Twenty-two

Several days later, Elisabeth stood at the head of her hall staircase watching the first of her guests walk toward her. She’d received a flattering number of acceptances to a party coming in the hectic last weeks of the season, and the drawing room would be very full. She knew she looked dashing in a robe of sea-green satin with an overdress of paler green gauze; she wore a set of emeralds which had been part of her uncle’s estate, and Ketchem had dressed her hair in a mass of honey-colored curls.

Beside her stood Lavinia, beaming in a gown of gray lace, and Belinda and the duke, who had joined them for dinner. Tony had hastily excused himself from greeting their guests; he waited in the drawing room.

Belinda was radiant in a gown of palest pink trimmed with lace. She received a great many compliments from her friends and their families as the arrivals filed by, and she was looking very happy.

The Wincannons arrived early, and Derek smiled at Elisabeth and took her hand in a way that made her eyes sparkle. Mr. Jarrett also came in betimes; he made some effort to speak to her at once, but other guests waited behind him on the stairs, and he was forced to move on. Jane Taunton came late, looking rather reluctant, and, nearly the last to arrive, Lady Darnell and all of her daughters swept up the stairs, followed by an uncomfortable Lord Darnell. His mother took Elisabeth’s hand dramatically. “Dear Miss Elham,” she exclaimed.

It was indeed a squeeze, Elisabeth thought somewhat later, as she looked around at the chattering groups that filled the drawing room. There had been no sign as yet of Mr. Aldgate or the duchess, but everyone else she had particularly wanted to see was present. Belinda and the duke were the center of the largest and noisiest knot of people. Elisabeth made her way to them with some difficulty and said quietly to the duke, “Your mother has not come. I hope she is not ill again?”

He seemed surprised. “Oh, no. She means to be here, of course. She was talking of what she would wear when I saw her last. Perhaps she’s been delayed, but I’m sure she’ll come soon.”

Elisabeth nodded. “I’m sure you’re right.” She moved away, greeting her guests once again as she passed through the crowd.

She headed toward the corner of the room, where she saw the Viscountess Larenby talking with some of the other matrons. Elisabeth had seen little of her in the past few weeks, and she wanted to make a point of talking to her this evening. But as she crossed the room, someone caught her arm. Turning in surprise, she found herself facing Mr. Jarrett. She pulled her arm free gently, but firmly, and said, “Good evening.”

Jarrett was dressed very correctly in a dark brown coat and buff pantaloons. But as Elisabeth surveyed him, she felt that, in spite of his dress, something about him was not suited to a London drawing room.

“I’m glad you could come this evening,” she said. “You’ll find some interesting people to talk with, I think. Come, I’ll introduce you to…”

But Jarrett interrupted. “There’s no one else I wish to talk to. I came only to see you.” His tone was intense, and Elisabeth was put off at once. He glanced about the room. “Is there not somewhere we might sit down out of this infernal crush?”

Elisabeth raised her eyebrows. “Is that a way to speak of my social triumph?” she asked. “You will put me out.”

Jarrett made an impatient gesture. “You cannot really care for such fripperies. I have something important to discuss.”

Elisabeth’s eyes began to glitter, a clear warning to anyone who knew her well. “Of course, my party cannot be as important as your wishes. But at this moment, I’m rather engaged in being its hostess.”

He took her arm again. “Please. Elisabeth.” And yet again his eyes met hers with an unsettling intensity.

But she was now thoroughly angry. She pulled away.

“I’m sorry. I must see to my guests.” And she walked away before he could reply.

When she approached the viscountess, that lady had just left the group she’d been chatting with. Elisabeth’s expression was such that the older woman said, “Heavens, what is the matter?”

Elisabeth shook her head. “Mr. Jarrett annoys me so sometimes. He seems unaware of anything but himself.”

“He’s the man you were just talking to? I haven’t met him.”

