The next morning, Lucinda awoke to the sound of a bird singing in the lilac tree next to her window. Unfortunately, it would be another month before she could enjoy the tree. If she hurried, she could be out of the house before anyone who could stop her was awake.
Reaching out, she tugged the bell-pull, and a half an hour later her groom, Kerr, helped her mount Nan, her gray mare.
Kerr swung onto his hack. “Where are we going, my lady?”
Prancing beneath her, Nan was fresh, and clearly wanted some exercise. There was only one place in Mayfair Lucinda knew she could ride at good pace without causing talk. “The Park. I understand that my sister-in-law was allowed to ride there with a groom.” Kerr closed one eye and drew up the edge of his mouth, giving her a skeptical look. “Follow me, I know where it is.”
Soon they were trotting out of Grosvenor Square, headed toward Rotten Row. The air was fresh for London, and puffy clouds dotted the sky. Now if only the weather would become warmer. Seeing only one rider in the distance, she urged Nan into an easy gallop, giving the horse an opportunity to run.
“Well met, my lady,” Lord Elliott said as he rode up and doffed his hat. His eyes sparkled, giving him a slightly roguish appearance. His mussed hair made her want to run her fingers through it, putting it in order again. He seemed more handsome this morning than he had before. “I didn’t know you enjoyed early morning rides.”
His large roan stallion eyed Nan, who playfully tossed her head. Not only was Lord Elliott handsome, but it seemed they both liked morning rides. That was more than she could say for Lord Quorndon. “It is my first opportunity since arriving in Town. It is peaceful here at this time of day.”
“Much more so than during the Grand Strut. Have you experienced the ton at its afternoon finest?”
No, but she had heard it was the place to be seen in the afternoon. Would his lordship ask her to accompany him? “I have not yet had that pleasure.”
Lord Elliott grinned. “In that case, please allow me to take you for a carriage ride today.”
“I would be delighted.” Lucinda returned his smile. She would have to convince Louisa to support the outing in the event Mama objected.
“Excellent. I shall come for you at five.” His grin widened, the dimple making a showing.
“I look forward to it, my lord.”
“As will I.” He bowed and trotted off in the direction he had been headed before he’d stopped to speak with her.
Lucinda didn’t even bother to hide her sigh. The man could certainly sit a horse. She hoped he was similarly skillful with the ribbons. That must be on her list of requirements for a husband. Books as well. Which made the marquis quite ineligible for the position.
She nudged Nan forward. Lucinda could not imagine being wed to Lord Quorndon. Yet if he were to find a lady that would capture his interest—she was positive that he had not—perhaps she would be allowed to marry where she wished. Well, there was no time like the present. If such a lady existed, she would most likely be at Lady Bellamny’s soirée this evening.
Even if Lucinda failed to find a husband for herself this Season, perhaps she could find a wife for Lord Quorndon. Even her mother could not possibility expect Lucinda to wed a gentleman who was in love with another woman.
When she came down for breakfast after washing and dressing, Lucinda was pleased to find only her brother and sister-in-law in the breakfast room. Rothwell was seated at the end of the table, with Louisa on his right side. Both of them were reading newssheets. Athena, their eight-month-old Great Dane, lay between them, her head on her paws. She glanced up, then resumed her position.
Lucinda smiled brightly. “Good morning.”
Rothwell raised his head slightly and nodded, but Louisa lowered her paper. “Good morning to you. Have you been out riding?”
“Yes.” When she approached the covered dishes on the sideboard, Athena ambled over to greet Lucinda and be stroked. “Are you not normally in the nursery?”
“She is,” Louisa said. “But Nurse took exception to her attempting to save Alexandria from a bath.”
Ever since the baby had been born, Athena had appointed herself guardian of the child. “It amazes me how afraid she is of water.”
“If it cannot be consumed, the Danes have no use for it.” Louisa took a sip of tea. “Join us. Would you like a section of the newssheet?”
