While Lady Ashdon and Mrs. Weatherstone were exchanging pleasantries, the tea was brought in. Lady Ashdon broke off to instruct the servants where to place the cakes and biscuits. "Belle, would you be so good as to pour tea?" she asked, turning her cool, imperious gaze on the younger woman.
"Of course, my lady," said Belle with a smile. At her aunt's long look, she smiled again. She well knew that the proper pouring of tea was the first test of gentility, but she was confident that she could perform the social graces without embarrassing herself or her aunt. Her governess had at least been successful in instilling that much into her.
Lady Ashdon continued to converse with Mrs. Weatherstone while Belle poured the tea. Her ladyship nodded her approval of the younger woman's performance. "Very well done, Miss Weatherstone. You are not made nervous in my presence, or if you are, you hide it very well."
"Thank you, Lady Ashdon," said Belle, feeling laughter bubbling up inside her at the lady's condescending altitude. Nevertheless, she managed to keep a solemn face. It would not do at all to laugh at her ladyship.
Lady Ashdon sipped delicately at her tea, only tasting it before setting down the cup. "Miss Weatherstone, you have undoubtedly wondered why I asked that you and your aunt visit me. I have asked you here because my son, Lord Ashdon, has shown signs of favoring you over some of the other young ladies. In light of this, I wished to get to know you a little better than we might have done at some insipid function."
"You flatter me by your attention, my lady," said Belle briefly, inclining her head in a civil gesture.
Mrs. Weatherstone nodded, her eyes expressing approval for her niece's polite disclaimer. "Indeed, you flatter us both by this kind invitation, my lady."
Lady Ashdon waved aside their thanks as though it was her due. "I know nothing detrimental about your family, my dear ladies, which naturally is all to your credit. In fact, I do believe that I have heard that one of the Weatherstones was quite a scholar in his day. I happen to recall Sir Marcus very well. He was a contemporary of my father's you know."
"Sir Marcus is my father-in-law. He is Belle's guardian and raised her at his estate, providing a very good governess for her," said Mrs. Weatherstone. "It was with his permission that Mr. Weatherstone and I brought our niece to London for the Season."
Lady Ashdon nodded with a thoughtful air. "Very proper, I am sure." She turned to Belle. "How is Sir Marcus, Miss Weatherstone? I apprehend that you are close to him."
"He is well, my lady. I had a letter from my grandfather not so long past," said Belle, wondering at her ladyship's expression of interest. She rather thought Lady Ashdon was simply indulging in civilities, for she could not imagine that her ladyship could actually be interested in a recluse such as her grandfather. Lady Ashdon's world revolved around the
ton,
and Sir Marcus had been gone from London for a number of years.
"I am glad to hear it. Mrs. Weatherstone, you have done admirably well by your duty. I distinctly recall reading a betrothal notice for Miss Weatherstone's sister not long since," said Lady Ashdon. "Is the other Miss Weatherstone marrying well?"
"Cassandra is betrothed to Mr. Philip Raven, who is my father-in-law's godson. He has recently accepted a diplomatic post to Vienna, and they will be leaving England shortly after me wedding," said Mrs. Weatherstone proudly.
"Quite respectable," approved Lady Ashdon.
"Yes, quite," said Belle, a little irritated that her ladyship seemed to feel that her personal blessing was required for the happy couple.
Lady Ashdon turned to stare at her rather haughtily, while Mrs. Weatherstone briefly closed her eyes. Belle met her ladyship's gaze steadily. The tick of the mantel clock was loud in the stretching silence.
Lady Ashdon finally allowed a small smile to touch her thin lips. There was even a gleam of amusement in her cold eyes. "It is my considered opinion that you are a trifle high-spirited yet from youth, Miss Weatherstone—-though that is not a great fault. You will undoubtedly grow beyond it."
Mrs. Weatherstone smiled and agreed, only sending a begging glance in her niece's direction. Belle acknowledged her aunt's concern and decided to mind her manners. She therefore smiled demurely at Lady Ashdon, saying, "I am more flattered than I can say, my lady, by your kind words."
Lady Ashdon inclined her head. She subsequently brought the tea to an end, bestowing her gracious good-byes and two fingers to each of her guests. "Regis shall see you out. I trust that we shall see one another frequently as the Season progresses, Mrs. Weatherstone, Miss Weatherstone."
