“Ah, Standish, I saw your name in the visitors book, wondered what the blazes brought you to Bath. This is the last place I should expect to see you,” the older gentleman said in greeting.
“I thought it was time my sister saw it,” Tom replied, but not with his usual growl. Mr Davies was the type of person he liked, including his abrupt manner. He was one of the few people who had visited his family home when he was younger and did not bring back memories that he would rather forget.
“Thought Brighton was the place to be these days, Bath is only for us old ones. It’s not as popular as it was since the Regent built his monstrosity in Brighton.”
A smile had been given by Tom at the description of the Regent’s pride and joy palace. Mr Davies was not the type to suppress his feelings for politeness sake. “Brighton is the place to be if you want to be surrounded by those who fawn over the Regent,” Tom replied with his usual sneer.
“Madmen! Can’t be doing with the blighters myself, glad I’m too old to be of importance now.” Mr Davies laughed. “Sophie’s turned out to be a fine lady I see, looks like your mother. Not married yet?”
“Not yet, but don’t get any ideas, I’m expecting a younger man to marry my sister.”
Mr Davies laughed out loud, “Cheeky cub! Glad to see you’re still on top form Standish. Where’s her chaperone?”
“I’m doing the job at the moment,” Tom explained. “I had a bad experience with an aunt, you’ll remember Aunt Louisa? For now I’m escorting Sophie, but we have met some friends here and the sister is proving to be a great help. The Crawfords? You probably know them; I went to Oxford with James.”
“Ah yes, I do know them, the sister lives here with a cousin; a bit out of the ordinary, but a fine looking girl. I’m not surprised you’re hanging around with her, wouldn’t have minded making a conquest of her myself if I was a bit younger.”
Tom found himself stiffening at the lewd way Mr Davies was referring to Isabelle and flared up against his tone. “The family are my friends, don’t insult the lady in my hearing,” he snapped. The thought of Isabelle being seen as a woman to be chased in such a disrespectful way angered him with force that surprised him. It was bad enough that she was chased by numerous men who wanted to make her their wife without men looking at her as a challenge to corrupt. He tried to hide his anger. It would be no use to let anyone see the feelings that Isabelle stirred within him. He was not going to act on them, so he had to keep them hidden.
“Sorry Standish, I see how it is, no offence meant,” the words were delivered quickly. Anyone who had known the Earl as long as Mr Davies knew the extent of his temper. “I know, let me make it up to you, bring Sophie and your party around to my place tonight. I have arranged to feed my friends the Wilds. You would make a welcome addition to the group. Sophie and your Isabelle could provide us with some welcome music if they would.”
Normally the Earl would have refused an invitation and he did have reservations of putting Isabelle in Mr Davies’s company after his comments, but the temptation of being engaged for the evening away from the Arnold family was too much of a sway and he accepted the offer. He arranged to send a note around to Mr Davies when he had asked if the Crawford party would join them. He left Mr Davies to continue around the Pump Room, greeting almost everyone along the way, demanding from each person to tell him something entertaining. His seniority gave him an excuse to behave badly in his opinion.
Tom turned his attention to looking out for a dark head that had become important to the enjoyment of his stay. Finally, he spotted her, surrounded, as he knew she would be by the men who tried to woo her, but were consistently held at arm’s length. He knew that she was not interested in any of them in a romantic way, but it did not prevent his stomach knotting at the sight of her laughing at another man’s jokes. He had to fight the urge to walk over and punch each and every one of them who surrounded her, but he knew that ultimately he was going to leave Bath and her behind, so fought his inner battle of trying to ignore what she stirred within him.
Sophie had approached James and Mary, who were talking to some of their friends near to Isabelle. They acknowledged the Earl and he had the pleasure of seeing Isabelle smile at him across the crowd. He was forced to make polite conversation with Mary as James and Sophie chatted exclusively. Mary did keep him entertained though, she was the second most sensible woman in the room after Isabelle.
