by Kira Stewart
By the time the girls reached the room, it was already full. Many rich and overstuffed ladies and gentlemen were already munching through the plates of cheese and cold cuts, and helping themselves to cups of warm punch.
Emily looked on in dismay. There were no seats left, and she had been looking forward to sitting down after the dancing.
Resigned to having to stand, the two made their way to the tables laid out with the food and drink.
“Miss Channing, Miss Wilkins.”
A voice shouted to them across the room.
Isobel first saw the arm of a red coat waving in their direction and then a face. It was the young Officer Mathers.
“Come and sit with us. Look, we have made room for you both. I think it is an acceptable arrangement, since we have been introduced.”
The seats and the company were most welcome. John Mathers and his fellow officers were in fine spirits, and kept the girls laughing over supper. Cups of warm mulled wine were handed around, and the girls soon felt lightheaded.
The time passed quickly and before they knew it, it was time for the orchestra to resume and the dancing to start once again. The officers stood to escort the young ladies back to the ballroom.
John Mathers had been paying particular attention to Emily and he offered his arm to her.
“I do hope you will do me the honor of the next dance, Miss Wilkins?”
She looked around the Ballroom. Jack Parnell was nowhere in sight. And the next dance was a Quadrille, her favorite.
Taking his hand, the two moved towards the dance floor, leaving Isobel stood on the sidelines. One of the other officers, a very young and rather quiet youth, asked Isobel to dance, but feigning tiredness, she gently declined the kind offer and stood with her back against the wall to watch the dancing.
To be truthful, she wanted a good vantage point from within the room, where she could keep a look out for Jack Parnell. It was nothing, she told herself, just a little amusement to pass the time.
The orchestra struck up a jolly beat and the dancers were soon in their stride. Emily was smiling happily, her face now red with the exertion of the dance, as the attentive John Mathers swung her round on his arm.
Isobel searched the faces in the room. Many of the crowd was seated after their supper and several glasses of beer and wine. The older ladies wafted their fans across their red plump cheeks, and the old men sat snoozing in the corner.
Her eyes skipped from one face to another, but she found nothing of interest in any of them. None of them belonged to Jack Parnell.
As the final reel came to an end, Isobel noticed Sebastian Adick walking down the grand stairway. The card game must be over and he was looking around the room as he walked, searching for someone in the crowds.
She knew in her heart that he was looking for her, and she shrank back against the wall, hoping he would not see her.
Her one chance was to go upstairs in the opposite direction to the Earl. She could watch the dancers from up in the Gallery.
At least it would give her thinking time. Perhaps her cousin Charles, would be free and he could dance with her?
Skirting the room, she kept a close eye on the Earl, making sure that they would not meet. Luckily, he started talking with a group of gentlemen, giving the girl the perfect opportunity to slip up the staircase unnoticed.
“Miss Channing?”
At the top of the stairs, she turned to the sound of her name. It was Jack Parnell.
“Who are you hiding from up here, Miss Channing? Not me I hope. You did promise me a dance, I believe?”
Isobel looked startled for a moment and she felt the familiar thud of her heart.
“I came to look for my cousin, Charles.”
Her face reddened at the thought of being found out. It was as if he could read her mind.
The man laughed, his dark solemn eyes now sparkling and alive.
“I believe he is still in the Card Room. I can escort you there if you wish, although I see this dance is almost over and they will be starting the next shortly. Shall we?”
Before she could answer, he had held out his arm and she had automatically taken it. It seemed so natural. People turned their heads as they passed by, nodding in approval at the handsome pair.
One man did not approve. Sebastian Adick scowled as they passed him by unnoticed, and tapped his foot with impatience.
Who is that young man with Miss Channing, Edward? I must say I do not like the look of him!”
The Duke of Marlborough, Edward Lennox, smiled to himself. He was not a great friend of Lord Adick’s, and thought him rather full of himself. It was good to see the man irked for a change.
“It is one of the young officers, Sebastian. The 56th Foot Guard Regiment is camped just outside of town. Do you not think they make a handsome pair?”
“I do not, sir, the impertinent boy. How dare he! I believe that I have first claim on that young lady. And when Miss Channing has finished this dance, I shall certainly claim the next one.”
“All is fair in love and war, surely, Sebastian? The young lady must have her pick of suitors.”
Sebastian Adick gave a derisory snort.
“We shall see about that!”
The room seemed to whirl around her, the crowds around the room disappearing into the shadows, until it seemed that they were the only ones dancing.
Isobel thought she might faint with sheer happiness, as her heart beat wildly in her breast, certain that the young officer could hear the thud-thud of each beat of her heart above the swell of the orchestra.
There was no need for talking and the couple lost themselves in their own thoughts, each one wondering if the other could possibly feel the same way. When he held her, it was as if they fitted together perfectly, and she wished the dance could last forever.
When the dance finally ended and the music stopped, they were brought back to reality, the crowds re-appearing once more around them.
For a moment, they stood closely together, hanging onto each precious second, his eyes locked upon hers.
“I hope I shall have the opportunity to dance with you again, before the evening is out, Miss Channing.”
