On the following morning Elizabeth joined her aunt in the dining-room upon the stroke of nine. Such punctuality brought a nod of approval from her aunt.
“You are no slug-a-bed, I see. Now, miss, I will hear more of your story. You did not tell me all, I think.”
“Ma’am?”
“Elizabeth, I am no fool! You will not tell me that you managed to avoid discovery during your voyage on the Artemis?”
“I did until we were attacked. Then the captain saw me with the wounded.”
“And what had he to say?”
Elizabeth flushed. “He was scandalised,” she admitted. “It was so foolish! There was nothing untoward. Perry had given up his cabin to me...” She fell silent.
“Then why are you so angry? Wentworth must have given an explanation.”
“It wasn’t good enough for Captain Robsart. He said...he said that Perry ought to marry me.”
“Naturally you refused?” Miss Grantham murmured smoothly. She was beginning to understand much which had previously been a mystery to her.
“Of course I did! Perry was forced to offer for me when he had no wish to do so, as he had already told my father. I wouldn’t accept him if he were the last man in the world, though, of course, he won’t offer again, now that he is under no coercion.” This happy state of affairs appeared to offer Elizabeth no satisfaction.
“Very wise, my dear!” Miss Grantham nodded sagely. “Nothing could be more lowering to a woman of sensibility than to be rejected twice. Doubtless, Wentworth refused because of a previous commitment.”
“No, he didn’t!” Elizabeth’s eyes flashed. “He refused because he doesn’t like me. The women he admires are weak, and mealy-mouthed, with no opinions worth discussing. He told me so himself.”
“Extraordinary! I thank heaven that it cannot matter to you. You don’t even think him handsome! These days so many girls are dazzled by a uniform, a pair of broad shoulders, and a certain type of charm. I’m glad to know that you are not among them.”
Elizabeth looked up sharply, but her aunt’s expression was bland.
“Looks are not everything!” Elizabeth snapped.
“Of course not! Now, my dear, today I hold a small soirée. You will wish to meet my friends. Then we must see what can be done to clothe you for the coming Season.”
Elizabeth smiled politely. She had not the least desire to attend the soirée, but common courtesy prevented her from saying so. As for the Season...with any luck she would be far from here before it began in April.
Her aunt chuckled. “I am no fashion-plate myself, as you will have noticed, but Lady Mountfield is to visit us today. Her daughter is an elegant creature, and most amiable. We shall persuade her to advise us.”
“Ma’am, I cannot think it necessary,” Elizabeth protested. “I shall not go about so very much.”
“Nonsense! Is not Wentworth to take you driving in the Park?”
“But I thought you said...?”
“I’ve changed my mind. Had your head been filled with romantical notions about him I should not have considered it. Under the circumstances, it can do no harm. My groom may go with you.”
“I doubt if we shall see him again,” Elizabeth predicted in gloomy tones.
“Possibly not, but it was civil of him to offer. We must grant him that at least.”
“I expect he feels that he owes some duty to my father,” Elizabeth told her bitterly. “Though why he should, I can’t imagine.”
“Don’t trouble your head about it. If we women tried to understand the workings of men’s minds, we should think of nothing else. Now, my dear, will you occupy yourself this morning? I have much to do.”
Dismissed until lunchtime, Elizabeth returned to her room. Bessie had carried off her gowns to press them, and returned with a pile of snowy underthings which she had laundered on the previous evening.
A glance at Elizabeth’s face told her that the girl was low in spirits.
“Shall I wash your hair, miss?” she suggested. “It’s lost its curl, and the ends are sticking out.”
Elizabeth was forced to smile. It was evident that Miss Grantham did not choose her servants for their tact.
“What a good idea!” she agreed. “I confess that it was a trial when we were at sea. I suppose it was the salt air.”
Bessie wasted no time in fetching up hot water. “Cook will send up something for you when we’ve finished,” she announced. “Miss Grantham don’t trouble to eat a nuncheon.”
Elizabeth allowed herself to be led over to the washstand. It was bliss to feel Bessie’s strong fingers on her scalp and, when she finally emerged from beneath an enveloping towel, she felt much refreshed.
