Kitty followed Amelia into the barouche. She settled into her seat and let out her breath in a long sigh. ‘Escape – at last!’
‘Why, Kitty, it has only been two days,’ laughed Amelia, ‘and there is so much to do and see—’
‘Maybe for you, Millie,’ interrupted Kitty, ‘but I am staying in a household of elderly people.’ She pulled a face.
‘Is it so bad?’
‘Well, you must have noticed when you came to call just now. Broome – the butler, is old and slow. It takes him ages to lead the way upstairs. My aunt is a little old lady and her maid is nearly as old as she is. The house is so quiet, it is as if it is asleep. I dare not make a sound in there.’
Amelia leaned forward and squeezed Kitty’s hand. ‘Not at all like the vicarage, with all the children running around. But you will cope with the situation better than I could. And at least you are here in London.’
Kitty gave her a speaking look and heaved a sigh.
‘I agree, everything is new and strange,’ went on Amelia, ‘and I feel intimidated by the number of fashionable events that Mama says we must go to. I really need your support, Kitty.’
‘Nonsense! You will soon be at ease. They are only people, after all.’
‘But Mama says they are on the watch for any sign of bad breeding, or lack of correct manners. It makes me feel so clumsy and ignorant.’
‘You silly goose.’ Kitty smiled. ‘If they are staring at you, Millie, it is because they are struck by your sweet face and golden hair – not to mention this charming outfit.’ She indicated the sky-blue velvet coat, trimmed with swansdown. ‘Have you been shopping already?’
‘Oh – yes. We spent ages trailing from one modiste to another yesterday. That is how I got my first taste of these intimidating grand ladies and their haughty stares.’
‘Of course they are staring. I am sure none of them has a daughter who can compete with your looks. Now then, what monuments are we going to visit? My aunt only gave permission because this visit is educational.’
Amelia rolled her eyes. ‘That does sound a bit frightening. Mama is waiting for us in Green Street. We want to show you the house and then pay a visit to the British Museum and see some of the sights in that area.’
‘Well, that sounds like an interesting day – I shall be able to put it all in my letter home. Will your father take the letter for me?’
‘Of course he will, but you will have to write it quickly. He sets off on the return journey tomorrow.’
Kitty found her spirits rising again. She could not admit, even to Millie, how she had cried herself to sleep on her first night in the large, sombre house in Grosvenor Square. Her aunt had seemed cold and unwelcoming. Kitty felt herself to be under inspection by every member of the household. She sensed the disapproval, the mistrust of something that was going to change their routine.
The two days she had spent there so far confirmed that everything was done according to a rigid code of etiquette. Used to the lively atmosphere of her own home, Kitty felt stifled in the solemn formality of Lady Picton’s residence. Her aunt had still given no clue regarding the long quarrel with Kitty’s mother. However, she had become a little less chilly and, when Mrs Warrington sent a note asking if Kitty might accompany Amelia on a tour of the principal monuments, she had given permission.
So today Kitty was determined to enjoy her few hours of freedom. And she was genuinely excited to be visiting the sights of the great city. Together with Mrs Warrington, they drove first to Westminster Abbey, where they explored the nave and chapels thoroughly, greatly awed to see the tomb of Shakespeare.
This was followed by visits to St Paul’s Cathedral and the Guildhall, after which all three ladies agreed they would save the British Museum for another time. As they returned along the more modish streets, Amelia described the wonderful creations to be found in the elegant shops she had visited with her mother the previous day. Kitty knew she would never be able to afford such gowns with their bead or floss trimming and lace but still, if she could see them, maybe she could get ideas to embellish some of her own plain dresses.
She thanked Mrs Warrington for the pleasant outing, and ran up the steps to the waiting Broome. ‘Lady Picton is in the drawing-room, miss,’ announced the butler. ‘She wishes to see you at once.’
