Freddy considered this for a moment or two in moody silence. Before he arrived, he had been perfectly clear what he should do next. Now, after Theo’s words, he was undecided.
He had found the argument with Julia deeply upsetting and wondered if he had indeed been too possessive of her time since she had arrived in London. He was normally a sensible man and yet where Julia was concerned, sensible thought seemed to abandon him. Perhaps he had behaved like a jealous idiot, but while he was willing to beg her pardon for being too possessive, he could not and would not apologize for the strength of his love which had led him to behave so. He had come here tonight intending to ask for her hand in marriage, but Theo’s advice had succeeded in putting doubts in his mind and Freddy began to wonder if he had settled on the right course.
He eyed Theo dubiously. ‘Are you certain about this, Theo? It is not what I had planned. I intended to make a push this evening.’
‘You see, Freddy,’ observed Theo, with smiling satisfaction, ‘just as I thought, you are all eagerness to claim Julia – understandable considering how madly you are in love with her – but if you will listen to me and appear indifferent, I’m certain that will be just the thing. In any event, most women prefer a lengthy courtship and are happy to drag things out a little.’
Still not entirely convinced, Freddy replied ironically, ‘You seem to know an awful lot about how ladies’ minds work, Theo. I cannot for the life of me imagine how you do because they are a complete mystery to me.’
‘Having a sister helps. I’ve experienced the mysterious ways of Julia’s mind many times,’ replied Theo, grinning.
Freddy could not argue with this – he had only a younger brother – and with his resolve now beginning to crumble in the face of Theo’s reasoning, Freddy simply muttered, ‘Hmm,’ in response. After a moment or two, he added in a bleak voice, ‘Well, you must know your own sister so I suppose I had better take your advice.’
‘Excellent! I knew you would rely on my judgement.’
During their conversation, Freddy’s expression had changed from jovial to melancholic. He now observed the occupants of the ballroom with gloomy indifference, saying frankly, ‘This will be deuced difficult. I want nothing more than to pour my heart out to your sister and I’d rather not stand around like a moonling if I can’t. What should I do?’
‘Why, keep me company at the card tables of course,’ said Theo. ‘Have a country dance or two with other damsels, just for appearance’ sake, and then go to the card room.’
Freddy’s jaw dropped. ‘What? I shall be jealous anyway, and if I cannot have at least one dance with Julia …!’ His voice trailed away and he shook his head at the prospect.
‘Oh, very well,’ said Theo, in a grudging tone, ‘but do not engage in too much conversation.’
‘This evening is not going to be anything like I imagined,’ acknowledged his companion grimly.
When Isabella arrived, Lady Bramwell thought how lovely she looked. She was wearing a primrose silk gown with short full sleeves, a border of tulle trimmed with blonde lace decorated the hem and a fine shawl was draped over her arms. Contrary to the prevailing fashion, Isabella’s jewellery and other accessories were minimal: she wore drop pearl ear-rings, while her golden hair was dressed high upon her head in a simple knot adorned with faux pearls and fresh flowers. Her beauty, always startling, was truly sublime this evening, with her cheeks delicately flushed and the sparkle of anticipation in her eyes.
Marguerite could not blame Hal, who stood to her right, for catching his breath audibly when he saw Isabella. As they exchanged greetings, each seemed to have eyes only for the other and Lady Bramwell smiled, thinking nothing would give her greater pleasure than for Isabella and Hal to find love.
Taking Isabella’s hand, she said simply, ‘You look charming, my dear.’ After greeting Harriet, who was also looked attractive in a Pomona-green gown trimmed with lace, Marguerite continued, ‘Let us go in together; most of the guests have already arrived and Jennings can deal with any latecomers.’
They went into the ballroom, Marguerite talking to Harriet, Julia searching the throng for Freddy, Isabella and Hal following closely behind.
‘You look very beautiful this evening,’ he murmured.
‘I wanted to look my best tonight,’ replied Isabella. ‘I feel quite different lately and that is your doing.’
‘Oh? What am I responsible for?’