Elisabeth made a wry face. “I’m not sure you should. He can be very abrasive. I was just thinking to myself that he’s not really a creature of the drawing room at all.”

The viscountess raised her eyebrows and smiled quizzically. “Would you wish any man to be such a creature? For my part, I prefer less smoothness and more character.”

“I suppose I do also,” Elisabeth replied slowly. “But not quite in Mr. Jarrett’s style.”

Lady Larenby smiled again. “I’ll make an opportunity to meet this Jarrett just to see what you mean. You’ve piqued my curiosity.”

Elisabeth was about to reply, when a sudden silence in the room made her turn around instead. Everyone was gazing toward the doorway. Some seemed amused, some shocked, and others simply looked blank. Following their glances, Elisabeth saw Mr. Aldgate. He was dressed tonight in satin and lace of varying shades of lavender, deep purple, and silver. She, too, paused for a moment, her breath taken away by the opulence of this vision, then she hurried forward to greet him.

Mr. Aldgate was scanning the crowd. He seemed amused by their reaction. But when Elisabeth reached him, he took her hand apologetically. “I’m sorry,” he said before she could speak. “I had a particular reason for wishing to wear this costume. But I appear to be creating a minor sensation. You’ll be congratulated on unearthing such an oddity.”

“I hope no one dares to say such a thing to me,” responded Elisabeth indignantly. “No one in the room looks so magnificent.” She wanted very much to ask what his particular reason was, but something in his manner stopped her.

Aldgate was looking around the room. “They do look rather drab, don’t they? I must say I find modern dress a bore. That man Brummell did a great deal of harm.” He turned and looked down at her, smiling. “I’m frightfully out of touch. You must point out the notables to me. I suppose that is the young duke standing with your cousin?”

Elisabeth nodded. “His mother is late, but she promised to come,” she added. Her companion’s expression showed nothing. She began to name other guests, particularly picking out her friends, who could be counted on to receive Mr. Aldgate cordially. When she was nearly done, Ames entered behind them and announced, “The Duchess of Sherbourne.”

Mr. Aldgate and Elisabeth turned at the same time. The duchess was standing in the doorway looking at them. She was wearing a splendid dress of red brocade, cut in the latest mode, with a turban of the same cloth. But Elisabeth thought her skin looked rather pale against the bright color. For a moment, no one moved. Then, the duchess put out a hand as if seeking support, and the other two hurried forward.

Elisabeth took both her hands. “Good evening, ma’am,” she said. “I’m glad to see you. I hope you weren’t delayed by anything of consequence.”

But the duchess didn’t appear to hear her; she was looking fixedly at Mr. Aldgate. “Hello, Judith,” said the latter. “It’s been a long time since we met, but you are as beautiful as ever.”

Elisabeth’s eyes widened slightly, but she said nothing.

The duchess seemed to have trouble speaking; she opened her mouth, shut it again, then finally got out, “Lucius.” Her eyes never left him; their expression was unreadable.

A short silence fell, during which Elisabeth’s curiosity mounted steadily. But she didn’t dare break it.

At last, Mr. Aldgate spoke again, holding out his hand to the duchess. “Well, Judith, you had more to say to me the last time we met. Shall we find a chair and talk over the past a bit?”

The duchess said nothing, but she allowed him to take her arm and lead her to a sofa at the side of the room. Elisabeth was left standing alone in the doorway. Her eyes followed their progress bemusedly.

“What a scene that was,” exclaimed a voice behind her, “quite worthy of the stage.” Lord Darnell had come up when the others walked away.

“Was it not?” answered Elisabeth, turning to him. “But I have found out nothing. It is too vexing.”

He grinned. “If I didn’t know better, I’d swear you arranged the whole. It was prodigious dramatic. The ton will talk of it for days.”

“So long?” replied Elisabeth, laughing. “I have scored a coup indeed.”

Darnell was watching Aldgate and the duchess. “They must have been sweethearts,” he mused.

