by Kira Stewart
A very fashionable and elegant middle aged couple suddenly stopped in their path, as they were walking toward them. At first, it appeared that Mrs. Everton had not seen them, and as the trio was about to move around the couple to avoid a clash, the lady suddenly spoke out.
“Why, Mrs. Everton. I thought it was you. I was just telling Arthur that we had not seen you for the longest time. What a pleasant surprise!”
If Mrs. Everton was caught off her guard for a split second, it was not obvious, and she turned graciously to the speaker.
“Mr. and Mrs. Turnbull. How lovely. It must be well over a year since we met at Admiral Hinckley’s party?”
The Turnbulls were much younger than Mrs. Everton, about the age of Mrs. Maldon.
“Of course. And you know my nephew, Edward?”
A dark haired young man with dark eyes, stepped out of the crowd and stood before them. He was dressed in the red uniform of an army officer. He gave a very low and solemn bow.
“At your service, ladies.”
Raising his head, he looked intently at Henrietta, and the poor girl was quite unsettled by the intensity of his stare.
The introductions were made, as Mrs. Everton presented her companions.
Edward Turnbull was a dark haired young man, and not unattractive.
“And how are you finding Bath, Miss Maldon?” the young man enquired, after the formal introductions had been made.
“I find it very well indeed, sir, if not a little crowded after living for so long in the country.”
“Ah, a country bumpkin no less, well, you must let me show you the sights. You and your dear mother, of course, if dear Mrs. Everton can spare you.”
Before the girl could speak, Mrs. Maldon was already nodding her head in agreement.
“What a wonderful and gracious offer, Mr. Turnbull. Of course, my daughter and I would love to be shown around Bath, not that Mrs. Everton and her husband are not superb hosts, but we do not want to presume too much on their time.”
“And the young lady?”
Henrietta could feel herself blush.
“That would be most acceptable.”
“Perhaps we can go out tomorrow afternoon, if the weather is fine? I can call with my carriage around noon?”
“Oh, I was thinking of holding a small tea party tomorrow afternoon,” Mrs. Everton interjected.
“Well, I am sure I can get the two ladies back to you before that starts. I hear no respectable tea party starts until at least three in the afternoon, is that not so, madam?”
The young man winked knowingly at Henrietta.
Mrs. Everton was quite taken aback, but did not want to cause offence.
“Well, I suppose so. If my guests so wish it.”
“Then it is agreed. I shall pick you both up before noon, and have you back before three and just in time for tea.”
They parted agreeing to meet the following day.
“Well, I never. We were just talking about finding an eligible young man for Henrietta, and he walks straight into our path. And what a young man! I say, Mrs. Everton, is he a wealthy young man? His aunt and uncle certainly look so.”
With this, she gave a knowing smile to her daughter.
Mrs. Everton looked doubtful.
“The Turnbulls are certainly wealthy enough, make no mistake. He’s something to do with the silk trade, importing and the like. I do not know too much about the boy Edward, though. There was some gossip about him last year. His uncle bought him his commission in the army, you know, to keep him out of trouble. I believe he has been away from Bath this past year. His own parents died years ago, so he was brought up by his mother’s brother.”
“Well, he seems very nice, and an officer too, and so very handsome in his red coat. His uncle in the silk trade, too. Just think, Henrietta. I am sure he is a fine young man. Young men do get into some scrapes at times, all part of their youth. I am sure it was all very innocent. What a find, Mrs. Everton. What a find, indeed!”
9.
When Henrietta returned to the villa, the young maid was waiting, and eager to hear of the young woman’s first sojourn into Bath. Whilst she tidied her hair for the evening, the two young girls chatted amiably.
“Me and my Billy, he is my intended, miss. We love to go to the Pump Rooms when it is my day off. We love to people watch. See all them fancy ladies and gentlemen in their finery. I even took the waters once, but I must say, I did not like it. It made me feel quite queer. Have you got a young man, miss, if you do not mind me asking?”
