Three Original Ladies 02 - Lord Trowbridge’s Angel Read online

  “Famous! Oh, I am so glad. Dinner will be enjoyable. I really wished above all things that you could meet the Carstairs. I even mentioned it to Frank when we hatched this scheme.”

  “Thank you, Fanny. It was a splendid thought. Have you any idea when we can hold the musicale?”

  “How long will it take you to rehearse?”

  “I will have to see what it is we are going to play. I have a piece in mind, but I think I should defer to the Carstairs. I would say we will be ready in two or three weeks.”

  “Splendid. I shall write out the invitations after we confer with Joseph and Bella.”

  “Tomorrow will be busy. I’m taking tea with Melissa and then Lord Trowbridge is driving me in the park at five.”

  “You will have a busy day. You need to remember that you’ll be performing tomorrow night!”

  “I’m doing Laudate Dominum. It is not difficult.”

  “Oh, Sophie, I would not have you racket about so. You will overdo and become ill again. I would not have you lose your bloom.”

  “I am not nearly so fragile as you think me. But I will retire now and hope we can have a chat about the gorgeous Frank on the morrow. I wish to quiz you about him.”

  “All right then, dearest. You go to bed. And have a long lie in.”

  “I shall.”

  ~~*

  Melissa was in alt when Sophie called the next day. The sitting room fairly bloomed with all the bouquets she had received. Her friend was pretty with her fair hair and blue eyes, but she did not pretend to great beauty. Sophie always differed with her on this subject, and did so that afternoon.

  “But I cannot aspire to equal your looks, Sophie. My cheeks are like a squirrel’s full of nuts, and yours are so beautifully hollow, with your high cheekbones and delicate jaw. It makes you look quite ethereal. When I am old, I shall have twelve chins, so I must be careful in my selection of a husband. I must find someone who tends to corpulence.”

  “Oh, never say so!” Sophie laughed. “Your nature is so sunny, you will be a perpetual delight to whomever you marry. Now tell me, were you thrilled by any of your partners last night?”

  Melissa dimpled. “Well, there was one. Lord Oaksey. He is a very fine dancer. I felt like I was in heaven when we waltzed. Of course, I had to get permission first from Lady Jersey. But, oh, Sophie, the waltz is divine. And he looked right into my eyes until I thought he must see my very soul. I am afraid I already have a tendre for him.”

  “He sounds lovely,” Sophie said. “Was he handsome?”

  “Oh, yes. At least I thought so. He is fair, with the most divine brown eyes. And tall! Why, he absolutely towers over me. I like it. It makes me feel dainty, which as you know, I am not.”

  “Melissa! You are not overlarge! Stop talking so.”

  “But I have always compared myself to you. As a matter of fact, you will not credit it, but remember the man in the outrageous turquoise coat and breeches who asked me to dance?”

  Sophie shuddered. “I do not think I will ever forget him!”

  “He quizzed me about you and called you a Pocket Venus!”

  “Well that was very bad form when he was dancing with you!”

  “Of course it was, but what do you expect from a man who would dress as he did?”

  They laughed together.

  “Now tell me more about this Lord Oaksey. Did he send you a posy?”

  Melissa batted her eyelashes and looked coy. “Of course. Allow me to show you!”

  Going to a mantle full of floral offerings, she selected a bouquet of yellow roses she had set in the very center. After taking a long sniff, she waltzed around the room, holding them to her as though they were her partner.

  “And what do your parents think of this young man?” Sophie asked. She felt ancient suddenly, wondering if she could ever experience an ecstasy that would cause her to act as carefree as her friend did. With the childhood she had experienced, Sophie had never been lighthearted and had learned to bury her feelings, be they good or bad. Melissa had been the only harbinger of joy at a very bleak time in her life.

  “Oh, it is far too soon for any of that. But, speaking of the parents, my father is livid. Only think: Donald was sent down from Oxford for gambling in his rooms!”

  “Was your father very harsh with him?” Sophie asked.

