Bella, theres been some mistake. We have six boxes instead of two.
Georgianas words reclaimed Bellas attention. She turned and found Georgiana frowning at the offending extra boxes. No, no, said Bella. Its all right. I bought some gowns, too. I couldnt resist after seeing you in them, and were much of a size. All of which, Bella told her conscience, was perfectly true.
Georgiana raised her brows but said no more.
Bella returned to her absent-minded contemplation of the pavements. Undoubtedly shed have to argue hard and fast to get Georgiana to accept the gowns she had bought. But none of them were in colours she, so much darker of hair and fairer of skin, could wear. The sea-green gauze and topaz silk would look hideous on her. They were to be delivered tomorrow, along with the amethyst silk. Surely Georgie would see what a waste it would be simply to throw them away?
As the barouche turned into the park, Bella sat up straighter. She looked across at Georgiana, sitting quietly beside her. Demure she might look, but Georgiana Hartley had a mind of her own. Stubborn to a fault, she was sure to balk at accepting what she would probably class as charity. Still, Bella was perfectly certain Dominic would have wanted her to spend his money as she had. She was sure he would approve, when he saw Georgiana in the topaz silk. And, after all, Georgiana should be grateful enough to want to please her brother. She made a mental note to remember Dominic, if she had need of further ammunition to force Georgiana to accept the gowns.
ITS MY at home this afternoon. Bella came bustling into the downstairs parlour.
Georgiana looked up from the magazine she was idly leafing through. She felt supremely confident this morning, arrayed in one of her new gowns, a soft bluey lilac cambric. Bellas elegance seemed less daunting now. She caught Bellas eye as it rested pensively upon her. Georgiana raised one fine brow in invitation.
About the story we should tell about you. To account for your being here.
What about the truth? asked Georgiana, not quite sure what her friend meant.
Well, yes. The truth, of course. Butdo you think the whole truths wise?
When Georgiana looked her confusion, Bella continued, You see, if you tell about how you met Dominic, people might get the wrong idea. To support your story, youd have to explain about Charles. And, my dear, if youre looking for a position, the last person you would want to claim kinship with is Charles.
Bella had put a great deal of thought into how best to broach this most delicate of subjects. Now she watched Georgiana carefully to see how the younger girl took her suggestion. Georgiana was frowning, her thoughts clouding her big eyes.
You mean?
What I mean, said Bella, candid to a fault, is that Charles is hardly a gold-plated reference. But theres really no need to mention him at all. All we have to do is decide how you came to stay with me. I think the most sensible thing to say is that we had met, years ago, at Candlewick, before you went to Italy. We became such friends that weve been corresponding ever since. Naturally, when you returned to England and found your uncle dead, you came back to London to stay with me. That should be believable enough, dont you think? When Georgiana made no reply, Bella pressed her final argument. And you wouldnt want to put Dominic in a difficult position, would you?
Put Lord Alton in a difficult position? For a minute, Georgiana could make no sense of her friends allusion. Then the Fragonard materialised in her minds eyeand the image of his lordship as she had last seen him, a vision that had not yet faded from her memory.
Oh.
Of course. Georgiana gave herself a mental shake. She wasnt so innocent that she couldnt follow Bellas drift. While her visit with Lord Alton had been utterly without consequence, society, if it heard of it, might view it otherwise. She raised her gaze to Bellas face. Ill do whatever you think best. I wouldnt want to cause your brother any trouble.
Bella grinned, entirely satisfied.
Oh, and one last thing. It will be better, at this stage, if we make no mention of your wish for a position. Such things are better negotiated after youre known.
Georgiana nodded her acceptance, Lord Altons assurance that his sister knew what was best echoing in her mind.
That afternoon three matrons came to tea, bringing with them a gaggle of unmarried daughters. Georgiana did not succeed in fixing which young ladies belonged to which mama. In the end, it made little difference. To a woman, they accepted Bellas charmingly phrased explanation of her presence. Quick eyes surveyed the latest entrant in the marriage game. The ladies found no reason not to be gracious. Miss Hartley was no beauty.
Miss Hartley had difficulty subduing her mirth. They were really so blatant in their pursuit of well heeled and preferably titled son-in-laws.
To her surprise, Georgiana found conversing with the younger ladies almost beyond her. Used to dealing with the gracious conversation of the Italian aristocracy, among whom she had spent much of her life, used to the subtle ebb and flow of polished discourse, she found it hard to relate to the titters and smirks and girlish giggles of the four very proper English maids. However, she did not make the mistake of attempting to join the matrons. Stoically, she bore her ordeal as best she could.
