The Upper Assembly Rooms already held a great crush by the time they arrived. Mr. Abbott was escorting his grandmother and Gwen fell in behind. The elders had already retreated to the card room, and the younger set were dancing exuberantly in the ballroom. The Master of Ceremonies greeted the Dowager with all the pomp and condescension he clearly felt to be her due. When he came to Gwen, he repeated her name with a hint of recognition and a flash of distaste in his eyes. Of course, he knew who she was, and of her unfortunate circumstances; it was his business to know. However, he did not insult her openly since she was with such an exalted parté.
The Dowager made her way into the room, greeting old acquaintances as she went, and appeared to be scanning around for a place that would give her the most advantageous view.
Gwendolyn tried her best to ignore the stares, but she felt them like a searing heat permeating her to the core. Her face heated, despite her fervent wish to remain indifferent. She did not want to be noticed or let them know they affected her so. She had hoped the memory of the old quizzes would be failing, but that was not the way Bath worked. It was well known a long memory was required to be one of the notorious gossips. But would they dare shun her while she was under the protection of the Dowager Duchess?
“This will do nicely,” the Dowager said with approval as she selected a high bench at which to hold court.
Gwen tried not to panic when the Dowager chose a spot in full view of the crowd. She automatically began looking for a potted plant for refuge. Mr. Abbott was still nearby—too nearby for her comfort. He had watched her during the extravagantly short carriage ride to the Rooms with the same look most men gave her when they first saw her. She had immediately averted her eyes from the unwanted attention.
He was a fashionable London gentleman, and she was instantly aware of an attraction to him, which set up her guard. She hoped he would retreat to the card room. She wanted the fewest witnesses possible to view her discomfort. He no doubt knew of her penury from her living situation, but it was unlikely he knew the circumstances of her family’s fall. Most town bucks seemed to assume she was available for a left-handed marriage when they found her penniless and her name disgraced.
“Get along with you both.” The Dowager made a shooing motion with her hand, and Gwendolyn looked about to see if she was speaking to her or someone else. Mr. Abbott stood there with a handsome smile and held out his arm to her.
“Shall we, Miss Lambert?” He offered his arm gallantly.
“Shall we what, Mr. Abbott?” She looked at his arm as if it had the plague.
“Why, dance of course.” His face took on a look of perplexity.
“Must we?” she whispered and began to panic.
“Yes, Gwendolyn, you must. I insist. I brought you here to enjoy yourself,” the Dowager said with finality. “Your name was added for the next dance, my dear.”
She most definitely would have stayed at home had she known that. The Dowager had mentioned nothing about her handsome grandson’s attendance or dancing. It was as far from an evening’s enjoyment as she could imagine. She had convinced herself of having no acquaintance or consequence; she was certain she would be assured some measure of anonymity. Mr. Abbott wound his arm through hers and patted her hand reassuringly.
“Come now, it will not be so bad. And better yet, it will make her cease her prattling.” He winked at his grandmother as he said this.
“You do not understand, sir. I have had very little experience with dancing in years. I might be able to fudge my way through a country dance, but a quadrille…” She tried to will her trembling to stop. Her previous encounters with such estimable gentlemen from London, several years ago, had left her without confidence.
“Ah, I see. That matters not. No one will notice your mistakes, I assure you, for they will be too busy watching my clumsiness. However, I enjoy myself immensely so I pretend I know what I am doing and smile. There is no need to fret, I assure you.”
They were already in formation, the set about to begin; it was too late for objections, though her insides were churning with fear. The square formed and the music began.
“Tell me, Miss Lambert, how I have never before had the pleasure of making your acquaintance?”
“I do not go about in Society and certainly not in London.”
She was uncomfortable meeting the gaze of one such as he, a London swell by the appearance of him… but it was difficult not to look. Her eyes were drawn to him inexplicably. Or not so inexplicably. She took the opportunity to survey him as he took a turn with a different partner in the figure. The exquisite cut of his superfine coat emphasized his broad shoulders, and snug satin breeches left little doubt as to the status of his athletic physique. The intricately folded cravat identified him as a dandy, but the becoming, natural way he allowed his locks to fall and the understated neatness of his dress belied the appearance of sense over the current fashions. Bath was certainly not often graced with specimens of his ilk.
