Georgiana nodded. “Agreed?” One by one, they all nodded. “Augusta, I believe the first event we are attending, other than Almack’s, is your come out ball.”
“It is.” She wanted to roll her eyes. “My mother planned it before I informed my family I wished to attend university.”
“Nevertheless,” her friend persisted, “it will be the perfect time to practice.”
“We could even think up some scenarios to carry out our duties,” Adeline suggested. “Augusta, can you arrange for us to come to Rothwell House so that we can learn where everything is?”
“Of course.” Louisa would think this was an excellent idea. “How will that aid us when we will not know the other houses?”
“We will practice slipping away to be found,” Adeline said.
“Like the game Sardines.” The others looked at Augusta as if they had no idea what she was talking about. “In Sardines, one person hides and the others find her. It is played in Spain.”
“Sardines, it is.” Henrietta laughed.
“Will you attend Almack’s this week?” Augusta thought it would be nice to have friends there with whom she could share the experience.
“I’ll be there with Dotty and Merton,” Henrietta said.
“My mother, brother, and sister will escort me,” Georgiana said.
“Caro and Huntley are bringing me,” Dorie responded.
“I will be there with my brother and sister-in-law as well. Wivenly complained about going, but Eugénie said he could remain home if he wished, and that she would dance with whom she pleased.” Adeline giggled. “She says it in such a way that makes one think she doesn’t care one way or the other, but my brother hates whenever another gentleman stands up with her. So, he will escort us.”
Even though they laughed, Augusta was glad she did not have a brother like Adeline’s.
Augusta hoped she and her friends would become as close as her sister and her friends had. It looked as if they already were making a beginning. Would they remain friends after she left or would she have to find new ones when she returned?
Chapter Six
“You are amazingly calm,” Louisa remarked as her town coach came to a stop in front of Almack’s two days later. “Charlotte and I both had an attack of nerves, and my sister-in-law, Lucinda, was almost physically ill.”
Augusta took in the plain exterior of the building. Perhaps she was calm because she didn’t care. It would be fun to dance, and she fully expected that she would be asked, but the rest of it mattered not at all. She was not intimidated by the patronesses. Lady Jersey had been a friend of Mama’s for years, and Princess Esterházy and her husband had assisted Augusta in finding tutors in German literature, the different dialects of Italian, and some of the Slavic languages.
“I find that hard to believe.” Very little upset Louisa. The door opened and a footman assisted her to the pavement.
“As do I.” Rothwell climbed out of the coach, turning to help Louisa.
“Nevertheless, it is the truth.” She took the arm he held out for her, while Augusta took the other.
They passed a large room set with tables she had been told was the supper room. The ballroom’s long windows were hung with blue curtains, and a small balcony protruded from above where an orchestra was tuning their instruments.
Mama came up to them as soon as they entered the room, and smiled. “Do not be nervous. You will be fine.”
Augusta wanted to roll her eyes. There was absolutely no use in telling her mother that she was not feeling anything other than curiosity. After all, she had heard a great deal about the famous assembly rooms. Nor was there a reason at all to be concerned. She was dressed properly for the event, knew how to dance and behave, and had no desire to form an attachment. Ergo, there was no need to worry.
From across the dance floor, Dorie caught Augusta’s eye and smiled. Dorie was speaking with a tall gentleman that looked so much like her he must be her brother, the Earl of Huntley. Augusta spotted Lady Huntley. Of her other friends, only Georgiana was present. Hopefully, Henrietta and Adeline would arrive soon.
A few moments later a gentleman who appeared to be in his late twenties came up to them and bowed. “Rothwell, your grace.”
“Ah, yes.” Rothwell glanced at Augusta. “My dear, may I introduce Lord Bottomley to
you? Bottomley, my sister Lady Augusta Vivers.”
“How do you do, my lord.” She dipped a curtsey appropriate for a viscount, and held out her hand.
He touched her fingers with his as he bowed. “My evening is better for having made your acquaintance, my lady. May I hope you have a set free?”
“I do indeed.” She gave him a polite smile. “If you wish, you may have the next set.”
