A Most Improper Proposal

by Gail Whitiker

  'Yes, I do, Lady Charlton, very much.'

  'As I thought. And is it also necessary that you secure employment of some kind in the very near future?'

  'Yes, my lady.'

  'Very well. In that case, I should like to put forward an offer of my own.' Lady Charlton leaned forward in the carriage and looked straight into Desiree's eyes. 'I wish you to consider allowing me to employ you as my companion.'

  Desiree gasped. 'Your companion! But, my lady, I could not possibly—'

  'Listen to what I have to say before you answer, Miss Nash,' Lady Charlton advised. 'As I told you, my husband has been gone this many years, and as a widow, I have the freedom to move about as I wish. But I have in recent years been feeling the loneliness of my life, and I freely admit that the thought of having a companion has crossed my mind more than once. However, I was not sure what kind of person I wished to employ in that regard. I could not see myself spending time with a silly, missish young woman, or one with little more than a simple education to recommend her,' Lady Charlton said plainly. 'You, however, are neither missish nor stupid. Indeed, I believe your company would provide me with a great deal of satisfaction.'

  'Lady Charlton, you do me a great honour, but I could not possibly accept.'

  'Why not? I am offering you both a home and a means of employment, Miss Nash. And one which I think would be preferable to becoming either a mistress or a servant. Would you not agree?'

  Two spots of colour stood out on Desiree's cheeks. 'Most definitely, my lady.'

  'Then why do you hesitate? By accepting my offer, surely you would have an answer to all of your problems?'

  Desiree bit her lip in consternation. The position Lady Charlton was suggesting was something she would dearly love to do, but going about as a companion would expose her to a great many people, including those who might have heard of her past. And she would not risk embarrassing Lady Charlton for all the tea in China!

  'Lady Charlton, the offer is a generous one, indeed more so than I can say. But my skills are in teaching young ladies subjects of an educational nature. I have not been taught the niceties of being a companion to an elegant lady of society.'

  Lady Charlton snorted. 'Gracious, girl, you have all the training necessary. You were raised by a woman of good birth, were you not?'

  Desiree did not even attempt to hide her surprise. 'Yes, I was, but—'

  'And your father was... ?'

  'A clergyman.'

  'Then your upbringing is as genteel as it needs to be. I have watched you. Miss Nash. In the very brief time you have been with me, I have observed your manners and have found them to be most pleasing. You conduct yourself with grace and dignity, and you speak well and in a most pleasing manner. I see nothing at all in your behaviour or conduct to preclude you from being a most suitable companion to myself. Or anyone else for that matter.'

  'But...what would be the nature of my job?' Desiree enquired, hardly daring to hope that this might come to pass.

  'To accompany me to whatever society outings I choose to attend,' Lady Charlton said. 'To visit whatever shops and places I choose to frequent, and to be at my beck and call when I desire. And I warn you, Miss Nash, I can be very demanding at times.'

  Desiree carefully hid her smile. 'You paint an intimidating picture indeed, my lady.'

  'I would also expect you to play cards with me and to entertain me on the pianoforte after dinner. I do enjoy music but cannot play a note. Tone deaf, as my father used to say. I would also expect you to converse with me, and to discuss matters which are of interest to us both. Do you think you can do that?'

  'I think I probably could, my lady.'

  'Good. In return, you will be given room and board, a clothing allowance, and one free afternoon a week. Does that suit?'

  'Most adequately, my lady.'

  'Good. Oh, and one last thing, Miss Nash. You will not be permitted to question which events I ask you to accompany me to. I will also not allow you to question how I introduce you about in society.'

  Desiree hesitated, aware of her first vague stirrings of doubt. 'You are within your rights to ask me to attend whatever manner of entertainments you choose, Lady Charlton, but I hope that if I were to express some...reservations about accompanying you on a particular outing, you would consider my feelings.'

  Lady Charlton narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. 'I would be willing to listen, Miss Nash. That is only fair. But the final decision must be mine. Do you agree?'

