Lady Picton sat in her armchair while Kitty practised her music. As her fingers coaxed the melody out of the old pianoforte, she was thinking back over the busy whirl of the week since Caroline’s soirée. That event had marked their real entry into society life. Both she and Amelia were now on friendly terms with several other young ladies. Invitations kept flooding in for walks, tea parties, concerts, dances and visits to places of interest. In fact, Kitty did not see how they could fit any more events into their days.
And how much she had learnt even in this short time. Society life was not the simple, pleasure-seeking round of activities she had supposed. Beneath a light and pleasant surface, many important matters were being dealt with. Caroline had warned her that diplomatic business was almost certainly being discussed at any large gathering. Kitty at once remembered Lord William’s accusation of ‘talking secrets’ at the ball and Greg’s immediate warning to him to be quiet.
Greg Thatcham made no secret of the fact that he was an officer in Viscount Wellington’s Peninsular Army. He was home on leave, or so he told everyone. But in wartime, would any officer be home on leave unless he was wounded? Kitty suspected he had some hidden business to conduct as well. However, he certainly had time to attend every event that she and Amelia went to. Kitty sighed. He seemed to be completely bowled over by Millie. He always had a starstruck look on his face after any moment spent talking to her.
His friend has seen it as well, she thought, frowning at the sheet of music as she played a difficult passage with too much emphasis. She concentrated, got through it with a little effort then allowed her thoughts to drift again. There had been no further opportunity for any discussion with Theo. She had looked for him in vain since their conversation in the park. Kitty heaved a sigh. If he would allow her to help him in his hospice, she could forgive his arrogance at their first meeting.
But even if she was obliged to live this constant round of social entertainments, Kitty had realized that there were many things to enjoy. She was looking forward to her first visit to a London theatre this evening. It was a big event in her life. Her family would experience the occasion through her description of it in her next letter home. A smile crossed her face as she pictured them all sitting round the fire while Papa read out her letter.
She would simply name the members of their party and make no comments on Greg’s adoration of Amelia. But, she thought, they might notice that whenever she wrote about Millie, she also mentioned his name.
At this point Kitty played a wrong note.
‘Come and drink some of this excellent tea, my dear,’ said her aunt, ‘and let me look at Miss Dilworth’s latest creation.’ She nodded approvingly as Kitty pirouetted for her. ‘You look very well in primrose – and I like the ruffled neckline and cuffs. And what will you wear to go out tonight? The amber crepe gown? And do you have a suitable fan?’
When they entered the theatre that evening, Kitty was in a sparkling mood. ‘What a change a mere fourteen days has brought about in my life,’ she said to Amelia and Caroline, as they got out of the coach and went up the steps of the imposing entrance.
‘Whatever you do with your life in the future, I think this is an excellent way to show you how most young ladies have to start out in the world’ Caroline remarked. ‘Yes, I know you consider it to be a market but how else can they find a husband and set themselves up in life? And some people do marry for love. Look how fortunate I was to meet my dear William.’
‘You certainly did find a treasure,’ agreed Kitty, ‘but admit, Caroline, that it takes great wealth to maintain this lifestyle.’
‘Now, don’t start telling me about how many poor people I could feed on the money I spend to give a dinner party,’ implored Caroline. ‘I have told you how all these social events serve many important purposes as well.’
Kitty nodded. ‘I have grasped that.’ A smile lit her face. ‘And I would be less than honest if I did not confess that I am enjoying it all far more than I expected to.’
‘Well, that is an admission! What about you, Millie?’ Caroline turned towards Amelia, who was following them in silence as they made their way up to where the gentlemen awaited them. When there was no reply, Kitty glanced round to see that Amelia was smiling up at Freddy.
‘Oh,’ she stammered, realizing that they were both looking at her for an answer, ‘I-I still prefer to be among friends. That is why I am feeling happy tonight.’
Greg and Lord William were also in their party. There was no sign of Theo. Kitty gave a tiny sigh of disappointment. The discussion would have to wait a little longer. Still, she consoled herself, there was plenty to enjoy on her first visit to a London theatre. Everything was very grand, the large building, the décor and the elegant costumes of the crowd.
