It was with relief that Bella finally rose from her dressing-table. What with the distraction of Dominics arrival, the hour was well advanced. He accompanied her down the wide staircase and entered the drawing-room by her side.
Georgiana was talking to Arthur. Warned by his face that someone unexpected had entered, she turned and was trapped, once again without warning, in the blue of Lord Altons eyes.
The same eyes that haunted her dreams.
For Georgiana, it was a definite case of déjà vu. Her breathing stopped; her heart contracted. Her gaze was oddly restricted, the rest of the room fading away, leaving one strong face to impress itself on her mind. Her stare widened to take in his immaculate evening clothes, and the way his dark hair sat in elegant waves about his head. A cornflowerblue sapphire winked in his cravat, its colour no more intense than his eyes.
Then, thankfully, Arthur moved forward to greet his guest.
The worst was past. Georgianas natural poise reasserted itself and she could function again. Then Lord Alton turned to take her hand. His clasp was cool and gentle. He smiled and bowed elegantly.
Miss Hartley. So we meet again. I do hope Bella hasnt been tiring you out with her gadding.
To Georgianas intense chagrin, her tongue promptly tied itself in knots and her voice deserted her. She managed to force out a weak, Of course not, my lord, around the constriction in her throat. What on earth was the matter with her?
Luckily, Johnson entered to announce dinner. Inwardly, Georgiana heaved a sigh of relief. But relief died a sudden death when she discovered Lord Alton was dining at his sisters board. Naturally, he sat opposite her. Throughout the meal, which could have been the meanest fare for all she noticed, Georgiana struggled to avoid looking directly at the gentleman opposite, with mixed success. Arthur unwittingly came to her rescue, turning the conversation into political waters. He engaged his brother-in-law in a detailed discussion of the Corn Laws, leaving the ladies to their own interests.
As Bella seemed abstracted, Georgiana confined her gaze, if not her attention, to her plate. As course followed course, and the gentlemens discourse continued unabated, she was conscious of a growing irritation. Admittedly her awkwardness in the drawing-room had hardly been encouraging, but Lord Alton could at least make the effort to address some remark to her. Perhaps, in England, it was not done to talk across the table, even at family meals.
When the sweets appeared before her, Bella shook herself and glanced about. Only then did she notice that her husband and brother had embarked on a most tedious discussion, leaving poor Georgie to herself. It was on the tip of her tongue to call attention to their lapse of manners, when she recalled that neither gentleman would feel the least inhibited about alluding to her own brown study of the past hour, nor in asking the subject of said study. As she had no intention of once again drawing her brothers fire, she turned instead to Georgiana.
You see what it is to dine en famille in Winsmere House? Pearls before swine, my dear. Here we sit, only too willing to be enthralled, and all they can think of is their political problems. Her eyes twinkled at her husband, sitting opposite her at the head of the table.
Unperturbed by her attack, he smiled back. In truth, Im surprised to see you still here. I had thought you were off to Almacks tonight.
Bellas eyes swung to the clock, peacefully ticking away on the sideboard. Heavens! Id no idea. Georgie, well have to bustle. Come. Well leave our two fine gentlemen to their port.
Both men stood as she rose.
Georgiana perforce rose too. She could not resist throwing one last glance at the tall figure opposite her. To her confusion, she found he was watching her. But his face bore nothing more than a remotely polite expression. He returned her nod with genial but distant civility.
As the ladies departed the room, Arthur turned to his brother-in-law. If you have the time, Id value your opinions on how best to go about this business.
Dominic started slightly, as if his mind had wandered from the matter they had been discussing for the past hour. Yes. Of course. His usual, sleepily bored smile appeared. Id be only too delighted, naturally.
Arthur, not deceived, laughed. Which means youd much rather be elsewhere, discussing more enthralling subjects, but you will, of course, humour your host. You, Dominic, are a complete hand. Why you must belittle your efforts in this I know not.
By unspoken agreement, they moved to the door. Dominic waved one languid hand, and a priceless sapphire caught the light. Perhaps because myerefforts, as you term them, are so undemanding as to be positively valueless.
Arthur was surprised into a snort. Valueless? Who else, pray tell, has succeeded in even introducing the subject in Prinnys presence?
They entered the library and made for the two large armchairs by the hearth.
