by Buck, Gayle
“Yes, Mama,” said Guin obediently, even as a rush of relief ran through her. Guin did not know why her brother had set inquiries afoot concerning Lord Holloway, but the upshot was gratifying, at least to her. She had disliked Lord Holloway at first meeting, and she had never had cause to revise her initial reaction. There had been something about his lordship’s mincing manners and the way he had of looking her over. Then had come that disgraceful interlude at the theater, when she had been so ignobly discovered in Lord Holloway’s arms by Sir Frederick. The memory of it still had the power to fill her with shame. She was tremendously relieved when Mrs. Holland announced her intention to drop Lord Holloway from her guest list.
“For it is of no use pretending that his lordship is anything but a liability to us now,” said Mrs. Holland, rising to her feet. “Thank you, Percy. It is good of you to look out for our interests so closely.”
Guin looked at her brother, tears forming in her eyes. She felt wretched at treating him so badly. “Yes, thank you, Percy.”
Lord Holybrooke flashed a quick grin. He made a graceful bow. “I live to serve.”
A few days later, Guin was walking in the park with Miss Beasely and confiding to her friend the misgivings she felt about Mr. Lloyd’s suit. “The gentleman is perfectly amiable, but I simply don’t wish to marry him.”
“Of course you do not,” said Miss Beasely emphatically. “How nonsensical of Percy to give his permission. I am certain there are any number of gentlemen whom you would find more attractive.”
Guin did not say so, but she could have told Miss Beasely there was only one gentleman who held any portion of her heart. Instead, she asked, “Has my uncle been to call on Mrs. Roman again today?”
Miss Beasely laughed. “Oh, yes! It is the dearest thing, too! Colonel Caldar has quite swept my cousin off of her feet. I feel it must be a match between them.”
“I think you are right. My uncle actually blushed when I teased him just a little about Mrs. Roman,” said Guin with a smile.
The young ladies heard themselves hailed and looked around. Mrs. Richardson pulled up her phaeton beside them and smiled down at them. “I perceive you are enjoying this fine weather!”
They exchanged pleasantries for a few minutes, before Miss Beasely complimented Mrs. Richardson on the stylish carriage and team she was driving. Mrs. Richardson laughed. ‘Thank you, Miss Beasely! I plume myself having achieved just the right effect. May I offer you and Miss Holland a ride home?”
With real regret, Miss Beasely said, “My mother’s carriage is waiting for me at the gate, ma’am. But since Miss Holland came with me, there is no reason that she cannot take you up on your very flattering offer!”
Mrs. Richardson nodded at Guin, her eyes twinkling. “Will you trust yourself to my handling of the ribbons, Miss Holland? I shall endeavor to bear you safely home.”
“I should like that very much, ma’am!” said Guin with alacrity. She told her friend good-bye, parting from Miss Beasely with assurances that they would meet again on the morrow, and climbed nimbly up onto the seat beside Mrs. Richardson.
Guin closely watched Mrs. Richardson’s driving skills, and she was much impressed. “I should like very much to learn to drive as well as you, ma’am.”
“Well, perhaps one day you shall. I am positive there must be some gentleman of your acquaintance who would be more than willing to give you lessons,” said Mrs. Richardson with a quick smile.
Guin colored slightly and smiled, nodding her head. “Oh, I am persuaded that Sir Frederick would do so if I asked him. He is so very kind to me, ma’am, that there is no explaining it.”
Mrs. Richardson turned an interested glance on her. “Indeed? Sir Frederick has been a friend of mine for a number of years. He is utterly charming and affable, of course.”
Guin turned to her with enthusiasm. Her eyes glowed. “Exactly so! I don’t think I shall ever meet anyone half as nice. Sir Frederick is truly a gentleman. He tells me just how to go on, and he is never cross or betrays the least impatience with me.”
Mrs. Richardson was slightly taken aback. “Do you see much of Sir Frederick, then?”
“Oh, yes! He is quite one of our closest acquaintances,” said Guin with the flash of a smile. “Sir Frederick often takes me driving, and I may be certain of having a dance partner whenever we attend the same function. I am so very grateful to him.”
