‘Marrying you was by far the cleverest notion of my life, my darling.’ She said at last. ‘You are right, of course.’
‘I must go down. I must call on Durant — or he may shy off if he has heard the rumours. I may have been hasty when I warned him I was coming.’
‘He cannot be such a coward. Can it be worse?’ sighed Lady Aurora, releasing him. But she rang for her maid Cécile when he went. It would not do to show such a dismal face to Felicity. She must assume a confidence in the future that she did not feel.
Mr Fenton, finding that his guest was in conference with two young friends, went to the library to write his own letter before he left on his call. However calmly he had taken the vituperative lines of Lady Ellingham, they contained a threat to his wife that he would not endure.
Lady Ellingham,
You saw fit to write to my wife today in such terms that I cannot excuse. Such lies as you choose to believe of the innocent Miss Felicity Oldfield was expected of a character such as yours, although I should think that even a brain as addled as your own would see the sense in denying her guilt, even if you did not believe it.
Be that as it may, I write to you on one topic only. You have threatened to cut my wife if you should meet. This you will not do. I imagine that since you refer to my rakish past, you must know of my intimates. These gentlemen of high rank, including the Prince himself, do not tolerate disloyalty.
You will therefore behave with dignity in the presence of my wife at all times. Anything less than genteel civility in that lady’s august presence and the consequences for you will be eternal.
Wilbert Fenton Esq
Before Mr Fenton’s letter had been sealed, Lord Durant walked into the library, finding himself unable to await Mr Fenton’s call. He had almost met two young ladies in the hall, but had thankfully come in from the stables and via the kitchens. This had put the kitchen maid into such a flutter that she had dropped a pot of calf’s head broth, meant for the servant’s dinner, and received a thick ear from cook for her carelessness. Durant hung back whilst Ransom showed the ladies out, skulking like a villain in the back hall. He had lost his famous autocracy as he entered the library and held out his hand to Wilbert Fenton as though unsure if it would be accepted.
It was shaken, and Fenton stood, gravely regarding him.
‘I came in through the kitchen. I know that I must explain myself, sir. But first I ask if Miss Oldfield is quite recovered.’
‘Hardly that, my boy.’ Durant found himself, for the first time since his boyhood, blushing. ‘I suppose it is to your credit that you learnt her name at least between last night and now.’
This was not going to be easy, Durant realised. ‘I must explain to you, as Miss Oldfield’s host—,’ he began.
‘Yes, yes, you know her name at last,’ uttered Mr Fenton testily.
‘—of the circumstances in which Miss Oldfield—’ Fenton’s eyebrow rose ‘—encountered my cousin and I at the Black Horse Inn.’
‘I have had a fair account of this from Felicity. But what I do not understand is why your cousin should be such a viper as to repeat the incident to the world at large. She knew the truth of it, and yet she told it in such a way as to destroy a young girl’s character. What had she against her?’
‘Oh, only that she was my instrument. And that Miss Oldfield had the power, had she chosen to tell the story, of making her look ridiculous.’
‘A wilful and spoilt child then. God give me strength.’
Fenton walked to the small table that always bore some brandy, poured two glasses, and handed one to the viscount. Without a word, Durant took it and swiftly quaffed it, putting down the glass.
‘Well, my lord, and what is now to be done?’
‘I have set my cousin to deny the tale. She will not disobey me.’
‘Horses and stable doors comes to mind, my lord. The damage is done. I understand Lady Letitia’s friend is an enemy of Felicity’s and will do her best to spread the tale.’
‘Letitia has already written to halt that.’ Fenton’s brows rose, ‘Some threats of mine were included in the letter.’
‘That is something, but hardly enough.’
Durant bowed. ‘I would ask for a few moments to speak to the young lady were it not — frankly, Mr Fenton, I am already in some way promised.’
‘I was not about to ask the ultimate sacrifice of you, Durant. Not, at least, until we have exhausted every other avenue. I wish, you see, that Miss Oldfield marries to please herself.’ Durant looked surprised and relieved at once. ‘It was a damnable, stupid thing—!’