Elisabeth looked up at him, surprised. “Mr. Aldgate?” she said. “Nonsense.” But as she followed his eyes to the couple on the sofa, her expression became speculative. “Do you really think so?”

He merely made a small gesture toward the sofa.

“It does look like it. How funny. Why will they say nothing about it?”

Lord Darnell smiled. “Obviously, there’s some mystery there. Unrequited love, perhaps?” She looked up quickly, stricken by the implication of this phrase, but he waved aside her concern. “Don’t look so frightened. I shan’t retreat from the world. In fact, I’ve discovered a new heiress.”

Elisabeth’s answering smile was a little uncertain. “Have you? That’s marvelous.”

“You needn’t worry about me. I always come up right. Like a cat, my mother says. You aren’t the first girl to refuse me, you know.” But his gaiety sounded a little false, and they both heard it. He shook his head. “I shouldn’t have come, I see. I thought myself completely recovered, but I realize now that I’m not.”

“Is there not something I can do for you? I could lend you some money perhaps or…”

Lord Darnell’s mouth twisted. “It needed only that,” he said. “Don’t let my mother hear you say such a thing.” In answer to Elisabeth’s distressed look, he continued, “No, no, of course you can’t lend me money. I never repay loans. I’m quite all right, or shall be shortly. But if you will excuse me now.” He bowed to her quickly and strode out of the room.

Elisabeth turned back toward the crowd. She suddenly wanted very much to talk to Derek Wincannon, and she scanned the groups of guests for him. Belinda and the duke remained near the center of the room talking to a circle of young people, including Tony. Jane Taunton was in the far corner, chatting with Mr. Jarrett and Lavinia. Mr. Aldgate and the duchess had drifted over to talk to the Wincannons, Elisabeth saw, but Derek was not there. Finally, she found him, farther down the same side of the room on which she stood. He was alone, and he was looking at her fixedly.

Feeling nothing but relief, Elisabeth started toward him. He greeted her gravely, surveying her flushed face with some reserve. Elisabeth was dismayed to realize that she had nothing specific to say to him, and they stood awkwardly together for a moment. Finally, she blurted, “Did you remember Mr. Aldgate after all?”

“Aldgate? Oh. No, I had no recollection of meeting him. I can’t imagine how I can have forgotten such a striking figure.”

Elisabeth smiled. “You were too angry to observe properly, I would say. You concentrated on raking me down.”

Derek smiled back at her, and it seemed to Elisabeth that the atmosphere between them lightened. “Shall I apologize again?” he asked.

“No, no. But I can’t let you entirely forget your transgressions.”

But Wincannon did not laugh. “Has Lord Darnell gone so early?” he inquired. “It isn’t like him.”

“Yes, that is, I believe so,” faltered Elisabeth. “He did not say, or…yes.” This sounded foolish in her own ears.

Derek was watching her closely. “Darnell is a very engaging fellow. I’ve heard him held up as a model for young men aspiring to fashion. He’s very popular with the feminine half of society.”

With a sudden suspicion, Elisabeth looked up at him. “Is he?” she replied lightly. “That’s not surprising. He is very amusing. He was telling me only now about his search for a suitable heiress.”

Her companion glanced at her sharply. “Indeed?”

Elisabeth nodded. “Yes. Do you know of anyone? I should so like to see him creditably settled. I like him.”

A smile awoke in Derek’s eyes, though his expression remained bland. “I’ll have to think,” he answered. “It’s not a subject I have considered.”

“No, and why should you? You are very rich, I think. But it is not so easy for others to get on, you know.”

Now he laughed. “I begin to realize.”

They exchanged a warm smile, and Elisabeth took a deep breath. She started to ask him what he thought of the duchess’s behavior when they were joined by Portia Darnell, very eager to meet Derek. Elisabeth introduced her, and from then on, there was little opportunity for the older members of the trio to speak.

