Seven

Lady Louisa’s arrival halfway through the Season caused a great stir among her friends and acquaintances. For years they had all been trying to persuade her to return to London, and now here she was with the loveliest young lady imaginable in tow. Everyone’s curiosity was aroused when they first saw Felicia, and there was much speculation as to who she was.

Both Lord Umber and Lady Louisa were noncommittal. In fact Lord Umber was careful not to appear too frequently in public with his mother, for he was loath to give the impression that he was dangling after Felicia. Not that he should have worried, for the betting at White’s was heavily on his announcing his engagement to the Lady Barbara Whitelaw. His pursuit of that auburn-haired beauty had caused no little stir and much jealousy, for she was the belle of the Season and the most sought-after heiress in several years.

Felicia seemed unaware of the questioning looks she received, for she was far too intent on enjoying herself. She had long since overcome her reluctance to accompany Lady Louisa, for as Dr. Ross had explained, “This journey serves two purposes, Miss Richards. First, Lady Louisa will benefit greatly from a change of scene. Secondly, and more importantly for you, someone may recognize you in London and be able to identify you.”

“I shall feel like a horse at Tattersall’s” she had protested, “with everyone looking for my finer points.” She paused as she thought of Lord Umber. His attitude toward her had had a lot to do with her unwillingness to comply with Dr. Ross’s request. But now she was not disconcerted by him anymore, in fact, she actually enjoyed his company sometimes. She just wished that they did not argue and misunderstand each other so often.

“I cannot force you, Miss Richards,” Dr. Ross had said judiciously. “I want you to take your time to think about what I have suggested, before you say yes or no.”

Felicia narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. “I cannot have you thinking me pusillanimous, Dr. Ross,” she replied with spirit. “It would also be selfish of me to deprive Lady Louisa of such a peregrination. So, yes, I agree to go, providing everyone understands that as soon as word comes from Mrs. Barton, I leave for Manchester.”

“That’s my girl,” he said approvingly. “And your wish about Manchester is understood. Only we will worry about that when the time comes.”

The knocker had not been up two days on the house in Berkeley Square, and already the callers were arriving in a continuous flow.

“’Tis remarkable,” Lady Louisa said, as the ladies were partaking their coffee in the small, blue drawing room on the second evening in town, “how few quiet moments there are. I had quite forgotten how exhausting it can all become. There will be parties we must attend and, of course, I must secure vouchers for Almack’s.”

Felicia smiled at the excitement in Lady Louisa’s voice. It was quite obvious that her popularity had not diminished one whit during her absence.

“I have a card here from Lady Jersey, inviting us to tea the day after tomorrow,” Lady Louisa continued. “We shall go, of course, but I do not want you to mention you are my companion.”

“Whyever not, ma’am?” Felicia asked in surprise.

“Lady Jersey is your entree to Almack’s, dear child. Only she will not lift a finger to help if she knows you are about to become a governess.”

“I do not want to deceive anyone,” Felicia argued. “It would be most embarrassing if word leaked out and people started gossiping. Why, you would become the laughingstock of London.”

Lady Louisa laughed gaily. “Not at all, child. No one will suspect the truth, and I want to make sure you go to Manchester with happy memories. Anyway, Ian has already put the word about that you are a distant relation.”

“Really, Lady Louisa,” Felicia protested, “I would prefer that you not insist. Besides, I do not want to go to the expense of buying more gowns that will be totally unsuitable when I leave here.”

“You are acting like an antiquated old fidget, Felicia,” Lady Louisa admonished. “I took the liberty of ordering you some ball gowns when Miss Sophy came down to Alverston.” She raised a hand to prevent Felicia from protesting further. “And I simply refuse to listen to any objections you may have. It is not good for my health.” Her eyes sparkled with laughter as she watched Felicia move uncomfortably in her chair. “There, child. I admire your spirit of independence greatly, but you must learn to bend sometimes, especially to satisfy the whims of an old lady.”

An involuntary chuckle escaped Felicia. “You leave me no alternative, ma’am, but to accept your generous offer.”

“I have also asked Ian to secure you a mount. I know how accustomed you have become to your daily rides at Alverston, and I know Ian has a string of horses that are always in need of exercise.”

“I hope Lord Umber will not consider it an encumbrance, for I do not wish him to think I am incapable of organizing my own divertissement,” Felicia retorted more sharply than she intended and quickly added in a lighter tone when she saw the questioning expression in Lady Louisa’s eyes. “What I meant to say was I do not want Lord Umber to feel obliged to escort me. I am certain he has better use for his time.”

“I think I am the best judge of that, Miss Richards,” Lord Umber said from the doorway. He bowed deeply. “Good evening, ladies.”

Felicia cast him a furious look and wondered why it was he always had her at a disadvantage.

“Good evening, Ian,” Lady Louisa answered. “I take it you have dined.”

“Too well,” he replied ruefully. “David has a fine chef.”

“Do come in for a moment, my dear,” Lady Louisa continued. “We were just talking about you.”

