We shall find a lady to take you under her wing and bring you out with her own daughter. It is sometimes done, I believe, in return for a contribution to the expenses.
In other words, I am to pay for my hostesss daughter as well as myself?
Yes, but you see
And suppose I do not care for the lady or her daughter?
Sophie, please do not be difficult, begged her aunt. It is the only way.
I would much rather pay for Charlotte to accompany me. In truth, I would like that very much. It is not fair leaving her behind and showering money on a stranger.
Oh, Sophie, Charlotte breathed. I should like that above everything.
Sophie gave her an affectionate smile. She loved her cousin dearly. At nineteen, she was almost the same age as Sophie, but shorter and rounder. Her hair was very fair and her eyes blue as the summer sky, giving her an innocent, almost childlike look which was deceptive. Sophie turned back to her uncle. Could you not find a lady without daughters, a widow, perhaps, who would sponsor both of us?
Her uncle looked doubtful and she added, Please, Uncle William. I am quite determined on it. If you wish to see me married and have the burden of Madderlea lifted from your shoulders, then Charlotte must come too. I do not care how much it costs.
Charlotte was aghast at the way Sophie had spoken, but her father seemed not to be offended. That sounds very like blackmail, Sophie, or bribery The twinkle in his eye belied his words.
Oh, Uncle, I did not mean that. Please forgive me.
Very well. I will try to find a mature lady to take you both under her wing. And the sooner the better. Charlotte, you must look after your mother, while I am away. I shall not be gone above two days, I hope. With that he left the table and called his manservant to help him to pack.
Charlotte could not contain her excitement, though Sophie was more subdued. In the previous two years she had become so used to taking life very quietly and avoiding agitation in order to aid her recovery that it had become a habit. No one would have believed she was once animated and brimming over with energy. The family physician had said she would recover her spirits in time, they must all be patient. Now, it seemed he had been right for a little of Charlottes enthusiasm was beginning to affect her and she began to be impatient for her uncles return.
Do let us go out for a walk, Sophie suggested when her aunt had been helped back to her room, where she would dress with the help of her maid and sit reading or sewing until the pain in her hands forced her to stop. I shall die of boredom if Im confined to the house a day longer.
For the first time that year the air was balmy, the rain which had kept the young ladies indoors all the previous week had lifted and everywhere was fresh and green. Daffodils and gilly flowers were blooming in the garden and Sophie had noticed violets out along the edge of the drive. It was a day for walking and breathing deeply and thanking God you were alive to enjoy it.
Well walk through the woods, Sophie said, as they donned cloaks to cover their light wool morning gowns and buttoned their feet into sturdy boots. Round over Corbury Hill, down through Little Paxton and back through the village. We can call on old Mrs Brown on the way and see how she is. What do you say?
But, Sophie, its all of five miles. Are you sure youre up to it?
Of course. Im perfectly well now, or Uncle William would not have suggested going to London. I am persuaded one needs a great deal of energy for all the balls and soirées and visits to the theatre, not to mention picnics and riding in the park.
Charlotte laughed as they left the house behind and made for the footpath to the woods which ran alongside the garden. You have left out the most arduous exercise of all, Cousin.
Oh, what is that?
Finding a husband, of course.
Picking her way carefully over the damp grass, Sophie contemplated the prospect. The only men she had really been close to were her father and her two uncles and the thought of being touched or kissed by anyone else sent a frisson of fear, mixed with a strange surge of excitement, through her whole body. And then she thought of Madderlea and her fortune and knew that those two facts alone would ensure a flock of suitors. But how to choose? How to be sure that whoever offered for her was looking at her for herself and not her inheritance?
It will not be easy. She sighed. There are times when I almost wish I had no fortune, no Madderlea. It is a weighty responsibility, you know.
How so?
It is not only Madderlea Hall which is old and always in need of repairthere are servants, indoors and out, and the tenants, who look to the Hall to repair their cottages and keep the land in good heart, and the villagers, whose welfare must be considered, and the parson, whose living is in the gift of the Lord of the Manor. I must choose a husband who will be as careful of all those responsibilities as Uncle Henry was, who will love Madderlea as much as I do.