Tom had relaxed a little while talking to Mary, until the sound of a familiar voice was heard. Mrs Arnold was bearing down on them as if she had not seen them for months. If only, he thought before bracing himself and turned to greet the new additions.
“Well I say, what a pleasant surprise to see you all again! Did you enjoy the Theatre? I am sure it was a pleasure. I’ve heard such good reports! Was there anyone of interest in the audience? I always say to my girls, half the pleasure is in seeing one’s friends in the audience. I often miss the performance because I am looking at Mrs So and So’s hat, but I enjoy it anyway. It seems like so long since we have seen each other. You seem well, very well indeed. My Charlotte has not stopped talking about the kindness you all showed her last night. Who would have thought, refreshments brought to the box. Spoiled I told her, she was spoiled indeed!”
“Mrs Arnold, how nice to see you,” came the clear laughing voice of Isabelle. Her eyes danced as she met Tom’s gaze briefly before turning back to Mrs Arnold. “Let me introduce you to an old friend of my mother’s family. He knew your husband I believe.” Isabelle led Mrs Arnold to the group of men who had surrounded her, but who were now quickly making their excuses and moving away. An older gentleman was being introduced to Mrs Arnold, who seemed very pleased to have a new acquaintance.
Isabelle moved back to Tom within a few moments. He could not resist touching her arm as he said quietly, “My heartfelt thanks Miss Crawford, I think you have saved me from committing murder.”
Isabelle smiled mischievously, “I am happy to be of help, but I’m afraid it’s not over; I fear we shall have her company for some time yet.”
Tom quickly updated Isabelle about the invitation he had been offered and when she did not look too keen, he tried his powers of persuasion to gain her agreement. “I shall make it worth your while,” he said.
“What can you possibly offer me that would tempt me to spend an evening in company with people I don’t really want to? Not only that, they expect me to play music for their entertainment!” Isabelle liked Tom’s company more than she was prepared to admit to anyone, even herself, but was reluctant to commit to a tiresome evening even for him.
Tom blinked before replying, this woman always knew how to knock him from his usual confident position. “I did not know you felt so strongly against our company,” he said rather coolly, his aloofness hiding the hurt that he felt at her remarks.
Isabelle burst out laughing, which again rocked Tom. “If you said that hoping for compliments, my Lord, you will be disappointed! You know full well that I like your company. I am not going to pander to your ego by telling you how much. I was referring to the Wilds and Mr Davies which you should have known.”
“That’s a relief,” Tom said, with more feeling than normal. “If I suggest that we go out tomorrow for a long ride, Mary could come in a phaeton if she wished and we could ride alongside her on horseback. We could ride out to an inn and have a meal and then return. You often say that you wish you could take Beauty on longer rides. Well I am offering you the opportunity to do that as compensation for a tiresome evening.”
“Umm, that is a temptation, I admit,” Isabelle replied. “I think you may have offered enough to persuade me. I shall be happy to join you tonight, but remember the whole time we are there I will be thinking of our day out tomorrow.”
“We shall be of one mind then!” Tom replied with a smile.
The parties eventually separated and Isabelle explained to James and Mary what she had agreed to. James was happy with the scheme; any time with Sophie was sure to
gain his agreement. Mary declined the offer of the day out. “I have promised Mrs Sugden that I would accompany her on a shopping trip,” Mary explained. Mrs Sugden was her closest friend in Bath.
“Could she not be persuaded to postpone? Or would she join us?” Isabelle asked wanting her cousin to join them on the day out. She did not often venture further afield and Isabelle wanted to try and tempt her enough that she would join them.
“She, like me, is no horsewoman,” Mary said with a smile. “We prefer trips by carriage rather than phaeton, especially at this time of year! You can brave the cool air; I am going to brave nothing more adventurous than Milsom Street!”
“Very well, but you will be missed,” Isabelle said linking arms with her cousin. “You help me entertain the Earl while James and Lady Sophie talk exclusively to each other.”