Colour rose to her cheeks. ‘You have made me aware again that I am a woman, Hal. I want you to find me attractive, not in a conceited way, but to please you, and only you.’ She blushed deeper still and added, ‘Oh dear, I’m not explaining myself very well, am I?’
‘You have explained yourself perfectly, my love,’ he said, his eyes fiercely intent upon her face. ‘Dance with me, Isabella. I need to feel you in my arms, and dancing is the only way I can achieve that in these surroundings.’
He took her hand and she allowed Hal to lead her out to complete the set that was forming, no longer shocked by her immediate sensual reaction to him. It felt natural to have him near, to feel the solid strength of his body close to hers and she compared this to the revulsion that Edward had invoked. Until she had a quiet moment to ask him about Lady Portland, Isabella determined to enjoy herself.
This she did, and the next few hours passed by in a heady whirl – Hal danced with her on three occasions, much to the obvious annoyance of many ladies present, led her into supper, procured her drinks, and showed no inclination to leave her side, thereby allowing none of the other gentlemen clamouring for her attention near.
During her third dance with Hal, Isabella noticed that Harriet was dancing with Sir Seymour, who was surprisingly light on his feet. ‘Sir Seymour must have tempted Harriet to join him in another dance. How graceful he is.’
‘Dinny usually puts the young beaux to shame with his elegant steps, although that lilac waistcoat is not so easy on the eye,’ he replied, amusement curving his mouth.
‘It is rather extravagant.’
He laughed. ‘I would choose another description.’
‘But his eccentricity gives no hint of his compassionate nature,’ said Isabella. ‘Sir Seymour was so kind when Dominic went missing and he has spoken to me since of his discussions with Henry Grey Bennet, and how they mean to do something about flash-houses.’
‘Dinny is no fool,’ agreed Hal. ‘In spite of his foibles, he is a clever man who is willing to put some of his fortune and influence to good use. He will have my support in any efforts he makes in that direction. Does Dominic know that you have come here tonight?’
‘Yes, he was disappointed that he could not come too, even though I told him he would be terribly bored.’
‘Perhaps I can soften the blow: there is a balloon ascent in Hyde Park on Saturday and you are all invited to witness it from my barouche,’ said Hal. ‘Dominic will enjoy it, I’m sure. Theo, Julia and even my mother have expressed a wish to attend and no doubt Freddy will join us if he and Julia have resolved their quarrel. However, much as I love Dominic’s company, I confess to feeling selfish this evening – I want you to myself, Isabella.’
‘I feel the same,’ she replied softly. ‘I have spent long hours thinking and planning for my family and, while I have done it without complaint, it is delightful to forget that burden for a time and enjoy myself.’
His grip on her tightened and, pulling her closer, he said huskily, ‘I mean to take every burden from your shoulders, my love, and bring pleasure into your life in many ways.’ Then, he added in a rueful voice, ‘You are the most abominable girl! Having vowed that I would be patient, all my good intentions have flown now I have you in my arms.’
She looked up at him wonderingly. ‘And I believed that I was the cold creature Edward branded me, but you have shown me that I am not.’
‘You were never that to me … even when we first met, I glimpsed the warmth under that icy exterior.’ Looking down into her charming upturned features, Hal uttered a f
aint groan. ‘I can wait no longer when you mean so much to me,’ he murmured. ‘Isabella, although we have known each other only a short time, there is a question that I am desperate to ask you. Perhaps you can guess what it is.’
She replied after a pause, ‘I think I can.’
‘You don’t feel I am rushing you?’ he asked, a frown creasing his brow.
‘Yes, a little,’ she admitted, ‘but I forgive you because of the sentiments behind your haste. I can’t fight what I feel for you any more – the intensity of it frightens me, but I can’t go back now because you have brought my soul to life again. I have waited years to find you, Hal – I thought I never would – so I welcome your … question.’
His frown lifted. ‘Thank Heaven,’ he said, in an unsteady voice. ‘I was worried you might step on my toes to punish my impetuosity.’
‘There is still time – the particular way you are looking at me is making everyone stare,’ she replied, a twinkle of amusement in her gaze.
