The Husband Season

by Mary Nichols

  This was too much for some and there was more heckling. ‘Do you want a reign of terror here in England?’

  ‘Look what happened in France!’

  ‘Make him sit down!’

  ‘Arrest him!’

  ‘Is this the way our revered parliament carries on its business?’ he shouted above the din. ‘Like a crowd of schoolboys deprived of their favourite toys?’

  This was again too much for some, and they began throwing their papers at him. From the gallery, where a few spectators had come to listen to the debate, came rotten eggs.

  Adam, with egg running down his superfine coat, sat down in despair. Others rose to have their say, but none supported him except Mark, who said it was the right of every man to be heard with courtesy, whether you agreed with him or not, but he was shouted down as having no knowledge of industrial affairs and would do better to stick to agriculture.

  After everyone had calmed down, the debate moved on to how trouble could be contained if any rose among the workers. There was talk of militia and even the cavalry and a ban on all gatherings with the rope as a punishment for infringement. Adam jumped up once or twice to protest at the harsh measures being put forward, but no one listened.

  ‘My only hope is that Hunt will read the report of the proceedings and come to me,’ he told Mark as they walked back to Wyndham House.

  ‘What will you say to him? Will you advise him not to demonstrate?’

  ‘No. It is the only way they will be heard, but I want to be sure any demonstration is orderly and peaceful and not an armed uprising. He must give the militia no excuse to intervene.’

  ‘God forbid!’

  ‘Amen to that.’

  * * *

  Sophie, unaware of Viscount Kimberley’s serious mission, had come to the conclusion he was in town to find himself a second wife. And though she told herself she had no interest in what he did, she found herself wondering what sort of lady he was looking for and if any of her acquaintances would capture him. Cassie, perhaps? It would not be for want of trying on Cassie’s part, she thought with a wry smile. She did not think Mrs Malthouse would spare any money or effort promoting her daughter, and the dance afforded an opportunity. ‘We shall see,’ she murmured to herself when undressing for bed the night before the event.

  * * *

  Lady Cartrose decided to rest the following day and had no engagements. Teddy was nowhere to be found and Sophie had nothing to do. She sat in the garden to finish the library book she had been reading, then enlisted Bessie to go with her to change it.

  They were walking along Bond Street when they met Teddy and Captain Moore. ‘Ah, my dear little sister,’ Teddy said, stopping in front of her. He was swaying slightly and his words were slurred. ‘You have not met my friend, Captain Toby Moore, have you, Sophie? Allow me to present him. Toby, my sister, Miss Sophie Cavenhurst.’

  The man bowed. ‘How do you do, Miss Cavenhurst. Teddy speaks of you often with great affection.’

  ‘Then, you have the advantage,’ she said. ‘He has never mentioned you to me.’

  ‘No reason to,’ her brother murmured.

  ‘I believe you are going to attend the Rowlands’ dance this evening,’ Captain Moore went on. ‘I shall look forward to seeing you there. Perhaps you will consent to stand up with me.’

  ‘You will have to get in line,’ Teddy said with a chuckle. ‘Sophie is in great demand. She has turned down three offers of marriage already, and all three disappointed suitors are in town.’

  ‘All three?’ Sophie echoed in dismay. ‘I knew Sir Reginald and Mr Fanshawe were here, but not Lord Gorange.’

  ‘I saw him myself at the club yesterday evening,’ he said.

  This was not good news. She could only hope his arrival was coincidental and nothing to do with her. ‘What did he say?’

  ‘I didn’t speak to him. In any case he was having an argument with Fanshawe, and very heated it was. Didn’t want to get involved. I should stick to Reggie, if I were you, sis. He’s the best of the bunch.’

  ‘I am not sticking to Reggie or any one of them,’ she snapped.

  Teddy shrugged. ‘As you say. Where are you off to now?’

  ‘Hookham’s to return this.’ She held up the library book.

  ‘With no escort? Dear me, Sophie, will you never learn?’

