He removed himself to a quiet corner, ordered a large brandy, and sat, staring blankly before him as he considered his situation. If his family were being so openly gossiped about by the men, what were the women saying? So far, he believed that he had managed to prevent his sisters from being exposed to the worst of the gossip – just the fact that they had had to hear, as he had, about their father’s betrayal, was quite enough – they did not need to know the sort of things that were being said now.
But… could he prevent that from happening? He somehow doubted it, as did Mrs Chadwicke.
The companion had done her best, but as soon as the girls started to make friends in society, they would inevitably hear of it. The very thought made him queasy, and he took a large swallow of the brandy.
He would face that moment when it came, and do his best to prevent that gossip from ruining their chances at making good marriages. In the meantime, he would do as he had considered – he would arrange with Mr Swithin to go, himself, and see this supposed half-brother and his shop, then make a decision – if he left the matter hanging, then there was all the more chance that something more would reach the gossips, and destroy his sisters’ chances.
<<<
Rose’s wedding had gone off perfectly, and Camellia had enjoyed it, but she was glad to be back in London, and able to settle back into a more normal pattern of life – well, as normal as anything could be, when her mother had planning for the Season in mind.
This morning, she was sitting in the private parlour she had once shared with her three older sisters, but which she now had the luxury of having all to herself. On a tray before her was a pile of letters – all of which had arrived for her whilst they were in the country – she had not expected there to be so many. Quickly, she sorted them – one pile for those where she recognised the handwriting, another for those where she did not.
She would deal with the familiar ones first.
The one on top of the pile was from her man of business, and she broke the seal carefully, wondering what the missive might portend. He rarely wrote to her, beyond a quarterly accounting of the progress of her investments, and that was not due for another month. The paper was of high quality, and the penmanship elegant – there was no doubt that, for a man of business, he had the sensibilities of one of higher station.
The words within were simple and direct, making Camellia smile – she had long ago instructed him to be so, for a florid excess of words served no one.
‘Lady Camellia,
I must ask you to make a decision with respect to one of your investments.
The shop which you invested in a year ago, which has been doing moderately well, has come into an unfortunate situation. It remains popular, and has excellent clientele, but, recently, one or two customers of the ton have chosen to not pay their accounts on time.
As a consequence, there is a matter of liquidity to address. Without those bills paid, the shop owner lacks the funds to pay his own accounts. He has sought other avenues for funding, but those have, as yet, not been successful. He has not asked me to approach you about further investment – I have taken it upon myself to ask you, on his behalf.
I have an unfailing belief that his business will prosper, once this short-term issue is resolved. Therefore, I must enquire – would you be willing to add more funds to your existing investment in that business?
Yours, respectfully,
Mr Sw.’
She set the paper down on the desk, and stared out of the window at the bare branches of the trees outside. Her first thoughts were of angry frustration – at the men of the ton who did this sort of thing to shopkeepers, all too often! So utterly inconsiderate!
Of course she would invest more, to carry the shopkeeper over, if what her man of business suggested was the case. Caution, however, urged her to confirm the details. She had never seen this particular shop, for her investing was a closely held secret – but perhaps she should, just this once, break her own rules, and arrange to at least see it from the street, to assure herself that it had the potential indicated, before she committed more funds to it.
That would be wise. But she was torn – her unfailingly kind heart made her want to throw caution to the winds, and commit her money immediately. She shook her head, chastising herself for impulsiveness, and turned back to the desk, drawing out pen, ink, and paper from the drawer, and set about replying, requesting the opportunity to clandestinely visit the premises.
Once that letter was written, she turned to the next one on her tray – which was from Bella, she knew.
She broke the seal, and quickly read the short note. Bella begged that she invite the Ladies Georgette and Marie Falton to tea, immediately upon her return to London, as Bella simply could not wait to meet them.
Camellia laughed – the bright enthusiasm was so typical of Bella. But the sentiment was one with which she could agree. So far, her mother had not arranged anything for the next few afternoons, so the timing was perfect. She selected another sheet of paper, and set about writing an invitation for the ladies to attend Elbury House for tea in two days’ time, accompanied by their companion, of course. Once that was written, she penned a reply to Bella, informing her of the day and time, and inviting her to be there also.
The remainder of the letters were of no great import – invitations to some social events, from various families just returning to London, and some missives from young ladies who were close acquaintances, if not quite deep friends, telling her of their lives over the past few weeks. She dutifully responded where that was required, and set the invitations to one side, to discuss with her mother later.
When it was all dealt with, she leant back, staring out of the window again. The thought which rose, at that point, was one which had dogged her now for some time – what more might she learn of Blackwater, once she knew his sisters better?
Chapter Five
Camellia felt suddenly, unaccountably, nervous. Bella sat with her, and she had firmly forbidden any of her sisters from entering the parlour until she sent for them. She did not want to overwhelm Blackwater’s sisters on first meeting – and her family were certainly experts at being overwhelming!