"Of course," agreed Mrs. Weatherstone.
Belle murmured something polite and followed her aunt out of the drawing room. They were shown out of the town house and handed up by a black-liveried footman into their carnage, which was waiting at the curb.
As the carriage pulled away into the traffic, Belle turned to her aunt. "Well! Her ladyship wasted no time on us, did she? It was fifteen minutes to the dot, and our carriage was at the door. What a very strange interview, Aunt Margaret!"
Mrs. Weatherstone laughed. "Oh, it was not so very strange, Belle. It is as I told you. Lady Ashdon merely wished to take your measure because her son has expressed an interest in you."
Belle blushed at her aunt's cool observation, but she felt some indignation. "I do resent, just a trifle, being inspected like some prime filly on the block."
"If it makes you feel any better, Belle, I believe that you acquitted yourself well. Though I do admit that I was put in a bit of a quake when you made it ever so obvious that her ladyship's approval of Cassandra and Philip's union was superfluous," said Mrs. Weatherstone.
"Which indeed it was," retorted Belle. "However, I do apologize for my quick temper, ma'am. I realized almost at once that I had made a mistake, but there was really no fixing it once I had spoken."
"I am just thankful that Lady Ashdon decided not to take offense," said Mrs. Weatherstone with a sigh. There was a hopeful smile on her face and a far-off look in her eyes. "Oh, Belle, if you were to receive an offer from Lord Ashdon it would be quite wonderful."
"I am beginning to think so, too, ma'am," said Belle quietly.
As the carriage neared the town house, she began daydreaming again about the viscount. He was really quite handsome, and he never bored her when he spoke with her. He was always interested in what she had to say, besides. Belle thought that they were compatible in their tastes and interests as well. They both liked to ride and hunt and had agreed that the country had certain advantages over town. Lord Ashdon would naturally wish to spend each Season in London if he was to step into politics, which would suit her very well since she did like to go to parties and other entertainments.
Belle sat up a little straighter. A disturbing thought had occurred to her. If she were to marry Lord Ashdon, then naturally she would be obligated to play hostess during the Season, and she had not the least notion how to be a good political hostess.
"Aunt Margaret, I think it would be a very good thing if I learned a little bit about how to go about entertaining," said Belle decisively. At her aunt's surprised glance and raised eyebrows, she felt a blush coming to her face. "Miss Bidwell did try to teach me the rudiments, but I fear that I have forgotten most of what she tried to impart to me. Will you lake me in hand, Aunt?"
"Of course I shall, Belle. I will be delighted to do so, in fact," said Mrs. Weatherstone quickly. She reached out to squeeze her niece's hand. "My dearest Belle, you continue to amaze me. I am very proud of you and of what you are becoming."
"Thank you, Aunt," said Belle, truly grateful for her aunt's support. She was determined to learn as much and as quickly as she could, for she did not wish to be a disgrace or a detriment to Lord Ashdon.
A pang of anxiety struck her. That is, if he did indeed talk to her uncle and offer for her hand.
Belle hoped very much that he would. She remembered that Lord Ashdon had remarked that he would be returning to duty in a short time. She hoped not only that she would have an offer from him before he left but that they could be wed so that she could accompany him overseas. It bothered her not a whit that there could not possibly be time for a fine wedding before that embarkation. It would probably be a scrambling affair, but what of it if she were able to achieve her new ambition? Lady Ashdon. How fine that sounded!
Chapter 22
Belle and her sister had spent a companionable afternoon shopping and had returned laughing and laden with packages. As they looked over their purchases upstairs in Cassandra's bedroom, a knock sounded on the door. At being bidden to enter, a maid came in, bearing the look of one with important news. "Beggin’ yer pardon, Miss Belle." She looked uncertainly from one of the ladies to the other.
Understanding the woman's dilemma, Belle chuckled. "That is me."
The maid appeared relieved. "Yes, miss, o' course it is. I was sent by the missus to tell you that his lordship is below-stairs."
Belle started up at once, losing all interest in what she was to wear that evening. "Oh, am I to come down? I shall be there directly."
"No, indeed, miss!" The maid looked appalled. "I was sent to tell you that his lordship is closeted with the mister in his study."