Her short crop was soon dry. The dark curls clustered about her face in a shining glory, framing her brilliant eyes.
“My, but you’re a beauty!” Bessie was lost in admiration. “You’ll be the toast of London.”
Elizabeth laughed. “What shall I wear for this soirée?” she asked. “I don’t wish to disgrace my aunt.”
“Lord bless you, Miss Elizabeth! It don’t matter! Wait until you see the ladies! There ain’t a soul among them as gives a thought to what they wear. It’s my belief that they throws on whatever comes to hand.”
Later, Elizabeth was forced to admit that she was right. In her own plain gown of fine India muslin, embroidered only at the hem, she felt almost inconspicuous among the old-fashioned hoops, the feathers, and the amazing turbans favoured by her aunt’s intellectual friends.
She guessed correctly that none among them could lay claim to less than seventy years, and that included the gentlemen.
Elizabeth was no stranger to social skills. Well accustomed to the ponderous gallantry of her father’s friends, she moved through the gathering, blushing at compliments, and listening with charming deference to the ladies.
Miss Grantham was well pleased. She was prepared to give credit where it was due, and Elizabeth’s manners were a tribute to her upbringing.
She rapped upon a table and called her guests to order. For the next hour they listened to a learned dissertation upon the uses of herbal medicines. It was well researched, but Elizabeth found her attention wandering.
Where was Perry now? Doubtless he was entertaining his family with the story of his unwelcome charge. She pressed her hands to her burning cheeks. They would find it most amusing.
She was recalled to the present when her aunt rang for refreshments. The wine was excellent and plentiful, and it was accompanied by delicious little patties, cheeses, chicken wings, and various sweetmeats. Miss Grantham might not care for food, but she did not stint her guests.
It was as Elizabeth was repelling the advances of an elderly gentleman, somewhat the worse for wine, that the door of the salon opened. She looked up to see Perry standing in the doorway.
Elizabeth’s heart turned over. In full dress uniform he looked magnificent. Resplendent in his coat of blue and gold, his black stock neatly tied, he towered above the gathering, his white waistcoat and breeches dazzling in their snowy perfection.
There was a moment of silence. Then a frisson of excitement ran around the room. Miss Grantham looked at the members of her learned circle in astonishment. The stupid creatures were twittering like schoolgirls, straightening their shawls, and patting ineffectually at their greying curls.
She held out her hand to Perry. “Well, sir, do you now hold the record for the journey into Kent and back?”
“Ma’am, I didn’t go.” Perry looked a little conscious. “I called upon my brother, Frederick. Prudence and Sebastian are staying with him, and my mother too...”
“I see. You felt obliged to hurry here to inform me of this fact?”
“Well, I...er...you expressed a wish to see my mother, ma’am.”
“So I did!” Her eyes were twinkling. “Allow me to present you to my guests.”
“Miss Grantham, I must beg your pardon. I have no wish to intrude upon your party—”
&n
bsp; “Nonsense! You are welcome. Such a pity that you didn’t arrive an hour ago! We’ve had a most interesting talk upon the uses of herbs.”
“Good Lord! Is that what you were doing?” Perry stopped. “I mean...well, of course, it must have been fascinating...”
“It was!” Miss Grantham laughed aloud. “Come, sir, the ladies wish to meet you.”
This, she felt, was an understatement. Perry was the lion of the hour, and was treated as such.
His charm was evident as he replied with endless patience to questions about his family and his naval service. He even managed to parry more searching questions from several of the more outspoken ladies.
Elizabeth smiled. Blue-stockings they might be, but they weren’t above indulging in a little gossip.
Miss Grantham watched him from the corner of her eye. To her relief he didn’t single out Elizabeth, greeting her only with the formal courtesy which he might offer to any lady of his acquaintance.
Elizabeth, too, had kept her countenance. Her face was composed as she gave him her hand, only her heightened colour betraying her inner turmoil.
