Georgiana sipped her chocolate. As the sweet warmth slid down her throat and heat seeped through her body, she sighed. So wonderfulto have real chocolate again. She closed her eyes and was immediately back on the terrace at Ravello, her father opposite, across the breakfast-table. Abruptly she opened her eyes, blinking rapidly. Enough of that! She had shed all the tears she possessed long ago. Her father had wanted her to get on with her life. He had warned her not to grieve for him. He had had a good life, so he had said, and wanted his daughter to have the same. That was why she was to return to England and the bosom of her family. Some bosom Charles had turned out to be. At the thought, Georgiana wriggled her toes. The idea of Charles scouring the countryside for her, only to return, dusty and beaten, to the damp and musty Place, brought a glow of satisfaction to her honey-gold eyes. Serve him right.
How long are we staying here?
Cruickshank came to draw back the covers. Georgiana slid from the bed, busying herself with washing and dressing while she considered how best to answer. She had not discussed her plan to get a position with either of her servants, sure they would veto the idea as soon as they heard it. Come what may, she was determined to keep them with her. They were all that remained of her parents happy household.
So, standing patiently as Cruickshank laced her gown, she answered airily, Ill have to discuss the matter with Lady WinsBella. She seems to wish us to stay for a while.
Cruickshank snorted. So I gathered. Still, she seems a real lady; none of your hoity-toity airs about that one.
Georgiana grinned, remembering Bellas fussing the night before. It had been a long time since anyone other than Cruickshank had fussed over her.
After Cruickshank had settled her curls in a knot on the top of her head, Georgiana tentatively made her way downstairs. Johnson found her in the front hall and, gracious as ever, directed her to the breakfast parlour overlooking the rear gardens.
There you are, my dear!
Georgiana had the feeling Bella had been waiting for her to appear. Her hostess surged across the Turkey carpet in a cloud of fine-figured muslin. Georgiana returned her smile.
Are you sure youve recovered from your ordeal?
Georgiana flushed slightly and nodded. A man, somewhat older than Bella, had risen from the table to watch them, an affectionate smile on his thin lips. She felt forced to disclaim, It was hardly an ordeal, maam.
Maam? I thought I told you to call me Bella. Bella smiled mischievously. And of course it was an ordeal. Fleeing from horrible Charles was always an ordeal.
Georgiana stopped and stared. You know Charles?
Bellas big blue eyes opened wide. But of course. Didnt I mention it last night?
When Georgiana shook her head, Bella tucked her arm in hers and drew her guest to the table.
But we were neighbours; you know that. Of course, Charles came over to play sometimes. But he never got on with Dominic and the other boys, mainly because he was younger and always tried to show off. He used to tease me unmercifully. At least, he did if Dominic wasnt around. So, you see, I know just what it feels like to run away from your cousin Charles. And I cant think hes improved with age.
Standing by the chair beside her new friend, Georgiana shook her head. I expect youre right. She looked expectantly at the man. He smiled and bowed slightly.
Permit me to introduce myself, my dear. Im afraid, if we wait for Bella to remember my existence, we might not be introduced until dinner.
Oh, fustian! said Bella, catching his hand and giving it a little shake. My dear Georgiana, allow me to present my husband, Arthur.
Georgiana dropped a demure curtsy, hiding her surprise. She had not thought about Bellas husband at all, but would never have imagined the youthful Bella married to a man so much older. As she straightened, her eyes met his, grey and kindly, and she had the feeling of being read like a book. But then he smiled, such a sweet smile, and suddenly it no longer seemed so odd that Bella should be his wife.
Miss Hartley. Might I say how pleased we are to welcome you to our home?
Georgiana murmured her thanks.
Over breakfast, Lord Winsmere made little comment, but contented himself with listening as Bella and she discussed feminine interests.
I see you are out of blacks, said Bella. So fortunate.
Georgiana hesitated, then explained, Actually, its only four months since my father died, but he made me promise that I wouldnt go into mourning for him. But she shrugged slightly I thought greys and lilacs were a reasonable compromise.
Bellas candid gaze assessed her dispassionately. I must say, if your father was a painter, I can understand why he was so insistent you stay out of black. With your skin, it would certainly not suit.
Georgiana grinned. Im not certain that wasnt at the back of his mind when he made his request.
As she turned her attention to her piece of toast, she was conscious of his lordships grey eyes resting on her with approval.