Introducing the subjects hardly the same as gaining His Highnesss support. Dominic sank into one chair, stretching his long legs before him and emitting a weary sigh.
Arthur glanced sharply at him. You know thats not necessary. Just as long as His Highness is aware of how things stand. Thatll be more than enough. He handed Dominic a cut-crystal glass filled with his oldest port, then settled comfortably in the chair opposite.
Silence fell, broken only by the ticking of the long case clock in the corner and a sudden crackle as a log settled in the grate. Arthur, who had had plenty of opportunity to observe his brother-in-law over dinner, and to note the arrested expression in those startlingly blue eyes whenever they rested on Georgiana Hartley, continued to watch the younger man, waiting patiently for whatever came next, confident that something, indeed, would be forthcoming.
Finally, Dominics gaze sought his face. This Miss Hartley Ive foisted on youI assume you approve?
Arthur nodded. Georgiana is exactly the sort of company Bella needs. You have my heartfelt thanks for sending her to us.
The black brows rose. Seemed the least I could do. Dominics face showed evidence of distraction, as it frequently had that night. Arthurs lips twitched. He sternly repressed the impulse to smile.
Eventually Dominic shook off his abstraction sufficiently to comment, Bella was saying shes becoming rather stubbornly taken with this idea of hiring out as a companion. She seemed to think that she, Miss Hartley, might take things into her own hands. That, I need hardly say, will simply not do.
Arthur nodded gravely. I entirely agree. Also, I have to concur with Bella on her reading of Georgianas character. He paused to steeple his fingers, and stared into the fire over the top of the structure. Georgiana is clearly unused to relying on the bounty of others. It irks her, I think, to be living, as it were, on our charity. She has some money of her own, but not, I suspect, the requisite fortune. She has spoken to me about the best way to go about hiring herself out. I returned an evasive and, I hope, restraining answer. Luckily, the fact that she has been out of England for so long makes it relatively easy to make excuses which on the face of it are reasonable, without going into over-many details. However he smiled at Dominic beneath that demure exterior lies a great deal of strength and not a little courage. From what I gather, she made her way to England virtually unaidednot an inconsiderable feat. I seriously doubt shell accept our vague answers for much longer.
A black frown of quite dramatic proportions dominated the Viscounts face.
Arthur suppressed a grin. Finally he asked, Do you have any ideas?
Still frowning, Dominic slowly shook his head. Then he glanced at Arthur. Do you?
As a matter of fact, I do. Arthur straightened his shoulders and prepared to explain. His grey gaze rested thoughtfully on Dominics face. Bella, of course, needs distraction. Essentially, that means a companion. But can you imagine how she would feel if I insisted she hire one?
Dominics frown lightened.
Bella has been most assiduous in helping Georgiana and, from what Ive seen, Georgiana is truly grateful. I plan to suggest to Georgiana, in confidence, that she become Bellas companion in truth. However, in order to spare Bellas quite natural feelings, the arrangement will be a secret between the two of us. To all outward appearances, which of course must include the servants, she will continue as a guest in this house. Arthurs brows rose interrogatively. Do you think thatll pass?
Dominic grinned. Im sure it will. How useful to be able to turn your talents to something other than politics. His grin broadened into a smile. And no wonder youre so invaluable in your present capacity.
Arthur smiled and inclined his head. As you say. For a moment he regarded the younger man intently. Then, almost imperceptibly, he shrugged. Ill speak to Georgiana in the morning. It would be wise, I suspect, to ensure she has no opportunity to take the bit between her teeth.
THANK YOU, MY LORD. Georgiana curtsied and watched young Lord Mortlake mince away across the floor. Still, at least he had danced well.
She flicked open her fan and plied it ruthlessly. The large, sparsely furnished rooms which were Almacks were crammed with bodies dressed in silks and satins of every conceivable hue. The day had been unseasonably warm, and the evening, initially balmy, had turned sultry. The air in the rooms hung oppressively. Ostrich feathers wilted. As a particularly limp pair, dyed puce, bobbed by, attached to the head-dress of an extremely conscious beauty, Georgiana hid her smirk behind her fan.
Her eyes scanned the company. Other than Bella, standing by her side, engaged in a low-voiced conversation with an elderly matron, Georgiana knew only those few people Bella had thus far introduced her to. And, she reflected, none of them needed a companion.