  Desiree thought about it. It was hard to believe that a woman she had met only last night was now offering her both a home and a paying position. And one which, in all honesty, hardly seemed like work at all.

  'I think I would have to be a very foolish young woman to refuse such an offer, my lady,' Desiree said quietly. 'Thank you, yes, I would be most grateful to accept.'

  'Splendid,' Lady Charlton said with obvious satisfaction. 'Well, now that that is settled, we must work out a few of the details. I think that we shall continue with the story I gave Mrs Abernathy, and which is close enough to the truth that it need not be considered a lie. You are the daughter of a friend of mine, and you are staying with me following the death of your parents and a lengthy sojourn in the country. Your presence and intellect will do the rest. And once you are outfitted in the type of clothes suitable to your station, no one will be any the wiser.'

  'But...am I not to wear the clothes of a companion?'

  'Yes, such as I believe them to be,' Lady Charlton said. 'I will not have you look like a shabby little wren, Miss Nash. You are too lovely for that. Besides, it will give me great pleasure to dress you. I was never blessed with a daughter of my own, so you will have to do.'

  The thought that this great lady would treat her in such a way when she knew perfectly well the reasons for her coming to London in the first place all but brought tears to Desiree's eyes. 'I shall endeavour not to disappoint you, Lady Charlton,' she said quietly.

  A smile curved the older woman's lips. 'It never occurred to me that you would, Miss Nash.'

  Chapter Six

  And so began the next phase of Desiree's life. The house in Mayfair became her permanent home and the charming bedroom on the third floor, her own private domain.

  Lady Charlton took her to see Mrs Abernathy again and promptly ordered a whole new wardrobe for her. She justified the expenditure by saying that, as Desiree would be accompanying her on a wide variety of visits and excursions throughout the day, it was imperative that she have the proper type of garments to wear on each and every occasion.

  Desiree noticed that Lady Charlton did not cancel any of the lovely evening gowns that were already on order for her, but when she asked about it she was told that she would still need those for the more formal functions the two of them would attend in the evening.

  All in all, it helped raise Desiree's confidence immensely. She quickly regained her sense of self-worth, secure in the knowledge that she was once again earning her keep. Certainly it was a much more appealing prospect than being kept by Lord Buckworth, Desiree assured herself.

  As to that gentleman, she had seen nothing of him at all since the morning five days ago when they had spoken together in the drawing-room. Perhaps that was why she felt a little nervous as she stood in the hall waiting for Lady Charlton to come down. Sebastian had suggested a carriage ride through the park, and while Desiree was looking forward to it, she could not deny to feeling a considerable degree of apprehension as well. She was no longer his intended mistress, but the companion of his own dear aunt. She wondered how he would feel about her in such a familiar role.

  'Ah, Miss Nash, prompt as always,' Lady Charlton said as she descended the staircase a few minutes later. 'Excellent. I deplore tardiness.'

  'As do I, my lady,' Desiree informed her with a smile. 'It was one thing Mrs Guarding would not tolerate from either her staff or her students.'

  'You must tell me more about Mrs Guarding and her school,' Lady Charlton commented as she pulled
on her soft kid leather gloves. 'I am fascinated by her ability to successfully operate an establishment dedicated to the furthering of academic excellence in young women. It is truly a remarkable achievement, and she, a remarkable woman.'

  Recalling her conversation with Mrs Guarding on the night of Lord Perry's attack, and the kindness that lady had shown her, Desiree smiled wistfully. 'She is indeed, my lady.'

  Soon after, Sebastian arrived at the front door, looking all the crack in a dark blue jacket over buff-coloured breeches. Desiree had almost forgotten how handsome and dashing he was, and was surprised to feel her heart begin to beat a little faster at the sight of him.

  'Good afternoon, ladies. What a delightful day we have for a drive,' he said, bowing to them both. 'Aunt Hannah, you are looking as elegant as ever. And Miss Nash, upon my word, I must remark on the change which has come over you. You look like a breath of spring in that most charming gown.'

