‘Going away?’ echoed Lord Frederick Lynsford. He stared in disbelief at the two young ladies on the sofa in front of him. Chestnut curls and blonde ringlets bobbed as they both nodded.
‘Surely, Freddy, you must know that Amelia is going to London for the season. Why, she has been preparing since the summer.’ Kitty looked reproachfully at their childhood friend. He had not changed much in spite of his modish appearance, she thought.
Lord Frederick swallowed. ‘Well, yes – s’pose so – but surely not before our rout party next week? Why, I’ve come especially to solicit the honour of a dance with each of you.’ He gave an apologetic grin and ran a hand through his carefully disordered curls. One lock of sandy hair flopped on to his brow. His eyes were on Amelia, who gave him her usual sweet smile.
‘Thank you, Freddy. It is most kind, but it will not be possible. We will be leaving very soon.’ She looked towards her mama, seated near the fire in conversation with Freddy’s mother. Lady Lynsford watched keenly as Amelia’s mother put down her teacup and turned to the young people.
‘We depart on Monday,’ she informed them. ‘Mr Warrington feels we should take advantage of the present mild weather.’ She turned back to Lady Lynsford, adding, ‘February weather is so unpredictable. Of course, he only plans to see us settled into the house we have taken in Green Street before he hurries back home. It is unfortunate, but with this war against the French continuing, he says his presence is needed at the manufactories.’
Watching this exchange, Kitty discerned a flicker of relief on Lady Lynsford’s face. She glanced quickly at Freddy. His disappointment was genuine. It was for sure, thought Kitty, that he was becoming strongly attracted to Amelia. She smiled to herself, remembering their childhood squabbles when Freddy and her brother, Charlie, had scorned to let the girls join in their adventures. It had always been Caroline, Freddy’s sister, who had resolved the quarrels and dried the tears.
Now Caroline was married and living in London. In the past year, Freddy had taken over the running of his large estate and was so busy that they hardly saw him except at the monthly assemblies in Chester, or the occasional dancing parties in their small neighbourhood. He had always been an amiable person and a little shy. Not surprising, thought Kitty, living with two such determined ladies as his mother and his elder sister.
Lady Lynsford was the daughter of an earl and very conscious of her aristocratic background. She had found a wealthy and titled husband for Caroline. And now it seemed that she was determined to find a titled bride for Freddy. Although she accepted her children’s lifelong friendship with Amelia Warrington, it was plain she considered the family to be socially inferior because their money came from trade. This made Kitty very angry for her friend.
Gentle Amelia was as talented as she was beautiful and quite without vanity. Although she was always the centre of attention at dancing parties, she treated all the young gentlemen with modest politeness and shrank from so much admiration. She never made any comment on any of her swains. She was most comfortable in the company of her close friends and family.
However, in spite of their youthful squabbles, since her early childhood, she had shared a love of horses and hunting with Freddy. This meant that they often rode out together, but, while it was plain to Kitty that Freddy now eagerly sought Amelia’s company, she could not tell whether Amelia felt any special degree of affection for him beyond a sort of brother and sister-like ease. This was the one area where Amelia stubbornly kept her own counsel.
Now Freddy was saying, ‘It’s a dashed shame you should have to miss next week’s hunt as well – and just to go to London!’ He shook his head and sighed. Amelia nodded but said nothing.
How discreet she is, thought Kitty – surely she understands his meaning?
At this point Kitty realized he was speaking to them both. ‘You’ll visit m’sister, I s’pose?’ As they assured him they would, his mother rose to take her leave.
‘It seems no time at all since we took dear Caroline to London. She was a great hit! So many suitors’ – she swelled with pride – ‘but once she met Lord William Bannister, her mind was made up. And now she leads a life of high fashion. Well, you girls must be so excited. I wish you both a very successful stay in London,’ she pronounced, with a meaningful look.
And that was a hint to Amelia, thought Kitty, trying to smile politely as she curtsied. ‘I must be going as well,’ she added out loud, when the door had shut on the visitors.
‘Are all your preparations made?’ enquired Mrs Warrington, settling herself near the window and picking up her sewing.
Kitty assured her that her trunk was packed. ‘It has been quite difficult, ma’am, especially with poor Charlie breaking his leg. And then my father is busy with so many war-wounded returning home and needing help. My mother has had such a lot to do, I feel I should stay here to help her, but she refuses to hear of it.’
‘Oh, I could not face the thought of going to London without you, Kitty.’ Amelia turned pale at the idea.
Her mother frowned a little. ‘You will soon change your ideas, my love, when you get caught up in the round of parties and entertainments.’ She turned to Kitty. ‘We have to remember that Kitty will be the guest of her great-aunt and may not have very much time to spare for us.’
Amelia looked dismayed and Mrs Warrington added, ‘Take Kitty up to see the new dresses that were sent home this morning. Susan will have unpacked them by now.’
The two girls raced up to the large dressing-room on the first floor. Kitty stopped short in the doorway. ‘Good gracious, Millie! It is like a modiste’s shop in here!’ She looked from one muslin gown to another, then at the silk dresses hanging in the open wardrobe. The table and even the floor was littered with bandboxes. Bonnets, gloves, scarves and bags covered all the available surfaces.
‘Well, you should certainly cause a stir in all this finery.’
Amelia’s shoulders drooped. ‘I would rather stay here,’ she whispered. ‘I much prefer to be amongst people I know. It seems ungrateful when Mama has gone to so much trouble, but it is her wish that I go to London, not mine.’
‘That makes two of us, then, for you know how strongly I object to the business of trying to catch a rich husband.’ Kitty gestured towards all the garments waiting to be packed. ‘We must be the only girls in all England who are so unwilling to live a life of parties and excursions and … and set ourselves out like merchandise for the young men to choose from.’
Amelia nodded, her china-blue eyes solemn. ‘That is exactly the problem. I cannot bear the thought of being scrutinized like a horse in the market. All the grand ladies inspecting us and on the watch for the smallest fault. It is bad enough with Lady Lynsford – that hawk-like stare of hers. When she looks down her nose she makes me feel like a little girl caught out in something naughty.’
‘She is a formidable matron,’ agreed Kitty, ‘but she was just the same with Caroline.’
Amelia’s face brightened. ‘Oh, that is one comfort. We will be able to visit her. I am sure she will find time for us. And now she has a dear little baby as well. It will be so pleasant to have someone from home down there.’ She looked around the room and sighed. ‘It seems I shall be spending most of my time changing my clothes. Morning dresses, walking dresses, evening gowns.…’
Kitty moved over to the wardrobe. ‘This is really exquisite.’ She indicated an evening dress of ivory silk, so soft it felt like a caress. The neckline and hem were embroidered with rows of tiny sparkling beads. She smiled at Amelia. ‘You will certainly be the belle of the ball when you wear this. It is quite perfect for your delicate colouring. Make up your mind to it, Millie, if you have to be part of this courting game, you must be the best.’
‘No, that role is for you,’ protested Amelia with a gurgle of laughter. Kitty swept a deep curtsy, fluttered an imaginary fan and sailed out of the room.