‘Selfish and stupid. I did not stop to consider the young lady at all. I know it and if there is another way to pay than marriage, I should be glad to find it.’
‘She’s already had one gallant proposal this morning, which she had the good character to refuse.’ Fenton was surprised to see a fleeting glance of emotion on Durant’s face, which he would think about later.
‘Any provision I can make beyond that which my previous promise precludes, then I shall.’
‘I’m planning on nothing less than the restoration of Miss Oldfield’s good name.’
‘I have been up all night cogitating on that. I cannot see how it is to be achieved.’
‘Neither can I, but by God, we shall try.’ He looked at Durant. ‘Am I to wish you joy? I have not heard of an engagement.’
‘It is of only a few weeks standing, and it is to a lady who lives in the country. An old friend in fact. Her mother is gravely ill at the moment. And such an announcement would be inappropriate.’
‘I understand. But it makes things worse for Felicity. Perhaps the knowledge of your engagement might have added to the doubt as to the basis of this story.’
‘I doubt it sir. Even engaged, a man with my youthful peccadilloes might still be thought a danger to a young lady’s honour — much as I resent it.’
‘Yes, the indiscretions of one’s youth do hang over one rather. Though in my case…’ no more need be said. Mr Fenton, as the Prince’s crony, had a long history of indiscretions that lasted until his marriage, in middle age, to Lady Aurora.
‘Miss Oldfield’s natural distress at the ball is particularly harmful—’
‘Do not turn to blaming Felicity—’
‘No, I simply meant that my concern gave credence to a connection—’
‘Yes, I could have flayed you for that last evening-. But perhaps we can use that to our advantage.’
Durant frowned. ‘How?’
‘Perhaps we can high-hand this affair.’ Durant was listening intently, frowning. ‘Your cousin never said the words of last night. Miss Friel misunderstood her entirely. Felicity is an old friend of the family whom you naturally helped when you realised she was ill, and you called for us quite properly.’
‘It is a lofty intention — but will it serve?’
‘We are helped by one thing. Felicity’s own nature. Her acquaintance is large, thanks to being intimate with two of the knowingest young debutantes the town has seen, and no one who has ever met her could believe her less than an innocent. She is the most delightful girl.’
‘But is it enough? Perhaps with her aunt’s help—? I learnt that she is Lady Ellingham’s niece.’
‘We can expect no help from that quarter.’ Mr Fenton had taken a turn about the room, ‘It is time to learn what our elevated friends in town are made of, Durant. Will they stand beside our cause?’
‘Let us make plans. But first, might I see Miss Oldfield to express my deep regret…’
Fenton looked at him. ‘I don’t see what harm it could do — no one knows you’re here. And it might make meeting you in public next a little easier for her.’
Felicity was still in the breakfast room with Lady Aurora and Lady Sumner, both chiding her to take some more chocolate, to eat a little more, to be cheerful and to trust that all would be alright. Both ladies found her kind, but saddened looks disturbing — it was rather as though Felicity pitied
them in their unlikely optimism. “Poor dears,” she seemed to say, “thank you so much for your kindness, but it is past all hope and you must accept it.”
‘Vivien and Althea are determined to help me, but you know, there is little they can do. Their mothers have forbidden them to see me even, yet they wish to intercede in my behalf—’
‘Well, they are good girls and clever too,’ said Genevieve with determination, ‘and will very likely be of untold help.’
Felicity once more gave her kindly look. ‘Perhaps,’ she said, but her tone belied even that slight hope.
‘You know, my dear Felicity, that I was once in a most dreadful position that there seemed no way to escape from, when a single friend noticed and tried to help me. His faith was enough to make me find my own way through the darkness. And you, my dear, because of your lovely nature, have many, many friends.’
“We will see how many,” thought Lady Aurora. But she too, smiled brightly. ‘We cannot see our path quite yet my dear, but we will find it,’ she said.