Portia gazed up at Derek with wide green eyes. “My brother has told me so much of you,” she breathed. “He admires you excessively, you know.”

“Does he?” replied Derek dryly. “How odd that I have never seen any signs of it.”

“Oh, he wouldn’t say so to you. But men sometimes tell their sisters things.”

“Do they?”

Portia nodded. “And I believe it is so important. I think a woman’s chief duty is to listen. Do you not agree?”

Derek cocked a mocking eyebrow at Elisabeth. “No, not at all.”

Portia was all interest. “Pray, what do you choose, then?” She gazed at Wincannon breathlessly.

Elisabeth was finding this exchange annoying and more than a little stupid. “I should say that a woman’s chief duty is to do what’s right,” she put in sharply, “as is a man’s.” Her eyes snapped alarmingly.

Derek seemed amused. “Indeed?”

“What do you think, Mr. Wincannon?” asked Portia again.

“I decline to enter the lists. It’s too dangerous a question for me.” He smiled at Elisabeth.

“Coward,” she murmured.

He bowed his head very slightly, but Portia said, “Oh, no, how can you say so? I think Mr. Wincannon is the wisest man I ever met.”

Elisabeth’s look was quelling, but before she could reply, Derek said, “Ah, I think I see your mother beckoning you, Miss Darnell.”

Portia looked annoyed. “Mother?” she echoed, turning to look across the room. “Oh, I do not think…”

“Yes, indeed.” Derek said, “I saw her unmistakably.”

“Oh.” The girl shifted uneasily. “I suppose I must see what she wants.”

“I think you should,” he said.

Shrugging her shoulders, Portia walked away.

“What a silly girl,” exclaimed Elisabeth when she was gone. “I’m sorry I invited her.”

“She’s very young,” responded Wincannon with a twinkle in his eye. “I daresay she’ll improve.”

“I doubt it. What insufferable twaddle! The wisest man she ever met indeed.”

“Am I not the wisest man you ever met, Miss Elham?” asked Derek teasingly.

Elisabeth flushed. “No, you are not.”

“Alas.”

“Well, if that is the sort of talk you wish to hear,” began Elisabeth indignantly.

But he stopped her. “It is not,” he said positively, “not at all.” He looked directly into her eyes, a distinct message in his own.

Elisabeth’s flush deepened.

At that moment, Lavinia came up to them. “I am sorry to interlope, Elisabeth,” she said, “but I need to speak to you.”

Elisabeth could not decide whether she was irritated or relieved as she excused herself to go with Lavinia. But Derek was very satisfied with their conversation. As he watched her walk away, a smile played about his lips. He’d learned what he wished to know, he thought.

When the two cousins were alone, Lavinia said. “It’s Judith. She is just not herself. I don’t understand it at all. I wish you will come and speak to her.”

Frowning a little, Elisabeth complied. She found the duchess sitting on a sofa on the other side of the room; she was alone.

Sitting beside her, Elisabeth said, “Are you having a pleasant evening, ma’am? I’ve scarcely seen you.”

For a moment, it seemed the duchess hadn’t heard her, but then she looked up and favored Elisabeth with an exceedingly sharp glance. “You don’t fool me, young woman,” she said. “Lavinia sent you to me to discover whether I’m all right.” She sniffed. “As if one cannot sit alone for a moment.”

Much heartened by this characteristic response, Elisabeth smiled. “Perhaps she did. She cares very much about you, you see.”

The duchess’s expression softened. “I know. And an evening party is not the place to sit and think. You’re right. But I have a deal to think about; I’ve had a most unusual evening.”

“Seeing an old friend again,” prompted Elisabeth.

“Indeed.” The older woman’s eyes twinkled wickedly. “Don’t think I don’t know that you’re consumed with curiosity about me and Lucius Aldgate. Nor are you the only one, of course. But I shan’t tell you—not now, at any rate.”