She nodded shyly, her eyes lit with happiness.
Sebastian Adick stood impatiently, waiting for them to finish. Before the last strains of the orchestra faded into the crowds, he had approached the couple, quick to assert his ownership, his manner curt and rude.
“The next dance is mine, I believe?”
Still in a dream, Isobel looked up at the Earl, startled by his sudden interruption.
“I believe the lady chooses her dance partner, sir?”
Jack Parnell stood boldly in front of the Earl, his arm still firmly within hers.
The Earl spluttered. He was not used to being addressed so boldly.
“Impertinent, sir! Miss Channing promised me this dance and would have kept it, had it not been for you stealing her away.”
The young officer could not help a smile spring to his lips.
“Stolen, sir? My apologies. I did not realise that Miss Channing was your property. Of course, it is the young lady’s choice, not ours that counts?”
Both men looked at Isobel, the young Earl’s face red with indignation.
“Well, Miss Channing, who shall it be?”
Isobel did not care for the look on Sebastian Adick’s face. He did not look like a man who could be trusted, and she didn’t want any trouble to befall Jack.
“Indeed, I did promise you a dance, sir, but you were not here and seeing I was alone, Mr. Parnell took pity on me and asked me to dance. Now, shall we take out places, before the next one begins?”
Reluctantly unhooking her arm from his, Isobel took the proffered hand of the Earl, who now looked triumphant in his conquest.
“And you, sir, had better watch your step. I am good friends with your lieutenant general. I have some influence, you know.”
With that, he escorted the girl to take their places
for the next dance. It was a waltz, one of the new dances, and Isobel felt an inner shiver, as he slid his hand around her waist.
After her dance with Jack Parnell, dancing with the Earl was like dancing with a cold fish. When he looked at her, his eyes were cold—no warmth in the steely blue gaze.
“You dance well, my dear. I must confess that I do prefer this dance. It is much more intimate, do you not think? I look forward to more dancing with you. I know I should like to be more intimate with you.”
Isobel shuddered at his words. If he wasn’t an Earl, she would have slapped him.
She could smell the sour tang of beer upon his breath, and could not wait for the dance to be over.
He pulled her closer to him and whispered close into her ear, “You are very quiet, my dear. I hope you are enjoying our dance together. It certainly brings me great pleasure. Do you not feel the same way?”
Forcing a smile, Isobel managed a nod, not wanting to offend the man.
“It is a great pleasure, sir.”
Sebastian Adick smiled a reptilian smile.
“I am so glad to hear it, my dear, so very glad. I am hoping this is just the start of our friendship.”
The dance over, Isobel was escorted back to where Charles and Emily waited for her.
“Now, my dear, let us talk about the Ball I shall throw in your honor. Let us set a date!”
Isobel could feel her stomach start to churn—she was being pushed down a path that was not of her choosing, and she worried where the journey might end.
Lady Annabelle Lennox had been watching the girl for some time, and after whispering something to her husband, joined in the conversation.
“Dear, sir. I have just been discussing the very matter with my husband. We have a Ball already planned for next month at Wentworth House for all of the officers. Why not all come to that?”
Sebastian’s brow furrowed for a moment, his eyes shifting from side to side, as he thought on the proposal.
“A capital idea, ma’am. Wentworth House is far superior and larger than Thornton Manor, and much more equipped to do justice to the event.”
He was also thinking about his purse and the cost of hosting such an evening, especially one to impress Isobel.
“Tell me, are all the officers invited?”
Lady Annabelle Lennox smiled.
“Indeed they are. Edward has already been speaking to the general tonight, and the men will be told in the morning. It will be good to provide some entertainment for the men, whilst they are still camped in the area.”
The young Earl’s ears pricked up. “They will be moving on shortly, I suppose?”
“They are awaiting orders at the moment, but they are not expected to be moving on, just yet. That’s why we thought we would arrange a little entertainment. It is the least we can do for those young men.”
“Indeed, indeed, yes. Now that reminds me. I must speak to the general on a small matter. Excuse me, ladies. Miss Channing, I do hope for another dance before the evening is out?”
With a low bow he left the group.
“Well, Isobel. You have certainly caught the eye of the young Earl. Your father will be pleased!”
Charles Wilkins laughed, as if the thought well pleased him. However, Isobel looked solemn.
“You are not pleased with his attentions, cousin? Most of the young ladies here would welcome such attention?”
“I think your cousin may be a little overawed by the Earl, Charles. No, my dear. Take my arm, Isobel, and we will go for a turn around the room. You will find you feel much better for a little exercise.”
Taking Isobel by the arm, Lady Lennox gently escorted her away from the group and over to a quieter corner, where they could talk.
“I have been watching you all evening, my dear, and there is something that bothers you. Do you not like Lord Adick?”
Isobel did not quite know how to answer.
“I am sure I do not know the gentleman well enough to comment. I expect he is a good man?”
“And do you welcome his interest in you?”
Isobel hesitated.
“What girl would not welcome such an honor?”
Annabelle Lennox smiled.