Was it good or bad? wondered Kitty as she made her way upstairs. She wanted to set about writing her letter, while the impressions were still fresh in her mind. Everyone at home would enjoy the account of her day’s excursion. But first, she must see what her aunt wanted.
She pushed open the door and went into the vast room. Her aunt was sitting in her usual armchair near the fire. To Kitty’s great surprise, there was a gentleman seated opposite her. He turned his head; then, as Kitty came forward, rose to his feet. She was amazed to see that he was a young man, perhaps in his late twenties. A second glance confirmed that he was extremely handsome and well made.
‘Mademoiselle.’ His bow was faultless.
Mechanically, Kitty responded with a slight curtsy. She registered his fashionable appearance. As he looked at her with his lively brown eyes, she suddenly felt shabby in her simple gown. She felt her cheeks reddening and was annoyed with herself for caring. Clothes were not the measure of a person’s worth.
‘Pray sit down, both of you,’ commanded Lady Picton. ‘I see I have taken you by surprise, my dear.’ She turned to Kitty, ‘You must know that this young gentleman is Etienne de Saint-Aubin. He is the grandson of my dear schoolfriend, Hortense de Rochefort. And he is kind enough to visit me whenever he comes to town.’ She turned towards Etienne. ‘And this is Miss Katherine Towers, my great-niece, who has come to stay with me.’
Etienne stood up again and came to grasp Kitty’s hand warmly. ‘It is a great pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Towers.’ He looked appreciatively at her face and smiled again. Kitty could not help feeling flattered. She smiled back, hoping that her cheeks were not too red. Then she turned her attention to her aunt. Lady Picton looked far more animated than Kitty had yet seen her.
Sitting down once more, the young Frenchman resumed his conversation with Lady Picton. Kitty took the chance to examine his classically beautiful face and smoothly brushed dark hair. His voice was pleasant, with just a trace of a foreign accent. She was delighted to find that such a personable young man was a frequent visitor in her aunt’s house. That certainly promised to liven the place up.
Etienne had plenty of stories and items of gossip to tell and kept Lady Picton highly amused. Kitty was surprised to find how quickly the half-hour went past. Etienne rose to his feet and bowed himself out, expressing the hope that they would soon meet again.
Lady Picton surveyed her niece with a satisfied smile. ‘I’ll wager you found him a good-looking young man.’
‘Indeed, ma’am. He has a very striking appearance and in addition, he is so smartly dressed.’
‘Always.…’ Her sharp gaze ran over Kitty. ‘I was much impressed by your little friend’s beauty and her style. Her mother obviously has excellent taste. That blue coat was superb – and the swansdown muff.…’ She nodded and clasped her hands over the ivory head of her walking cane.
There was a long pause. Kitty waited, her eyes wary.
‘The pair of you look very attractive together … but you must accept what I am saying, my dear Kitty, as I know the world far better than you do – there is a big difference in the presentation.’
‘Amelia is far too good a friend to mind my clothes.’
‘That is to her credit, but society will judge you on your appearance.’
Kitty flushed. ‘That is v-very shallow and I have no patience with such things.’ Her voice shook. With an effort she bit back the hot words. ‘I beg your pardon, ma’am, but that is what I think.’ She cast a burning look at the old lady, who remained calm, watching her carefully.
‘You yourself have just commented on Etienne’s fashionable dress. There is no doubt that fine feathers make fine birds.’
The angry reply died on Kitty’s lips. Indeed, she had felt shabby just now when she saw his elegant appearance. She realized that smart clothes did indeed convey a message. But now her feeling of humiliation grew. She could not afford to buy new dresses.
Her aunt nodded. ‘I think you are sensible enough to understand what I am saying. Now then, child, I would not bring this subject up if I did not plan to do something about it. It vexed me very much to see you set off on your trip today at such a disadvantage.’
She rose painfully, leaning heavily on her cane. ‘I declare, the idea of a shopping expedition is most entertaining. We shall take Miss Dilworth with us.’