You have not said one word about him loving you. Do you not believe in marrying for love?
Of course I do, but how can I be sure of any man? Madderlea will be a great enticement to deceive, dont you think?
Oh, Sophie, you must look for love as well. You will be so unhappy if you do not.
They had entered the woods, taking a well-defined track between the trees. Sophie lifted an overhanging branch, its new leaves glistening with raindrops, and stooped to pass beneath it, holding it for Charlotte to follow.
Oh, Charlie, I should not care if he were as poor as a church mouse, if he loved me. In fact, I think I should be averse to a man with a fortune. Men with deep pockets are almost always arrogant and unfeeling and think that money will buy anything, even a wife. I am thankful that money is not one of the attributes I shall be seeking.
Oh, and what qualities would you be looking for in a husband?
He must be handsome and well turned out, but not vain of his appearance as some dandies are. I think it is far more important that he should have an interesting face and be able to converse sensibly without being condescending. He must allow me to be myself and not try to mould me to his idea of womanhood. He must, of course, be honourable in everything he does. He must be good with children, for I should like children, and be kind to his servants.
Charlotte raised an enquiring eyebrow. Oh, is that all?
No, he must be considerate and tenderhearted and not haughty or domineering. But not soft. Oh, no, definitely not soft.
Goodness, Sophie, where are you going to find such a paragon? You ask too much.
Sophie sighed. I know, but I can dream, can I not? Dont you ever dream?
Yes, but only of Freddie.
Mr Harfield, ah, yes, I had almost forgot him. You will be able to enjoy your Season, safe in the knowledge that you have him to come back to.
I am not so sure, Sophie. Freddie told me that his father wants him to marry someone with a substantial dowry; you know I dont have that.
Sophie laughed. I have not heard that Mr Harfield is making any push to obey his papa. He has never so much as looked at anyone else.
No, but Sir Mortimer is the squire of Upper Corbury, which I own is nothing compared to Madderlea, but in our little pool, he is a big fish, and no doubt Freddie will have to give in in the end.
Then he is not the man I took him for, Sophie said.
They had come out of the woods on to a lane which wound up and over Corbury Hill. The dark fields, here and there showing the tips of winter wheat, stretched on either side of them. On the skyline, they could see the hunt, galloping behind the yelping hounds.
Do you think theyve found the scent? Charlotte asked, as the sound of the hunting horn drifted across to them.
I hope not. I feel for the poor fox.
Oh, Sophie, and you a country girl! She stopped. Theres Freddie. Dont you think he is handsome, the way he sits his horse?
Sophie smiled. I am persuaded that you do.
The young man had spotted them and turned his horse to meet them, pulling it up in a shower of damp earth, almost at their feet.
Freddie! Charlotte said, brushing down her cape. You have made us all muddy.
He grinned, doffing his hat to reveal blond curls. Two years older than they were, he still had the slim figure and round face of a youth, but had been rapidly maturing over the previous two years and would soon have all the mamas for miles around looking at him with an acquisitive eye.
I beg your pardon, Miss Hundon. Then, to Sophie, Miss Roswell.
Sophie smiled. Mr Harfield.
It is so pleasant to be out after all the rain, Charlotte said, teasing him. And we might not be able to do so much longer.
What do you mean?
We are both going to London for a Season. What do you think of that?
Season? he echoed in dismay. You mean you are to have a come-out and mix with all the eligibles?
I mean exactly that, she said, laughing.
He dismounted and walked over to grab both her hands, a gesture which Sophie knew she ought to discourage as being highly improper, but she had no heart to do it.
Charlie, he said, using the familiar name of childhood. You wouldntWould you?
Now, whos to say? I might
Oh, no, please say you are only teasing
I am only teasing. She looked at him with her head on one side, while Sophie pretended to examine something in the hedgerow. But you know, Freddie, if your papa has his way, I should be holding myself back in vain.
I will bring him round. Promise me you will be patient. He could hear the hunt fading in the distance. I must go. He put her hands to his lips and reluctantly released them. The next minute he was astride his horse and galloping away.
