Читать книгу A Most Unsuitable Bride - Gail Whitiker, Gail Whitiker - Страница 9

I t was an evening of surprises for Diana: the first, that Mrs Townley had not invited half of London to her fashionable soirée, and the second, that the Amanda she remembered no longer existed.

Diana could hardly believe that the elegant young lady standing in the receiving line had once truly been her best friend. Where was the awkward girl she remembered? The one who had constantly bemoaned the fact that her hair was frizzy and unmanageable, and that she wasn’t as tall or as graceful as her friends. The elegant young woman in the exquisite white gown bore absolutely no resemblance to that painfully shy, stammering girl. No wonder her aunt had said she would be surprised, Diana reflected.

‘Diana!’ Amanda cried as Diana drew to a halt in front of her. ‘Oh, Diana, I am so very pleased to see you again!’

‘And I am delighted to see you!’ Diana said, returning the girl’s enthusiastic greeting. ‘But I can scarce believe the change in you. You look beautiful!’

Amanda laughed, and the sound was bell-like and enchanting. ‘Yes, is it not astonishing? I stayed with Aunt Hester over the winter and she took my transformation to heart. Mama could not believe how much I had changed by the time I returned home.’

Diana shook her head. ‘In truth, I can scarce believe it myself. But I am happy for you, Amanda, and thrilled with your news. You will be the most beautiful of brides.’

‘And the happiest, for I am marrying the very kindest of men. Diana, allow me to present to you my fiancé, Lord Eastcliffe,’ Amanda said, turning to smile at the handsome gentleman standing next to her.

Diana duly acknowledged the introduction, pleased that Lord Eastcliffe showed no signs of reluctance at meeting her. She knew little about him, other than that he was a pleasant, studious gentleman who enjoyed collecting Greek antiquities. Indeed, some people joked that he was unlikely to notice a woman from his own time when he was so busy studying those of another.

Diana had originally been concerned that he might not give Amanda the attention she deserved, but, when she saw the warmth in his eyes as he smiled at her, she knew her fears were unfounded.

‘We have much to talk about,’ Amanda whispered as Diana and Phoebe went to move on. ‘Promise we shall have some time together this evening.’

‘Of course, but if we do not, I shall be sure to come and visit you again.’

Amanda’s eyes brightened. ‘Oh, yes, I should like that very much!’

The girls exchanged a few more words, and then Diana and Phoebe moved on to join their aunt, who was already talking to a couple neither of the girls knew. They were soon introduced, however, and the first half-hour or so passed in pleasant conversation. Phoebe eventually went off with a cluster of younger girls, and Diana herself made the acquaintance of several amiable people, none of whom looked at her with the censure she had been expecting.

‘Oh, look, there is Lady Aldsworth,’ Mrs Mitchell said, spying a tall, black-haired woman who had just come in. ‘I must have a word with her. Do you mind if I leave you for a moment, Diana?’

‘Of course not. I shall be fine on my own.’

As it turned out, however, she wasn’t alone long. Only moments after her aunt stepped away, Diana turned to find Amanda at her side. ‘Now, we shall have our few minutes alone,’ the girl said with evident satisfaction.

Surprised that she had time so early in the evening, Diana said, ‘Are you sure you dare? There are many people anxious to wish you well on your betrothal.’

‘Yes, but they can hold their good tidings for a few minutes. Right now, I want to spend time with you.’ Amanda reached for Diana’s hands and held them tightly in her own. ‘I truly am so pleased to see you back in town, Diana. When your aunt told me you were coming, I could scarce contain my excitement. But it must seem strange being back after spending so much time away.’

Diana knew what Amanda was referring to, but she only smiled. ‘It is better than I expected. This is only my first outing, of course, but I’m feeling more at ease than I’d thought to, and Phoebe is having a wonderful time, which is my main reason for being here.’

Amanda looked at her quizzically. ‘What do you mean? Are you not here looking for a husband?’

‘Certainly not. I am here to act as Phoebe’s companion, and to make sure she has a wonderful time. And, of course, to help her find a husband.’

‘But what about your future?’