Shaking her head, Henrietta smiled, yet an image of Tom immediately popped into her head—always Thomas Langton and never poor William.
“No, Jenny, I am afraid not.”
The young maid looked astonished.
“No young man, miss, I can hardly believe it. No one at all? Not even someone that you are sweet on?”
“Well, there was someone I liked a long time ago, but he went away, and there is a boy at home, but …”
“Oh miss, that reminds me, there’s a letter arrived for you today. I’ll just go and get it.”
The envelope was written in William’s long sloping style. She had been away almost two months, and the young man had written to her most ardently, pledging his love to her in every line. She suddenly realised that it was over two weeks since she had last heard from him. In all the excitement of preparing for the trip to Bath, he had been truly forgotten. Poor William.
Opening the envelope, she was surprised to find only a short letter, and for the first time, no love poem or words of love. Perhaps he had given up on her. Strangely, she felt a sharp disappointment, even though she usually only skimmed the verses he had written her, without really reading.
“Is it from your boy at home, miss?”
Henrietta nodded and yawned, feigning tiredness so she could be left to rest and to be alone with her thoughts.
The letter seemed rather rushed and hurried. Indeed, he apologised for his lack of letters, blaming the extra work given him by her father. Indeed, it sounded as if he was taking his work very seriously.
“Your father hinted today that there might be a position for me at Nedderton Church. It makes sense, as it would mean your father would not have to drive there every Sunday. There’s even a little house attached. It has not been lived in for a while, but I dare say I could soon make it cozy.”
Henrietta read on with some apprehension, dreading that the young man would mention marriage, however, it was to her surprise that he did not.
Instead, he ended the letter as such.
“The weather here has been very fine these last two weeks. Yesterday was the church outing and twenty of us took a picnic. Even your sister, Kitty, came. A splendid time was had by all.”
Poor Kitty. She would be putting up with a lot back home. Still, someone had to stay and look after father and keep house, whilst they were away. Suddenly, she felt guilty. Leaving her sister to cope alone, whilst she was having fun. She would write to her immediately—she had been very neglectful of her letters home.
•••
The next day, Henrietta dressed carefully. She had not quite made up her mind whether she thought favourably or not of Mr. Turnbull, unlike her mother, who seemed to be pinning all hopes of her daughter’s happiness onto him, fussing around her as they waited for his arrival.
“Now Henrietta, you must wear my good diamond brooch. It was a present from my grandmother on my wedding day. Here, let me pin it onto your pocket. There, see how fine it looks? Now, let me have a good look at you. What a pity we did not have time to buy more dresses. That was one of Kitty’s. It is a little dated, but men do not tend to notice that sort of thing. Just smile sweetly, my dear, and he will never notice.”
A smart barouche pulled up, just as the abbey bells were striking twelve, and the ladies were soon riding in the open carriage that took them through the centre of Bath, and out into the open countryside of the Cotswolds.
Sitting opposite the two
ladies, Edward Turnbull could watch them both at his leisure.
“This is the life. I much prefer the open countryside to the steam and noise of the Pump Rooms any day. Would not you agree, Miss Maldon? But then again, you are a country girl, so perhaps you prefer the town?”
Henrietta could see that he was teasing her.
“I found the Pump Rooms very pleasant, Mr. Turnbull, if not a little noisy. But I do not think one can ever become tired of the open air. Just look around us, nothing for miles, except the green of the fields and the blue of the sky. I wish that every day could be like today.”
The man smiled.
“I cannot agree more, Miss Maldon. Although, I must say that I found my visit to the Pump Rooms yesterday very satisfactory indeed.”
Sophie Maldon sat thinking what a handsome pair the two young people made.
“And we are certainly not just country bumpkins, Mr. Turnbull. Henrietta has been educated at some expense. I do not like to boast, but I have a small inheritance of my own that I have used to better my girls. Beauty and accomplishments are more than enough for any man.”
The young man nodded wisely.
