A beatific smile lit Henriettas lined face. I intend on finding her a husband, of course.
For an instant, Philip remained perfectly still, his expression utterly impassive. Then his lids fell, veiling his eyes. Of course. Gracefully, he bowed; when he straightened, his expression was as bland as his tone. Hugo Satterlys downstairsI should return to him. If youll excuse me?
Only when the door had closed behind him and she had listened to his footsteps retreat along the corridor did Henrietta allow herself a gleeful cackle. Not a bad start, if I do say so myself.
Trant came forward to plump the cushions at her back and straighten her myriad shawls. Seems like theyve already met.
Indeednothing could be more fortunate! Henrietta beamed. So like dear Antonia to remember to summon you to make sure I didnt oversleep. I detect fates blessing in Philip arriving at just that moment.
Maybe so, but he didnt seem all that taken. You dont want to get your hopes too high. Trant had been with her mistress ever since her marriage to the late Lord Ruthven. She had seen young ladies aspiring to the role of her mistresss successor come and go with sufficient frequency to entertain serious reservations as to the present Lord Ruthvens susceptibility. I dont want you getting moped if it dont come off.
Nonsense, Trant! Henrietta turned to view her henchwoman. If theres one thing Ive learned after sixteen years of observing Philip, its that one should never place any reliance on how he reacts. His nerves, Im persuaded, have become so deadened by fashionable disinterest that even should he suffer a...a coup de coeur, he would merely raise a brow and make some mildly polite comment. No impassioned speeches or wild declarations from Philip, of that you may be sure. Nevertheless, Im determined, Trant.
So I see.
Determined to see that languidly uninterested stepson of mine legshackled to Antonia Mannering. Henrietta thumped her chair arm for emphasis, then swivelled to look at Trant who had retreated to the window seat. You have to admit shes everything he needs.
Without raising her eyes from her stitchery, Trant nodded. Shes that and moreyoull get no argument from me on that score. Weve watched her grow and know her backgroundgood bones, good breeding and all the graces you could want.
Precisely. Henriettas eyes gleamed. Shes just what Philip needs. All we have to do is ensure he realizes it. Shouldnt be too difficulthes not at all dull-witted.
Thats what worries me, if you want to know. Trant snipped a thread and reached into her basket. Despite that sleepy air of his, hes wide awake enough on most suits. If he gets wind of your plans, he might just slip his leash. Not so much a case of not liking the girl as of not liking the persuading, if you take my meaning.
Henrietta grimaced. I do indeed. I havent forgotten what happened when I invited Miss Locksby and her family for a week and promised them Philip would be hereremember? She shuddered. He took one look, not at Miss Locksby but at her mother, then recalled a prior engagement at Belvoir. Such a coilI spent the entire week trying to make amends. Henrietta sighed. The worst of it was that after that week I couldnt help but feel grateful he wouldnt marry Miss LocksbyI could never have borne Mrs Locksby as a relative.
A sound suspiciously like a smothered snort came from Trant.
Yes, well. Henrietta fluffed her shawls. You may be sure that I understand that we must go carefully in thisand not just because of Ruthven. I warn you, Trant, if Antonia gets any inkling of my active interest, shes likely to... to...well, at the very least, shes likely to become uncooperative.
Trant nodded. Aye. She likes running in harness no moren he.
Exactly. But whether they like it or not, I see this as my duty, Trant. As Ive said before, I dont believe its my place to criticize Ruthven, but in this particular area I feel hes allowing his natural indolence to lead him to neglect his obligations to his name and to the family. He must marry and set up his nurseryhes thirty-four years gone and has shown no signs whatever of succumbing to Cupids darts.
Mind you, Henrietta declared, warming to her theme, I freely admit that susceptibility on his part would be the most desirable avenue to pursue, but we cannot base our plans on improbabilities. No! We must do what we can to, very tactfully, promote a match between them. Antonia is now my responsibility, whatever she may think. And as for Ruthven Henrietta paused to lay a hand on her ample bosom I consider it my sacred duty to his sainted father to see him comfortably established.
CHAPTER TWO
AT PRECISELY SIX OCLOCK, Philip stood before the mirror above the mantelpiece in the drawing-room, idly checking his cravat. It was the households habit to gather there during the half-hour preceding dinner; Henrietta, however, rarely made it down much in advance of Fentons appearance.