Felicity looked at them. How sad for her friends this was. They had wished so much for her, so much more than she had let herself wish for. She must do all she could to comfort them while she sought a position.
The door opened and Mr Fenton entered, along with another gentleman. For the second time this morning, Felicity dropped a cup, but this time her dress did not escape, for she spilt chocolate on it. She stood awkwardly. ‘Lord Durant.’
Lady Aurora and Lady Sumner stood too. And as Durant met the latter’s eye he reflected that it was as well she was not in possession of the whip she was so famously good at wielding.
‘Miss Oldfield,’ Durant said at once, ‘Might I beg a word with you?’
Lady Aurora met her husband’s eye, then said. ‘Felicity, take Lord Durant to the window seat. James, set a chair for Miss Felicity. And then you may go.’
James’ face showed none of his joy of being released to be able tell the next part of the tale to Ransom and the upper servants.
The window was almost far enough away from the breakfast table to avoid being overheard. Felicity could think of nothing to say and so sat nervously on the window seat, whilst Durant, looking concerned, regarded her.
‘I need hardly say how sorry I am that my cousin spoke so to you last night!’
‘Yes,’ said Felicity looking down for a second. She appeared to collect herself, and looked up once more, only the tight clasping of her hands divining away how hard she was working to seem unconcerned.
‘It is not all my cousin’s fault, however, for I behaved—’
‘Oh, no,’ said Felicity, concerned for him, ‘you were very kind last night and I was my own undoing. You could not know that when you helped it was worse—’
Durant found himself deep in her russet eyes, unable to believe that instead of berating him she was comforting him. He gave himself a shake however, and continued, ‘I meant my behaviour at the inn. It showed no regard for you—’
‘Oh, yes,’ said Felicity, ‘But I have explained all that to my friends. You meant no ill to me at all and thought you would never see me again. And then, if I were a girl of strong enough principles, I would not have gone with you.’ He blinked but before he could say anything, she continued. ‘Genevieve, for example, would not.’
He looked across at that dame eyeing him with a coldness he could feel to his bones. ‘I should think not. She would have taken a crop to me.’
She laughed a little. ‘Then you do see? I am also at fault, though I could never make my dear friends own it.’
‘You were not at fault. I little examined myself at the time. But now I see that I picked the youngest and most inexperienced girl in that yard so that she could not argue with me.’
‘Absurd. No one else was the height and colouring of Lady Letitia. And you had an elevated motive.’
‘To flout Tish? Very elevated!’ Said he with self-disgust.
‘No, perhaps not that one. But to help your aunt … Charlotte, was it? Your cousin’s guardian? I thought that a very nice thing to do.’
He gasped. ‘Miss Oldfield! Please let me apologise. I did very wrong.’
‘Perhaps. At any rate, I accept your apology. You could not foresee the consequences.’
‘I must tell you that I am engaged, or I would today have offered you the protection of my name.’
Felicity looked astonished, and then could not help but laugh, if a little ironically. ‘It seems to be the day for gallant, self-sacrificing offers of marriage. I wish your affianced wife well of you. I am sure you will make a splendid husband, for at least you regret your impulsive acts, which not all do…,’ she added, thinking of her father.
‘You are very brave. I expected that you would ring curses upon my head!’
‘Of what use is that? It is done, and no one, save your cousin, meant any ill. I do not understand her, I fear.’
‘She will deny her remarks.’
‘Tell her I am grateful for that.’ Durant searched Felicity’s lovely face for a hint of irony. But there was none.
‘If there is ever anything I can do for you, then—’
‘Well, there may be. Can you keep a secret?’ He nodded solemnly. She lowered her tone. ‘I mean to search for a position.’ She saw his expression and added, ‘I know I cannot gain a governess position in our world. But perhaps in a middle class household or a boarding school — perhaps your mama could write a recommendation for me?’
‘Alas, my mother is dead.’