Bella, watching her, was pleased by her confidence and innate poise. Innocent and trusting Georgiana might be, but she was no mindless ninny, scared to open her mouth in company. Her manners were assured, unusually so for a girl of her age.
When the guests had departed, Bella grimaced at Georgiana. Witless, arent they? She smiled at Georgianas emphatic nod. Theyre not all like that, of course. Still, there are a lot of unbelievably silly girls about. Bella paused, considering her words. Just as well, I suppose. There are an awful lot of silly men, too.
They shared a grin of complete understanding.
Five minutes later, just as they had settled comfortably to their embroidery, Johnson entered. Lady Winterspoon, mlady.
Bella rose. Georgiana was disconcerted to see perturbation in her friends blue eyes. Then Lady Winterspoon was in the room.
Bella! Havent seen you in ages! Whereve you been hiding yourself?
Lady Winterspoons trenchant accents reverberated through the room. Bella suffered a hug and a hearty kiss and, looking slightly shaken, settled her ageing guest in an armchair. Lady Winterspoon was, Georgiana guessed, quite old enough to be Bellas mother. Who was she?
Amelia, Id like you to meet Georgiana Hartley. Shes an old friend of mine from the country. Georgiana, this is my sister-in-law.
Georgiana met the clear grey gaze and found herself smiling warmly in response. Lord Winsmeres sister, of course.
Hartley, hmm? Well, I probably knew your father, if hes the one Im thinking of. Painter fellow. Jimmy? James? Married Lorien Putledge.
Georgiana nodded, eager to hear more of her parents. She had never before met anyone who had known them in their younger days.
Reading her interest in her eyes, Lady Winterspoon waved one hand in a negative gesture. No, my dear. I cant tell you much about them; I didnt know them that well. I take it theyve passed on?
Disappointed, Georgiana nodded. Bella promptly stepped in with their agreed explanation for her presence in Green Street. Lady Winterspoons shrewd eyes remained on Georgiana throughout Bellas speech. Whether she accepted the story, neither young woman felt qualified to say.
Georgiana nodded, eager to hear more of her parents. She had never before met anyone who had known them in their younger days.
Reading her interest in her eyes, Lady Winterspoon waved one hand in a negative gesture. No, my dear. I cant tell you much about them; I didnt know them that well. I take it theyve passed on?
Disappointed, Georgiana nodded. Bella promptly stepped in with their agreed explanation for her presence in Green Street. Lady Winterspoons shrewd eyes remained on Georgiana throughout Bellas speech. Whether she accepted the story, neither young woman felt qualified to say.
Hmph! was all the response she made.
After a moment of silence, during which both Bella and Georgiana racked their brains to think of something to say, Lady Winterspoon commented, Dare say youll make quite a hit. Not just in the common way. In the circumstances, not a bad thing to be.
Georgiana decided that was meant as a compliment. She smiled.
Lady Winterspoons lips twitched. She turned purposefully to Bella. But thats not why I came. Bella, youve got to have a word with that brother of yours. Elaine Changleys becoming entirely too much, with her airs and graces and subtle suggestions shell be the next Viscountess Alton. Lady Winterspoon snorted.
Bella frowned and bit her lip. She cast a slightly scandalised look Georgianas way. But Georgiana was too engrossed in Lady Winterspoons disclosures to notice.
If I thought there was any chance of it coming to pass, Id insist Arthur break the connection. Elaine Changley! Why, shes Amelia Winterspoon became aware of Georgianas clear hazel gaze. She broke off. Well, you know what I mean, she amended, glaring at Bella.
Relieved at the opportune halt to her sister-in-laws tirade, Bella gracefully seated herself on the sofa. Amelia, you know I have no influence whatever with Dominic.
Pshaw! Youd have influence enough if you chose to use it!
Bella coloured slightly. I assure you I share your concern about Lady Changley, but mentioning her to Dominic is entirely beyond me.
Well, Elaine Changley is beyond the pale! Just bear that in mind. Youll look no-how if you wake up one morning to find her your sister-in-law.
Lady Winterspoon heaved herself up. Must go. Just wanted to let you know things need a bit of push from you. She fixed her grey gaze firmly on Bella.
Despite her annoyance, Bella could not help grinning back. She rose.
Lady Winterspoon paused to nod to Georgiana. Ill see you at Almacks, my dear. She turned to Bella. Ill get Emily to send you vouchers.