The sound came of the rap of the door knocker, followed moments later by Marks’ voice, and lighter, higher female voices. Footsteps on the marble of the entryway soon followed. Bella smiled brightly, and Camellia wished that she had her friend’s utter confidence in life. A tap came at the parlour door, followed by it opening.
“Lady Georgette Falton, Lady Marie Falton, and Mrs Chadwicke.”
Marks stepped aside and the ladies entered the room. Camellia rose, and went to them, smiling. At the sight of the nervousness of her guests, her own fears evaporated.
“Welcome. I am Lady Camellia Gardenbrook, do please be seated.”
“Thank you for inviting us.”
Lady Georgette’s voice shook a little as she spoke, but her voice was clear and pleasant. They moved into the room, and, as they took a seat, Camellia continued the introductions.
“This is my dear friend, the Duchess of Hartswood.”
“Please, dear ladies, do not be formal – please call me Bella. I must tell you that I was not born to the ton, and I am still, even after a year of marriage, not used to being called ‘Your Grace’. I do hope that we will become firm friends.”
Lady Marie smiled, but looked very unsure.
“I hope so too. We do not know many people well.”
Camellia felt her heart go out to the pretty young women before her, who seemed so lost. Georgette had hair as dark as her brother’s, and bright green eyes in a lean face which made her seem elegant, without even trying. Marie was softer – shorter, more rounded, pretty in a more conventional fashion, with very dark brown hair which cast deep red glints in the light from the window. Her eyes were a startling violet colour.
“Your brother mentioned that you are to come out this Season, but that you have no female relatives to sponsor you, or as
sist.”
“That is true. I am beginning to realise just how woefully unprepared we are. We have so little time to arrange our clothes, and learn all we must of society. More than a year in mourning has left us cut off from the knowledge of what has been happening in society. And we have both grown, so even our mourning clothes no longer fit well. I am beginning to despair of achieving what must be done.”
Georgette sounded sad, but almost resigned. Marie looked less resigned, but far more uncertain about everything. She spoke into the small silence which had fallen.
“Perhaps everything could be done in time, if we knew exactly what we needed to do. Blackwater assures us that there is no need for us to limit what we spend on our attire, or any other necessary preparation, but… we do not know where to start. Mrs Chadwicke has been wonderful, but she also lacks the knowledge of what is required. And we have no aunts, or other relatives who could help.”
Bella smiled broadly.
“If you will accept it, I would like to offer my assistance. I am happy to sponsor you into society, and to assist with all of the preparations – although I will need to draw upon Lady Camellia there, never having had a Season myself, due to my merchant class birth. That birth makes me somewhat controversial – I married a Duke, and no-one is quite willing to cut me, but many are still less friendly than if I had been born to it. If you can overlook that, then I will be delighted to help.”
The girls looked at each other with rather startled expressions, and Mrs Chadwicke regarded them fondly. Camellia was sure, in that moment, that Blackwater had warned Mrs Chadwicke, but not the girls, that Bella might suggest such a thing. Georgette turned back to them.
“I… am most grateful for your kind offer. But… why would you do such a thing for us?”
“Because the ton can be cruel, I know full well from experience – I would not leave anyone in a position to face that where, for want of a little assistance, it could be avoided.”
“Oh! Yes, they can be cruel. Mama used to tell us of it, and warn us to avoid the gossips, once our time for a Season came.”
Marie’s voice shook a little and sadness filled her eyes – no doubt at the memory of her mother. Camellia spoke then, thinking that the time was right.
“I will most definitely help too. My family is large, and our father, the Duke of Elbury, is well liked – which permits us, as a family, to be a little eccentric. I am quite certain that my sisters will adore you, and sweep you up into whatever they are doing – if, of course, you are willing to risk being overwhelmed? I am the middle of seven daughters. My elder sisters are all wed now, so Mother hopes that I will find a husband this Season. We have a brother too.”
“That sounds… remarkable. I cannot imagine living in such a large family! But I think that we would welcome the chance to make so many new friends – before we must face ballrooms full of strangers.”
“Wonderful! I had hoped that you might feel that way. Might I summon them now – as well as the tea and cakes which I have been most remiss in not providing you yet?”
“Yes, of course. And tea would be most welcome.”
Camellia rose, and left the room to send for the refreshments, and to gather her sisters. Bella turned to Georgette and Marie.
“I do hope that there are lemon cakes! The cook here at Elbury House is exquisitely talented, especially with cakes.”
“I must admit, I am partial to lemon cakes, although Marie prefers rosewater ones. Thank you, again, for your offer of assistance – it is… a great relief.”
The door opened again, and three maids rushed in with trays, setting out a veritable feast on the small tables near the couches they sat on, and placing an elegant tea service with a seemingly huge number of cups on another table near Bella.
As the maids left, Camellia appeared in the doorway, her family behind her. Georgette and Marie rose from their seats, and Camellia watched as their eyes widened at the sight of them all together – imagine what it would have been like if Lily, Hyacinth and Rose had also been at home!
