by Anne Herries
‘I think I was as much at fault,’ Susannah said, a flush in her cheeks. ‘I did hear some thing before I dashed across the road, but I thought I had time and I was not truly thinking—I had my head in the clouds, as Mama would say.’
‘You are a re mark able young lady,’ Harry told her. ‘However, you must allow me to bear the fault, for it was my damnable temper. I try to control it, but some times when I am much moved it escapes me.’
Susannah laughed, her eyes alight with amusement. ‘You speak of your temper as though it is a wild beast, sir.’
‘Exactly so,’ Harry replied, amused by her perception. She was refreshingly honest and utterly charming, and he was becoming more and more addicted to her company. ‘Perhaps we should take our places? I believe they are about to begin….’
He offered her his arm and they walked to an unoccupied sofa, sitting down next to her as the musicians began to play.
‘What do you think of the latest “rage”?’ Toby asked when he met his uncle outside White’s the following afternoon. Harry was leaving the gentleman’s club, Toby just arriving, having spent the previous night at a gaming hell where he had drunk a little too much, sleeping heavily that morning as a consequence. He grinned at his cousin. ‘Have you heard the rumour that you are in the petticoat line at last? At the moment they cannot decide between Miss Hamilton and Miss Hampton, though the delightful Susannah is thought to be slightly in the lead.’
Harry grimaced. ‘If you waste your time listening to gossip, you will never acquire the skills you need to join the Four-in-Hand. Had you for got ten our appointment this morning? I thought you wanted to drive my team to Richmond?’
‘Good grief!’ Toby smote his forehead with the palm of his hand. ‘It went right out of my head, Harry. I went to a gambling hell last night and drank a little too much and slept late this morning. I’m dashed sorry!’
‘So you should be,’ Harry told him with a severe look. ‘I dare say your pockets are to let this morning?’
‘It isn’t quite that bad,’ Toby said with a wry grimace. ‘Northaven did try to involve me in a high-rolling card game again last night, but I stuck to the dice with my friends and lost about five hundred to Jackson. It was a sum I could afford to lose, particularly as I won a thousand from Ravenshead the other evening.’
‘I am relieved to hear it,’ Harry said. ‘I do not wish to carp, Toby, but it can be very expensive in town if you play too deep. You will end up owing your tailor and everyone else bills you cannot pay if you are not careful. If the worst happens, you may apply to me, of course—but I should warn you that I shall take a dim view.’
‘I dare say I should be in trouble had I let myself be cajoled into playing with Northaven,’ Toby said. ‘I saw young Harlow sit down with them a few nights ago. He lost a fortune. I am not sure of the amount, but I know it was a great deal, for a crowd gathered about them at the last. When Harlow rose from the table he could not pay the whole immediately and his face was as white as a sheet.’
‘I imagine he will have to apply to his father for funds, and I do not know how General Harlow will pay,’ Harry said, looking thoughtful. ‘I know he has had some trouble himself with his investments. If the play was too deep, he may have to sell land to pay his son’s debts.’
General Harlow had served with Harry at one time on the Peninsula. Toby knew that his uncle liked and respected his neighbour.
‘Would you buy?’ he asked. ‘If he is forced to sell?’
‘If he truly wishes to sell,’ Harry replied. ‘I think I should post down to the country and have a word. It might be possible to arrange a loan to tide him over. I would not pay the young idiot’s gambling debt—that would encourage him to play deep again—but I may help his father. What passes between them regarding this is their own affair.’
Harry was a good friend in an emergency, as Toby knew well. He had told him the tale of Harlow’s downfall, knowing that he might wish to offer assistance to his neighbour. Although it was not generally known, Harry was one of the wealthiest men in England. His investments were always kept private, but Toby believed he had a finger in several pies and was not above being involved in trade if it would turn a profit. Naturally, he was too much the gentleman to discuss these things, but Toby had learned to read between the lines. He had not enquired into his uncle’s business, for it wasn’t done, but one day, after he’d had his fun, sown a few wild oats, he intended to ask Harry for a few pointers.