“I see! Well, that is something, indeed.” Mrs. Richardson attended to her driving for a few minutes, her fine brows drawn together as she negotiated a corner, shooting between a dray wagon and a coach.
“Bravo, ma’am! I don’t think even Sir Frederick could have done better,” said Guin.
Mrs. Richardson glanced at her. “This is flattery, indeed,” she said dryly.
Guin looked swiftly around. When she saw Mrs. Richardson’s somewhat ironic gaze, she colored. “Forgive me, Mrs. Richardson! I did not intend to go boring on in such a fashion. It is just that Sir Frederick is such a particular friend of mine.”
“You have no need to apologize, my dear. I am too well acquainted with Sir Frederick’s charm to doubt the impression he could make on a susceptible heart,” said Mrs. Richardson, smiling.
“You misunderstand!” said Guin quickly. “Sir Frederick does not fl-flirt with me. He is always a gentleman. It is only that I am so grateful to him. You see, I—I have always been awkward in company. Sir Frederick has been at pains to teach me how to go on so that I shall be more comfortable.”
“You have made a hero of him, my dear. That is a dangerous thing for a young lady to do,” said Mrs. Richardson, her smile fading. “You are likely to lose your heart to him if you are not careful.”
Guin dropped her gaze. “Will—will I, ma’am?” She looked up again, to meet Mrs. Richardson’s eyes. “Would it be such a bad thing? I know that I am beneath Sir Frederick’s touch, but I am confident I shall not take hurt at his hand. And—and when I do wed, I shall know better how to go on just because I have known him.”
Mrs. Richardson felt she had learned more than she had ever anticipated. “My dear!” She was silent a few moments, at last throwing her young friend a measuring glance. “Miss Holland—Guineveve! Pray do not be offended that I offer you a word of advice. More than anyone, I believe making a good match is essential to one’s future happiness. It is not fortune or a handsome face or any other worldly consideration that will count in the end, as much as it will be whether one loves and is loved in return. Those other things are important, of course, but they will be as ashes where there is also indifference or perhaps even hatred.”
“Mrs. Richardson, are you warning me against Sir Frederick?” asked Guin falteringly.
“No, I am not! What I am telling you, my dear, is to be very sure of your own heart. And when you are, bestow it where it will be received with gladness and tenderness. It would be a grave mistake to wed where there is not love,” said Mrs. Richardson.
“I see.” Guin drew a long breath. She smiled at Mrs. Richardson, who continued to look at her with a grave, even anxious, expression. “You have given me something to think about, ma’am. I do thank you.”
“I trust that my advice will prove useful to you, Guineveve,” said Mrs. Richardson. She pulled on the reins to bring the phaeton to a stop beside the curb. “Here we are! Just as I promised you, I have brought you safely home, Miss Holland.”
“Thank you, ma’am,” said Guin, climbing down from the phaeton. She looked up at Mrs. Richardson. “I shall remember what you have said.”
Mrs. Richardson smiled, nodded, and then started her team up. Guin watched her drive away and then turned to walk up the steps of the town house. She had been sincere in her promise. She knew that she would not forget what Mrs. Richardson had told her.
Mrs. Richardson had given her the benefit of a totally different perspective. It ran counter to everything Guin had ever heard from her mother. Mrs. Holland had never addressed the question of love and where it fit into the equation when se
eking a good match. On the contrary, all that seemed to matter to Mrs. Holland was the prestige and worldly goods that a gentleman could bestow on his chosen bride.
Guin felt confused, but also cautiously hopeful. Mrs. Richardson was a savvy, fashionable lady. Surely she could not be wrong when she advised Guin to seek love in marriage. Surely Guin could find some benefit from such sage advice.
Having virtually resigned herself to the inevitability of accepting whatever offer Mrs. Holland deemed most advantageous, Guin began to entertain the radical notion of accepting the suit of a gentleman for love. Guin had not realized, until Mrs. Richardson had taken it upon herself to speak to the point, that considerations besides worldly position and fortune could be measured as equal in importance. Now it came to her as a blazing revelation, and one that was underscored by a touch of fear. Dared she obey the dictates of her heart? She had been taught all of her life that social position and fortune were the epitome. She had no foundation upon which to build any other belief. She had suppressed her feelings and her emotions for so many years. Dared she even trust her heart?