‘Let them!’ declared Hal. The dance was almost over so he added, ‘I am obliged to circulate a little this evening, my darling. Will you meet me, alone, in half an hour when I have done my duty?’
Her fingers clung to his, anticipation singing through her veins as she whispered, ‘Where shall I find you?’ A note of alarm sounded in Isabella’s mind when she remembered Lady Portland, but happiness made her impulsive and she pushed it aside.
‘In the garden. Leave through the doors on the far side of the room; outside, there is a walk, hedged with yew, and beyond that a small lawn enclosed by trees. I’ll wait for you there. The evening is growing cool, but I promise you will not be cold, my love,’ he said, a gleam of rakish devilment in his eyes.
As the music drew to a close, she replied, ‘I promise I will be there, Hal.’
Neither Hal nor Isabella had yet seen Lady Portland, who had arrived late with Lady Cumberland. Felicity, mingling with the other guests without a shred of embarrassment, had noticed Lord Bramwell and Lady Vane dancing together and from their warm glances and shared smiles, they appeared very much in love. Resentment and jealousy flared inside her. She still intended to offer herself to Hal again: to count him as a conquest was both a searing need and a matter of pride.
Across the room, Lady Bramwell and Julia had noticed their uninvited guest.
‘I cannot believe that woman has had the effrontery to come here,’ said Marguerite furiously. ‘Jennings confirmed that she arrived with Lady Cumberland; he had no choice but to admit her, of course.’
‘Should we ask her to leave?’
‘We could, but she is quite shameless and an awkward scene might ensue. Perhaps she is curious and wants to see how our family goes along without her.’
‘No,’ said Julia, shaking her head. ‘She is determined to pursue Hal.’
‘Then I shall ask Hal’s opinion on what is to be done, but I feel it would be best if we just keep a wary eye on Lady Portland. After all, the evening is well advanced and even she can do no harm in an hour or two.’
Julia shuddered. ‘Don’t underestimate Felicity Portland. How lucky that Hal escaped her clutches!’
‘That is in the past, and what Hal does now is no business of Lady Portland’s. I cannot see what she hopes to gain by coming here, but maybe after seeing Hal with Isabella this evening, Felicity will accept that he is lost to her forever.’
‘I am not as sanguine as you, Mama.’
Lady Bramwell looked at her daughter with a puzzled expression. ‘Julia, this is your evening, an event you have been looking forward to for months – do not let Felicity Portland ruin it. I know you too well and, despite outward appearances to the contrary, you are unhappy. Why have you danced only once with Freddy?’
‘Because he only asked me once,’ said Julia sadly. ‘It seems that I have upset him more than I realized: he is staying well away from me and even when we danced, he was not his usual self – he was cold and distant, and seemed uncomfortable while I, in turn, was embarrassed and could not find the words for the apology I intended to give.’ She bit her lip. ‘Perhaps he hates me now.’
‘If Freddy’s love has turned to hate then he is not the man I think he is,’ replied her mother, pragmatically. ‘His behaviour is a little strange, but perhaps he still feels awkward after your quarrel. I am sure that you will be reconciled by the end of the evening.’
‘I hope so,’ replied Julia, but with no real conviction. She could not convey the depths of her disappointment, and despondency. She felt hurt by Freddy’s indifference. Dressed in her new blue gown and with her hair arranged in a most becoming style, she had taken a great deal of trouble over her appearance. All her efforts had been for Freddy alone and although she had received numerous compliments from her other admirers, none of it had meant as much as a few words of praise from Freddy would have done. Yet he had merely stated rather mechanically how fine she looked before returning to the card room.
She had tried to articulate her sorrow and regret at their quarrel, but for once, all her verbal skills deserted her in the face of Freddy’s stony silence and the words had stuck in her throat. Julia could have cried with frustration; she loved Freddy and the notion that a silly quarrel had caused this reaction confused and appalled her.
She had even asked Theo what he thought of Freddy’s behaviour this evening, only for Theo to reply that Freddy seemed fine to him. Perhaps, he had suggested breezily, Freddy was allowing her the freedom to enjoy her debut ball. Julia had made no reply, but she had wanted to scream that was the last thing she desired.