Diana laughed softly. ‘I am mistress of Narbeth Hall, and actively engaged in caring for my garden and my flowers, along with my two cats, three rabbits, and a very rambunctious puppy. But never mind my life, tell me all that has been happening in yours!’ Diana said, purposely switching the subject. ‘I leave behind a fragile duckling, and come back to find a beautiful swan, engaged to marry the Earl of Eastcliffe, no less.’

Amanda giggled, and in doing so, became the ingenuous girl Diana remembered. ‘Astonishing, is it not? Especially given the way I used to look.’

‘Nonsense. You make it sound as though you were a dowd, and we both know that was never the case.’

‘No, but I was not, as Aunt Hester said, “a lady whom the gentlemen were lining up to meet.” Fortunately, she taught me how to improve in so many areas, and I will always be grateful to her for that. I don’t think Mama ever dreamed I would attract the attention of someone like John.’

‘So you are happy about your upcoming marriage?’ Diana asked.

‘I am more than happy, Diana. I have been fortunate enough to find a man who loves me, and whom I love so very much in return.’

‘Then you are truly blessed.’

‘Yes, I believe I am,’ Amanda said, her happiness shining through. ‘John is always bringing me little gifts, or sending me posies. He even wrote a poem to me once, though he made me promise not to show it to anyone.’

‘Really.’ Diana had difficulty imagining the pedantic Earl of Eastcliffe sitting down to pen romantic prose. ‘And have you?’

‘I confess, I was tempted to when I heard people constantly remarking on how serious he seems, but I have abided by his wishes and I suppose it is for the best. It was a rather sentimental piece.’

The delicate blush on her friend’s cheeks convinced Diana there must be hidden depths to Lord Eastcliffe, and that it was probably best not to delve any further into the content of the letter. ‘Well, I am very happy that you have found someone who makes you so happy, Amanda. You deserve the best of husbands. And as the Countess of Eastcliffe, you will certainly have access to all the best houses.’

‘Yes, though I confess, the thought of moving in the uppermost levels of society is somewhat daunting.’

‘I don’t know why. Looking the way you do, you can hold your head up in any crowd.’

‘Dearest Diana, you always did say the kindest things,’ Amanda said sincerely. ‘And that is only one of the reasons I have missed you so much.’ Her smile faltered. ‘I have missed you. You know that, don’t you?’

Diana sighed. ‘I wanted to think you did, but I didn’t know when your letters stopped coming. I thought perhaps your mother had discouraged you from writing because of what happened.’

‘Oh, no, it wasn’t like that at all! In fact, I wanted to write because there was something I desperately wanted to tell you. But I didn’t know how to say it and, then, as time went by—yes, Parker?’ Amanda said as the butler arrived in front of her.

‘Pardon the interruption, miss, but Lord and Lady Jenkins have arrived.’

‘Oh, yes, of course, and I must go and welcome them.’ Amanda smiled an apology at Diana. ‘They are relations of John’s, come all the way from Yorkshire to meet me. You will forgive me for leaving you?’

‘Of course.’ Diana gave the girl her most reassuring smile. ‘I told you, you shouldn’t be neglecting your guests this evening.’

Amanda’s face reflected her relief. ‘I knew you would understand. But I shall come back, and we will pick up where we left off. There is much I would tell you, Diana!’

She swept away in a rustle of skirts, and, watching her go, Diana felt a momentary pang of disappointment. She was sure that Amanda had been about to tell her something of importance, but she could hardly expect her to ignore her guests so that she might share confidences with an old girlfriend.

Suppressing a sigh, Diana rose and glanced around the room for her aunt. She didn’t find her, but she did find—or was found by—Phoebe, who was looking decidedly flushed and not a little breathless.

‘Phoebe, whatever is the matter? You look quite disconcerted.’

‘That is because I am disconcerted,’ Phoebe said, pressing a hand to her heart. ‘A gentleman has been smiling at me and I am quite at a loss to know what to do about it.’

‘You could smile back at him.’

‘Oh, no! I couldn’t, because he is truly the most handsome gentleman I have ever seen! And I know that if he comes to speak with me, I shall make a complete fool of myself!’

Suddenly feeling very much older and wiser, Diana said, ‘He won’t speak to you without an introduction, Phoebe. And if he does speak to you, you shall certainly not make a fool of yourself.’ She glanced around the room, looking for the source of Phoebe’s agitation. ‘To which gentleman do you refer?’