Such behaviour deserved its own reward, and as her guests were leaving, Miss Grantham signalled to Perry to remain. Then she dismissed Elizabeth to her bed.
She sat down by the fire, and motioned Perry into the opposite chair.
“Now, sir, you may tell me why you are here.”
“Ma’am, I hoped you might relent. Frederick has offered me the use of his perch-phaeton, and if you will consent, I’d like to drive Elizabeth in the Park tomorrow.”
Miss Grantham studied her fingers. “Let us have pound-dealing,” she said at last. “What are your intentions towards my niece?”
“You must have guessed them, Miss Grantham. I love Elizabeth and I want to marry her, but she will have none of it.”
“Are you surprised?”
“No, I’m not!” he told her bluntly. “I’ve been an idiot, ma’am. I made a mess of the whole business.”
“I fear you did. Was it necessary to mention that pressure had been brought to bear upon you twice?”
“I wanted to be honest with her.”
“An admirable notion, but not always the best policy. There is such a thing as tact...”
“I know that now.” Perry ran his fingers through his hair. “Miss Grantham, is there any hope for me? She don’t trust me. If I offer for her again, she’s sure to think that it is out of pity. She don’t wish to be here, you see. She has no friends in England.”
Miss Grantham let this unfortunate comment pass. Tact was never likely to be Perry’s strong point.
“You are right,” she told him. “You must not offer again just yet. Once trust is lost...”
“I’ll try to regain it,” he cried eagerly. “Won’t you help me, ma’am? I love Elizabeth with all my heart...”
“I cannot do your wooing for you, sir. I am no meddler, and I won’t interfere.”
“No! I would not ask it of you, but I wondered if you knew? She has said nothing to you?”
Miss Grantham shook her head.
“Then you have no idea of how she feels?”
“None whatever!” the old lady lied. Perry must not know that Elizabeth had already lost her heart to him. He must find out for himself. She looked at his bent head.
“Mr Wentworth, you may call tomorrow. You may take Elizabeth driving. My groom will accompany you.”
Perry’s head went up. “Thank you!” he said with feeling.
“And let me give you some advice. You will not expose my niece to gossip, sir, nor will you worry her with your advances.”
Perry seized her hand and kissed it. “Of course not! I know I must go slowly.”
“Well, I wish you luck! Now be off with you, you rogue! It is long past my bedtime.”
This was not true. Miss Grantham needed little sleep. She was accustomed to read and write long into the night, but on this occasion she found it impossible to do either. She frowned. To be playing Cupid at her age was nonsensical. She was behaving no better than the matchmakers she despised so much.
Yet this was not a question of selling Elizabeth to the highest bidder. The girl was an heiress in her own right, but Miss Grantham had become convinced that it did not weigh with Perry. She doubted if it had ever crossed his mind. His love was deep and true, and she was wise enough to know it. She liked his honest face and his open ways. Even his lack of tact was disarming in its naivety.
It was not wonderful that Elizabeth had lost her heart to such a personable young man. Could it be infatuation? She thought not. In some ways the child was older than her years.
She grimaced, imagining those frightful scenes among the wounded on the Artemis. Elizabeth had shown her mettle on that occasion. If it rested with her aunt, she should have her heart’s desire.
Miss Grantham fell asleep with a smile of satisfaction on her lips.
It would have vanished if she had accompanied Elizabeth on the following day.
The outing began well enough. When the perch-phaeton drew up she had been ready for some time, charmingly attired in her only redingote, and wearing the bonnet which Mrs Robsart had persuaded her to buy in Portsmouth.
She found that a hot brick had been provided for her comfort, and as Perry tucked a rug about her knees she bestowed a smile upon him. She was looking forward to the drive. Really, it was very pleasant to be out of doors on this sunny winter’s day.
“You will not be too cold?” Perry looked down at her as he took the reins and the carriage moved off.
“Thank you. I am perfectly comfortable. How kind of the Earl of Brandon to let us use his phaeton!” Her dignified civility was intended to be quelling, but Perry ignored her cool tone.