She swallowed. “I gather, sir, that you have not spent much time in Bath,” she commented. She began a turn with her next partner before rejoining him in the dance.
“You are correct. This is my first prolonged visit,” he responded when rejoined with her.
“You are a lucky gentleman, indeed. I have never been anywhere beyond the Bath countryside, much though I may wish to.”
“Never been out of Bath? I should go mad,” he said with a dramatic shudder.
“Perhaps I am a bit mad,” she said thoughtfully with a slight smile.
“Indeed?” His blue eyes twinkled, and her insides did a flip. She should not have met his eyes.
“Were it not for your grandmother, I would be. Her presence has allowed me some daily reprieve.”
“That brings up a most important question. Where does one find sport or exercise here? Everywhere I look, save a few small parks, there are stone buildings, stone paths, stone churches. I am desperate for a ride or walk and there are none to be found. I need some nature, Miss Lambert,” he said in a serious tone that was undermined by the crinkles around his eyes.
“Parading around the Pump Room constitutes exercise here,” she said with mild sarcasm.
“Indeed. I have had the pleasure of strutting my feathers at that exalted establishment. However, if that putrid water does anything more than cause indigestion, I would happily eat my cravat!” he exclaimed with a serious face.
“Sacrilege! You will find yourself cast out of the town,” she said with twitching lips. She agreed wholeheartedly, but people flocked to Bath for its healing waters. “You are not one for town life?”
“I have spent time in town, of course, but never for long. Ten years in the army has taken me to many places, but rarely to cities.”
He led her through the dance, covering her mistakes with practised grace. She had remembered most of the steps by her next change. He had made her feel at ease, so much so that she did not realize the dance had ended when he held out his arm to her.
“Thank you, Miss Lambert. I do not think anyone even noticed any of my missteps.”
“You know very well it was quite the opposite.” She smiled despite herself and employed her fan more furiously than proper due to the suffocating heat. She was grateful Hanson had thought to bring her one that matched her toilette.
“I know no such thing except it is a dashed crush in here. Shall we fetch a lemonade?”
A glass of lemonade was procured from the tea-room, and they made their way to the small courtyard just beyond the door to the ballroom. They remained within view of the door for propriety, though many couples had sought relief out of doors.
“You mentioned the army. Were you involved in the Peninsular Campaign? Or did you go to the American War?”
“I stayed on the Continent. Mostly as a part of Wellington’s staff.”
“I am most envious, sir. The Continent sounds very beautiful in many places, especially Italy and Greece.”
“You have heard correctly. There is no place quite like them. The waters are the most incredible shades of blue. Nothing at all like the dark seas around England.”
“You are most fortunate to have seen them, Mr. Abbott. I have never even seen the English seas. I long to see the world—or at least see beyond the Bath countryside.”
“I’ve also been obliged to see and stay in some locales revolting enough to make your skin crawl. Why have you not travelled?”
She ignored his question and changed the subject. She did not wish to go into depth over her situation, less he pity her. He likely had enough of a hint from his grandmother about her status. Perhaps a fashionable town gentleman such as he thought he was doing her a favour by paying her marked attention.
“There are some nice walks and rides nearby. I shall be happy to give you direction.”
“You are most generous. Would you be so obliging as to show me one of them tomorrow?”
“I am afraid I cannot leave my mother for so long, sir. I have not been to the Assembly in nearly six years.” She had neither time nor luxury to indulge this fancy.
“Six years?” He nearly spewed his lemonade.
“Until your grandmother began visiting daily, I rarely left her at all.”
“I am certain something could be arranged.”
She shook her head. “No, sir. I thank you kindly for the offer, but it is not possible.”
She set down her glass and began walking towards the Dowager. She had to put a stop to this immediately.