  “He’s threatening to withhold his allowance for the next quarter if he gambles again. He called him a bird-witted clunch!” Melissa giggled. “Now, I have monopolized the talk, and your escort was by far and away the handsomest man present. Father liked him, no doubt because they side with one another on the Corn Laws Tariff.”

  “I am certain Gorgeous Frank has faults, but I could find none,” Sophie sighed. “Of course, any future between us is impossible, simply because he is so gorgeous. How could he be interested in someone who could not dance? Besides which, he is a Corinthian—sports mad—according to Buck. And he knows I cannot so much as ride a horse. It must have been a very dull evening for him.”

  “Whenever I looked over, he seemed very attentive to you.”

  “He was exceedingly attentive.” She told Melissa about the Carstairs and all the other musical people she had met. “I found out when I returned home that dear Fan had asked him to introduce the Carstairs to me.”

  “What do you think Lady Hatchet would think of him?”

  “Oh, pray do not speak of my mother to me. She would not welcome the match. After all, Elise married a duke, and Fanny a marquis. A mere viscount would not satisfy her.”

  { 4 }

  VISCOUNT TROWBRIDGE WOKE LATE and breakfasted at home. After perusing the Times and various sporting periodicals, he adjourned to his library, where he had several matters to take care of regarding his Oxfordshire estate. Old Grimes had passed on to his reward, and there was his widow to see to. Consulting the chart that showed his cottages and their inhabitants, he saw that he had a small dwelling available in the village next to his estate. He busied himself writing to his estate agent to see that the Widow Grimes was moved into the cottage and added to the list of pensioners. Her former cottage on the home farm was to be turned out and prepared for a new tenant.

  Frank checked his watch and heaved a sigh. He must visit Lila and get it over with.

  He found his mistress at home in Berkeley Square. Her husband was presently in the country tending to his passion—horse breeding—rendering Lila more available, and hence more demanding than usual.

  “Darling Frank,” she greeted him, drawing him into her gold-furnished boudoir. “I thought you would never come. Shall we go to Richmond today for a picnic? I have had Cook make one up for us.” She hung onto the lapels of his jacket, a thing which he realized had always annoyed him.

  “I think not, Lila. I am engaged later this afternoon and have only just eaten.”

  Lila did not pout. Instead, she grew distant and austere. “The Edwards chit, is it?”

  He raised an eyebrow but forbore answering.

  “So are you going to become boring and respectable, then?”

  “Not boring, I hope. Let us do a little shopping on Bond Street.”

  “I do not want any jewelry. And I will not accept my congé ! You are going to grow tired of that limping little miss, I guarantee it. And then where will you be?”

  “It is not Miss Edwards, Lila.”

  “So it is me? You do not care for me any longer? I still do not believe it.” She turned her back to him.

  “Shrewsbury is interested, Lila. You will be far better off with him. He has a less uncertain temper.”

  “Just go,” she said, her voice hoarse with tears. “I do not wish you well. In fact, I hope you will be quite miserable.”

  With relief, he left the overcrowded, overly sumptuous boudoir and wondered how it had ever excited him. Wondered how Lila had ever excited him. He must have been truly bored.

  He walked to Bond Street, anxious for his appointment with the Gentleman. When Frank got to the boxing saloon, he haile
d Shrewsbury, who was just taking off his gloves. “She’s all yours, my friend. But you’ll have to be conciliatory. She’s a little angry at the moment.”

  Shrewsbury grinned. “In need of solace, is she? I’m very good at that. Perhaps I will go bearing gifts.”

  “That is a good idea.”

  Stripping to the waist, Frank made his way to the ring and put on his boxing gloves. A bout with Jackson was just what he needed. Boxing was the only thing that freed him from the oppressing ennui of his existence. Though it had lifted for a brief time in Miss Edwards’ company, it was back in evidence today.

  Had he been mad to ask her to ride in the park? Lila was right. She would probably bore him past bearing before long. But he had not been able to resist her courage. And he had been surprisingly attracted to her. She was a taking little thing. Determined to experience life on her own terms, limiting though they may be. And here was he, possessed of wealth, health, looks, everything a man could want. And he strove for nothing. He drifted on a superficial cloud of easy activity. Every day like the other. Was it possible an angel could breathe some purpose into him?