“I see you are a family of good taste. I was noting the fine diamond brooch on young Miss Maldon’s pelisse. It is a fine example of taste, without it being pretentious. I congratulate you, Mrs. Maldon.”
Edward Turnbull was as good as his word, and returned them back to the villa just before three. The afternoon had been gentle and full of pleasantries, and Sophie Maldon had certainly noticed a spark between the two young people.
Alighting from the coach, they took their leave of him.
“Perhaps we can do the same tomorrow?”
The young man looked hopeful.
“I am afraid we cannot, sir. We are already promised on visits with Mrs. Everton.”
The young man looked thoughtful.
“Then perhaps we shall meet at the Assembly Ball in the evening. Good day ladies.”
•••
It was many years since Mr. and Mrs. Everton had attended one of the dances in the lower Assembly Rooms, and even though she had doubts about the young man in question, Elizabeth Everton had nothing to substantiate her fears, and Mrs. Maldon was so full of praise for his manners and society, that she thought perhaps he ought give him the benefit of the doubt, and she certainly could not deny her guests. As soon as it was mentioned over dinner that night, there was a degree of excitement, as plans were made for attending the Assembly Rooms the following evening.
The next day was filled with preparations for the night ahead. Baths were to be had and hair was to be curled, and naps taken in the afternoon so they should not be tired. Mrs. Everton insisted that they take afternoon tea in the drawing room, so they should not be too hungry. Supper would be provided at the ball, but Mrs. Everton argued that it would be quite late, and they would need fortifying for the dancing ahead.
The tea was quite sumptuous, with cake, bread, tea, and chocolate, and as Henry walked up the stairs, she felt quite ready for her nap. The door to her bedroom was slightly ajar and as she entered the room, she noticed that the little pug dog, Honey, was curled up and asleep on her bed.
“Oh Honey!”
Her new dress had been laid out on the bed and the little dog had made it is bed within its files, and the pale blue silk lay scratched and crumpled beneath him.
Shooing the culprit from the room, she held up the dress and sighed. The dog’s claws had pulled the material, and even caused a tear.
“Oh Honey. I cannot wear this to the ball now!. What on earth am I going to do?”
The young maid was scolded for leaving the bedroom door open, although she swore she had closed it fully. There was no time to repair the dress, and besides, it would need cleaning. The young maid had to look through the remaining dresses for a suitable replacement.
“What about this, ma’am? It would look lovely with your colouring.”
Jenny held up a gown of emerald satin. It was indeed a beautiful dress, but even with the new sash, it was still two seasons out of date. It had been her sister Kitty’s, and although the bodice had been quite worn, it had been recovered with a fine golden gauze.
Henrietta sighed. Although it was one of her favourite dresses, it was one thing to wear it for parties at home, but it was something else to wear it here in fashionable Bath.
“Mrs. Everton has a turban with green feathers. I am sure she will let you wear that. It will set the dress off a treat. I’ll go and fetch it.”
With the addition of the turban, and the loan of a pair of new gloves from her mother, the outfit was more than passable.
Henrietta had to admit, the colour complimented her own much more than the other dress, and the overall look was quite stunning.
“My, my, young lady, you will certainly turn some heads tonight.”
Mr. Everton looked on approvingly.
Her mother, once again loaned an emerald and diamond brooch, and a pair of matching earrings. Both were relics of her wealthy background.
The six took the carboush the short distance to the Assembly Rooms. As they arrived, the outside of the Doric portico entrance was already busy with sedan chairs and other carriages, and the horses had to stop quite a distance from the entrance.
“Watch where the horses have been,” Mrs. Everton warned genially, as they alighted, and the ladies watched carefully where they placed their silk slippers.
The best of society had congregated at the lower Assembly Rooms. Henrietta was dazzled by the ladies in their fine clothes and jewels, much grander than she had seen at the Pump Rooms, and felt quite self-conscious in her second-hand gown and borrowed jewels.