The dance was a Scottish reel, one of her favorites. He remained with them talking about the weather and people she didn’t know until the dance.
After the set, when he returned her to her sister and brother-in-law, two more gentlemen were waiting to be introduced. One stood up with her for a quadrille and the other for a country dance.
Lord Phineas entered with a gentleman she assumed to be his brother—again, there was a strong family resemblance—and Lady Dorchester.
By now the large room was crowded with the select members of Polite Society fortunate enough to have received vouchers. Not far from Augusta, a young lady laughed loudly and was immediately admonished.
Mrs. Drummond-Burrell approached with a gentleman, and Louisa whispered, “You will have to dance with him, but I guarantee you will not like his politics.”
“Do you truly think he will even attempt to discuss anything of import?” Augusta murmured. “Thus far, I have not found it to be the case.”
Before Louisa could respond, her ladyship curtseyed. “Your graces. Lady Augusta. Please allow me to recommend Lord Lytton to you as a suitable partner for the waltz.”
“Thank you, my lady.” Augusta dipped a curtsey. “My lord, it is a pleasure to meet you.”
“The pleasure is mine.” He bowed before holding out his arm and the first chords for the waltz were played.
He danced well—most of the gentlemen appeared to—but as with the others, his conversation was lacking. She would have preferred to spar with him over politics rather than discuss the weather, and how she was enjoying her Season, yet again.
This time, though, when she was returned to Louisa and Rothwell, Lord Phineas was with them. She had no sooner sent her dance partner off when he said, “My lady, do you have a set left?”
She did. It was the last one of her evening. As her sisters had before her, she would return home after supper. Or at supper if Rothwell had his way. He’d complained bitterly about the sustenance to be found at Almack’s. “Only if you promise not to discuss the weather.”
Shaking her head, Louisa covered her eyes. Rothwell’s shoulders quaked.
Lord Phineas cracked a laugh. “I can assure you that I have no opinion on the weather at all. Other than it is much colder than I have been used to.”
Rothwell grinned. “I told Worthington she wouldn’t be any better than you were, my love.” He drew Louisa a little nearer. “Everyone thought Augusta would be quieter and easier because she was always busy with her studies. Yet, this is what happens when you let loose a Vivers lady onto the ton.”
“I thank the Fates not all young ladies try to hide their intelligence behind trite conversation.” Lord Phineas held out his arm. “Shall we dance, my lady?”
Several moments into the set, Augusta was enjoying herself more than she had all evening. Not only was Lord Phineas an excellent partner, but he had her laughing at his stories.
“So, there I was hiding on a narrow ledge over a paved courtyard waiting for the woman to leave my bedchamber.” Looking at her he gave a rueful grin. “I suppose I should not tell a young lady that tale.”
“Probably not many of them, but I enjoyed it immensely. I assume you took the route from the Canaries to St. Lucia on the way over.”
His eyes widened as if she had shocked him. “How do you know about the sailing paths?”
“Geography is one of my passions. Naturally, that would include the trade winds.” It always amazed her how so many people expected young ladies to know nothing. “I also know how to navigate by the stars. Although, I have never had an opportunity to put it into practice.”
“Now that you mention it, my sister-in-law mentioned that geography was a passion of yours. I was so fascinated that you speak Nahuatl I didn’t think to ask you about anything else.” They twirled around again before changing positions. “Did not your brother say you spoke several languages?”
“Indeed.” Augusta decided not to remind him how many. She had been mastering languages since she was a young child. “I am fascinated by their variances, yet in many ways they are the same. Some languages have many similar words even if the roots of the languages are not the same.”
“You said you studied with Mr. Marsden. Have you had the opportunity to train with experts in other languages?”
“I have been fortunate that my family used their connections to find professors and others to help me learn. I was speaking and reading Italian when I was five.”
“Fascinating.” His gray eyes focused on her in a way she should not encourage.
Talking with him was too easy. He looked as if he would ask another question, and she did not wish to find a gentleman with whom she had a great deal in common. It would make her plans more difficult.
Even though he seemed as if he would not think her strange for wishing to attend university, she must ensure she did not mention her intentions. “Why did you decide to study the Aztec temples?”