“You need no help in that area, you are more than capable in handling him,” Mary smiled. “I had noticed that you are becoming great friends the both of you.”
“Yes we are when his mood isn’t black.” Isabelle smiled wickedly.
Chapter 7
Tom and Sophie collected Isabelle, James and Mary in the Standish carriage to transport them to the evening’s gathering. Isabelle noticed with a smile that it was very comfortable; the padding on the seats was deeper than Isabelle had ever sat on. Coverings along the inside ensured there were very few ways the cold could seep into the carriage. James had really worried unnecessarily when he had been concerned with Sophie’s comfort during her journey down to Bath. She sat next to Sophie, who chatted about her dress. Isabelle had realised that Sophie always chose colours that emphasised the blue in her eyes. Sophie could not be considered vain, but she knew how to bring out the best in her features even more than they naturally stood out which was a fine talent in one so young. Obviously the Aunt that the Earl disapproved of had taught Sophie some useful tricks.
When they entered the light of the large house at Weston, Isabelle was able to appreciate Sophie’s taste further. She was wearing a pale pink silk dress that seemed to float down to her paler pink shoes. Her hair was tied up tightly with ringlets falling at the side of her face and she had small pink flowers adorning her hair. She looked like a vision. Isabelle had dressed in a deep blue, with darker blue lace edging. She had been drawn to the striking colour as soon as she had seen it in the fabric shop and had immediately ordered a dress in it. Isabelle did not realise what a striking picture the two of them created as they entered the room, but the occupants certainly looked forward to a more enjoyable night than they had anticipated once Isabelle and Sophie arrived.
The meal went as well as any of that type of gathering went. Sophie was placed next to James, which pleased both. Isabelle and Mary were separated and the Earl was seated away from either of them, so all three made conversation with their new acquaintances through the meal. The food was excellent from a host who liked the finer things in life and had become used to having them. He had consoled himself regarding his over-indulgence by removing from his previous home to live near to Bath, so that when his gout became excessively bad he could take the waters as often as he needed to try to combat the effects of rich food and wine. His Doctor had been sceptical, but with such a strong willed patient, had done what every good Doctor did to support his patient as far as he could until he was referred onto the local Doctor in Weston, who then had the unfortunate task of caring for a man who regularly overindulged and would not be convinced by any reason why he should not.
Isabelle did enjoy the meal and the company, despite her earlier reservations. She was not one for small parties usually, but Mr Davies’s fondness for abrupt speech made her laugh throughout the evening. Afterwards everyone gathered in the larger drawing room. Isabelle and Sophie were asked to perform on the instrument that took up one corner. Isabelle chose to go first. She knew the limitations of her musical ability and expected that Sophie would be more accomplished, so felt it more appropriate for Sophie to entertain the party for the larger part of the evening.
Isabelle refused to sing. She was happy to play, but could not add a good singing voice to her accomplishments. She chose her music and sat down at the pianoforte. She soon lost herself in the music, enjoying playing. If her recital was not totally perfect, her attempts were good enough to give pleasure to most listeners. She smiled when the Earl approached the instrument and watched her as she played. His usual stern expression had softened and a slight smile played around his lips as she grinned at him whenever she made a mistake.
When she finally could be persuaded to play no more Sophie took her place. Isabelle had presumed correctly when she had guessed at Sophie’s ability; she could sing beautifully and play very well. “Your sister is very talented,” she said turning to the Earl sitting next to her as Sophie began her second song.
“One thing Aunt Louisa did that was right was to make sure Sophie applied herself. We are benefiting from many arguments between the two I believe,” he smiled.
“You should be congratulated on your ability to keep her away from the Arnolds. She has hardly seen them since they arrived,” Isabelle remarked quietly.
“Yes and Sophie has never complained once. I expected at least some argument from her, but she has not said a word about it,” Tom commented with some relief.
“Perhaps she spoke the truth when she told you they were not attached,” Isabelle offered hoping for her brother’s sake that it was so.