  ~~*

  Miss Edwards appeared promptly when he called for her at Buck’s house. Her carriage dress was daffodil colored, striped with white. A saucy straw bonnet trimmed with matching daffodil ribbons completed a cheerful picture, as different from Lila as he could imagine. And she looked pleased to see him.

  “Lord Trowbridge, how lovely to see you again!”

  “Angel, you are looking quite like the goddess of springtime.”

  She laughed. “I am much too short to be the goddess of anything. I see you still intend to overwhelm me with flattery.”

  “But I am so good at it!”

  “I must confess, no one has ever flattered me before. It is certainly a novel experience.”

  “Then I will continue to practice it.”

  When he lifted her up into the curricle, he was surprised how fragile she was. And light as goose down.

  “Oh, your chestnuts are beautiful. And so perfectly matched.”

  “Thank you. Do you know aught of horses, then?”

  “I do, actually. My brother-in-law, the duke, is quite a connoisseur, and my sister Elise is a bruising rider. I love to spend time in the stables, visiting their horses, currying them, and feeding them apples. There is one mare named Strawberry who is very sedate, and sometimes Elise will take me riding on her in the park at Ruisdell Palace. I enjoy it so much. It is a source of great regret to me that I cannot ride as much as she does.”

  “Is it difficult because it jars your knee?”

  “Yes, that is it exactly.”

  He eased his equipage out into the stream of vehicles headed for the park.

  “I am sorry that you cannot enjoy a bruising ride. It is one of life’s great pleasures.”

  “I have so little that I can do in the way of exercise. Have you any advice for me? I know that you are an accomplished sportsman.”

  Frank thought about the problem. “Has the violin done anything to strengthen your arms and back?”

  “Oh yes. That part of me is very strong, indeed. Playing the violin for long periods is very taxing.”

  They entered the park, and Frank could see heads begin to turn their way. He was pleased for Sophie’s sake. His boredom fled as he shared her vision of everything as new. It delighted him.

  “I think, if I could find the proper sort of women’s bow, that you might take up archery. A regular bow is probably too stiff for you. We could move the target nearer. Archery is a sport requiring a great deal of skill and coordination. And it offers plenty of exercise.”

  “Would you do that for me? That would be excellent. I would really be quite grateful.”

  “I will look into finding a bow for you.”

  He had not imagined that there could be any crossover interests between his world and hers, but perhaps she would prove athletic in her own way. What a pleasant, unlooked-for development. He could not deny that his attraction to her was growing, the more he learned about her. Perhaps it had even been at the back of his mind when he had dismissed Lila this morning. Teaching this angel to aim at a target would allow him to encircle her in his arms. Right now, her nearness was tantalizing. Her scent was the delicate fragrance of Lilies of the Valley.

  Many young bucks were clearly admiring Sophie. She looked very fine with her sparkling eyes and ready smile. Two of them came alongside the curricle.

  “Will you not introduce us, Trowbridge? Who is this beauty, and how is she so misguided as to be riding out in your curricle?” asked Featherington.

  “She must be your sister. ’Tis the only explanation,” said Phillips, a young scoundrel if ever there was one.

  “Lord Featherington, Mr. Phillips, I should like to present Miss Edwards, sister to the Duchess of Ruisdell and the Marchioness of Deal. Hear and take heed. She is very well-connected. Miss Edwards, meet two of the veriest rascals among the ton.”

  “I shall make sure to beware of them, Lord Trowbridge,” she said with a smile that told them the opposite was the case.

  “And where are you staying in London?” Phillips asked.

  “With my sister, the Marchioness. Perhaps you are acquainted with the Marquis?”

  “No, as a matter of fact,” Phillips said, “I am not. He is not in Town much. I have seen him only very occasionally in White’s, but have not made his acquaintance.”