"Belle!" Cassandra caught her sister up in a quick hug before looking at her face. She went into a peal of laughter. "My dear, you look positively dazed."
"Cassandra, he has come to offer for me," whispered Belle, raising her hands to press them against her blushing cheeks.
"Well, of course he has, ninny! It is obvious that Lord Ashdon is in love with you," said Cassandra. She looked around at the maid, who was standing in the doorway and listening with patent interest. "Pray go down and tell my aunt that Miss Belle shall be here in her room awaiting my uncle's summons."
"Yes, miss!" The maid whisked herself off.
"Do you wish me to wait with you?" asked Cassandra.
"Yes-no... oh, Cassandra, I am all shaking inside," exclaimed Belle, throwing out her hands in an appeal for her sister's understanding.
Cassandra smiled, just a little. "I understand perfectly, my dear. You've got a few minutes to compose yourself, I should think, and you will do it better if I leave you alone. I know how self-reliant you are!" She kissed her sister on the cheek and let herself out of the bedroom.
Belle at once rushed over to the cheval glass and anxiously began to take stock of her appearance.
Lord Ashdon's arrival a few minutes earlier had not created much of a stir in the household at first, for it was well known that he was an admirer of Miss Weatherstone's. However, his lordship had asked not for Miss Weatherstone but for Mr. Weatherstone. Instantly, the purpose of his visit was embued with all the import of a royal visit. The news flew from mouth to mouth, eventually resulting in Mrs. Weatherstone's hurried message to her niece.
Lord Ashdon knew nothing of the excitement that spread swiftly through the house. His perceptions were harnessed to a single purpose. Feeling that a sufficient understanding had developed between himself and Miss Belle Weatherstone, he had requested an interview with her uncle.
Mr. Weatherstone received him in a friendly way in his study and urged the viscount to make himself comfortable, coming round his mahogany desk to usher his guest toward the striped wingbacks situated before the warm fireplace.
Lord Ashdon smiled as he sat down opposite the older gentleman. He felt a twinge of nervousness, much as he might have experienced before the dawn of a day's battle. "You may imagine my errand, sir."
Mr. Weatherstone nodded. His eyes were keen with intelligence. "I am unsurprised, my lord. I thought that I could shortly expect a visit from you."
Lord Ashdon nodded, relieved that his announcement had been received with complete civility. He leaned forward and said earnestly, "Mr. Weatherstone, I respect and love your niece, Miss Belle Weatherstone. I have come to ask your permission to solicit her hand in marriage."
Mr. Weatherstone smiled in a kindly fashion. "My dear sir, my permission is granted. Though I am not Belle's guardian, my father, who is, entrusted her to my care. I can assure you already that the pressing of your suit would be acceptable to Sir Marcus."
Lord Ashdon flushed. "That is gratifying, sir. May I request a short audience with Miss Weatherstone so that I may relate what I hope to be good news?"
"Of course, my lord." Mr. Weatherstone stood up, and upon the viscount's standing also, he shook hands with the younger man. "I will show you to the drawing room, where you may wait while I go in search of Belle. Perhaps you would like a glass of brandy."
Lord Ashdon agreed and allowed himself to be ushered into the drawing room, where the impassive butler thoughtfully provided a full decanter and a pair of glasses, before removing himself quietly from the room and leaving the viscount to his own reflections.
Lord Ashdon poured himself a small measure of wine, but before he had done more than swirl the brandy in the glass, his gaze fell on Belle's harp. He set down the wineglass and walked over to the harp, to touch a few of the strings. The discordant sound made him smile, for he was remembering how Miss Weatherstone had made the instrument sing. He trusted that in years to come she would play often for him alone.
The door opened behind him and he swiftly turned. Miss Weatherstone had stepped into the room and was now regarding him with an inquiring and somewhat startled expression. "My lord!"
Lord Ashdon grinned and strode up to her. He took both her unresisting hands. "Miss Weatherstone! I am the most fortunate of men. I have been granted permission to press my suit with you, which I intend to do because you are the loveliest creature that I have ever beheld. Will you consent to become my wife?"
Miss Weatherstone had colored up. "Pray let go of my hands, Lord Ashdon! I have no intention of wedding you, my lord!"
Lord Ashdon was taken aback. Her announcement took him completely by surprise. His fingers tightened on hers. "You do not wish to wed me?"