He watched Miss Lambert walk off in a glorious gown of satin that seemed designed exclusively for her. If he had not seen his sister Elly wear the gown before he never would have known it was second-hand. However, he had not noticed his sister’s long legs or how the fabric had clung to her curves when she’d worn it. He could not seem to force his eyes to look away, the fool he was, before he recalled himself and his duty to escort Miss Lambert in time to follow along.
She was enchanting. She had none of the practised charms of the females in Town, and he found he had no idea how to behave with her. She was without affectations and seemed completely unaware of her attractions. It was a very good thing he was leaving for America this week—or was it? Would it be so terrible a match? Likely. He would fall for her headlong and she would tolerate him out of gratefulness.
He had nearly sworn off females after the Ashbury triplets. He had enjoyed their company, but the spark he desired had been missing. He was not hindered in his search as so many were by the pressing need for an heir. No, he had nieces and nephews in abundance to leave his property to. He could not blame the triplets entirely, and at least his heart was not injured, only his pride. Their hearts belonged to other men, and he did not want anyone at that cost. They had used him much the same as he had used them in return—as flirtatious friends and beautiful companions.
After she was returned to his grandmother, he watched Miss Lambert for some time from across the room, waiting until it was proper to ask her to dance again. He conversed with the elder veterans, many retired here with their injuries, all eager to reminisce about their army or navy days, and hear retold the stories of the now infamous battles of Waterloo and Trafalgar.
Several young men approached the Dowager, hovering nearby, hoping for an introduction, but Miss Lambert subtly shook her head or whispered to his grandmother. Why was not his grandmother introducing her and insisting she dance? And what did she mean by trying to pass herself off as a spinster? He could feel the piercing looks from his grandmother from across the room. He raised a questioning eyebrow at her. Did she expect him to break the rules for Miss Lambert? That would only draw unwanted attention to her.
He noticed the forlorn look on one of Miss Lambert’s admirers as he walked away.
“What happened, old fellow? The beauty is not dancing any more tonight?”
“Apparently not.”
“Perhaps she was overly fatigued or concerned to leave her companion.”
“Her Grace said how-d’ye-do, and asked after my family, but did not perform the introduction.”
“Did you ask her to be introduced?”
“No. It did not seem welcome for she changed the subject every time I began to ask! One does not interrupt her Grace!”
“No, indeed. Who can say with those on the verge of senility? Perhaps the Dowager did not realize your intent. I suppose I must rescue the damsel from the Dowager’s grasp.”
“I’ll bet you a monkey she will not dance with you again,” he said defensively, obviously not wanting his own confidence demeaned further.
“Save your monkey and learn from the master.” Andrew winked at the young pup.
He casually made his way back to Miss Lambert’s side and offered his hand to her for their second dance. He saw her hesitation. She wanted to refuse him. Sadly for her, he was not here to be refused.
“You cannot deny me as you have done the others, for I have been introduced. It would be badly done,” he said, unperturbed.
She sighed. “If you insist, Mr. Abbott.”
“The sentiments I long to hear from all of my partners,” he said cheerfully.
“You have been most attentive this evening. I shall inform your grandmother of your good behaviour.” Her eyes danced as she took his arm and let him lead her to the set.
“I am not dancing attendance on you at her behest, thank you.”
“Are you not?” she asked with a sceptical eyebrow.
“Not completely.” He grinned at her, unashamed. “Now tell me what worries you so? Are you not enjoying yourself?”
“Am I so obvious? I apologize. I did not mean to be ungrateful.” She wrinkled her brow.
“Only to me. I am used to giddy, chatty females at balls.” Or widows who wanted something else entirely. “You are different.”
“I warned you I do not attend social functions any more, sir. I have no place in Society any longer. I am unpractised in polite conversation, though I will try to behave better. I promised I would try to enjoy myself.”
“Do you not enjoy dancing? I assure you, your skills are equal to that of most present.”
“I suppose I like it well enough, but to make small talk with strangers whom I shall never see again is beyond the effort required to make it enjoyable,” she said, while attempting to suppress a grin.
“So severe, Miss Lambert,” he teased. “Could you not pretend to be hard of hearing and ignore their questions?”