You know, that was highly indecorous conduct, Sophie said, as they resumed their walk. If anyone had seen you
But they didnt, did they? Charlotte was smiling at the memory of her swain.
No, but it will be very different in London, you know. What might be acceptable behaviour in Upper Corbury would be enough to ruin your reputation in the capital. Do remember that, Charlie.
There is no need to ring a peal over me, Sophie, I know I must be prim and proper when we go to London. Besides, Freddie will not be there and I shall not be tempted to stray.
Sophie was not so sure. Temptations there would be, she was certain, not only for Charlotte but for her tooshe must not allow herself to forget Madderlea and why she was there.
Three weeks later, they set off for London in the family coach, accompanied by Anne, who had been promoted from parlour maid to ladies maid, and escorted by Joseph, Mr Hundons groom, riding Sophies grey stallion. Josephs nineteen-year-old son, Luke, was riding Charlottes smaller horse. Joseph and the coachman were to return with the carriage immediately because William needed it, but Luke was to stay in London to look after their mounts. They would be relying on their hostesss equipage to convey them around town.
Her name is Lady Fitzpatrick, William had told them on his return. She is a distant cousin on my mothers side. You have not met her because she moved to Ireland on her marriage and we did not correspond. She was widowed some years ago and returned to live in London. I went to ask her advice and she offered to sponsor you herself, which is very agreeable of her and saved me a great deal of time and trouble. She has a town house in Holles Street, not a top-of-the-trees area, but respectable enough.
Some years ago, Charlotte echoed. Does that mean she is old, Papa?
No, I would not say old, he told them. Mature and well able to deal with high-spirited girls.
A dragon.
Certainly not. In fact, she is a sympathetic sort and will stand well in loco parentis. I believe she might be a little short-sighted, for she uses a quizzing glass all the time, but that is of no account. I am sure you will like her; she impressed me very much with her sensibility and knowledge of what is right and proper.
This description hardly filled the girls with rapture, but it could not have been easy for him, a country gentleman not used to the haute monde. They were going to London for the Season and that was all that mattered.
Now, Sophie, you will have a care, will you not? he had said the day before, when they were in the throes of last-minute packing. There will be unscrupulous men about and I do not want you to be gulled. Be guided by Lady Fitzpatrick and, whatever you do, do not commit yourself to anyone until I have seen and approved him. You do understand?
Of course, Uncle.
And the same goes for you, my love, he told his daughter. And though you will not be the object of fortune hunters, you are a lovely girl and perhaps susceptible to flattery
Oh, Papa, I am not such a ninny. Besides, I am going to enjoy myself, not look for a husband. The man I want is in Upper Corbury.
He had laughed at that and said no more, though Aunt Madeleine, tearfully coming out to the carriage to wave goodbye to them, had reinforced everything he had said and more, extracting a promise from them that they would write every other day.
Oh, this is so exciting, Charlotte said, when they stopped for their first change of horses. Anne, who was a bad traveller, had curled herself up in the corner and gone to sleep. The girls allowed her to slumber on; it was easier to exchange confidences without eavesdroppers, however unintentional. What time will we arrive, do you think?
With luck, before it becomes dark, Sophie said.
I do hope Lady Fitzpatrick is not a dragon. I mean to enjoy myself, meeting all the eligibles. It will not hurt Freddie to think he has some competition.
Sophie envied her cousin her untroubled mind. You may look forward to it, Charlie, but I am not so sanguine.
Why not? You are rich as Croesus. Think of all the splendid gowns you will be able to buy, the pelisses, riding habits, bonnets and silk shawls. A new dress and a new bonnet for every occasion. And you will have all the young men dangling after you. In your shoes, I would be in ecstasies.
I wish you could be in my shoes, Cousin, dear, for I would willingly trade places.
You surely do not mean that.
I do. Then I could choose a husband without him knowing who I am.
And afterwards? He would have to know in the end.
Yes, but by then we should have discovered we suited and he would not mind.
No, I do not suppose he would, considering he had landed an heiress and not the simple country girl he thought he had won. Oh, Sophie, if you go about with that Friday face, you will surely put them all off.