‘The tall one in the scarlet uniform,’ Phoebe said, not looking at him. ‘There, by the wall.’

Diana glanced across the floor and finally located the source of Phoebe’s consternation, a handsome young officer, who nevertheless had a most friendly and engaging air. ‘I don’t know who he is, but I’m sure Aunt Isabel will,’ Diana said, looking around for the older woman.

Fortunately, Mrs Mitchell chose that moment to return, seemingly intent on having a tête-à-tête with Diana. ‘My dear, I really must have a word with you.’

‘Of course, Aunt, but first, who is that nice looking gentleman standing by the étagère?’

‘Hmm?’ Mrs Mitchell turned in that direction. ‘Why, bless my soul, it’s Nicolas Wetherby. Lord Mowbrey’s son. A younger son, I’m afraid, but blessed with the same charm and good looks as his father and older brother. I nearly didn’t recognise him now that he’s grown into a man.’

‘Apparently, he has been smiling at Phoebe,’ Diana whispered.

‘Has he indeed?’ Mrs Mitchell glanced at her still-blushing niece, and raised one eyebrow. ‘Perhaps I should see to an introduction. Then I must come back and speak to you.’

‘Why? Is something wrong?’ Diana said, hearing the concern in her aunt’s voice.

‘Not exactly wrong, but it’s something you won’t be pleased about. Come along, Phoebe,’ Mrs Mitchell said in a brisk voice. ‘Let us make you acquainted with this handsome gentleman and see what comes of it.’

In the wake of their departure, Diana nibbled on her bottom lip. What was her aunt so anxious to tell her? If it wasn’t something bad, why would she be disturbed at hearing it?

The sound of new arrivals had Diana glancing towards the door. But when she saw who it was, apprehension welled in her throat, making it difficult for her to breathe.

Edward! He’d entered the room in the company of two ladies—one of whom looked to be around Phoebe’s age, while the other looked a few years older than Diana—and a gentleman Diana assumed to be the older lady’s husband. As they moved through the receiving line, it was obvious that they were well known. Laughter flowed easily, and both Amanda and her fiancé looked relaxed and at ease in their company.

Diana wished she could say the same.

‘Diana, what are you doing?’ Mrs Mitchell said, suddenly reappearing at her side. ‘If I didn’t know better, I would swear you were trying to disappear behind that Chinese screen.’

‘That is exactly what I am trying to do,’ Diana whispered. ‘Look there. Lord Garthdale has arrived.’

‘He has, indeed?’ Mrs Mitchell turned in time to see the family move into the room. ‘Well, so he has, and in the company of his family.’

‘All of them?’

‘Yes, the younger girl is his sister, Lady Ellen. The older one is Barbara, now Lady Black. And that is her husband, Sir Lionel. The Dowager Lady Garthdale is, of course, absent.’

The note of impatience in her aunt’s voice caught Diana by surprise. ‘You sound as though you do not care for Lady Garthdale, Aunt.’

‘In truth, I do not. The woman has become something of a pariah since her husband’s death, and has managed to alienate most of her family and nearly all of her friends. But that, my dear, is what I wished to speak to you about.’

Diana’s dark brows drew together. ‘Lady Garthdale?’

‘No, her daughter, Lady Ellen.’ Mrs Mitchell stepped around Diana so that she, too, was partially hidden behind the screen. ‘Mrs Townley told me there was something you should know. She told me because she thought it would be easier if I told you, rather than letting you hear it from someone else.’

‘Why? What did she tell you?’

‘That it seems news of another engagement is soon to be made public.’

‘What? Tonight?’

‘I doubt it will be tonight, but it will be soon.’

‘But an engagement is good news. Isn’t it?’

Mrs Mitchell looked around to make sure that no one was listening, and then leaned in to whisper, ‘That depends on the parties involved. It seems that Lady Ellen has just accepted an offer of marriage.’

‘How delightful. I’m sure her family must be pleased. But why did Mrs Townley feel that you needed to—’ Diana broke off, gasping. ‘Oh, no, Aunt. Please don’t tell me what I think you’re about to—’

‘I’m afraid I must, my dear,’ Mrs Mitchell said in the most regretful of tones. ‘As lamentable as it is, it seems the gentleman Lady Ellen has agreed to marry is none other than Lord Durling!’