  ‘I do not need an escort. I have Bessie with me. You would do well to go back to Mount Street and sleep it off or you will not be fit for the dance tonight. Good day to you, Captain Moore. Come, Bessie.’

  She heard her brother chuckling as she left and then she spotted Viscount Kimberley on the opposite side of the crowded thoroughfare. He appeared to be watching them. Furious, she marched down the street, pretending not to have seen him. She dare not look back. ‘Is he still there?’ she asked Bessie.

  ‘Who? Your brother?’

  ‘No, Mark’s cousin Kimberley.’

  Bessie turned. ‘I can’t see him. The pavement is very crowded.’

  ‘Yes, but he is a head taller than anyone else.’ She risked turning round to look. ‘He has gone. Let us make haste.’ She began to walk very fast. Why that man should upset her equilibrium, she did not know. She had no trouble dealing with other men, could converse, jest or deliver a put-down with ease. It must, she surmised, be because he had witnessed her humiliation the day after she’d arrived in the capital. It was something she could not forget, nor the amusement in his eyes when he looked at her, as if he, too, were remembering.

  * * *

  In spite of the high cost of the tickets, Lord Rowland’s ballroom was crowded. Some were aristocrats and members of the ton, but many more were the newly rich who had come to hobnob with the nobility. Sophie, accompanied by her brother and Lady Cartrose, wore a gown of pale green gauze over a white satin slip. It had little puff sleeves and a heart-shaped neckline. The high-waisted bodice was caught under the bosom with a posy of silk flowers. Lady Cartrose had been taken aback when Sophie had joined her in the drawing room to wait for the carriage that was to take them to the dance.

  ‘Sophie, young ladies not yet out should not be wearing colours.’

  ‘But, Aunt, I am not to have a come-out ball, so the fact that I am here with you, going out and about, is proof enough that I am already out, don’t you think?’ She spoke loudly and clearly and accompanied her words with a sweet smile. ‘Besides, I have already had offers. Acting the innocent would be entirely inappropriate.’

  Her ladyship laughed. ‘Sophie, you seem to have an answer for everything, but do not blame me if the company frowns at you.’

  They were a little late arriving, and the dancing had already begun. She stood looking about her to see who was there that she knew and soon spotted the Malthouse party with Cassandra in virgin white decorated with the green ribbon she had suggested. They moved over to join them and Teddy, bowing, asked Cassie to stand up with him for the country dance then in progress. Vincent claimed Sophie.

  ‘You are in looks tonight,’ he said as they danced.

  ‘Oh, does that mean I am not usually in looks?’

  ‘No, not at all,’ he said, embarrassed. ‘You always look beautiful, but especially so tonight. It is very daring of you.’

  ‘Daring, Mr Malthouse?’

  ‘To wear colours. For someone not yet out...’

  ‘Oh, but I am out—well and truly out. Besides, white does not suit me. It makes me look deathly.’

  ‘I cannot imagine that. You are always full of life. Your eyes sparkle and your smile...’

  ‘Mr Malthouse, pray do not go on. You are putting me to the blush.’

  ‘And a delightful blush it is.’ He bent closer and whispered in her ear, ‘I would like to see more of it.’

  ‘Mr Malthouse, do concentrate on the dance. That is the second tim
e you have taken a wrong step.’

  ‘Sorry.’ He fell silent and she was glad when the dance ended and he escorted her back to her place beside Lady Cartrose. Teddy returned with Cassie, who sat beside her. ‘I don’t see Viscount Kimberley,’ her friend said. ‘He said he would come.’

  ‘Only if he did not have other more pressing engagements,’ Sophie reminded her. ‘You must not count on him.’

  * * *

  Sophie did not sit out a single dance before the supper interval. The gentlemen flocked to ask her to stand up with them, including Sir Reginald and Mr Richard Fanshawe, who was exquisitely attired in black and white. ‘What brings you to town?’ she asked him as they danced a chaîne anglaise.

  ‘When England’s handsomest flower is in town, that is where I want to be, too,’ he said.