However, for the moment, he had some thing closer to his heart on his mind. ‘Have you spoken to Ravenshead about my becoming a member of the Four-in-Hand?’ he asked. He had held back from doing so himself, because he was relying on his uncle to do the business for him.
‘If you remember, that was the point of our drive this morning,’ Harry replied. ‘I am not able to make another arrangement for the time being, Toby, for I shall leave town this afternoon and may be away for a couple of days or so. However, we shall drive together when I get back. I believe Ravenshead means to stay in town for a while. He was undecided at the start and refused all invitations, but he told me that he thought he would attend a ball next week. If you prove yourself worthy, I may speak to him for you.’
Susannah paused outside the parlour door. She had returned home earlier from an expedition than expected and was about to join Amelia for tea when she heard voices and hesitated, un certain whether or not to go in.
‘I am glad to see you, John,’ Amelia was saying. ‘Shall I ring for wine or tea? I am alone, as you see. My friends went out…’
‘Father was put out when you invited them to stay with you,’ John Royston answered in a frank tone that carried easily to Susannah’s ears even as she lifted her hand to knock. She hesitated as he continued, ‘I must tell you that I think Miss Hampton charming. If she had fifty thousand, I should join the queue of hopefuls, but I do not think she could afford me.’
‘Susannah has too much sense to marry a man who cares only for her fortune, though she has some thing,’ Amelia told him. ‘Are you in trouble again, John?’
Susannah hesitated, knowing she ought to leave, but her feet re fused to move and she continued to listen.
‘Lord, no,’ he said. ‘I won a thousand from Carstairs last night, which will tide me over until next quarter if I am careful—which I shan’t be, of course. I wondered if you would speak to Father for me, Amelia?’
‘I have little influence with my brother,’ Amelia replied. ‘If you aren’t in debt, what is the matter?’
‘I have asked Father to buy me a pair of colours,’ John said. ‘He says I should settle down and take an interest in the estate, but he would hate it if I did. If I offered advice, he would soon tell me to take my nose out of his affairs. But he says he can’t afford to sup port me as an officer.’
‘Yes, he would,’ Amelia agreed. ‘Are you sure the army is for you?’
‘Father will live for years yet,’ John told her. ‘I have nothing but my allowance, which is barely enough to support the life I lead in town. I must either look for an heiress or take myself off for a few years. Of the two, I think I prefer life in the army.’
‘If I bought you the colours, and gave you an income of, say, two thousand a year, could you live within your means? Even in the army it is not cheap for an officer.’
At this point, Susannah decided that she had heard too much al ready and must either knock or move away. Just as she was deciding what to do, her mother called to her from the top of the stairs.
‘Are you waiting for me, my dear? Go in, Susannah. Amelia will send for tea and I am ready for mine.’
Susannah raised her hand, knocked and entered, feeling awkward. She was in time to see John Royston kiss his aunt’s cheek. He tucked some thing into his breast pocket, managing to look as if nothing unusual had happened.
‘Miss Hampton,’ he said and came to her, bowing elegantly. He took the hand she offered and kissed it. ‘I was just saying to Amelia that you are the toast of the tow
n. I would offer my suit, but I have no fortune to recommend me.’
‘I would not accept a gentleman just for his fortune,’ Susannah replied, a little reserved. She was embarrassed at having heard some thing that ought to have remained private, feeling herself at fault for having listened. It was the second time she had done so and some thing she must correct! ‘I shall give my hand and heart only when I find love.’
‘Quite right too,’ he said, eyes twinkling. He was a handsome young man and Susannah thought him charming enough. However, it seemed that he had visited to ask for money, and she could not help thinking that Amelia was not well used by her family. Her nephew had been pleasant in his manner to his aunt, but there was sadness in Amelia’s eyes. Susannah felt her heart go out to her, for she sensed that she was hiding some deep hurt. She glanced at the young man as he continued, ‘Well, I shall go and leave you ladies to enjoy a good gossip about me….’
