The Lords & Ladies Box Set

by Fenella J Miller

  'Are you not excited, Em? Neither of us has seen the abbey since it has been restored, I can't wait to see what they have done. '

  Emma refrained from pointing out that they'd never seen the inside of the abbey, restored or otherwise. 'I know; as you see I am beside myself with anticipation,' she said dryly. 'The carriage will be here shortly, do you have spare pins and a handkerchief in your reticule? You have forgotten nothing?'

  Eugenie tapped her fan on the end of her nose. 'I think I am absolutely ready. Emily told me last week, when she visited with the squire, that I should be wearing pastel colours. It seems that unmarried girls are not supposed to wear either gold or emerald green.'

  'I'm at an age, Eugenie, when I can wear what I please. And when I saw this silk, the exact shade of my eyes, I could not resist, and you have made our gowns so beautifully, no one could possibly know they haven't come from a top modiste in Town.'

  She arranged the matching wrap around her shoulders, confident she looked her best. What was keeping Papa? She could hear the crunch of wheels outside. She turned to call her father. 'The carriage is here, are you ready to leave, Papa?'

  To her consternation her father appeared still dressed in navy blue topcoat, sadly creased britches and dusty boots. He wasn't ready.

  'I'm sorry my dears, but I have been feeling unwell this afternoon, nothing to worry about, a touch of fever, but I do not feel I can accompany you this evening.'

  Emma immediately began to remove her gloves. 'In that case, Papa, we shall not go either. We shall stay here and take care of you.' She saw Eugenie's mouth turn down and knew her sister was going to refuse.

  'My dear, I have Aggie to take care of me. I should have told you earlier, but I was waiting to see how I did. Now, I shall away to my bed, you go and enjoy yourselves; you have Jane to accompany you, and you will be among friends. I'm sure there will be no need to have a chaperone.'

  Emma was certain that going unaccompanied to such an event was a recipe for disaster. A young lady's reputation was the most precious thing she had and she feared that such forward behaviour might tarnish them in the eyes of the neighbourhood.

  Eugenie was already on her way down the path, determined to go, on her own if necessary. The feeling of eager anticipation she had been experiencing over the past few days at the thought attending this prestigious occasion vanished like morning dew at sunrise. She had no option. Hurriedly she embraced her father and followed her sister from the vicarage. Both Jane and Eugenie were already settled in the carriage, and the liveried footman bowed and offered his arm. The young man spoilt the moment by grinning.

  'You look a treat, Miss Meadows.'

  The footman was Jack, the blacksmith's son, almost unrecognizable in his finery. They had known each other from the cradle and his friendly comment helped stem her growing anxiety. Should she tell her sister that what they were doing was outrageous? That she believed everyone would think they were unfeeling, undutiful daughters and would have done better to stay at home and care for their ailing parent and not parade around in their finery, unaccompanied by a suitable chaperone?

  'I know we should have stayed, Emma, but we might never have this opportunity again. These gowns have been made especially for tonight, I could not bear it if no one saw us parade in them.'

  Emma forced herself to relax. 'I fear this is a mistake, my dear, but it is too late to repine, so I shall try and be like you and enjoy the moment, whatever the consequences.'

  Chapter Five

  The abbey was flanked by flaming torches, the building looked like something from a fairytale. In spite of her misgivings, Emma began to feel some of her initial excitement returning. Maybe tonight would not be such a disaster after all. The carriage pulled up in front of the imposing marble steps that lead to the entrance of the modern wing of Kesgrave Abbey.

  'Emma, I'm so happy to be here, I can hardly believe so much has happened since we met Lord Denver and Mr Tennent in the plum orchard all those weeks ago.'

  'Well, we appear to be the first to arrive, which is fortuitous as now there will not be a crowd of people observing the fact that we are alone.'

  'Fiddlesticks to that! Papa would never have allowed us to attend tonight if there had been anything improper about our doing so. After all he is the vicar.'