  “Are you fond of music?” she asked.

  “Music?” Phillips echoed.

  “We are to have a musicale. Perhaps you would care to be invited?”

  “Um. Of course, Featherington and I should be delighted. You may send our invitations in care of our club. White’s.”

  “Good day, then. What a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

  As they drove on, Frank struggled to keep from smiling.

  “Go on,” she said. “You may laugh. I did not imagine they were music lovers. I think I may safely say that I have cooled any interest they may have had in pursuing an acquaintance.” Smiling up at him, she continued, “That reminds me. Thank you so much for introducing me to the Carstairs.”

  “I told you that they are close friends. Joseph and I were at Oxford together. I introduced him to Bella, as a matter of fact. She is my sister’s bosom bow.”

  “You have a sister! You must tell me about her.”

  “She is another enthusiastic rider like your sister, the duchess. And until she met her husband, Ross, she was not at all certain she could tolerate life as a female.”

  “Like my sister, Fanny.”

  “Yes. Exactly. She is now married to Ross, the Baron of Lovington, and saddled with a newborn son.”

  “Does she enjoy being a mother?”

  “She will as soon as Jack is old enough to sit a horse.”

  Sophie laughed. “Being sports mad must run in the family.”

  “Yes, I am afraid it does. My younger brother holds the new record for racing a phaeton to Brighton.”

  An open carriage drew up next to them, and the Dowager Baroness of Frampton begged for an introduction. She kept his horses standing far too long while she talked fashions with his clueless angel. Fortunately, his passenger was keenly aware of this, and before too long asked to be excused, as the horses were becoming restless.

  He wondered what madness had possessed him to bring his recently acquired horses to the park. He could hardly take them out and spring them with a lady aboard. Some part of him must have wanted to impress the petite lady beside him. And she had been impressed.

  When they had resumed their slow pace, she asked, “Do you, by chance, have acquaintance with a Lord Oaksey?”

  The question pierced him with annoyance. Did she have an interest there? Where had she met the interfering man?

  “Why do you ask?” His tone was abrupt.

  She colored. “I merely wondered if he were a rascal or a rake.”

  “He is neither.” Frank’s voice was cl
ipped. “He is, however, badly dipped. Pockets-to-let. Have you a fortune, I wonder?”

  She had been leaning toward him, and now she drew away. “That is not a question you should ask me, I am quite certain.”

  She was right. He drew a steadying breath. What was amiss with him? “I apologize for my bad manners. I merely meant to put you on your guard.”

  “You are not nearly as agreeable today as you were last evening. Have I said or done something to put you out?”

  “It is really not the done thing, Miss Edwards, to question your present escort about the eligibility of other men.”

  “Well, then I apologize,” she said, her voice cool. She looked away from him at a willow tree drooping into the Serpentine. “I thought we were getting along moderately well with our trial friendship. Your offering to teach me archery was especially appreciated. But you must be terribly put out to call me Miss Edwards.”

  Her words melted his frosty ire. “Forgive me. It was only my vanity, Angel. I would not do anything to injure my prospects as a friend to you.”

  “I forgive you,” she said solemnly. “I am a bit touchy around angry people. I apologize.”

  “I am still ‘on approval’ then?”

  “Certainly.”

  She continued to sit bolt upright. What was Oaksey to her? And why had she not realized he was merely put out, not angry?

  He turned the horses out of the park gates, and they made their way to the Deals’ townhouse. Frank was happy they were spending the evening together. Sophie was certainly a novelty, and she was growing on him.

  { 5 }

  “THANK YOU SO MUCH for taking me to the park. I enjoyed seeing everyone out and about,” Sophie said at her door. “If you can find an archer’s bow for me, I shall look forward to our lessons.”

  “As will I. I do not think I have ever drawn as much notice in the park before,” he said, taking her gloved hand and brushing it with his lips. “And I shall look forward to this evening. Dinner at eight, you said?”

  “Yes. That is right. There will be sufficient time for you to go on to a ball or rout or whatever activity you have scheduled for the evening.”