Thank you, said Bella, taken aback. She had forgotten Amelia had the ear of several of the patronesses of Almacks. She went out with Lady Winterspoon.
Minutes later, returning to the back parlour, Bella found Georgiana staring into space. She shut the door with a click, jolting her guest to attention. Well! she said, with determined brightness. Vouchers for Almacks without even having to charm one of the patronesses. Well go just as soon as Lady Cowper sends them.
Yes, of course, said Georgiana. But it was plain to Bella that her friend was absorbed in distant thoughtsthoughts she made no move to share.
Chapter Three
BELLA HEARD the door of her boudoir open and shut, but, absorbed in brushing the haresfoot delicately over her cheekbones, she did not turn around. In her mirror, she saw Hills obediently drop a curtsy and leave. Finally, satisfied with her appearance, she swung about. ArthurOh! Dominic!
She was out of her chair and across the room on the word.
Half laughing, half frowning, Dominic held her off. No! Compose yourself, you hoyden. What will staid Arthur think? And I cant have you ruining my cravat as you did the last time.
So Bella had to make do with clasping his hands. Oh, thank you, dearest Dominic, for sending Georgie to me! Were having such a wonderful time! She drew him down to plant a sisterly kiss on one lean cheek.
Dominic suffered the embrace, using the moment to cast a knowledgeable eye over his sister. So you and Miss Hartley have hit it off?
Famously! Bella sat with a swirl of her satin skirts. But whoever would have thought youd? She broke off, biting her lip.
Dominics black brows rose. There was a disconcerting glint in his eye, but his voice was gentle when he softly prompted, Id?
Bella flushed and turned back to her dressing-table, skirts rustling, and busied herself with a pot of rouge. She refused to meet his eye. That youd behave so uncommonly sensible, if you must know. From everything Ive heard, it must be the first time in weeks!
Weeks? The arrogant black brows rose again. Dominic considered the point for all of ten seconds. Feels more like years.
Bella, surprised by his weary tone, chanced a glance at him in the mirror. He raised his head at that moment, and she was caught in his chilly blue gaze. That aside, dear sister mine, you would be well advised not to listen to gossipabout myself, or anyone else, for that matter.
Eyes wide, Bella knew better than to remonstrate. Dominic was ten years her senior and had been the strictest of guardians in the years preceding her marriage. She half expected some more pointed rebuke, but he turned aside, a far-away look settling over his handsome face. To her, that pensive look was far more frightening than Amelias bluster. Surely he wasnt serious about Elaine Changley?
She waited, but he made no further remark. Finally she asked, Will you stay for dinner?
He looked up.
Bella fidgeted with her hairbrush. Georgie and I are going on to Almacks later, so you neednt fear youll have to kick your heels in my drawing-room.
Her tone brought a smile to her brothers face, dispelling the withdrawn look which had so concerned her. Still, she was sure he would refuse.
Instead, after a moments hesitation, she heard him murmur, Why not?
As it seemed a purely rhetorical question, Bella made no attempt to answer it.
Dominic shrugged, then turned his sweetest smile full on her. Since you ask, dear sister, Ill stay. It might be interesting to meet myyour protégée.
As Bella reached for the bell-pull to summon Hills, Dominic surveyed a nearby chair through his quizzing-glass. Reassured, he carefully disposed his long limbs in the delicate piece.
So how came you to get vouchers for the Marriage Mart so soon?
Well! It was the most fortunate thing! Bella seized on the question to lead the conversation on to lighter ground, hoping her intrusion into her brothers private life would be the quicker forgotten. Dominic had never allowed her any speculation on the possible candidates for the position of Viscountess Alton. And she had long ago learned that any mention of his mistresses, past, present or potential, was sure to invite one of his more painful set-downs. Still, after Amelias warning, and her own unfortunate gaffe, she had felt justified in at least trying to broach the subject.
While Hills informed Johnson of the necessity of setting an extra place and returned to twist her hair into an elegant knot, Bella described the recent history of Georgiana Hartley. As she prattled, she watched her brothers face in the mirror. He sat quietly studying his nails, paying scant attention to her words. His lack of interest worried her. She had hardly expected him to be seriously concerned with Georgiana. After all, he had barely met her and she was certainly not the sort of woman to hold his attention. But his introspection was unusual and disquieting, suggesting as it did the existence of some weightier matter dragging on his mind. Like matrimony. But surely, surely, he wouldnt choose Elaine Changley?