In fact, Lord Winsmere was pleased to approve of his wifes prospective protégée. Georgiana Hartley, he decided, was a neat little thing. His eye had seen too many beauties to class her as one, but her features were pure and, with the gloss of a little animation, presently lacking, she could lay claim to the appellation of attractive with ease. She was petite, but her figure was full and delicately curved, not unlike Bellas curvaceous form. And, more important than any other quality, the girl from Italy was not missish. Which was just as well, if she was to deal with his forthright Bella. All in all, Bellas assessment had been accurate. Miss Georgiana Hartley was eminently acceptable.
When the ladies left him to his coffee and the mornings news-sheet, he spent some time in a blank study of the parlour door. Undoubtedly, Dominic had done right in sending Georgiana to Winsmere House. There was little hope such an attractive miss could find decent employment without subjecting herself to dangers he, for one, did not wish to contemplate. Dominics plan to introduce her into society was a wise one. Thus far, the young lady seemed of a most amenable disposition. And, although not highly born, her lineage was not beneath consideration. He had checked for himself in the Register of Landowners. The Hartleys had been an unremarkable family for generations, but they were nevertheless of good stock. She would make some young squire an unexceptionable wife.
However, more importantly from his point of view, her presence would ease Bellas boredom. His darling had talked non-stop since rising this morning, a sure sign of happiness.
With a smile at his own susceptibilities, Lord Winsmere rose and, taking up his unread news-sheet, retired to the library. For once, Dominic seemed to have bestirred himself for purely philanthropic reasons. His scheme was in the girls best interests and would keep Bella amused. There was no reason to interfere. Bella could entangle herself in the chits life to her hearts content. Neither would take any ill. As his shrewd brain began to sort through the potential ramifications of his brother-in-laws plan, Lord Winsmeres brows rose. His lips curved slightly. In the end, who knew what might come of it?
NOW, GEORGIE, promise me you wont put me to the blush, said Bella, firmly drawing on her gloves as the carriage drew to a standstill. I couldnt endure it in front of Fancon. The womans a terror. Lord only knows what damage she could do to your chances if she heard you asking about the price of a gown.
NOW, GEORGIE, promise me you wont put me to the blush, said Bella, firmly drawing on her gloves as the carriage drew to a standstill. I couldnt endure it in front of Fancon. The womans a terror. Lord only knows what damage she could do to your chances if she heard you asking about the price of a gown.
Georgiana blushed. The slight frown on her friends face told her Bella was not yet convinced she had won their last battle. Georgiana simply couldnt see the necessity for new gowns for herself. Surely it was not a requirement for a companion to be fashionably dressed? But Bella had been adamant.
Just wait until you are a companion before you start dressing like a dowd.
At Georgianas instinctive and forlorn glance at her demure grey gown, Bella had been instantly contrite. Oh, I dont mean that! Your gowns are perfectly acceptable, you know they are. Its just that for going out into society you need morewell, more society clothes. This is London, after all.
Finally, worn down by Bellas arguments, strengthened by the defection of Cruickshank, who had deciphered enough of their conversation to give her a hard stare, Georgiana had consented to accompany Bella to the salon of the modiste known as Fancon. It was her third day in London, and she was beginning to feel at home in the large mansion on Green Street. Lord Winsmere was all that was kind. And Bella, of course, was Bella. Georgiana was overwhelmed by their kindness. But not so overwhelmed that she would consent to Bellas buying her new gowns.
If I must have new gowns to go about and become known, then of course Ill pay for them. Her calm statement had caused Bella to look at her in concern.
But, my dear Georgie, gowns, you knowwell, theyre not all thatI mean to say The garrulous Bella had flustered to a halt.
The drift of her thoughts had reached Georgiana. Oh! Did you think I have no money?
Bellas eyes widened. Well, I thought you might not be exactly flush, what with your trip and expecting your uncle to be there to help at the end of it.
Georgiana smiled affectionately. They had thought her a pauper but had still wanted to help. She knew enough of the world to appreciate such sentiments. Not a bit of it. My father left me reasonably well to door at least, thats how my Italian solicitors described it. I dont know what exactly that means, but I have funds deposited here on which I may draw.
To her relief, Lord Winsmere had insisted on accompanying her to the bank her father had patronised. She had little doubt it was his lordships standing that had resulted in such prompt and polite service. There had been no difficulty in establishing her bona fides through papers she had carried from Italy.