  ‘You are not the only one,’ she said, ignoring the flattery. ‘Sir Reginald is before you.’

  ‘Yes, I know. I have spoken to him. We have agreed to a friendly rivalry.’

  ‘In what connection?’

  ‘Surely, Miss Cavenhurst, you know the answer to that? Your hand is our goal.’

  ‘Then, you are both wasting your time. There are any number of beautiful young ladies in town. Turn your attention to one of them, Miss Malthouse or Miss Martindale, for instance.’

  ‘Ah, but they do not have your attraction, my dear.’

  She was glad when the steps of the dance separated them and the subject was not resumed when they joined hands again. Those two men were likely to ruin the pleasure of her Season if she were not careful. She wanted to enjoy her time in London, to meet new people, not be bothered by those she had turned down in Hadlea. So far the only new acquaintances she had made were Vincent Malthouse, Captain Moore and Viscount Kimberley. Vincent was too silly for words and Captain Moore was considerably older than she was and, for some reason she could not explain, he made her skin creep. He smiled a lot, but it was the smile of a tiger and she wondered what Teddy saw in him. That left only Viscount Kimberley, but he was also older and had been married before. In spite of her pretended indifference, she found herself wondering why he was not there.

  * * *

  The first dance after supper was a cotillion, and Sophie found Captain Moore bowing in front of her with his hand held out. ‘Miss Cavenhurst, may I have the pleasure?’

  She would have liked to refuse, but Teddy said, ‘Go on, sis, he won’t eat you.’

  Somewhat reluctantly she allowed the captain to lead her into the dance. ‘When did you meet my brother?’ she asked him.

  ‘Oh, years ago, before he went to India, but we lost touch. It was a great pleasure to come upon him again this year.’

  ‘Do you live in London?’

  ‘No, I come every year for the Season.’

  ‘To find a wife?’

  ‘No, I am a bachelor and always will be. I come simply to enjoy the entertainment on offer.’

  ‘Like dancing?’

  ‘Among other things.’

  ‘Such as gambling?’

  ‘I like a game of cards now and then. Why do you ask?’

  ‘Because Teddy is very fond of gambling and I suspect he spends a great deal of his time at the tables. I do hope he doesn’t lose too heavily.’

  ‘On the contrary, Miss Cavenhurst, I believe he is enjoying a winning streak.’

  She greeted this statement with foreboding. Winning streaks did not usually last, especially in Teddy’s experience, and she wondered what their father would have to say if he knew his son had broken his promise not to gamble. She would have to have it out with him, though she doubted he would listen to her.

  ‘I hope you do not encourage him in extravagant bets,’ she said.

  ‘Me?’ he queried, feigning surprise. ‘Why would I do that? A man who cannot meet his gambling debts is to be shunned. I would not want that for my friend. I am hurt that you should think it of me.’

  ‘I am sorry. I meant no offence.’

  ‘None taken. Tell me, are you enjoying your stay in town?’

  ‘Yes, very much.’

  ‘How long will you be here?’

  ‘Until after my friend Cassandra’s ball, then I return to Hadlea.’

  ‘No come-out ball of your own?’

  ‘No, that is not possible.’

  ‘Oh, you never know,’ he said. ‘Teddy might come up trumps.’

  She looked sharply at him, but his expression was bland and smiling. Why did she feel threatened?

  The dance came to an end and he took her back to her place, where she discovered Viscount Kimberley had arrived and had been dancing with Cassie. Her friend was hot and flushed and fanning herself vigorously. ‘I think I must have some fresh air,’ she said. ‘Mama, may I go on to the terrace?’

  ‘Yes, but do not go alone. Vincent, take your sister out for a few minutes, but do not be long.’ She turned to Adam. ‘My daughter does not like the heat, my lord. She will be back directly.’

  ‘I understand.’ He turned to Sophie. ‘Will you honour me with the next dance, Miss Cavenhurst?’

  She consulted her dance card, although she knew very well that the next dance had been left blank on purpose. It was a waltz, but she would not admit she had been saving it in case the viscount should ask her.