“Ladies Georgette and Marie Falton, may I Introduce my sisters, Ladies Primrose, Violet and Iris Gardenbrook, and my brother Thorne Gardenbrook, Marquess of Wildenhall. My married sisters, Lily, Hyacinth and Rose, I am sure you will meet during the Season, at some point. And yes, we all have flower names, because our father is obsessed with horticulture, and our mother simply could not resist.”
Georgette and Marie looked rather overwhelmed, even having been warned. The sisters rushed forward to take Georgette and Marie’s hands, and, as was predictable, all seemed to speak at once.
“How wonderful to meet you!”
“New friends are a delight – I have so much to show you.”
“You’re coming out this Season? That is a delight – we can whisper in corners at Balls about all of the most handsome gentlemen.”
Thorne waited until his sisters had settled, then stepped forward, gently easing Violet out of his way, and bowed over each of Georgette and Marie’s hands.
“Please, don’t be unsettled by the enthusiasm of my sisters. They are incapable of approaching anything quietly. I, on the other hand…” Thorne smiled at them, that smile which Camellia was aware that he knew often made young ladies swoon, and paused a moment to observe their reaction. Then he went on, intentionally charming. “I will simply say that you are quite the most beautiful young ladies I have seen in years, and that I am certain you will be the toast of the Season. Which will, of course, mean that my sisters will have to accept being outshone.”
Camellia laughed softly as Primrose and Violet glared at Thorne.
“You, brother dear, are an inveterate flatterer. But in this case, I think you may have the right of it. And, personally, I will be delighted to be outshone – in fact, I intend, in helping Lady Georgette and Lady Marie to prepare for the Season, to ensure it. Mother can manoeuvre as much as she wishes, but I will find a husband in my own time, just as my sisters have.”
It was Bella’s turn to laugh, and she turned to Lady Georgette and Lady Marie, pretending to whisper so that the others would not hear.
“They are always like this, my dear ladies – quite a force of nature – but with hearts of gold. They are forever teasing each other, but should anyone threaten one of them, or someone they hold dear, they are ferocious in defence. You could not have better people around you as you are launched into society.”
<<<
Damien was very pleased when his sisters returned from their afternoon call at Elbury House espousing the virtues and kindness of the Duchess of Hartswood, as well as Lady Camellia Gardenbrook and her family. He repressed his desire to shout with joy at having the burden of their preparation for the Season lifted from his shoulders, and simply made appropriate quiet comment.
But the next few days passed with him feeling a sense of lightness that had not been there since he had departed the continent shortly before his father’s death. Not only had he been relieved of the difficulty of his sisters introduction to society, but he had sent to Mr Swithin to arrange an exact time to visit Mr Thomas Black’s shop – which left him feeling as if, at least in some small ways, his life was moving forward again, and away from the turmoil that the revelation of his father’s betrayal had created in him.
He had accepted invitations to a number of dinners and Balls over the next week, where attendance would be small, for most people were not in London yet. He hoped to use those occasions to practice forcing himself to be socially correct – and to assess just how much gossip was going on, and what risk that might pose for Georgette and Marie. And, if he were truthful with himself, he hoped to see Lady Camellia again.
<<<
Camellia entered the ballroom feeling oddly unsettled. Her eyes roamed the room immediately – she was looking for Bella, she assured herself, not the Duke of Blackwater, no, not at all.
But, nonetheless, her eyes found him.
As it happened, that meant she found Bella as well, as Black
water stood talking to Bella and Lucien.
Camellia excused herself from her family, saying that she was going to speak to Bella. As she turned to move across the room, Primrose watched her with a raised eyebrow, but said nothing, even as Violet whispered to her, “Do you think she’s really just going to talk to Bella? Or????” Primrose shook her head, but fully intended to follow up on that most interesting question, later.
“Good evening Bella, Hartswood, Blackwater.”
Camellia curtseyed before them, as they all turned to greet her.
“Lady Camellia, might I say that you look radiant this evening?”
“You may, but I will accuse you of unmitigated flattery.”
“Well… I may be practising to better my ability to spout the expected phrases – for my sisters’ benefit of course – but in your case, there is no dissimulation required, as you are, indeed, radiantly beautiful. There are others, however…”
Camellia laughed, quite delighted that Blackwater had done something so different from his usual aloof manner.
“Others whom you are far too much of a consummate gentleman to name, I am sure.”
Camellia thought, as she said it, that it was more than her sister Hyacinth would have done. Hyacinth would have been unable to stop herself from naming the persons in question.
“Indeed. Let me turn the conversation away from the very idea. My sisters have been positively glowing in their recommendations of your kindness and generosity – so I must also thank you. They have badly needed friends, and a chance to move on from the exigencies of mourning.”
“You should thank Bella then, as well, for she has already done more than I have to garner invitations for your sisters.”
“I have done so, just minutes before you joined us this evening.”
“He did, and most prettily.” Bella smiled and gave a light laugh. “I have just been warning him that the modiste’s bills he will soon receive will most like give him an apoplexy, for I have convinced Madame Beaumarais to take Ladies Georgette and Marie as clients.”
A Diamond for a Duke : Book 4: Camellia: Clean Regency Romance (A Duke's Daughters - The Elbury Bouquet) Page 4