  Emma was forced to smile. Her sister was probably right, if her father was sanguine, then so must she be. 'Remember, Eugenie, we must stay together unless one of us is dancing and then the other must remain with Jane.'

  'Emma, I'm not a child. I have been out these past two years and know how to go on at functions such as this.'

  She doubted the veracity of that statement but there was no time for further conversation as the carriage door was opened with a flourish and the liveried footman flicked down the steps. He stood with his arm raised to assist them to alight.

  They walked together up the steps holding up the hems of their evening gowns to avoid both tripping, or miring the material. As they entered the hall they halted in amazement. The hexagonal space, with its black and white chequered floor, was ablaze with what seemed like ten thousand candles. Several massive chandeliers hung from the ceiling, their crystal drops sparkling like gemstones in the light. Emma gazed round in delight. Her attention was drawn towards the two men watching closely to see their reaction.

  'Good evening, Lord Denver, Mr Tennent.'

  She sank in a deep curtsy, hearing the rustle of silk as her sister did the same behind her. Before she could straighten an ungloved hand appeared, pulling her gently upright; she felt the heat, the hardness of his fingers as they enfolded hers through her silk gloves and she shivered. He raised her hand to his mouth, his blue eyes blazing into hers, then pressed a gentle kiss across her knuckles sending a second frisson of excitement rushing up her arm.

  She was transfixed; she should say something but couldn't break the spell he was casting over her. She forgot about Eugenie, about behaving with propriety, all she could think about was the man standing, magnificent in black evening dress, in front of her.

  'You are most welcome, my dear Miss Meadows. I ensured you arrived before the others, I wish to give you a conducted tour of my home; as you have been so closely involved with the renovations I feel it only right you should be the first to see the result.' He became aware that they were unaccompanied. 'Mr Meadows is not with you?'

  Emma laughed out loud. 'Obviously not, my lord. He has a touch of fever and was unable to accompany us this evening. He sends his apologies.'

  'I'm relieved to hear that he is not seriously ill. I shall call in to see how he does tomorrow morning. Now, my dear, are you ready for your tour?'

  'That would be most acceptable, thank you. I have to own that this is my first visit inside Kesgrave Abbey so I fear it might be difficult for me to judge if the place has actually been improved by the work.'

  Lord Denver chuckled at her sally and threaded her hand into the crook of his arm. 'In that case, Miss Meadows, you must endeavour to be massively impressed by whatever you might see.'

  Emma belatedly remembered her sister and glanced quickly over her shoulder; she saw to her consternation that Mr Tennent, Eugenie on his arm, was disappearing in the opposite direction to themselves. She gestured to Jane to follow; she didn't trust that young man to be alone with Eugenie without taking advantage of her inexperience.

  Her mouth curved involuntary. She might be six years her senior, but had as little real knowledge of the world as Eugenie. However what she lacked in experience she more than made up in commonsense. She turned back to her escort. 'I apologise for my inattention, sir, I was a trifle anxious to see my sister leaving unattended with Mr Tennent.'

  His mouth tightened and his eyes narrowed at her words. When he saw that the young couple was going into the drawing-room together, Jane almost running in order to follow them. He nodded in approval.

  'She has her abigail with her, Miss Meadows, so all will be well.'

  He conducted her from chamber to
chamber, pointing out points of historical interest, the magnificent mullioned windows, the family portraits, and eventually they returned via a different route to the entrance hall.

  'That was most educational, my lord. I had no idea that Kesgrave Abbey had had so many additions over the centuries. Though I must admit I much prefer this modern section, the ceilings are so much higher and the windows beautifully proportioned to let in the maximum light.'

  Before he could answer she heard the sound of carriage wheels arriving outside the open front door. The two liveried footman, more young men who from the village, jumped to attention and he smiled ruefully down at her.

  'I fear that duty calls, Miss Meadows. But rest assured I shall be monopolising you for the rest of the evening.' He snapped his finger and a third man-servant appeared from the shadows. 'Take Miss Meadows through to the drawing-room, and find Mr Tennent and ask him to join me here at once.'