“Please. I’ll read what you have finished.” Mama did not approve of reading at the table, but Rothwell and Louisa insisted on being current. After one of the footmen placed fresh toast on the table, her sister-in-law motioned for another pot of tea. “I saw Lord Elliott this morning.” Lucinda strove to speak casually as she made her selection, a baked egg and ham. “He invited me for a carriage ride this afternoon.”
“Excellent.” Her brother looked up. “He will be able to tell you who everyone is.”
“Indeed.” Louisa handed the part of the newspaper she was reading to a footman, who placed it next to Lucinda’s place setting. “I received the vouchers for Almack’s.”
She had heard about Almack’s but did not know much about it, other than not everyone was allowed and birth was more of a recommendation than wealth. “That is good.”
“It’s a dead bore,” her brother growled. “But don’t repeat me.”
“It is not that bad.” Louisa patted Rothwell’s hand. “The worst part will be waiting for approval to dance the waltz.”
“If Quorndon is there, that will be a problem,” Rothwell grumbled before going back to his reading.
Lucinda set her plate on the table and looked over at her brother. “Why are you so out of sorts this morning?”
Folding his newssheet, he put it aside. “I received news that it is too wet to start planting. If this weather doesn’t improve soon, we will have problems getting a full season in.”
No wonder he was in such a foul mood. “We do seem to be having more rain than usual.”
“We do, indeed.” He grimaced before swallowing the rest of his tea. “I’m sure Elliott will be at Almack’s. Featherton as well. I shall ask one of them to receive permission to waltz with you.”
That would solve the embarrassment of having to wait. Before Lucinda could answer, her sister-in-law said, “You cannot smother her with your friends.”
“Of course I can.” Her brother’s eyes widened. “What’s the point in having them if I can’t make use of them?”
When Louisa closed her eyes, Lucinda quickly said, “I do not mind at all. It is not as if there is a gentleman I wish to dance with.” The image of Lord Elliott on horseback floated through her mind. “I would be perfectly happy for one of Rothwell’s friends to ask me.”
“Aside from that, my love.” Rothwell captured his wife’s hand. “You cannot tell me that Worthington did not help you on occasion.”
A slow blush rose in Louisa’s cheeks. “No, I cannot. Very well. Arrange for Lucinda to be asked to waltz. I am going to look in on our daughter.” Rising from the table, she glanced at the dog. “Come, Athena. The torture by water will be over now.”
Once her sister-in-law left the room, Rothwell bussed Lucinda’s cheek. “I shall probably ask Featherton. We do not want to abuse Elliott’s kindness. Especially as he is taking you out this afternoon.”
Lucinda pulled over the rest of the newssheet as she tucked into her breakfast. Was Lord Elliott only taking an interest in her because of his friendship with her brother, or could he actually like her for herself? Before her interest grew, she would have to find out. The only question was how should she go about it?
* * * *
Gerald found himself grinning at the prospect of taking Lady Lucinda out that afternoon. Not that he was interested in her as a prospective mate. Although, she did have an excellent seat. One of the best he’d seen on a female. And he enjoyed listening to her lyrical voice. It was like hearing a melody.
He gave himself a shake. No, no. His only role was to assist Rothwell in keeping an eye on her. Helping him would serve Gerald as well. Attending the same events as Lady Lucinda would give him the opportunity to look over the ladies and choose a wife. It wasn’t as if he’d spend all his time looking after Lady Lucinda.
His duties would begin with the Promenade. Would she be impressed, or think it a great waste of time? Then again, she could be nervous. In that case, he’d be there to assist in becoming familiar with the ton . All in all, it should be an interesting occasion.
Just as he had finished tying his cravat, his valet, Rouse, brought in a missive. “It is from her ladyship, my lord.”
The only “her ladyship” was his mother. “Very well.”
He plucked the letter from the tray, opened it, and sighed. “I am to escort her to Almack’s next Wednesday.”
“Very good, my lord. I shall enter it into your diary.” Rouse bowed and began picking up discarded neck cloths.
“Thank you.” There was no being late to Almack’s. They’d lock one out.
At least it wouldn’t be a complete waste of time this year. After all, it was the prime place to look for a spouse. Gerald had no doubt Lady Louisa would be there. Thus enabling him to, as the saying went, kill two birds with one stone.