She felt a flutter of excitement as William ushered them all into their box. She stood quite still, gazing round at the other boxes with their gilding and red plush curtains rising up in tier after tier. They were all filling with elegant ladies and gentlemen. Silks and satins shone and jewels flashed, fans quivered and the sound of voices and laughter seemed to fill the air.
She looked at Caroline who smiled. ‘Well, Kitty, I can see you are impressed. But do sit down.’ It was then Kitty noticed that Freddy and Greg had taken seats one each side of Amelia.
She looked to see what Caroline thought of this, but Caroline was inclining her head at someone on the opposite side of the theatre. Kitty realized, with surprise, that a great number of people were exchanging bows and smiles with them.
‘I told you, I am always in the very latest fashion, darling.’ Caroline raised a hand to acknowledge a greeting from a turbaned dowager nodding to her from another box. ‘Oh look’ – she gestured with her fan towards a box in the upper row – ‘there is Etienne, in Lady Kent’s box. If he sees you, Kitty, we shall certainly receive a visit from him in the interval.’
Kitty shot her a startled look, but Caroline serenely continued her survey of the company. ‘Freddy, will you stop monopolizing Amelia, the Walmseley sisters are trying to catch her eye.’
Freddy reluctantly sat back and looked towards Kitty with an apologetic grin. While exchanging a few polite remarks with Freddy, Kitty managed to keep Greg under observation. His eyes were on Amelia, his face so softened that nobody could doubt his infatuation. How could Millie remain so calm and unmoved at such devotion? Then Greg seemed to recollect himself. He turned his head towards Kitty and forced a smile. Then he looked away.
She had an odd feeling that he had just recollected a problem. He was twisting a ring he wore round and round on his finger and sighing as he stared at the wall opposite. He glanced at Kitty again and seemed about to speak when the lights were dimmed. At once, Kitty’s attention was drawn to the stage. She leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with delight and gave her full attention to the play, following every word and gesture eagerly.
At the interval, William laughed at Amelia and Kitty’s spellbound expressions.
‘It was tolerable,’ he teased them and they protested hotly that it was wonderful and the actors magnificent.
‘Come on, everybody,’ he said, rising to his feet, ‘refreshments.’ He tried to get everyone out of the box quickly, but, as she reached the door, Kitty exclaimed that she had lost her fan and turned back to look for it.
‘You carry on,’ said Greg to William, ‘I will wait for Miss Towers.’ He stood by the open door. As she peered under the chairs, Kitty was surprised to hear him address her in a whisper.
‘Miss Towers, do not look up, there are people still in their seats overlooking us. Can you help me? I am sorry to ask this, but it is a very urgent matter.’
‘What do you want me to do?’ whispered Kitty after a moment, still searching round her seat.
‘If I drop this packet near you, can you keep it safe for me until tomorrow?’ His voice was so low she only just made out the words.
‘Yes,’ she breathed, wondering what could be so desperate. She remembered his clenched fists and tense face earlier. At once a slim package slid to the floor. She picked it up and at the same moment saw her fan by it. He must have had it!
‘Kitty darling, do hurry.’ Caroline put her head round the door just as Kitty slipped both items into her reticule. Several times during the second act Kitty wondered why she had so unhesitatingly agreed to help Greg. Whatever could be in the packet? She stole a glance at him. As if he felt her gaze, his eyes met hers. He smiled faintly. But there was an air of anxiety about him.
Well, Kitty sighed, I have to go through with this now. She found it a little harder to concentrate on the play during this act. But she must follow the whole of the story, Aunt Picton as well as her family, would want to hear all about it.
At the end of the evening there was no opportunity to speak to Greg alone. How was she to return this secret packet to him? They reached the steps and Caroline’s carriage was waiting for the ladies. As they said their farewells to the gentlemen, Kitty asked loudly, ‘Do you think we shall be able to meet at Hookham’s Library at eleven tomorrow?’
Across the general chatter, she saw Greg look relieved.