“Not just the temples, but the basic structure of their homes as well.” Their eyes met, and his seemed to become warmer. “I developed an aspiration to learn about architecture when my father had a Grecian folly built. I would have liked to travel to Europe and study the medieval churches and other buildings, but because of the war, my family encouraged me to sail to Mexico.”
“Did you enjoy your time there?” How exciting it must have been to study buildings that were so different than England’s.
“I did.” His grin gave him a boyish look. “I was sorry when I had to leave.” As they made another turn he caught Lytton looking at them. “By the way, if you ever need an excuse not to dance with the good earl, tell him you are engaged to stand up with me.”
“I suppose you mean Lord Lytton.” He was the only earl she had danced with this evening. Lord Phineas’s offer was kind. She had not enjoyed spending time with the earl.
“Indeed.” He came close to rolling his eyes. “Even when he is trying to be interesting, he’s a dead bore.”
Augusta struggled not to laugh, but a gurgle escaped. “That, sir, is unkind.”
“But absolutely true.” He glanced at the earl again. “I know of what I speak. We were at school together for eight long years. He only wanted to be my chum because my father was a marquis.”
Charlie had mentioned men who attended Oxford solely for the connections. No wonder the earl had been so busy asking her about her family. “What one would call an encroaching mushroom if he were not a peer.”
“I think in this case even a peer can be an encroaching mushroom.” He gave her a crooked smile, and completely against her will, she became breathless. This would not do at all.
Phinn should have asked Lady Augusta to dance earlier. Perhaps he could have saved her from dancing with the earl. “Exactly.” And she was clever. She had very adroitly turned the conversation from her to him. Phinn wanted to know how she was able to learn so much and so quickly. “Do you ever get your languages confused?”
“No, never.” She gave her head a little shake. “I have an excellent memory for languages in the written or spoken form. I have been able to quote poems years after I learned them.”
If Lady Augusta were a gentleman, she could easily get a position with the Foreign Office. As it was, his first impression had been correct; she’d completely terrify the male population of the ton. “Have you ever attempted Egyptian hieroglyphics?”
“I have.” She smiled at him as if he was the most fascinating person present, when she was actually the most captivating lady he had ever met. “They are so unusual. I have been able to study tracings and cop
ies, but I would love to be able to travel to Egypt and see real hieroglyphics.”
Phinn could have remained in conversation with her all evening and was disappointed that the dance he’d not originally wanted was coming to an end. This must be the fastest half hour he’d ever spent. “Would you like to drive out with me tomorrow for the Grand Strut?”
She tilted her head slightly to one side for a moment. “Yes, but I would like to take my carriage. If you do not mind.”
“Not at all.” That would save him from having to borrow his brother’s curricle. “I shall present myself at Worthington House at five o’clock.”
“I shall look forward to it.” The dance ended and they bowed and curtseyed before strolling to where her sister and brother-in-law were waiting.
“Do you mind if we do not remain for supper?” her sister asked.
Lady Augusta paused. “Why do you ask?”
The duchess glanced at her husband. “Rothwell remembered that he disliked weak tea and stale bread.”
“I think he remembered that long before now.” Lady Augusta chuckled lightly. “I cannot bring myself to blame him.”
Phinn wished she was staying so that he could continue to talk with her. “My lady. Your graces.” He bowed. “I shall wish you a good evening.” He took Lady Augusta’s hand. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Yes, I look forward to our ride. Good evening, my lord.”
Wishing he could escape as well, Phinn made his way back to his brother and sister-in-law.
“How was your dance?” Helen asked the instant he arrived.
“I had an excellent time.” There was no reason to lie. He and Lady Augusta had laughed and smiled often enough anyone would have known. “I’m driving out with her tomorrow.”
His brother cleared his throat. “I suppose that means you’ll want to use my curricle.”
“No, we are taking hers.” Both their brows rose, and he almost laughed.
“Indeed?” Helen remarked, being the first to recover.
“I’m looking forward to it. From what little I saw”—very little—“she is an excellent whip.” At least he assumed she would be.