As her eyes feasted on the spectrum of colours mingling before her, she spared a smile for her sartorial elegance. By comparison with many about her, she was underdressed. The pattern of Fancons amethyst silk robe was simple and plain, with long, clean lines uncluttered by frills and furbelows. Her single strand of pearls, inherited from her mother, shone warmly about her neck. Originally uncertain, she now felt smugly satisfied with her appearance.
Thoughts of dresses brought her earlier discovery to mind, together with the subsequent argument with Bella. How on earth could she accept the sea-green gauze and topaz silk dresses from Bella, to whom she was already so deeply indebted? Yet it was undeniable that Bella could not wear them. Both dresses were presently hanging in the wardrobe in her chamber. She had been quite unable to persuade Bella to repack and return them. What was she to do about them?
The idea that, if she had been wearing the topaz silk gown that evening, Lord Alton would have paid more attention to her flitted through her mind. Ruthlessly, she stamped on the errant thought. She was here to find employment, not ogle lords. And what possible interest could Lord Alton have in heran unremarkable country lass, not even at home in England?
Depressed, by that thought and the lowering fact she had not yet made any headway in finding a position, Georgiana determinedly looked over the sea of heads, pausing on the occasional powdered wig that belonged to a previous generation. Maybe, beneath one, she would find someone to hire her?
Here, girl! Georgiana, aint it? Come and help me to that chair.
Georgiana whirled to find Lady Winterspoon beside her. The old lady was leaning on a cane.
Seeing her glance, Amelia Winterspoon chuckled. I only use it at night. Helps me get the best seats.
Georgiana smiled and obediently took her ladyships arm. Once settled in a gilt chair by the wall, Lady Winterspoon waved Georgiana to its partner beside her.
I can only take so much of this place. Too much mindless talk addles the brain.
Georgiana felt the sharp grey eyes assessing her. She wondered whether she would pass muster.
A wry smile twisted Amelia Winterspoons thin lips. Just as I thought. Not in the common style.
The old lady paused. Georgiana had the impression she was reliving long-ago evenings spent under the candlelight of ballroom chandeliers. Then, abruptly, the grey gaze sharpened and swung to her face.
If youre old enough to heed advice, heres one piece you should take to heart. You aint a beauty, but youre no antidote either. Youre differentand not just because youre fair when the current craze is for dark. The most successful women whove ever trod these boards were those who were brave enough to be themselves.
Themselves?
Themselves, came the forceful answer. Dont put on airs, nor pretend to be what you aint. Thankfully, you seem in no danger of doing that. Dont try to ape the English misses. Dont try to lose your foreignnessuse it instead. All you need to make a go of it is to smile and enjoy yourself. The restll come easy.
But Georgiana wondered whether she should explain her situation to Arthurs sister. Maybe she could help her find a position?
No buts, girl! Just do it! Theres no point in wasting your life away being a wallflower. Get out and enjoy yourself. Lady Winterspoon used her cane to gesture at the dance-floor. Now go onoff you go!
Despite the conviction that she should feel piqued at such forthright meddling, Georgiana found herself grinning, then laughing as Lady Winterspoon nodded encouragingly. Rising, Georgiana swept a curtsy to her ladyship, now comfortably ensconced, and, a smile lingering on her lips, returned to the throng. She made her way to where she had left Bella.
But Bella was no longer in sight.
Perturbed, Georgiana stood still and wondered what to do. She could go back and sit with Lady Winterspoon, only she would probably drive her off again. English social strictures were not Georgianas strong suit. Still, she rather suspected she should not wander about the rooms alone. Suddenly she realised she was frowning.
Lady Winterspoons strong voice still echoed in her mind. Enjoy yourself!
Georgiana lifted her head. She had been introduced to Italian society at the age of sixteen. Surely, at the ripe old age of eighteen, she could manage such a simple social occasion as this? Consciously drawing about herself the cloak of social calm her fathers female patrons had impressed on her was the hallmark of a lady, she stepped out more confidently to search for Bellanot hurriedly, in a frenzy, but in a calm and dignified way, smiling as she went.
As she moved slowly down the room, truly looking about her for the first time that evening, she heard snatches of conversation wafting from the groups she passed.
Did you see that Emma Michinford? Making such sheeps eyes at
Well, we all know what hes after!
Shes really rather pathetic, dont you agree?