“Dear Isobel. You do not need to be so formal with me. I wasn’t always Lady Lennox you know. I, too, was a young girl like you. I know what it feels like to be in love.”
“Oh, but I do not love the Earl …”
She stopped herself quickly, not wanting to say too much.
“But perhaps there is another young man, eh?”
Isobel blushed.
“I have been watching you tonight, Isobel. If I can be totally honest with you, I am not a great fan of Sebastian Adick. He is a rather rude and arrogant man, and can be rather pompous. He also likes to get his own way. When I saw he had singled you out, I thought I had better keep an eye on you. The man can be rather bullish. I have been watching you this evening, Isobel, and I have seen you dance with another young man tonight, and I think that you like him. Am I correct?”
Isobel blushed, the color rising madly in her cheeks.
“Do not worry, Isobel. I am not judging you. I may be the wife of a Duke, but I did marry for love. My life has not been an easy one, and I can say, with my hand on my heart, that marriage without love is not something I would encourage. Of course, one may learn to love someone over time, but that is not the same as true love. Once you have found the one man who makes your heart beat a little faster every time you see or think of him, it is difficult to forget about him. I think it is the same with your young officer?”
Isobel nodded.
“Then I guessed correctly?”
Isobel frowned.
“But I have only just met him this evening. How can that be?”
Annabelle Lennox looked wistful for a moment, her eyes soft with thoughts of the past.
“I think the moment I met my Edward, I knew, my dear, even though perhaps at the time I didn’t admit it to myself. Time will tell. All I can advise, is to follow your heart, wherever you can. True love will find a way … mark my words. Now come, your friends are waiting. I will see you at the Officers Ball in a few weeks’ time I hope? I will make sure your young man is invited. Now, what is his name?”
Emily and Charles were waiting for her return, and her cousin was looking quite displeased.
“Oh Isobel, I am so glad that you are back. Something terrible has happened. All of the officers have been called back to their camp and there is no one left to dance with.”
Isobel looked around her. There was now a distinct lack of red coats.
“And what of Mr. Parnell?”
“All of them have gone, Izzie. Oh, you are all right. You have your Earl to dance with, but now Jack has gone, and there isn’t a man left here I care to dance with.”
Lady Lennox raised an eyebrow and looked knowingly at Isobel.
“It looks like dear Sebastian has started his tricks already, my dear. You will have to be careful with that one. Now, I must leave you to go and find my husband. I hope I shall see you all at the Ball.”
Charles scratched his head.
“Well, what was all that about? I must say it is a bit of a blow, all of the officers leaving so suddenly like that.”
“Oh Izzie’s got new friends, now that she is to become a Countess. She will not want to know us soon, Charles.”
Emily pouted. She was only half mocking.
“Still, I have my Mr. Parnell, and I would not swap him for any title in the kingdom, not even for the King himself.”
The group laughed, yet Isobel felt uneasy. Poor Emily had claimed Jack for her own, and exactly what had Lady Annabelle meant? Surely the officers leaving the Ball was not any of Sebastian Adick’s doing?
“It is getting late, cousins. Perhaps now the officers have left, we should go home ourselves. I, for one, am quite tired.”
The others agreed.
“Yes, we shall have an early night for some beauty sleep. I
was speaking to some of the other officers, Izzie, and as it is Sunday tomorrow, they all have a free day and will be visiting the Pump Rooms. We shall plan a visit ourselves. Now, isn’t that a grand idea? You shall come, too, Charles—to be our chaperone.”
Charles bowed gallantly.
“I shall do anything you bid, ladies. I am at your service.”
“But what about your Earl, Izzie? Did you not promise him another dance this evening?”
“I think I have danced enough for one night. I am sure the Earl will understand. Now, let us go, before he has the chance to ask me again.”
3.
Isobel could not sleep that night. One minute, she was thinking about Jack Parnell, and the way he had looked deeply into her eyes, and the next, she could feel herself being held by Sebastian Adick, his stale breath whispering in her ear.
And what of Emily? Somehow that situation seemed a dozen times more difficult than keeping the Earl at bay. Poor Emily had talked nonstop about Jack Parnell, all the way home. She was besotted with the handsome young officer, and had already planned what outfit she would wear for meeting him the following day.
Even if she were to forget her own feelings, which would be difficult enough, Isobel could never change the way Jack Parnell felt about her. And she would not want him to.
What was it that Lady Annabelle said?
‘True love will find a way.”
She hoped so.
By the next morning, the heavens had opened and the skies were dark and grey. The rain lashed upon the window, as Isobel made the final adjustments to her outfit.
Her heart beat fast at the thought she might see Jack again, and her hand trembled slightly as she pinned the sapphire brooch to her white dress. It set off the blue sash perfectly and the color reflected like deep pools.
Emily sat on her bed watching her cousin dress, her topic of conversation focused on one man.
“Do you think Jack will like my new bonnet, Izzie? I am not sure now if I should have chosen the one with the lace.”
Isobel smiles at her cousin.
“You look beautiful, Emily. But do not get your hopes up too much. We might not see the young man today.”