It was the last thing Diana expected—or wanted—to hear. ‘Are you sure?’

‘I have no reason to doubt it. Mrs Townley has several reliable sources upon which to draw. Apparently, Lord Durling has been courting Lady Ellen for some time.’

Diana glanced with shock and dismay at the girl standing next to Edward, trying to imagine her married to a man like Lord Durling. She was lovely, to be sure, but she was like a china doll, all porcelain skin and flaxen ringlets. And young. So terribly, terribly young.

‘She can scarce know what she is about,’ Diana murmured. ‘Or what he is.’

‘If she loves him, she won’t care what he’s about,’ Mrs Mitchell said drily. ‘Only that he is handsome, charming, and anxious to marry her!’

‘As I was once,’ Diana admitted. ‘But then, Lord Durling can be a very charming and persuasive man.’

‘So could Henry VIII, but look where it got most of his wives,’ Mrs Mitchell muttered. Brows furrowed, she watched the family move around the room. ‘You don’t think it’s possible that Lord Durling has changed, do you, Diana? Perhaps he has mended his ways. After all, if he was in any way affected by what happened four years ago—’

‘I don’t know that a man whose nature tends to violence can change, Aunt, no matter how much time he is given,’ Diana said. ‘But I am curious to know why he hasn’t married before now. Surely there was no reason for him to have remained single all this time.’

‘I really can’t say. He did withdraw from society for some months after you left London,’ her aunt said, ‘but I am sure that was more as a result of his feeling compelled to do so, rather than out of any deep-rooted feelings of guilt. He was the jilted suitor, after all, and it behoved him to show some signs of remorse, whether he felt any or not.’

Diana had no doubt that any remorse Lord Durling had shown was entirely for the benefit of others. ‘Has he been seen keeping company with anyone else?’

‘There were a few ladies,’ Mrs Mitchell said, ‘but none with whom he seemed serious. Until now.’

In a decidedly subdued mood, Diana watched Edward and his family move around the room. She couldn’t deny that she was deeply troubled by the thought of Lady Ellen Thurlow marrying Lord Durling, but what could be done about it? She certainly couldn’t say anything to Edward. She hardly knew him well enough to comment on his family’s activities, even in the guise of Jenny. And he wouldn’t welcome remarks from Diana Hepworth—a woman who was known to carry a grudge against Lord Durling. On the other hand, how could she just leave the child to her fate, allowing her to be swept into a marriage that could prove not only unhappy, but potentially destructive?

As for herself, she was facing a dilemma of her own. What was she to do about Edward? Diana knew it was quite likely she would be introduced to him. He was obviously a good friend of the Townleys, and Diana had a feeling that Amanda would try to effect an introduction, seeing him as an eligible man, and her as a single lady. Did she want that to happen?

‘Aunt Isabel, there is something I must tell you,’ Diana whispered, aware that her head was starting to spin. ‘Remember I told you that I met Lord Garthdale in the park?’

‘Of course, dear. I am not likely to forget something like that.’

‘Well, as it happens, I have seen him on…two more occasions since.’

‘You have? And you did not tell me? Where? And when?’

‘I would rather not go into detail, but it is imperative that he not recognise me as that lady.’

‘But you just said the two of you met in the park.’

‘Yes, but I was heavily veiled, and my voice was unrecognisable as a result of the cold,’ Diana explained quickly. ‘Nor did I give him my full name. I told him he could address me as Jenny.’

‘Jenny?’ Mrs Mitchell’s look of surprise changed to one of confusion. ‘You gave him your middle name? Diana, what on earth is all this about?’

‘I promise I shall explain as soon as we are alone, Aunt, but please understand why, if an introduction is made between Lord Garthdale and myself tonight, I must behave as though I am meeting him for the first time!’

Her aunt’s eyes narrowed. ‘I don’t like this, Diana. I’ve never known you to indulge in subterfuge before.’

‘I know, and it’s too late to undo what I’ve already done. I can only say that I did what I did without stopping to fully consider the consequences.’

‘So it would appear. I know you too well to doubt your integrity, but I can’t help but feel that you have set yourself a very difficult task by pretending to be two people.’ Mrs Mitchell cast a furtive glance in the direction of the gentleman. ‘Well, do you wish me to effect an introduction for you to Lord Garthdale as Diana Hepworth?’