Chapter Twenty-one
Guin entered the town house with her mind whirling with conjecture, alternating between hope and fear. There was no question that she loved Sir Frederick Hawkesworth, and she knew that he cared for her if only a little. How wonderful it would be if Sir Frederick was to offer for her! Of course, there would be Mrs. Holland’s objections to overcome, for Guin knew that her mother thought less of Sir Frederick than she did of Mr. Lloyd. If only her mother could be brought to recognize Sir Frederick’s superior qualities!
Guin was met with the intelligence that Mrs. Holland and Lady Smythe were closeted in the upstairs sitting room, and that she was wanted as soon as she came in.
All thought of the problem of her future flew out of her head as Guin ran upstairs to her bedroom to put off her hat and gloves and to make herself presentable. Within a few short minutes, during which her maid drew a brush ruthlessly through her hair and helped her to change into a day gown, Guin was able to knock on the door of her mother’s private sitting room. Upon being bidden to enter, she opened the door. “Mama? You wished to see me?”
“Come in, Guin. Here is Lady Smythe, waiting for you this age,” said Mrs. Holland waspishly.
Guin flushed, but pretended not to notice her mother’s displeasure. She advanced, holding out her hand toward her ladyship. “My apologies for keeping you waiting, my lady. I have just come in from an airing in the park.”
“You had no way of knowing that I would call, my dear,” said Lady Smythe with a smile and handshake. Her graciousness was in direct contrast to Mrs. Holland’s censorious attitude. “Were you out with friends?”
“Miss Beasely, ma’am, but I returned with Mrs. Richardson, who was kind enough to offer to drive me home,” said Guin, sitting down beside her mother on the sofa.
“Mrs. Richardson! Well! I am surprised that she bothered with you, Guin, when I have heard any number of times that the lady is most assiduous in matching up eligible partis,” said Mrs. Holland with a tinkling laugh.
“Mrs. Richardson has a certain talent in that direction, certainly,” said Lady Smythe suavely. “Perhaps her friendship will prove advantageous for Miss Holland.”
“As to that, I am certain that no one could have my daughter’s best interests more to heart than myself, my lady,” said Mrs. Holland defensively.
“There can be no argument with that, Mrs. Holland,” said Lady Smythe.
Mrs. Holland smiled and agreed. It was left to Guin to stiffen at what she discerned to be a contemptuous expression in her ladyship’s eyes. Much as her mother succeeded in embarrassing her or throwing her out of countenance, Guin could not stand it when Mrs. Holland was herself perceived with anything less than respect.
“We are naturally flattered by your visit, my lady. How may we be of service to you?” asked Guin coolly.
Lady Smythe raised her thin brows. Her shrewd eyes thoughtfully regarded Guin’s flushed face. “Why, the shoe is quite on the other foot, Miss Holland. In point of fact, your mother has graciously granted her permission to allow me to throw you a ball.”
“Isn’t it wonderful, Guin! You are to go stay with her ladyship the entire fortnight beforehand so that she may instruct you in just how all the details for such a function are handled. It is her ladyship’s exquisite consideration which impels her to such an unprecedented step, for I am certain that my own nerves could never stand up to the planning,” said Mrs. Holland with her lovely smile.
The glitter of satisfaction in her eyes was obvious. “Of course, I shall not neglect my duty in chaperonage so that you may rest perfectly easy. I shall be there to be certain all goes just as it ought.”
Guin understood perfectly that her mother was delighted with the arrangement. No doubt being freed of the expense and the organization of a ball exactly suited Mrs. Holland’s taste. She therefore bit back the instinctive protest that rose to her lips, for it would not do the least bit of good to voice it. Indeed, Guin knew well enough that she would fall under her mother’s severe displeasure if she were to even hint that the arrangement was not entirely welcome. She summoned up a smile. “Why, then, I must assuredly thank her ladyship for her condescension, and humbly hope that we do not trespass too hardily on her good nature.”