  The young man bowed and smiled shyly at Emma. 'Would you care to come this way, miss, there's a grand apple log fire burning in the drawing-room.'

  Emma returned his smile. He had yet to learn that servants were not supposed to hold conversations with the guests, but he was another familiar face, so she followed him without comment. She had barely reached the double doors when Eugenie appeared from an adjacent passageway, looking flushed and overexcited and unaccompanied by Mr Tennent.

  'Where have you been, Eugenie? You should not be wondering about this place on your own, why is Jane not with you?'

  'Jane is right behind me.' Her sister tossed her head sending the blonde ringlets on either side of her face bouncing. 'I believe you and Lord Denver have just been doing exactly as we have and you did not have a maid traipsing along behind you.'

  'You're right, Eugenie, I have absolutely no right to criticise your behaviour. However, I am neither flushed nor over animated.'

  'I promise you, Emma, I have done nothing you would disapprove of. I am hot because we were in the billiard room, which is at the far side of the house, when the summons came. I sent Jane to find the whereabouts of the ladies retiring room. Oh, good here she is now.'

  Their maid appeared looking equally hot and bothered. 'The room we are to use is back the way I've just been, there are two girls to assist in any repairs and everything else you might need has been set out.'

  'Thank you, Jane. I should like to visit now, it is far too warm to wear this wrap and I need to leave it somewhere safe. Come along, Eugenie, we can rejoin the guests in the drawing-room when we are ready.' Her real reason for escorting her sister quickly into the privacy of the retiring room was that she didn't wish anyone else to see how flushed Eugenie was. 'My dear, do you think you might be going down with the fever like Papa?'

  'No, I shall be fine when I have bathed my face.'

  Emma turned at the sound of male voices; to her surprise Lord Denver's brother was standing next to

  him, about to greet the next arrivals, as though he had been there all along. She wondered just how many ways around this enormous house there actually were.

  The exalted company gathered in the drawing-room where they were served champagne, or orgeat, in crystal glasses balanced on silver trays. Emma had never tasted this sparkling wine before and found it most enjoyable. When a second glass was offered she gladly accepted it.

  She sipped her drink and glanced around the assembled company over the rim. Most were familiar faces, some friends some merely nodding acquaintances. There must be more than fifty people standing around talking and drinking and still there was space for more. The drawing-room at the vicarage must fit in this magnificent room many times over.

  Eugenie had stayed at her side. They had nodded and curtsied, smiled and chatted for what seemed like an eternity when the butler, a formidable gentleman, eventually appeared to announce that dinner was served. A rustle of anticipation ran through the crowd, the hour was after six o'clock; they were not used to waiting on their meal, everyone kept country hours in Kesgrave.

  She turned to Eugenie, not sure exactly where was their proper place in the parade, towards the tail, she thought, because although they were the grand daughters of a baronet they were also the daughters of a lowly country parson. She noticed Lord Denver moving easily towards them.

  'Miss Meadows, would you do me the honour of accompanying me into dinner?'

  She was about to refuse, not wishing to leave her sister alone, when Mr Tennent appeared and made the same request to Eugenie.

  'Are you sure there's not someone more important you would rather take?'

  'No, my dear Miss Meadows, you are the most important person here this evening.'

  Her heart skipped a beat at his words and she smiled shyly up at him. 'In that case, my lord, I am delighted to be your partner.'

  In spite of her happiness she was aware of the narrowed eyes and basilisk stares that greeted her sudden elevation. The village tabbies would make much of this, she and Eugenie had better make sure they behaved with impeccable manners tonight as the slightest slip would not go unnoticed.

  He led her down the length of the drawing-room, through the open doors set half way down, into an equally impressive dining room. The table was large enough to seat the entire company and still leave ample space for the dozens of footmen waiting to help the diners into their respective chairs.

  No name cards had been placed by each setting which meant guests were seated as they arrived at the table. The meal was served a la russe, the many servants taking the removes around the table and offering them to each diner in turn.