‘Do not flatter yourself, John,’ Amelia said drily. ‘I assure you that we have far more of interest than your escapades.’
He grinned and went out, leaving them together. Susannah glanced at Amelia.
‘I realised that you had company and did not wish to intrude…’
‘Thank you, Susannah. My nephew came to me for help, which I gave freely. John is a charmer—as unlike his father as it is possible to be. I have promised to buy him a pair of colours. I think he will do well in the army. It could be the making of him.’
‘What a fine thing to do for him,’ Mrs Hampton said approvingly as she came in, in time to hear Amelia’s remark. ‘It could well be the making of him, as you say, Amelia. I knew you were considering what would be best for him, for you have said as much to me. If he truly wishes for an army life it will suit him, and life in town is the ruin of many a young man.’
‘Yes, I think it will suit John, which is why I was happy to oblige him,’ Amelia agreed and smiled at Susannah. ‘You are back a little earlier from your walk than I expected.’
‘It came on to rain and we thought we might as well come back for tea.’
‘I am happy that you did, because I am feeling a little low.’ Amelia glanced at Susannah. ‘Nothing to do with my nephew’s visit—another matter entirely. Something happened when I visited the library…’ She paused and that odd sadness was in her eyes. ‘I thought I saw someone—a ghost from the past—and it brought back memories.’
‘I am sorry if it made you sad,’ Susannah said. ‘I do not like to think of anyone hurting you. You are such a lovely person…’ She blushed, afraid she had said too much, but Amelia laughed and shook her head.
‘You are a sweet girl, Susannah. I love both you and Margaret dearly, and so I shall tell you that I once thought to marry, but the marriage was not permitted and he went away. I caught a brief glimpse of someone I thought might be the gentleman I once wished to marry, but it was probably not he. Besides, it was some years ago and I have put it all behind me.’ Her eyes rested on Susannah. ‘I did not wish you to imagine it was John who upset me, for I was happy to see him.’
Susannah blushed, her eyes dropping as Amelia turned away to ring for tea. She thought that Amelia was gently reprimanding her for eaves drop ping again, and indeed it was very bad of her. She must not do it again, but it was so very tempting when one heard one’s own name.
‘Well, my dear,’ Mrs Hampton said, ‘you are much admired, you know, Amelia. I am perfectly certain you could marry if you wished. After all, you may please yourself now.’
‘Like Susannah, I would marry only if I could both love and respect the gentleman,’ Amelia said, but there was such a wistful look in her eyes that Susannah suspected she was still in love with the gentleman she had been denied—even if she would not admit it to herself.
Harry was thoughtful as he left town that afternoon. He would not have expected the gossips to latch on to his interest in Miss Hampton that quickly. He thought that he had been careful to show no particular interest in her in public, though he had spent much of the previous evening at her side. It must have been remarked, which was a nuisance—he had not meant to draw the attention of the gossipmongers just yet. He had been watching Susannah as she settled into her niche as the latest rage. Her vivacity was what set her apart from the crowd. She was clearly a girl of spirit and took to any new suggestions eagerly, showing her appreciation. He thought perhaps she might be a little reckless at times, but she would surely grow out of it—and he did find her charming company.
However, as yet Harry had not truly thought of marriage, even though Anne had been urging it on him for the past couple of years. If he were to consider the idea, Susannah Hampton might be the kind of girl he would wish to make his wife; she was certainly suitable and he liked her. For the moment he had no such intention and must be scrupulous—he would not wish to cause gossip that would affect her good name. He was therefore pleased with an excuse to leave town for a day or two. It would give him a chance for some quiet reflection, and he wanted to speak to General Harlow.
His neighbour was a proud gentleman and Harry would need to think of a scheme whereby he could help him without appearing to offer charity.