“I find it easier to avoid the introduction in the first place.”
“Indeed.” His eyes twinkled in appreciation. “Now what truly troubles you?”
She sighed. “I am worried about my mother. I confess it is hard not to be concerned.”
“I can escort you home if you wish, Miss Lambert.”
“No,” she shook her head. “It is not necessary.”
“I know the assemblies in the fast town of Bath last until eleven of an evening, you know. Quite scandalous. I even heard the Lower Rooms continue until midnight.”
She laughed. “Mr. Abbott, are you ever serious?”
“Only when duty requires it. There now, a beautiful smile. I had to work very hard for that one.” He gave her a meaningful look. He escorted her back to his grandmother when the dance had finished.
“I find I am quite fatigued, ma’am. Miss Lambert’s dancing prowess has taxed me greatly. Would it be bothersome to you if we leave early?”
The Dowager looked towards Miss Lambert in a knowing manner. “Your mother is quite well, my dear. But we may go. You have had your dances and some lemonade, so I am satisfied.”
Andrew scoffed within earshot of his grandmother, and she ignored it.
The carriage was brought around and they dropped Miss Lambert at her rooms.
“I will call for you at the usual time tomorrow, Gwen. Perhaps you can show my grandson about Bath tomorrow.”
Miss Lambert opened her mouth to protest, but held it back and said instead, “Thank you for the lovely time tonight, ma’am. Mr. Abbott.” She gave a small curtsy and he escorted her to her door. “Goodnight, Miss Lambert.”
“Goodnight, Mr. Abbott.”
Gwen let herself quietly in the door in an attempt not to wake her mother. But when she walked through the parlour, her mother was on the sofa, waiting for her.
“Mama! Why did you wait up for me? You must be exhausted,” Gwen exclaimed. “And where are the Dowager’s servants?”
“I sent them away. I was too excited to hear how the ball went, to sleep.” She made an effort to sit upright and patted the spot next to her. “Please come tell me all about it. I am sure you were the hit of the evening.”
“Oh, Mama. It was tolerable. The Duchess of Loring’s grandson escorted us.”
“Mr. Abbott? I thought I heard a man’s voice earlier. Was it he who picked you up, dear?”
“Yes, Mama.” She fidgeted with her dress so her mother did not see her blush. It was ridiculous to even think about Mr. Abbott in such a way.
“He is handsome, then? I have not seen him since he was a boy.”
“Yes, Mama. He is very handsome. But not for the likes of me.”
“Why ever not, Gwendolyn? You are of equal birth.”
“Equal birth, perhaps. But not equal standing. I have little to offer but a tarnished name and poverty.”
“Did he treat you with disdain?” she asked, clearly horrified at the thought.
“No, Mama.” She shook her head in adamant denial. “He was everything that is wonderful, I assure you. He almost made me forget my circumstances. He danced with me twice, he procured lemonade for me, and conversed with me—he was quite delightful.”
“Then whatever is the matter?”
“Nothing is the matter, Mama.” She reached over and took her mother’s hand and gave her a reassuring smile. “The evening was perfect. Do not put your hopes in that quarter, however, I beg of you. Mr. Abbott will not be long in Bath. He has no thoughts of marriage, I am certain.”
“Gwendolyn, I never meant to hold you back.” Her mother looked down as tears began streaming from her eyes. She tried to blot them away with a shaky hand. “You have had to waste away your bloom caring and devoting yourself to your invalid mother.”
Gwen scooped her fragile mother into an embrace but neither lady could help succumbing to a bout of tears.
“You are not holding me back, Mama. The thought never occurred to me. But hoping for a brilliant match with him is unreasonable. He is likely diverting himself with little else to do in Bath—and perhaps doing a favour for his grandmother.”
“I refuse to stop hoping for your future, Gwendolyn. Whatever will become of you? I am growing weaker by the day. I cannot control these shakes and I cannot seem to balance properly to walk without falling.”
“Please do not speak so! I will manage when that day comes, a long, long time from now. I am content with my situation.” At least, she had been until tonight.