“So I heard,” Lord Umber said mildly. “Myself and horseflesh, I believe.” He turned to Felicia. “I merely dropped by tonight to ask if you will give me the pleasure of your company tomorrow, Miss Richards. I declare I have discovered the prettiest little filly in my stables who is surely in need of a gallop.”

Felicia felt his eyes mocking her, and she looked at him suspiciously. His conciliatory tone made her feel uneasy, but the temptation of riding in Hyde Park overcame her misgivings. “I will gladly accept, m’lord,” she responded lightly. “Especially as Lady Louisa assures me that to be seen in your company will of a certainty increase my consequence.”

Lord Umber gave a shout of laughter, and a smile lingered, softening the mockery in his eyes. “I will see you at ten sharp, then.” He bowed as he wished them a good night, at the same time promising his mother he would accompany them both to the theater whenever she desired.

“Such a dutiful son,” Lady Louisa breathed happily. “I am so fortunate.” Felicia, not wanting to disagree, steered the conversation to safer ground.

The remainder of the evening was uneventful, and both retired early, so Felicia had no difficulty in presenting herself at the appointed time the following morning.

The ride was exhilarating, and Felicia found the ritual of the morning ride fascinating. The mild weather had brought out a crowd of strollers, and it seemed to her that all the women were trying to outdo one other with their ridiculous fashions.

“I have never seen such a silly parade of peahens,” she whispered to Lord Umber, as her gaze took in the scene. Then her eyes picked out the hobbling gyrations of a young dandy who was mincing his way toward a group of young ladies. “Whoever is that, m’lord,” she inquired, her eyes dancing with mirth. “I swear I have never seen the like in my life. Those shoes! Oh! Dearie me!” Unable to hold her laughter a moment longer, she gathered her reins in and trotted away.

Lord Umber caught up with her and admonished her playfully. “Really, Miss Richards, you must learn to control yourself. Sir Ashbury holds himself in the highest regard and would be most displeased to learn that you are not swooning with admiration.”

“So that is Sir Ashbury,” Felicia said. “I recall some mention was made of him last week. Lady Philippa said his self-importance was as large as his fortune. I begin to see what she means.”

They continued on along Rotten Row, commenting from time to time on various people. They were at ease, and Felicia was once again surprised at their harmony.

A discreet cough broke into their conversation, and Lord Umber started forward as he saw Lady Barbara waiting to speak to him. Her coachman had drawn up the barouche to one side of the carriage way, but even so it was blocking traffic.

“Good day, Lord Umber, Miss Richards,” she said frostily. “A lovely morning for taking the air.”

A few pleasantries were exchanged, neither party lingering, but they stayed long enough for Felicia to get the impression that Lady Barbara was angry at not being included in their party.

“It would seem that Lady Barbara is offended,” she said, her voice deceptively mild. She had not found much to like in Lady Barbara the previous week, although she herself had gone out of her way to be pleasant. Lady Barbara was a willful, spoilt creature, who was happy only when the conversation concerned her. Felicia had been amazed to learn that Lord Umber had set her up as his latest flirt and wondered whether his intentions were serious.

“You have stolen a march on her,” Lord Umber replied immodestly. “’Tis not something she is likely to forget or to forgive!”

“I do believe you are using me,” Felicia retorted angrily. “You deliberately invited me to go riding with you today, knowing that Lady Barbara would be affronted when she saw us. Oh! You…you are unspeakable.”

“But you do not let the fact that you are using me disturb you? Come, Miss Richards, let us act the part of friends, if only for the sake of appearance. It would not do your standing any good to be seen on the outs with me.”

The very fact that he was justified in making his comment angered Felicia more. “I wish to go home,” she said ungraciously, a tight smile barely creasing her face. “My thanks for parading me in front of the ton. ’Tis a pity no one recognized me.”

They trotted home in silence and were soon in front of Lady Louisa’s house. Before Felicia had time to dismount, Lord Umber was off his horse and by her side, forcing her to accept his assistance. He swung her easily to the ground and held her waist a few seconds longer than necessary before releasing her. “Am I forgiven?” he asked mischieviously, as he smiled down at her. “For I swear I did not mean to offend you—only give Lady Barbara a setdown, for she has come to expect too much of me.” Without waiting for an answer, he caught her hand and drew it towards his lips. “I shall look forward to escorting you to the theater.” He kissed her hand briefly and before Felicia could reply, he was up on his horse and away, leading her mount behind him.

She was more shaken by his action than she cared to admit and looked down at her gloved hand in amazement. Shaking her head, she mounted the steps and entered the house.

“Is that you, Felicia?” Lady Louisa’s voice floated into the hallway. “Hurry, child, I have need to speak to you.”

Felicia ran into the blue drawing room, carefully removing her riding hat as she went. “Yes, Lady Louisa,” she answered, stopping short as she saw the look of agitation on Lady Louisa’s face. “Whatever is the matter, ma’am?”

“I have just heard from my friend in Manchester, Felicia. And she says there is no such person as Mrs. Barton, and the address you were given is nonexistent.”