While waiting for the carriage to stop rocking, Georgiana glanced at Bellas profile. They had taken to each other as if each were the sister the other had never had. Only two gowns, mind.
Bella turned, her eyes narrowing. Two day gowns and an evening gown. She stared uncompromisingly at Georgiana.
With a wry grimace, Georgiana acquiesced. All right. And an evening gown. But nothing too elaborate, she added, as the groom opened the door.
Together they entered the discreet establishment of Fancon. A woman dressed in severe black glided forward to greet them. Her black hair was pulled back and, it appeared to Georgiana, forcibly restrained in a tight bun. Black eyes, like gimlets, sharp and shuttered, assessed her. This, she soon learned, was the great Fancon herself. Imbued with suitable awe, Georgiana noted a certain restraint in the womans manner and was careful to give no cause for offence.
Half an hour passed in the most pleasant of occupations. Fancon had numerous gowns to choose from. Georgiana tried on a great many. There were fabrics, too, which could be fashioned to any style she wished. Georgiana found Bellas interest infectious. And she could not resist the temptation to indulge in Fancons elegant creations. However, true to her word, she chose only two day dresses, one in softest lilac, the other a deep mauve. Both suited her well, their high waists outlining her youthful figure. She feared that Fancon would be irritated by her meagre order, particularly after the woman had been so insistent she try on such a great number of gowns. Yet nothing but the most complete equanimity showed on the modistes stern face.
Much discussion went into the creation of an evening gown. The styles which favoured her were easy enough to decide. Yet there was nothing suitable made up.
Your colouring, Miss Hartley, is less pale than the norm. It is no matter. We will decide on the fabric, and I will have my seamstresses work up the gown by tomorrow. With a calm wave of her hand, Fancon summoned her underlings. They brought bolts of fine cloth, in mauves and lilacs. While Georgiana stood, wreathed in fabric, Bella and Fancon studied her critically. Georgiana, too, watched proceedings in the mirror.
It must show you off to your greatest advantage, declared Bella.
Georgiana seriously doubted that companions were chosen for the picture they made in the ballroom.
Fancon turned and murmured a command. A minute later, a fresh selection of materials arrived. Sea-green gauze, spangled and shimmering, was draped around Georgiana. The assistant stood back, and Georgiana raised her eyes to the mirror. She gasped. Was the slim, slender mermaid she saw there really herself? The green brought out the lights in her hair and eyes, and emphasised the creaminess of her skin. She stood and stared. Then, slowly, she shook her head sadly.
Not yet. Im still in mourning, remember?
Another murmur from Fancon saw a deep topaz silk replace the sea-green gauze. Again, Georgiana stared. This time she looked almost as worldly as Bella. The silk added an air of allure, of mystery. She lookedenticing. But again she refused.
Apparently resigned to using the purplish hues, Fancon next produced a pale amethyst silk. Georgiana regarded it critically. The colour suited her well enough, making her appear soft and feminine. But the amethyst simply did not do for her what the previous two shades had. In this, she simply looked passably pretty. She turned and looked longingly at the topaz and the sea-green, lying discarded beside her. Still, she couldnt allow herself to be distracted from her purpose. Doubtless ladies who needed companions would approve of the amethyst silk.
Yes. Ill take this fabric. And the pattern we agreed on.
Georgiana turned in time to catch the look that passed between Bella and Fancon. It was a look that bespoke an understanding, but she got no further clue to assist in its interpretation.
While they waited for the two day dresses to be packed, Georgiana reflected that Madame Fancon had not seemed anywhere near as dragon-like as Bella had led her to believe.
Settled in the barouche, with Fancons boxes on the opposite seat, Bella leant forward and spoke to her coachman. Once around the park for luck. Then back to Green Street.
The carriage moved off. Georgiana sat quietly, wondering a little at the revelations of the sumptuous sea-green and topaz silks. Could she really appear like that? Her? Little Georgiana?
Bella also sat quietly, smugly satisfied with the outcome of her scheming. She had been to see Fancon the day before, while Arthur had taken Georgiana to see her banker. The modiste knew her well; she was, after all, one of her best customers. Fancon had been most helpful, particularly after she had let fall the information that a certain peer was most desirous that Georgiana should be well presented, and hence money was no option. Dominic could hardly take exception to that. Bella grinned. She had little doubt Fancon would guess who the gentleman was. Who other than her brother would be likely to leave a young girl in her care?