“Bang up to the minute, ain’t it? I envy him his team. They are real high-steppers... Old Frederick is a notable whip, at least, he used to be. Now he don’t drive the phaeton much. His wife prefers a barouche to a nasty, dangerous high-perch vehicle which affords no privacy.”
Elizabeth chuckled. She guessed that he was quoting his sister-in-law. “It is dangerous?” she asked.
“Not unless I take a corner on one wheel, and I don’t plan to do that.”
She watched in silence as he guided the carriage through the busy traffic. He was perfectly at ease with the team of thoroughbreds, and they responded to the skilled hands on their reins.
“Your mother is in good health, I trust?” she asked at last.
“Certainly. She is looking forward to meeting you. She remembers your father well.”
“When...when is she to call upon my aunt?”
“Tomorrow, I believe.”
Elizabeth felt a twinge of anxiety. How much had Perry told his family of her story? She hoped that he had been circumspect. The Dowager Countess of Brandon would be unlikely to look with favour upon a girl who had travelled from Genoa without a chaperon, and doubtless Sebastian’s wife would feel the same.
Her chin went up. Why should she care for their opinion? It could not matter to her. If they wished to criticise, they might do so. She did not care a jot, except that her aunt would not be pleased with a slur upon her niece’s reputation, or so she assured herself.
It was not strictly true. Elizabeth was beginning to realise that to stand well in the opinion of Society was important to her, and never more so than now, when she was about to meet Perry’s mother.
He broke into her thoughts to point out that they were now driving along Piccadilly, and would soon be entering Hyde Park.
Elizabeth forgot her worries as she gazed at the crowds of folk who thronged the famous thoroughfare. Most of the pedestrians were men, and she could only marvel at their clothing.
“How do they turn their heads?” she murmured.
“What? Oh, you mean the shirt-points? With the utmost difficulty, I imagine. Look at that fellow over there! His collar is cutting into his cheekbones...”
Elizabeth giggled.
“I should not have worn m
y uniform,” Perry lamented. “If I’d curled my hair and clad myself in yellow pantaloons and a rainbow-coloured waistcoat, I could have passed myself off as one of the dandy-set.”
“So you could,” she agreed wickedly. “But it can’t be helped.” Privately, she believed that none of the men about her could hold a candle to him. He looked like a gentleman, rather than a fribble.
“To make amends, I will take you into Bond Street. You have heard of it?”
“Aunt Mary says that I must do my shopping there.”
“You’ll need a long purse, I fear.” He guided his team through the press of carriages, and was then hailed by a single horseman.
“Wentworth, by Gad! I thought I couldn’t be mistaken. How do you go on? I thought you still on station in the Mediterranean.” The man’s eyes fell upon Elizabeth and he checked his horse.
“Well, and who is this?” he asked softly. “Wentworth, won’t you present me to this lady?” He swept off his hat and bowed.
Perry’s look was far from affable. “Elizabeth, this is Lord Sholto Ashurst.”
“I am Elizabeth Grantham.” Her smile had an astonishing effect upon the gentleman. He turned his horse, and announced his intention to accompany them to the Park.
“Don’t trouble yourself!” Perry gave him an ironic glance.
“No trouble at all, my dear chap! Mustn’t neglect one of my oldest friends.” Lord Sholto gave Elizabeth a long look. “At least I thought he was my friend. Now I’m not so sure. The sly dog has been keeping you to himself, I fear...”
Elizabeth warmed to his evident admiration. “We are but just arrived in London, sir.”
“And you will take the town by storm. May I be the first to bid you welcome?”
“Not here, you won’t. We’re holding up the traffic.” Perry tried to wave his friend away, but his efforts were in vain. Matters did not improve when they entered the Park. They were soon surrounded by a crowd.
As compliments rained down upon her head, Elizabeth appealed to Perry.
“Must we stay?” she murmured in a low voice. “Your friends are very kind, but I can’t remember half the names. Besides, we are creating a disturbance. Some people over there are standing upon chairs.” Her face grew rosy with embarrassment.
Regency Admirer/The Merry Gentleman/The Gentleman's Demand Page 16