The rest of the day he attended to estate business and had a meeting with one of his committees for the House of Lords. When he arrived at Rothwell House, he was pleasantly surprised not to be kept waiting.
Lady Lucinda descended the steps as Gerald was admitted to the hall. “Good afternoon, my lady.”
She glanced up from pulling on a light, tawny-brown leather glove. Her jonquille yellow carriage gown, topped by a paisley spencer in spring colors, hugged her bosom. For a moment, he had trouble dragging his gaze upward. She wore a high-peaked hat lined with cream-colored silk. The whole effect made what he could see of her brown hair richer than before. Her green eyes reminded him of the color of new leaves. And there was an energy in her that had not been there before. It was as if she had emerged from a cocoon.
How had he not noticed how beautiful she was before? If she wished, she could do much better than Quorndon.
Lady Lucinda reached the bottom step, and Gerald offered her his arm. “Shall we depart?”
The hand she placed on his arm was as light as a feather. Then she smiled so brightly he had to blink. If that was the look she gave gentlemen, he and her brother would have their work cut out for them. “Yes, I believe we should.”
They had no sooner reached the pavement when she stopped, almost jerking him to a halt. Dropping her arm, she made her way from the side of his phaeton to his horses. “What a beautiful carriage, and your horses! They look perfectly matched.” Standing in front of the pair, she rubbed their noses. “I wish I had a carrot or an apple to give them.”
“I keep apples in the carriage, if you would like to reward them when we return.”
Eyes sparkling, she glanced at him. “Yes, indeed.” She turned back to the horses. “You are such handsome gentlemen.” The dammed beasts actually puffed out their chests for her, and he found himself feeling a bit left out. “I shall give you something later.” She strode back to him and grinned. “I like your carriage as well. Maroon is one of my favorite colors, and the gold piping sets it off nicely.” She slowly walked to the back of the carriage, nodded, then glanced at him. “Now, my lord, I am ready to see what awaits us at the Park.”
He felt like preening. She was definitely not nervous. He pulled down the steps and handed her up. “I look forward to hearing your opinion.”
Even though the Season did not start in earnest until after Easter next week, Polite Society was out in force. A glossy display of carriages, from sporting vehicles to landaus, filled the carriageway. Young gentlemen on horses walked beside some of the carriages, while others led their horses to stroll beside young ladies in an array of pale muslin gowns and fashionable hats.
After threading his phaeton into the carriageway, he settled the horses down to a slow walk. A little distance down the path, a bright yellow landau had pulled to the verge. “I think you will shortly meet Lady Jersey.”
Lady Lucinda’s eyes widened. “The one who is called ‘Silence’?”
“The very one, but do not repeat that to her. It is not meant as a compliment. She’s also one of the Patronesses of Almack’s.”
She tilted her head slightly to one side. “Yes, I believe either my mother or sister-in-law mentioned that.” Lady Lucinda straightened her shoulders and assumed a more demure look. Still, her eyes sparkled with joy. “I shall be on my best behavior.”
Gerald wanted to laugh out loud. The rider who had stopped at Lady Jersey’s carriage moved on. He pulled up and inclined his head. “Good afternoon, my lady.”
“Indeed it is, Elliott.” The sound of the voice answering almost made him wince, as his mother gazed at him from the other side of Lady Jersey. “Mother, I didn’t see you.”
“You see, I said this bonnet was too large.” As Lady Jersey glanced from him to Lady Lucinda, her brows rose slightly. “My lord, good afternoon to you. I trust I will see you on Wednesday.”
“You will, my lady. I would not miss an evening at Almack’s.” When her ladyship’s eyes focused on Lady Lucinda, he said, “Lady Jersey, Mother, may I introduce you to Lady Lucinda Hughlot, Rothwell’s sister.”
“A pleasure to meet you, my lady.” Lady Jersey smiled reassuringly. “I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday as well.”
“Thank you, ma’am.” Lady Lucinda gave her ladyship a polite smile. “I also look forward to Wednesday.”