“I don’t mean to pry into your private affairs,” answered Elisabeth.

“Oh, no, no one ever means to pry, or to be caught spying about, I should say not.” Seeing Elisabeth’s expression, she said, “Oh, I don’t refer to you, girl. Don’t draw yourself up so.” She smiled a little. “If I tell anyone besides my son, it shall be you, Elisabeth. You are the closest thing to Belinda’s guardian, after all.”

Puzzled, Elisabeth said nothing.

The duchess rose. “But not now. I have not got it all straight in my mind. I must speak to some of your guests.” And with these cryptic remarks, she was gone.

During the rest of the evening Elisabeth had no further chance for private conversation with the duchess, or indeed with any of her friends. She sat for a few moments with Lady Darnell, who had settled herself gracefully on a sofa in the corner. Her youngest daughter she kept beside her, but Aurelia and Portia were sent ranging through the crowd. Elisabeth watched with nettled amusement a scene Lady Darnell enacted several times. One of her older daughters returned to her escorted by a young man. The careful mother evaluated him with one glance and with a flick of her eyelid let the girl know whether he was suitable or out of the question. Elisabeth saw three young men expertly disconnected from the Darnell girls after their test; they were gentlemen of moderate means. However, Portia finally captured a very wealthy man, and though he was five and forty and quite fat, he received every attention from the three women. Augusta, in her first venture out of the schoolroom, found little to do but stare.

As Elisabeth got up to see to some of her other guests, Lady Darnell seemed to recall something. “By the by, my dear,” she said in her usual languishing accents, “wherever has James gone? You were speaking to him, weren’t you? I haven’t seen him for nearly an hour.”

“He said something about taking his leave, I think,” answered Elisabeth carefully. She had no wish to expose herself or Lord Darnell to his mother’s penetrating questions. “Perhaps he had another engagement. There are so many evening parties these days; it wouldn’t be wonderful if he had gone on to another.”

“Nonsense,” replied Lady Darnell very positively. “He would do no such thing. Have the two of you quarreled? James did not seem himself tonight. And last week, when I wished to send the girls to visit you, he positively forbade me.”

“Of course not,” said Elisabeth lightly. “Why should we?”

Lady Darnell did not appear convinced. She stared at Elisabeth. “You mustn’t mind James, you know, when he gets into one of his moods. He can fly up into the boughs in a moment, but it is over as fast.” Her voice was commanding. Elisabeth felt a bit uncomfortable, but she had no intention of revealing the truth to Lady Darnell. She nodded pleasantly and started away.

“Don’t be angry,” Lady Darnell called after her, and Elisabeth increased her pace.

The rest of the evening passed swiftly. It was not long before the first of the guests came to bid Elisabeth good night, and soon, few were left. Derek Wincannon was among the last to go, and he paused to chat with her for a moment. He complimented her on the success of her party.

Elisabeth smiled. “Thank you. I’m only glad it is over.”

Raising his eyebrows, he returned her smile. “Why?”

“It’s such work playing hostess. I much prefer attending other people’s parties to giving my own, I find.”

He laughed. “Well, now you can do so with a clear conscience. You have performed your part with grace.”

Elisabeth sighed. “How can you say so? Belinda’s wedding is only three weeks away. I have just begun my work.”

“Ah. You are very busy these days, aren’t you?”

Elisabeth nodded. “We all are. You can’t know how I look forward to the day when it’s all over and we leave for Willowmere.”

He smiled again. “I can understand that feeling. I also look forward to going to the country. I prefer it.”

“Do you? I’m not so sure. I enjoy town life too much.”

“Ah, but you haven’t spent time at Willowmere yet. I think you’ll find the neighborhood very pleasant. We’re pleased to see you added to it, at any rate.”

Elisabeth colored very slightly. “You are very kind.”

He looked into her eyes. “Not at all. It is the truth. I, for one, shall find the country doubly pleasant now.” He emphasized the final word.