Mrs. Holland threw a glance at her daughter, but since Lady Smythe greeted this speech with an amused disclaimer, she laughed. “Such a nonsensical girl! As if we could, when Lady Smythe has assured me quite otherwise! You will be glad to know, Guin, I have already given instructions for your trunks to be brought up so that your things may be packed.”
Guin stared in consternation. “But, Mama,” she stammered, “you have surely forgotten! We are to go to Lady Conrad’s musical soiree this evening and afterward to Vauxhall with Sir Frederick and his party.”
“I certainly have not forgotten, Guin,” said Mrs. Holland, shaking her head, smiling, but with a dagger glance. “Of course we shall fulfill our obligations. However, instead of returning here tonight, you will return home with Lady Smythe.”
“I, too, am attending Vauxhall this evening, Miss Holland,” said Lady Smythe. “Nothing could be simpler than for you to go home with me afterward.”
“I—I know that I am being very stupid,” said Guin. In point of fact, she was reeling from the abruptness with which things were happening.
“Yes, you are!” agreed Mrs. Holland. “You are insulting, besides.”
Guin’s face flamed. Her hands twisted in her lap. She turned an anxious gaze on Lady Smythe. “It is just that I have not had time to adjust myself to the notion, ma’am. I did not mean to offend you. I do hope you understand, my lady.”
“Of course I do,” said Lady Smythe. She rose to take her leave. “I know that you have a great many things to do yet this afternoon, Mrs. Holland, and so I shall leave you now. I shall see you both again this evening.”
Mrs. Holland assured her of it and walked with her ladyship out of the room, ostensibly to show Lady Smythe to the door.
Guin knew that she could not flee to her bedroom, as she very much wanted to do, because her mother would certainly follow her. She had seen the look in her mother’s eyes, just as Mrs. Holland had walked past her, and with a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach had known that she was in for a thundering scold.
She did not have to wait very many minutes for Mrs. Holland’s return. However, her mother was not alone. Lord Holybrooke came into the sitting room with her. Guin’s eyes met her brother’s, a single pregnant moment during which she realized that Percy knew there had been trouble and had come to help her. She sent him a slight smile of gratitude.
“How can you smile, Guin? I was never more put out with you in my life!” exclaimed Mrs. Holland.
“What has Guin done now, Mama?” asked Lord Holybrooke, casually strolling over to the sofa and flinging himself down. He caught Guin’s hand and pulled her down so that she sat beside him.<
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Mrs. Holland gave an annoyed titter. “Why, she insulted Lady Smythe by daring to question her ladyship’s arrangements to have her to stay. When I think of the advantage you have been handed, Guin, I could shake you for your idiocy!”
Lord Holybrooke had stiffened beside Guin. His expression was still, only his eyes showing emotion. “What is this, Mama? Guin is going to stay with Lady Smythe?”
“Lady Smythe wishes me to stay with her for a fortnight, beginning this evening,” said Guin in a subdued voice. She glanced into her brother’s astonished eyes and smiled. “It is all right, Percy. I—I was merely surprised, that is all.”
“I should say so!” exclaimed Lord Holybrooke, rising to his feet. “Mama, how can you countenance this?”
“Why, Percy! Whatever is the matter with you? Lady Smythe is giving a ball in Guin’s honor a fortnight hence. She merely wishes to afford your ungrateful sister the opportunity to learn what must go into the planning of such a function. I find nothing in that to set up your hackles!” said Mrs. Holland, surprised by her son’s reaction. “Indeed, I am thankful that Lady Smythe is taking such a close interest in Guin. It will undoubtedly be the making of her, if she will but acknowledge it!”
“I grant you that Lady Smythe’s friendship is advantageous to Guin—to us! What I don’t understand is her ladyship’s willingness to be so helpful. Why, Guin is a stranger to her. What possible motivation is there for Lady Smythe to concern herself so nearly in Guin’s affairs?” exclaimed Lord Holybrooke.
“You are making a piece of work over nothing, Percy. It is very plain to me that Lady Smythe has been influenced by the fact that you are the Earl of Holybrooke. That is the reason her ladyship is being so obliging,” said Mrs. Holland, much in the tone reserved for reasoning with a child.