Focusing on his reflection, Philip grimaced. Dropping his hands, he surveyed the room. When no distraction offered, he fell to pacing.
The latch clicked. Philip halted, straightening, conscious of a surge of expectationwhich remained unfulfilled. A boyor was it a young man?came diffidently into the room. He stopped when he saw him.
Er...who are you?
I believe thats my line. Philip took in the wide hazel eyes and the thick thatch of wavy blonde hair. Antonias brother?
The youth blushed. You must be Ruthven. He blushed even more when Philip inclined his head. Im sorrythat is, yes, Im Geoffrey Mannering. Im staying here, you know. The boy stuck out his hand, then, in a paroxysm of uncertainty, very nearly pulled it back.
Philip solved the problem by grasping it firmly. I didnt know, he said, releasing Geoffreys hand. But had I considered the matter, I should, undoubtedly, have guessed. Studying the boys open face, he raised a brow. I presume your sister felt she needed to keep you under her wing?
Geoffrey grimaced. Exactly. His eyes met Philips, and he promptly blushed again. Not that shes not probably right, of course. I dare say it would have been dev he caught himself up deuced slow staying at Mannering by myself.
Rapidly revising his estimates of Geoffreys age downwards and his intelligence upwards, Philip inclined his head. The boy had the same ivory skin Antonia possessed, likewise untouched by the sunstrange in one of his years. Are you down for the summer?
Geoffrey flushed yet again, but this time with gratification. I havent actually gone up yet. Next term.
Youve gained entrance?
Geoffrey nodded proudly. Yes. Quite a stir it was, actually. Im only just sixteen, you see.
Philips lips curved. No more than I would expect of a Mannering. He had years of experience of Antonias swift wits on which to base that judgement.
Engaged in an entirely unaffected scrutiny of Philips coat, Geoffrey nodded absentmindedly. Dare say you dont remember me, but I was here, years ago, when the parents used to leave Antonia and me with Henrietta. But I was mostly in the nurseryand when I wasnt I was with Henrietta. She used to be very...well, motherly, you know.
He draped an arm along the mantelpiece, and Philips smile wry. I do, as it happens. Youve no idea how grateful I was, first to Antonia, then to you, for giving Henrietta an outlet for her maternal enthusiasms. Im extremely fond of her, but I seriously doubt our relationship would be quite so cordial had she been forced to exercise her talents on me in lieu of other, more suitable targets.
Geoffrey regarded Philip measuringly. But you must have been quite...that is, almost an adult when Henrietta married your father.
Not quite a greybeardonly eighteen. And if you think youve outgrown Henriettas mothering just because youve reached sixteen, I suggest you think again.
I already know that! With a disgusted grimace, Geoffrey turned aside, picking up a figurine and turning it in his hands. Sometimes, he said, his voice low, I think Ill always be a child in their eyes.
Philip flicked a fleck of lint from his sleeve. I shouldnt let it bother you. His tone was even, man to man. Youve only so many weeks to go before theyll be forced to cut the apron strings.
Geoffreys expressive features contorted. Thats just itI cant believe they actually will. Theyve never let me go before. His brow clouded. Mama wouldnt hear of me going to schoolIve had all my learning from tutors.
The door opened, cutting short their tête à tête. Philip straightened as Antonia came into the room. Geoffrey noted the movement. Replacing the figurine, he unobtrusively followed suit.
Good evening, Antonia. Philip watched as she approached, a picture in soft yellow silk, the sheening fabric draping her curves, clinging, then hanging free, concealing then revealing in tantalizing glimpses. Her guinea-gold curls rioted in prolific confusion about her neat head; her expression was open, her hazel gaze, as always, direct.
My lord. Graciously, Antonia inclined her head, her eyes going to her brother. Geoffrey. Her serene smile faded slightly. I see you two have met. Inwardly, Antonia prayed Geoffrey hadnt developed one of his instant dislikessomething he was distressingly prone to do when confronted with gentlemen.
Philip returned her smile. Weve been discussing Geoffreys impending adventure in joining the academic establishment.
Adventure? Antonia blinked, her gaze shifting to Geoffrey, then back to Philip.
Adventure indeed, Philip assured her. Or so it was when I went up. I doubt its changed. High drama, high jinks, life in all its varied forms. All the experience necessary to set a young gentlemans feet on the road to worldly confidence.