‘Then your affianced wife? If you explained all to her?’
He wondered how Anne would greet this request. His head could not imagine making it. ‘Your friends here will not permit such a thing—’
‘Oh, I know. That is why it is secret. They are too good to me, but they are not family, you know. Only my hosts. I must make my way in the world now as best I can. Don’t you see? And I always knew this season was just a lovely adventure from my real life and at the end it would be the same as now — without means or family it must always have been so. So you must not repine.’
Durant fell into those eyes once more. He could think of little to say. An even deeper shame claimed him. Why could she not be angry with him? It would make it easier to bear. He said, ‘Let me know, at least, before you seek a position.’ He continued mendaciously, ‘Perhaps I can find a way to help you.’
As he was shown back down to the kitchen and out to the stables once more by Wilbert Fenton, he said, still shocked, ‘Miss Oldfield is a remarkably fine young lady.’
Although there was a rejoinder there, Fenton, seeing the look in Durant’s eye, contented himself by saying. ‘Remarkable indeed.’
Chapter 9
Carrying it off
Lady Aurora, after a conversation with her husband, joined Genevieve and Benedict in the green salon, where they were both trying to talk consolingly to Felicity but being consoled in return. At this rate, the poor girl would be stretched to her limit comforting the comforters and it was time for some action.
‘How brave are you, my dear?’ she smiled, touching Felicity’s cheek. ‘We have decided that apart from your feeling faint, the events of last night did not occur.’
‘Oh! If only.’
‘And we shall start as we mean to finish. Change your dress and let Genevieve drive you to the park in the tilbury.’ The thought made Felicity’s head swim. Every feeling of last night swept upon her and she could hardly speak, but just looked at her heroine. ‘Benedict will accompany you on horseback. My husband is already riding there and will meet you.’ She saw Felicity’s eyes fill, and tilted her chin, as once Durant had done. ‘This is our course now, all of you. We do not know of any trouble, you are well enough to take the air today and you will attend Almacks Assembly Rooms tonight as intended. It is all and everything with this track, we must not flinch!’ Felicity swallowed. ‘It cannot make anything worse, you know, and we may yet turn things around.’
Felicity thought it could ma
ke a great many things worse. She would see her friends turn from her and hear all the things that haunted her night said to her. ‘Almacks? We will be turned from the door.’
‘I think not.’
‘Then no one will dance with me.’
‘We will see. I know that it takes a deal of courage. Start with the drive to the park.’
‘Now, Felicity! I may even let you take the reins today. Don’t delay in changing your dress, I am calling for the tilbury now and I won’t keep the horses waiting.’
Genevieve’s matter of fact tone had a good effect. She smiled a little watery smile, and went to change her soiled dress for a carriage dress. She had seen Lord Durant in a stained dress, she just realised. But she didn’t suppose it mattered. He was engaged after all. She wondered what lady he was engaged to. Was it someone she had seen at the many entertainments she had enjoyed? Surely it would be the most beautiful of women. As she dressed, Felicity reviewed the unmarried beauties in her head. He was too discerning to want a very young wife, she felt, so the candidates were Lady Susan Slater, Lady Rosalind Saith or Georgiana Wendall. She plumped for Miss Wendall, the most brilliant of all, who played piano passionately, painted beautiful watercolours and engaged in educated conversation and was in her third season, despite being offered for many times, it was said. Her temper was a little uneven, it was rumoured. But Durant was the man to tame her. Look how he had dealt with Lady Letitia.
But even he hadn’t stopped her acid tongue. If Lady Letitia Fortescue was here now, and she had a carpet bag in her hand—! Felicity quite shocked herself.
Lady Aurora gained access to Lady Jersey’s inner sanctum in the most unscrupulous way, entering from the kitchen entrance by way of the mews, and greeting her servants in a familiar manner, ‘No, no Thornton, is she still at breakfast? No need to announce me.’
Felicity and the Damaged Reputation: A witty, sweet Regency Romance Page 12