  In spite of her determination to remain distant, Desiree's breath quickened at his compliment. She was wearing one of her new gowns today and she knew that the soft lemon shade became her very well. Certainly it made a delightful change from the drab grey gowns she had worn at school.

  'Your aunt has been kind enough to provide me with clothes more suitable to my new position,' she explained. 'Though to my mind, she has been more than generous.'

  'Tosh, I have given you no more than is necessary,' Lady Charlton assured her. 'I was not about to have you accompanying me all around London wearing dreary outfits in grey and brown, but I have not been at all extravagant. That outfit, for example, is in a pretty enough shade, but the quality of the fabric is inferior to what I would have purchased for myself. However, I felt that for a companion it would suffice.'

  Desiree tactfully hid her amusement. Lady Charlton constantly tried to downplay her role as benefactor but the truth of it was, Desiree knew she would never be able to thank the woman enough for all that she had done. Her wage was exceedingly generous, and the work Desiree did was more a pleasure than anything else. She enjoyed talking to Lady Charlton and had discovered that her employer was possessed of an agile mind and a quick wit. As far as Desiree was concerned, time spent in her company was a delight rather than a duty. Now if she could just come to terms with her past, all would be well.

  Unfortunately, as Desiree sat next to Lady Charlton in the elegant barouche on the way to the park, she knew it was unlikely that she would. The memory of her humiliation at Lord Perry's hands was still too fresh in her mind, and she had a feeling it would stay that way for some time.

  'You look very deep in thought, Miss Nash,' Sebastian observed suddenly. 'Are you lost in the words of some ancient Greek philosopher or just musing about your next social engagement?'

  Desiree laughed softly. 'Indeed, my lord, on such a lovely afternoon as this, I can assure you that my thoughts were not on academic matters of any kind.'

  'I am glad to hear it,' Lady Charlton commented. 'A well-rounded mind is all very well, but to have nothing of a more frivolous nature to contemplate would make life decidedly dull. Young people must have their diversions. For that reason, I have decided that we will attend Lady Rumsden's ball on Thursday evening. She is celebrating the engagement of her eldest daughter, and there will be plenty of young people about. Sebastian, if you are not otherwise engaged, I should be pleased for your escort.'

  'I am, as ever, at your service, Aunt Hannah,' Sebastian replied urbanely. 'And I should be more than pleased to accompany you both.'

  Both? Desiree felt a quick stab of alarm. 'But surely you will not require my presence at such a grand occasion, Lady Charlton? You will have Lord Buckworth to keep you company, as well as many of your friends.'

  'Yes, all of whom will be far too eager to talk about the same boring old things, Miss Nash. Society lives for gossip, I do not. No, I shall require your company even more on an occasion such as that. Which reminds me, we must call on Madame Felice as soon as possible. You will need a gown.'

  'Madame Felice?' Desiree looked confused. 'But I thought the modiste's name was Mrs Abernathy.'

  'Mrs Abernathy is all very well for day dresses and more simple gowns, Miss Nash, but a lady goes to Madame Felice when she wants something truly superb. The woman is a sensation in London. She creates the most marvellous gowns, and in the most sumptuous of fabrics. She is, however, very selective of her clientele and does not accept just anyone.'

  'But I already have more than enough gowns, my lady,' Desiree objected. 'And I certainly have no need for anything elaborate. The blue silk or the pale green sarsenet will do very well, I am sure.'

  But Lady Charlton would brook no argument. 'Those are pretty enough for a musicale or a soiree, Miss Nash, but they are not appropriate for a ball, and certainly not for one given by Lady Rumsden.'

  Sebastian glanced at Desiree with interest. 'Do you not wish to attend an elegant ball dressed in a gown created by one of the finest dressmakers in London, Desiree? You might find yourself being heralded as a diamond of the first water.'