Antonias eyes widened. Worldly confidence?
Savoir faire, the ability to be at home in any company, the knowledge with which to face the world. Philip gestured broadly; his grey eyes quizzed her. How else do you imagine gentlemen such as I learned to be as we are, my dear?
The words were on the tip of Antonias tongueshe only just managed to swallow them. I dare say, she replied, in as repressive a tone as she could. The teasing light in Philips eyes was doing the most uncomfortable things to her stomach. A swift glance at Geoffrey confirmed that her precocious brother was not ignorant of the purport of their hosts sallies. Tilting her chin, she caught Philips eye. Im sure Geoffrey will find the academic pursuits all absorbing.
Whether Philip would have capped her comment she was destined never to know; the door opened again, this time admitting Henrietta, closely followed by Hugo.
As she turned to her aunt, Antonia surprised a fleeting look of chagrin on Philips face. It was there and then gone so rapidly she was not, in truth, entirely certain she had interpreted his expression correctly. Before she could ponder the point, Fenton entered to make his announcement.
My honour, I believe?
Antonia turned to find Philips arm before her. Glancing across, she saw Henrietta being supported by Mr Satterly, the pair already deep in conversation. With a regally acquiescent glance, Antonia placed her hand on Philips sleeve. If you will, my lord.
Philip sighed. Ah, what it is to be master in ones own house.
Antonias lips twitched but she made no reply. Together, they led the way to the dining-room. They were five, leaving Philip at the head of the table and Henrietta at the foot with Hugo Satterly on one side and Geoffrey on the other. With a subtle smile, Philip delivered Antonia to the chair next to Geoffrey, the one closest to his own.
The conversation was at first general, with Hugo relating a succession of on dits. Having heard them all before, Philip bided his time until Henrietta, eager for gossip, predictably buttonholed Hugo, demanding further details. Equally eager to learn of the world he had yet to join, Geoffrey drank in Hugos entertaining replies.
With a faint smile, Philip shifted in his chair, bringing Antonia directly under his gaze. I understand, from what Henrietta let fall, that youve lived the past eight years very quietly.
Antonia met his gaze directly, her expression serious and, he thought, a touch sombre. She shrugged lightly. Mama was unwell. There was little time for frivolities. Naturally, once I was of an age, the ladies about invited me to join their parties. She looked away as Fenton removed her soup plate. To the Assemblies at Harrogate.
Harrogate. Philip kept his expression impassive. She might as well have been buried alive. He waited until Fenton laid the next course before venturing, But your mother must have entertained to some degree?
Sampling a morsel of turbot cloaked in rich sweetbread sauce, Antonia shook her head. Not after Papas death. We received, of course, but more often than not, when the ladies arrived, Mama was too ill to come down.
I see.
The quiet comment drew a quick glance from Antonia. You must not imagine Ive been pining away, dreaming of a gay life. Reaching for a dish of morels, she offered them to Philip. I had more than enough to occupy myself, what with running the household and the estate. Mama was never well enough to tend to such matters. And there was Geoffrey, of course. Mama was always in a fret that he was sickly, which, of course, he never was. But she was sure he had inherited her constitution. Nothing would convince her otherwise.
Philip looked past Antonia; Geoffrey was wholly immersed in the conversation at the other end of the table. Speaking of Geoffrey, how did you manage to find tutors to keep up with him? He must have been quite a handful.
Instantly, he realised hed discovered the key to Antonias confidence. Her eyes fairly glowed. He certainly was. Why, by the time he was nine, he had outstripped the curate.
There followed an animated catalogue of Geoffreys successes, liberally sprinkled with tales of misdeeds, catastrophes and simple country pleasures. In between the highlights of Geoffreys life, Philip heard enough to gauge what manner of existence had been Antonias lot. What encouragement was needed to keep her revelations flowing, he artfully supplied. As her history unfolded, he realised the unnamed curate was featuring remarkably often.
Laying aside his fork, he reached for his wineglass. This curate of yours seems to have taken his duties very seriously.
Antonias smile was fond. Indeed. Mr Smothingham was always a great support. He really is a true knighta most chivalrous soul. With a small sigh, she gave her attention to the gooseberry fool Fenton had placed before her.