“I hope so,” came the reply. They were forced to change the subject as James came to stand nearby to turn the pages for Sophie. Neither wanted James to realise they had doubts about Sophie’s affection towards him.
“So, have you planned an exquisite day for us tomorrow?” Isabelle asked in her usual teasing way as Tom stayed close to her. “I only expect the best.”
“I would only offer the best to such company,” Tom replied, equally as teasing. “I could not face the scolding from you if the day did not come up to standard!”
*
Thursday morning dawned cloudy but dry to all the party’s relief. Isabelle loved riding, but not when it was pouring with rain. She was looking forward to a long ride. She often felt penned in when the weather turned and she could not go out, so took every opportunity she could. Bath was located in such a position that although there were many buildings in the centre, within a few minutes of riding, the buildings could be left behind and the open countryside enjoyed. This had been one of the appealing features of the City when Isabelle had made her decision to move.
The horses were brought round in good time and Isabelle and James mounted as soon as the Earl and Sophie arrived. This time the Earl was leading the way and James joined him at the front. Isabelle followed closely with Sophie.
“Is Bath offering you enough excitement?” Isabelle asked as they skirted the edge of the City, their usual route out.
“Oh yes, I love it,” Sophie said quickly. “It is even more fun now that Charlotte is here.”
“She seems a pleasant girl. Are there just the three children?” Isabelle asked hoping to find out as much as she could about the family when Sophie had given her the opportunity with the turn of conversation.
“Yes, I pity Charlotte. She is such a lovely person, but has no fortune. I hate to see her upset when we talk about marriage. I have the fortune to be able to marry whom I wish, but she does not. I wish there was something I could do for her,” Sophie said absently chewing her lip.
“I’m sure your friendship helps and when you marry you may have the opportunity to introduce her to eligible young men, who don’t need to consider a fortune when marrying,” Isabelle offered, liking Sophie even more for caring so much about her friend.
“How many men are there like that?” Sophie asked. “We both know that even when men don’t need to marry for money, they will usually choose to. It always seems to be the case that money chases money. Aunt Louisa constantly pointed out examples of such and she had every expectation of me marrying someone rich, even
though I did not need to.”
Isabelle laughed, “Oh Lady Sophie, what a jaundiced view you have my dear! There are always exceptions to the rule and I do believe that if we meet someone and fall in love the money side of things will work itself out naturally.”
“I’m not convinced,” Sophie muttered.
“What about Mr Arnold? He is attached?”
“Um, no I don’t think so,” Sophie said looking away. “He is as restricted as Charlotte in his choice. He has to marry someone with money to help the rest of his family. As the eldest he has the responsibility of looking after his sisters prospects. He will only be able to do that if he secures a profitable marriage.”
“Do you never read novels Lady Sophie? You don’t appear to be very romantic!”
Sophie laughed, “I am romantic I promise, and according to my brother I read too many novels. But when these foolish rules of society prevent the lovely people I care about from doing what they want to, I get very angry.”
“I can see that,” Isabelle said, looking at the flushed expression and flashing eyes with great amusement. She tried not to let Sophie see that she was amused and decided it was time to change the subject. “I would imagine James can be romantic.”
Sophie looked at her and blushed, “Yes he can. He is very thoughtful and considerate. You are lucky to have such a good brother.”
“I am,” Isabelle agreed, “But don’t tell him or it will go straight to his head!”
They rode on for some time before the group re-arranged itself into the preferred method of travel, with Isabelle and Tom at the front and James and Sophie travelling at a more sedate pace.
“You seemed to be having an in-depth conversation with my sister,” Tom raised when they were in no danger of being overheard.
“Yes, it was interesting. She is very angry that her friend will be restricted on the choice of people she can marry because of her lack of fortune. She also mentioned that Mr Arnold has to marry a fortune in order to provide for his family,” Isabelle replied.
The Complicated Earl Page 7