  For a moment, Desiree felt a mindless rush of panic. She had no wish to be noticed, let alone feted. What if she were to bump into someone who knew of her?

  'I have never sought attention, Lord Buckworth,' she said anxiously, 'and as your aunt's companion, I seek it even less.'

  'Rest easy, Miss Nash, we shall not stay long,' Lady Charlton assured her. 'But Lady Rumsden is a good friend and I should enjoy the chance for a coze. And I dare say it will make a pleasant change for you. You must be tired of sitting at home talking to me all the time.'

  Her assurances did little to calm Desiree's worries. The lady had no idea how much she dreaded the prospect of moving about at a society ball. The more people that were there, the greater her chances of being recognized, and ultimately exposed.

  And as far as the offer of a new gown went, it was very flattering to be told that she was to visit one of London's foremost modistes, and that she was possibly to receive a gown which would put everything else she owned to shame, but what would be the cost of such an elaborate creation? Lady Charlton had already bought her an extensive wardrobe which consisted of more clothes than she could possibly wear. And she always did so with the justification that the gowns and the riding habits, the carriage dresses and the morning gowns, not to mention the fans, gloves, shoes and reticules were all a necessary part of any companion's wardrobe.

  The problem in Desiree's mind was, where did necessity end—and charity begin?

  The Gown, as Desiree came to think of it, was nothing short of magnificent. The renowned Madame Felice had created it herself from a length of rich, amethyst velvet, saying that the vibrant hue toned perfectly with Desiree's delicate complexion. Silk gloves of a matching hue covered her slender arms, while dainty amethyst slippers trimmed with lace encased her feet.

  On the evening of Lady Rumsden's ball, Lady Charlton sent her own maid to dress Desiree's hair, and the result was nothing short of astonishing. She had taken Desiree's soft, honey-brown hair and swept it up on top of her head, then wound a ribbon of amethyst silk through the richly glowing curls. As a finishing touch, she had secured the style with a glittering amethyst comb; an unexpected gift from Lady Charlton.

  To Sebastian, standing at the bottom of the stairs and watching Desiree come towards him, she looked even more like a goddess than she had upon the occasion of their first meeting. The ripe fullness of her breasts rose above the bodice of the low-cut gown, bringing back vivid memories of her standing in the patch of sunlight beside the Steep Wood pool. Her bare arms and shoulders glowed like cream against the richness of the amethyst velvet and her lips, softly parted in anticipation of the evening, seemed to offer a sweet invitation.

  And for an instant, just for an instant, Sebastian regretted the impulse which had compelled him to let Desiree go. He was startled at the unexpected rush of desire he felt for her, and at the longing he felt to hold her in his arms. It was a long time since he had been moved by the beauty of a
woman to such a degree.

  But when she smiled at him in that sweet, breathless way of hers, Sebastian knew he could never have made her his mistress. Desiree Nash was too much a lady in far too many ways.

  'You look stunning,' he said as she drew level with him. 'Truly, you will be the belle of the ball this evening.'

  'Sebastian, I must ask you to stop putting such ideas in the young lady's head,' Lady Charlton said sharply. She had emerged from her sitting-room, elegantly gowned and ready to go, and now surveyed her companion's appearance with a discerning eye. 'Miss Nash is my companion and quite content to be so.'

  'Of course,' Sebastian said smoothly. 'But she is an exceptionally beautiful companion all the same, and people will talk.'

  'Of course they will, I would not expect them to do otherwise.' Lady Charlton's eyes softened slightly. 'You look very well, my dear. I vow, Madame Felice has a skill beyond that of any modiste I have ever encountered.'

  Desiree dropped her employer a graceful curtsey. 'I have you to thank for my appearance, Lady Charlton. And for the most unexpected gift of this lovely comb,' she said, touching her hand to the back of her head.

  'Well, I thought someone might as well wear it,' Lady Charlton said in an offhand manner. 'The style is far too delicate for me. I cannot think what possessed me to buy it in the first place. I never have been partial to amethysts.'