After they had placed their outer garments in the cloakroom, Mr. Everton bid his goodbyes, and ventured to the card room for the rest of the evening, leaving his wife in charge of the small party.
“Follow me!” she ordered, and they pushed and squeezed as best they could in single file into the ballroom.
The place was exquisite. Five large crystal chandeliers hung from the double-height ceiling, and mirrored girandoles holding candles were hung on the wall and cast a fairytale light over the whole proceedings. The place was already full, and much to their disappointment, all of the seats were occupied.
“It is all Henry’s fault. We would have been earlier, had it not been for the fact that she had to change her dress.”
Jane pulled a face at her sister.
Mrs. Maldon glared at her daughters.
“There, there, my dears, there is no need to fret. Look, the musicians are about to start up on a set of country dances. I can see a less crowded spot over on the far side, where we can stand and watch the dancing most comfortably. Now, keep close and follow me.”
Mrs. Everton staunchly led the way.
Jane and Harry decided to take a turn on the dance floor, and the remaining three snaked across the room as the musicians in the Minstrel Gallery struck up a gay Scottish reel.
After a great deal of pushing and squeezing, they reached the far side of the room and settled themselves to watch the proceedings.
“Now, let me see who I know.”
Taking out her lorgnette, Mrs. Everton surveyed the room through her eyeglass. Henry watched the dancers, the bright costumes and feathers whirling around and around, until she felt quite giddy and had to look away.
It was at the moment, that she saw him.
Stood across the room, against one of the large fireplaces, was a small group of rather fashionable young ladies and gentlemen. They had an air of collective beauty about them, that seemed to single them out from the rest of the crowd, and in the centre of the group, stood Thomas Langton, looking most handsome and elegant. Henrietta was so taken aback by the sight of him, that she had to look away, determined that he would not notice her, feeling her face flushing wildly as she did.
“Are you all right, Henrietta?”
Her mother was quick to notice the change in her daughter’s dem
eanour.
“It is nothing, mama. Perhaps it is the heat, I feel a little faint. Perhaps I should sit down for a while?”
“I spy Mr. Turnbull, and just in time by the look of it. Dear girl, do take my arm and we will have you seated in no time at all.”
Edward was sat with a crowd of similar looking young men, and as the women approached, Edward stood and gave a low bow.
“Good evening, Mrs. Everton, Mrs. Maldon, Miss Maldon.”
Seeing Henry looking out of sorts, he immediately offered his seat up to the young lady.
“I hope we are not tiring you out, Miss Maldon, on your first trip to Bath?”
Having recovered her composure, Henry managed a smile.
“I am much better for sitting down, Mr. Turnbull. I thank you. I am not used to such crowds.”
Mrs. Everton shook her head sagely.
“The girl needs feeding up. I told her to eat more cake at tea time. Never mind. The supper will be served at nine.”
“I do hope that Miss Maldon will feel well enough for a dance later on. I had been looking forward to it all day.”
The last thing Henry wanted to do, was draw attention to herself and shook her head.
“Perhaps not this evening.”
“Of course she would like to dance, Mr. Turnbull. It will do her a world of good. I am sure she will be feeling better, once she has sat awhile. Is not that right, Henrietta?”
The young girl knew better than to argue with her mother.
As the band finished one tune, ready to strike up the next, Edward held out his hand.
“I do believe the next dance is a Cotillion, one of my favourites. If you would care to do me the honour, Miss Maldon?”
There was no way that she could refuse him, especially not with her mama watching carefully over her. Taking his hand, she gently rose and walked with her head down toward the dancers, in a hope that Tom would not see her. Not that he was likely to recognise her under all the feathers and finery, and of course, he did not even know she was in Bath, and perhaps that was the best concealment of all.
The dance was quite complex, and Henrietta soon forgot to think about Tom, as she tried to remember the steps. She had only danced it with her sister when they were at the school as parlour boarders, but dancing with a young man in the Assembly Rooms in Bath, was something quite different.