  There were several courses, each more delicious than the last, before the meal drew to a close; she could scarcely remember what she'd eaten as her entire evening had been taken up with light-hearted conversation with her host and to those seated to either side of her. When nuts and marzipan fancies were placed on the table and the port was ready on the sideboard she whispered to Lord Denver from behind her fan. 'My Lord, is it I that must lead the ladies out?'

  He grinned. 'Yes, Miss Meadows, but I warn you, do not become too settled for we shall not linger long over the port.'

  Emma folded her napkin neatly and stood, catching Eugenie's eye as she did so. Instantly her sister rose, and then the many footmen rushed forward to pull back the ladies' chairs. She noticed, with some amusement, the livery of several servants did not fit as well as it might. Emma surmised that all suitable young men currently employed at the abbey had been dragooned into service as indoor staff for this grand event. They would have been obliged to wear whichever outfit fitted them the best.

  She led the throng of twittering ladies back into the drawing-room where the chairs had been rearranged into conversation groups and the wide doors, which led through into the ball room, were now open and the sound of the musicians tuning up could be clearly heard.

  'Emma, has your dance card been filled yet? I have already pencilled in Mr Tennent for three dances, and I have only two spaces still free.'

  She had quite forgotten about her dance card, it was still in her reticule and completely empty. She had been so busy enjoying the company of Lord Denver she had quite forgotten there was to be dancing later.

  'Mine is embarrassingly empty, I shall no doubt be obliged to sit with the older ladies and watch you young girls dancing.'

  Eugenie snorted inelegantly. 'Fustian! You know you shall do no such thing. Lord Denver will claim his three dances, and there will be a queue of men, both young and old, waiting to write their names in your card as soon as they join us.'

  There was a clear space in front of the window at the far end of the drawing-room and so she glided in that direction, pausing to speak a few words to various ladies as she passed by. She gazed out across the park, the ghostly shapes of trees etched in silvery light, the skies a clear navy blue, the stars sparkling overhead just for her.

  'Excuse me, Miss Meadows, Mama and I were so admiring your gown. Such an unusual colour for an unmarried lady. Did you have it made locally?'

&nb
sp; Emma forced her lips into a smile as she turned to answer the barbed compliment from the daughter of a wealthy neighbour of Lord Denver's. 'Thank you so much, Miss Carstairs, for your kind enquiry. We were also admiring your gown, were we not, Eugenie? Rose is such a becoming colour for a brunette, and the abundance of flowers sewn so daintily around the hem and neck line are quite charming.'

  Emma felt Eugenie quiver and hoped she would be able to maintain a straight face. The young lady in question was dressed in the height of fashion but, like many others present, had decided adding more flowers, ruffles and ruches to the neck and edges of their gowns could only make them better. They were sadly mistaken in her opinion.

  The young woman simpered. 'Mama and I went to Town to obtain my wardrobe. We shall be going up for the season in February; shall we see you and Miss Eugenie this year?'

  'My sister and I do not attend the London season. We are the daughters of a country parson and have more serious duties to attend to than such frivolities as parties and soirees.'

  She could hear Eugenie choking quietly behind her, and knew she had said too much as usual. Miss Carstairs was not sure if she had been insulted or flattered, but curtsied briefly and returned to her mother who was watching beadily, resplendent in lilac taffeta and a matching turban liberally decorated with ostrich plumes.

  Emma felt a ripple of anticipation run through the room and realised those nearest to the dining-room doors had heard sounds of movement from within. The gentlemen were about to join them. The small orchestra was already playing a lively jig and she could see Eugenie was not the only one eager to go through and dance. The doors opened and the gentlemen appeared some, like Lord Denver and his brother, in the modern fashion of trousers and evening slippers, but others still wearing knee breeches and stockings. All but a few were in black-and-white, but a few older gentlemen still favoured the flamboyant colours of an earlier era.

  Lord Denver and his brother held her attention and that of every other single lady present. Mr Tennent, tall, fair and handsome, his brother dark and commanding, both with flashing blue eyes – who could possibly resist such an attractive and wealthy duo?