Chapter Three
Susannah glanced round the ballroom. Most of the dances she had attended so far had been modest affairs. This was the first large ball she had been invited to and it was a glittering event. Magnificent chandeliers shed their light on the assembled company, picking up the sparkle of jewels around the throats of the ladies and in the gentlemen’s cravats. The wealthiest members of society had gathered at the Duke and Duchess of Morland’s grand affair, their laughter and chatter making such a noise that it was difficult to hear one another speak. From a room further on, Susannah could hear the faint strains of music, but the receptions rooms were so crowded that it was almost impossible to progress, especially as people kept stopping them.
It must have been at least twenty minutes later that they finally arrived at the ballroom itself, which was so magnificent that it took Susannah’s breath away. The floor had been polished so hard that it looked smooth and glossy, great glittering chandeliers of glass lit by hundreds of candles overhead as the dancers moved grace fully to the music. Banks of flowers had been arranged at the foot of the dais and the scent of the blooms was so heavy that it was al most stifling.
Susannah fanned herself. The rooms were overpoweringly hot, even though long windows opened out on to terraces that led to large gardens. However, she had been in the ballroom only a moment or two when the gentlemen began asking her for dances. She offered her card and the spaces were quickly taken, all save the one before supper, which she had reserved. Susannah was not sure why she had reserved it or for whom, but she had thought it prudent to hold one dance open just in case. Swept away to the dance floor by one partner after the other, she hardly had time to breathe, let alone think, and it was not until it was almost time for supper that she realised she had not seen Lord Pendleton.
That was a little strange, for this was one of the most important affairs of the Season and Lord Pendleton would certainly have been invited. When she thought about it, she realised that she had not seen him for two days, which was most unusual. Susannah was given no time to dwell on the small puzzle, however, for as the supper dance approached and she realised she would be left standing alone, a gentleman walked towards her and her heart caught.
‘Miss Hampton—’ Northaven’s deep tones sent little shivers down her spine ‘—dare I hope that you have a dance for me? Pray excuse my tardy appearance. I had hoped to come sooner, but was delayed.’
Susannah’s breath caught in her throat. She suspected that she must have been hoping for this when she saved the dance, but had not allowed herself to think of it. He was, after all, the most romantic gentleman of her acquaintance; that hint of danger about him was fascinating and caused little chills up and down her spine. She remembered her mama’s warning, but almost immediately dismissed it. He might have a slightly tarnished reputation, but he was stil
l received, so he could not be so very bad, surely?
She smiled at him, a little challenge in her eyes. ‘You do not deserve it, my lord, but as it happens I kept the dance before supper free.’
‘I am blessed by your good sense.’ Northaven gave her a look that made her pulses race. He really was a very exciting gentleman! ‘I hope you will grant me the dance—and also allow me to take you into supper?’
‘I am not sure…’ Susannah teased and then laughed at his expression, which was half-frustration, half-disappointment. ‘Yes, of course. I should be de lighted, my lord.’
‘I am honoured,’ Northaven said and held out his hand to her.
Susannah felt a little shiver at the base of her spine as his strong fingers closed about hers. She was not sure why, but his touch made her tremble. She had dreamed of this moment, but, now it was here, some thing did not feel quite right.
As they began to dance Susannah relaxed, letting him guide her about the floor, giving herself up to the music. She loved to dance so much and there was no need to feel nervous. Northaven might be a little dangerous, but he was a gentleman after all. Besides, they were in a crowded ballroom so she was quite safe. After a moment or two the slight apprehension left her and she found herself laughing at his teasing.
‘You are an enchantress,’ Northaven told her, giving her a burning look that sent tingles down her spine. ‘I did not realise how exciting a creature you were at first, Miss Hampton. I see that I must pay more attention to you in future.’
Susannah laughed. She had lost her shyness and was behaving exactly as she did with all the friends she trusted, natural and innocent, but with a little boldness in her eyes.
After their dance, Northaven gave her his arm, escorting her through the crush to the large room that had been set aside for sup per. Several tables were set about the room, some of them already occupied. At one end there was a table laden with a magnificent buffet. Northaven guided her to a table near one of the open French windows and indicated that she should sit.