“Gwen, there is your father’s family, should you become desperate. Cousin Henrietta informed me that your uncle died some time ago and your cousin Peregrine is the new viscount. He might be willing to help you.”
“I will not beg to a family that made certain they repudiated us! If the new viscount, my cousin Peregrine, were so amiable, he has had ample time to make up for the destitution we were left in when my father and brother died. No, I would rather make a living on my back than crawl to him for help.”
“Gwendolyn!” her mother reproached.
“He and Jonathan were the best of friends were they not, Mother? He may be more pleasant than his father, but one does not abandon one’s family or best friend when in trouble if one is of noble character! Please do not speak of it.”
“But there was something you were to have known, if I could recall,” her mother said hesitantly.
“No. I beg of you, do not exert yourself. I do not want to know. Come, now. Let us get you to bed, you must be fagged.”
“Now that I know you are home, perhaps I may sleep.”
Gwen saw her mother into her bed and kissed her good night.
“Gwen, I am glad you went. Even if you do not think it useful, I do.”
“Then I am happy I did.”
“One day you will find a man who cares not for fortune. Beauty and a kind heart can cause a man to overlook other, unfortunate circumstances that were none of your doing.”
“Pray, hope that you are correct.”
“Sweet dreams, my love.” Gwen smiled and blew out the taper. She knew she would dream all right, but a bitter-sweet flavour was more like it.
“It is an utter disgrace. Shameful! And the coward is not here to witness the suffering he caused,” the Dowager exclaimed as soon as the carriage door was closed.
“What happened, precisely?” Andrew asked curiously.
“Gambling. Her father lost every penny. Fortunately, a commission had already been purchased for the son.”
“Or not so fortunately,” Andrew reflected from personal experience.
“Quite so, my dear.”
“And what became of the father? One does not die of disgrace or the world would be a more pleasurable place entirely.”
“After his downfall is where the true scandal happened. He called the partner a cheat and was summarily dispensed with at ten paces by one of Manton’s finest.”
Andrew whistled understanding.
“I believe once the initial disgrace passed, Cousin Millicent was so ill she could not leave the house.”
“From what does Mrs. Lambert suffer?”
“You know, I am not entirely sure. It would not be polite to ask, and Millicent will not speak of her troubles, even to me.”
“That is very unlike most females of delicate constitution I know,” he added with his usual flare of sarcasm.
His grandmother swatted him with her fan.
“What will happen to her?” he asked in a more serious tone.
“To Gwendolyn?”
“And Mrs. Lambert, should she survive.”
“They survive on percentages from our grandmother’s estate, but it will cease to exist when she does.”
“And Miss Lambert will have nothing.” Andrew could spit. He wanted to crawl through hell and make the selfish, greedy snake suffer more than Hades himself.
“Indeed.”
“And her Lambert side of the family?”
“Cast them off. The old Viscount Kendall was a pompous prig “
“Kendall? His son seems a tolerable fellow. A bit too foppish for my tastes, but decent nevertheless.”
“He has made no efforts to repair the connection to my knowledge.”
“He likely has not thought of it. And she received no offers?”
“After her father’s fall from grace, the only offers she received were not honourable ones.”
Andrew made a disgusted noise.
“She is intriguing and beautiful, but with no fortune, she has little hope to form an eligible alliance.”
“Unfortunately, I am familiar with how most men would view her station,” he said, with growing trepidation. “What do you mean to do? Or, more specifically, what do you mean for me to do?”
“You do not have to do anything, my dear. But you want to. And what is the harm? You leave soon.”
Andrew was thinking a great deal of harm could occur in a few days. He should run away as fast as he could. It was unlike his grandmother to encourage him to dangle after an unmarried lady for mere friendship.
“I only wish to see Gwendolyn enjoy herself. No one should be kept inside those dreary rooms for the better part of six years.”
“Definitely not. I am going mad being in Bath for six days.”
“Then I shall take care of Cousin Millicent while you take care of Gwendolyn.”
Yes, he should most certainly run. But his feet did not seem to be cooperating.