Hal paced the lawn, waiting for Isabella. It was a warm evening; the scent of honeysuckle filled the air and a light breeze rustled through the surrounding trees. Distant strains of soothing music floated out from ballroom, and the garden was dimly lit by the full moon which occasionally appeared from behind the clouds skittering across the sky.
There could be no more perfect setting for what he wanted to say to Isabella. He felt apprehensive, but anticipation pulsed through him as he tried to piece together a suitable speech, laughing softly at his ineptitude as he did so. Hearing a footfall from behind the hedge, a smile of greeting began to curve his mouth – it soon died when he saw that it was Lady Portland and not Isabella who stood before him.
Hal had been furious that she had come here without an invitation, but his mother had dissuaded him from asking her to leave, saying that Lady Portland could only harm her own reputation. Hal had capitulated in deference to his mother’s wishes and because of his haste to meet Isabella. But now, seeing Felicity Portland before him, anger rose again in his breast – was this woman to spoil even this moment? He drew in a deep breath to calm his fury; Felicity could not know who he intended to meet.
‘Hal,’ she murmured seductively as she approached. ‘I saw you come out here and followed you – there is something I need to say.’
‘Then say it and let that be an end to any communication between us.’
‘Do not be hasty. You may regret it.’
‘I doubt that,’ he replied brusquely, anxious to be rid of her. ‘What do you want?’
‘You,’ said Lady Portland. She gave a provocative smile and moved closer, allowing her shawl to slip and reveal the low décolletage of her gown. Gazing up at him, she whispered, ‘It was always you, Hal. I was a fool to choose Portland and I have regretted it ever since, even more so since I returned to London and saw you again. I know that we could enjoy each other’s company.’
‘Despite being familiar with your methods, I am still shocked by your boldness,’ he said. ‘Your offer leaves me unmoved.’
‘Don’t you care for me just a little?’ she purred, running her gloved hands over his chest.
He moved away and said through gritted teeth, ‘No. Let me explain in clear terms because you seem to find it hard to understand what I am saying. I never cared for you, Felicity; it was just a foolish, youthful infatuation. I realized afterwards how lucky I was that you chose Portland, and I do n
ot want you now.’ Hal, his expression bleak, enunciated each word that followed with bitter emphasis, ‘You mean nothing to me. Is that plain enough?’
This time, Felicity was a little taken aback, but she replied, ‘If you truly do not care for me anymore, I must accept that. However, I am still willing to offer myself without affection on your side. You see, I want you so much that my blood is burning. I can think of nothing else so I am asking – no, begging – you to quell that desire and then I will go away. Indeed, I have no shame.’ She laughed, her breasts rising and falling with her quickened breathing. ‘“Careless lust stirs up a desperate courage” – rather appropriate for me, is it not? You may be married soon so what harm is there in a brief liaison before then? Please, Hal,’ she said, stepping towards him again, ‘you must do this.’
As she did so, Felicity looked over Hal’s shoulder to see Isabella watching them from a distance. Hal, who had not noticed her arrival, gave Felicity a pitying glance and her anger flared: she did not want his pity. He was going to refuse her, finally and completely – she knew it and hated him, and Isabella.
‘I actually feel sorry for you—’ he began in a hard voice.
But Felicity could not let him utter the refusal and, seeing her opportunity, quickly slid her arms around his neck and kissed him. From under half-closed lids, she watched Isabella turn away and leave.
Incensed, he thrust her away and wiped his hand across his lips. ‘I believe you are mad! Go, before I lose my temper completely!’
Her mouth twisted in a parody of a smile. ‘Very well. Such a pity that you will not accept my offer – we would have dealt extremely well together.’
She pushed past him, but she had not finished yet. After smoothing her gown and composing herself from the exertion of hurrying back to the house, she looked for, and found, Isabella. She was alone in one of the side rooms, half hidden behind an ornate screen and Felicity noted with satisfaction her hunted, distrait expression.
Lady Vane's Secret (Regency Secrets and Scandals Book 1) Page 14