“Lady Lucinda.” His mother’s tight smile did not bode well for him. Whatever was amiss, he’d hear about it soon. “A pleasure.”
“Thank you, ma’am,” Lady Lucinda replied evenly.
Either he was too much attuned to his mother’s moods, or she had a good deal more countenance than most young ladies he’d met. “Well, then. We shall be on our way.” He inclined his head again. “My lady, Mother, have a pleasant outing.”
A few moments later, the Earl of Huntley and Viscount Wivenly, two friends of his and Rothwell’s, rode up, demanding an introduction.
“Lady Lucinda, I am devastated that I did not meet you before Elliott.” Wivenly, a confirmed rogue, bowed. “It is entirely unfair that I should not be the first gentleman to tool you around.”
She grinned and held out her hand. “But how did you know it is my first time in the Park?”
Taking her fingers, he kissed the air above her hand. “I make a point of always noticing the most beautiful ladies, and I have not seen you before. Ergo, it is your first time.”
Gerald wanted snatch her hand back and tell Wivenly to move on when Lady Lucinda said, “Will I see you at Almack’s next week?”
“Ah, no.” Most of the color drained from Wivenly’s face, and Gerald barked a laugh. “I do not attend Almack’s.”
“Why not?” Lady Lucinda asked.
The man’s mouth opened and closed, but he was unable to speak.
“Wivenly is avoiding the Marriage Mart until he is a little older,” Huntley replied.
A faint line formed between her eyes. “I do not understand. If you are friends of my brother, you must be around the same age.”
“A direct hit.” Huntley laughed, and Gerald took perverse enjoyment in seeing Wivenly squirm. “But not in his mind, dear lady.” Huntley executed a short bow. “Allow me to take him off before he swoons from fright. Delightful meeting you, my lady. I hope you enjoy your Season. Elliott, see you around.”
Once they’d ridden away, she turned to Gerald. “Why does Lord Wivenly not wish to wed? My brother has been much happier since he married.”
“Some gentlemen mature much more slowly than others.” Or, in Wivenly’s case, were unwilling to give up whoring. Huntley was more stable, but still marriage shy. “When he does get around to marrying, I pity his wife.” She opened her mouth and Gerald rushed on. “And no, I am not going to explain the reason.”
“That,” she said sternly, “is one of the reasons I wish to wed. No one explains anything to single ladies.”
“I have no doubt you will achieve your goal.” But not to Quorndon, or Huntley, or any other gentleman Gerald knew.
He’d have to keep a close eye on her to ensure no unsuitable gentleman came near her.
In an attempt to avoid any summons his mother intended to send, Gerald decided to dine at Brooks. When he entered the dining room, he was surprised to see most of married friends.
He shook hands with Rothwell and nodded to Merton, who had married Miss Dorothea Stern, and to Kenilworth, who had wed Lady Charlotte Carpenter. “Where is Worthington?”
“He’s with his wife and children,” Rothwell grumbled.
“I thought you’d be with your wives as well.” Gerald didn’t understand. Had they all had arguments with their ladies?
“Lady Bellamny’s party for young ladies is this evening,” Kenilworth informed Gerald. “Our wives are there to show support for Lady Lucinda.”
“Gentlemen are not allowed until it is time to fetch our ladies,” Merton added.
“Not exactly correct.” Kenilworth sipped his claret. “We are allowed entrance toward the end of supper.”
Supper? A vague memory concerning Worthington, his wife, and Lady Bellamny came to Gerald. “Is that not where Worthington met his wife?”
“I believe it might have been,” Merton said. “They married shortly thereafter.”
“If you’re all going there, do you mind if I accompany you?” It appeared as if Rothwell was more interested in finding his wife than protecting his sister. Once the gentlemen arrived, Gerald wanted to make sure Lady Lucinda did not meet anyone she should. Naturally, Worthington had not been in any way unsuitable, but one never knew who had a sister coming out.
“Not at all.” Rothwell motioned to a chair. “Have a seat. I’ll tell the servant to order another beefsteak.”