  ‘Do you know, it is the only vacant spot on my card,’ she said. ‘I will be delighted to accept.’

  He held out his hand, led her onto the floor and bowed before her. She curtsied, put her right hand lightly into his left and raised her other hand to his shoulder. It was the nearest she had ever been to him, the closest she had been to any man except her father and brother. It sent a quiver of excitement running through her body and made her realise why the more strait-laced of the ladies still considered the dance improper.

  He danced well and seemed able to do the steps while talking at the same time. ‘I noticed all the young blades flocking round you,’ he said. ‘From which I surmise you are enjoying yourself.’

  ‘Yes, but...’ She stopped.

  ‘But what? Do go on. You intrigue me.’

  ‘Most of them are very silly.’

  He laughed. ‘What, even the more mature among them, like Lord Gorange and Captain Moore? Older men sometimes make better husbands.’

  ‘Lord Gorange I have already rejected,’ she said. ‘How did you know about him?’

  ‘Mark told me.’

  ‘Oh, and what else did he tell you?’

  ‘That you have had a string of suitors who have all been rejected. I am curious as to the reason. You must be very hard to please.’

  ‘So my brother tells me, but I am not going to fall at the feet of the first man who offers for me...’

  ‘Nor the third either, it seems.’

  ‘No, I do not love any of them and they do not love me. Why they want to marry me I have no idea, but it is certainly not love.’

  ‘And is that important to you?’

  ‘Yes, it is. You loved your wife, didn’t you?’

  ‘Indeed I did.’

  ‘There you are, then. You understand me.’

  ‘I am trying. Tell me, if you had so lately turned down Sir Reginald Swayle, why did you consent to ride in his phaeton? I should like to think you were persuaded against your will.’

  ‘I was not persuaded against my will, my lord.’ It was said firmly, because it was the truth and she did not want him to think she was so easily coerced.

  ‘Oh. That sounded like a put-down.’

  ‘A put-down, my lord? I would never dream of trying anything like that on a superior being like yourself.’

  He laughed. ‘Miss Cavenhurst, I think you are bamming me.’

  She laughed, too. ‘That is for you to decide.’

  ‘Then I sh
all decide that a superior being like yourself would not be overawed by anyone, least of all me. You decide with whom you will ride and with whom you will dance and I am flattered that you consented to waltz with me. After all, I am older than Sir Reginald and almost as old as Lord Gorange.’

  ‘Ah, but you have not offered for me,’ she said.

  ‘True,’ he murmured.

  She was becoming embarrassed by the way the conversation was going. As so often happened her tongue had run away with her, and she did not know how to turn it back to safer subjects. ‘Lord Gorange is a widower with two small children. I believe he is looking for a replacement wife, and that I will not be.’

  Oh, dear, she was making things worse. She felt the colour flood into her face and would have stumbled if his firm grip had not held her upright.

  ‘If it helps, then be assured I am not looking for a replacement wife,’ he said. ‘No one can replace Anne. Not everyone comes to town to join the marriage mart, you know.’

  ‘No, of course not. I did not mean... I forgot...’ Her voice trailed away.

  He smiled. ‘You are forgiven. No one could be at outs with you for long. Perhaps that is why your suitors are so persevering.’

  He had deftly hauled her out of the pit into which she had fallen and for that she was grateful.

  ‘You have disposed of your three suitors,’ he went on. ‘What about the others, Mr Malthouse and Captain Moore?’

  ‘Vincent Malthouse is one of the silly ones, and as for Captain Moore, he may not be silly, but I cannot like him. I fear he is leading Teddy astray.’

  ‘You may be right. What can you do about it?’

  ‘Nothing. Teddy never listens to me. He grumbles that I want to spoil his fun.’

  ‘Brothers can sometimes be pests, can they not?’

  ‘Yes. Do you have brothers?’

  ‘I did have one, but he was killed at the Battle of Salamanca.’

  ‘I am so sorry. You seem to have had more than your share of bereavement.’