Her mood of contentment lasted until after dinner that evening. Lord Umber had singled her out all day, making it perfectly clear to the entire company that he found her attractive and charming. His caustic comments made her laugh, and her ability to mimic the most pretentious people of their acquaintance obviously amused him. A becoming blush heightened her lovely features as she acknowledged the envious looks Cousin Milly and a few other ladies threw in her direction.
However, when Lady Louisa suggested a musical interlude, it was Felicia who was asked to play the piano. Within minutes of Felicia’s playing, it was perfectly clear that she was talented. And, when she finished, the entire company broke into spontaneous applause.
It angered Lady Barbara that she was no longer the center of attention, and she snapped her fan closed impatiently.
“Isn’t she marvellous?” Cousin Milly breathed in her ear. “I do not think I have ever heard a better interpretation of Chopin.”
“You have never heard me play,” Lady Barbara responded sharply, oblivious to the fact that Lord Umber was standing directly behind her.
“Unworthy, Lady Barbara,” he murmured good-naturedly, before he moved away.
“But the truth,” she retorted unabashed.
“Barbara!” Cousin Milly exclaimed. “How could you? ’Tis most unseemly to express such emotion.”
The unexpected rebuke from her cousin caused Lady Barbara to frown, but she acknowledged the truth of the words. “You are right as usual, Milly. I will endeavor to mind my tongue in the future.” She glanced across at Lord Umber, who seemed to be deep in conversation with Lord Rowbotham, and the brittle smile faded from her face.
Felicia refused all pleas for an encore, for she was acutely conscious of the fury emanating from Lady Barbara. She wondered if Lord Umber had anything to do with it. As she glanced over to him, she was surprised to see that he was already looking in her direction. She dropped her eyes to the floor in confusion and rose quickly from the piano stool. Suddenly aware of his presence, she wished that she had escaped to the protective side of Lady Louisa earlier. She had managed to avoid him all day, since their confrontation in the rose garden, but now, here he was, bearing down on her with a rakish grin on his handsome face.
“You have been remarkably well taught, Miss Richards,” he said softly. “Quite obviously by a master. Indeed, you have us all in awe of your ability.”
His compliments confused her further. Had he been his usual irritating self, she would have known how to respond.
“Oh nonsense, Lord Umber,” she replied brusquely. “I am sure my playing is no more than adequate. Why, I am certain Lady Barbara is better equipped to give us a real concert.”
“You two should deal famously together, then, for she is of the same mind.”
Felicia flashed him an angry look, but his eyes mocked her, and she held back her retort.
“I assure you she is,” he continued urbanely, “for I heard her say so myself.”
He moved away on these words, leaving her smiling reluctantly. He really is a rogue, she thought, but that would explain the hostility she had felt in the atmosphere. Aware that her conversation had been watched by Lady Barbara, she broadened her smile and made her way to the love seat that lady occupied.
“Lord Umber was telling me how exquisitely you play,” she said smoothly. “I beg that you do us the honor of entertaining us, for it would give me great pleasure to hear some of the tunes I struggle with played by an expert.”
Flattered by such talk, Lady Barbara agreed and made her way to the piano. Felicia settled herself more comfortably on the love seat and thought smugly that Lord Umber had been well served, for now he would have to turn the pages of music for his flirt.
He threw her a glowering look as he complied with Lady Barbara’s request, but failed to notice the mischievous gleam in Felicia’s eye. She enjoyed the discomfort he was displaying.
He could no longer deny the fact to himself, that after a day spent in Lady Barbara’s company her charms were palling and he was beginning to regret the impulse that had caused him to pursue her. She was an empty-headed, vain little puss, who agreed with everything he said. The realization that she bored him came as no real surprise, for it was something that always happened, but what did surprise him was that it happened so quickly. Not that any woman had been able to hold his interest long except for Janie Slagle, but then his relationship with her was entirely different. And now he was beginning to despair that he would ever meet someone whom he could accept as a marriage partner. He knew his mother was worried over his seemingly loose ways, and more than anything he would like to allay her fears. But he simply could not enter a marriage devoid of mutual respect.
He looked down at Lady Barbara and realized that he had not heard a note she had played. He mentally shook himself awake in time to applaud her and then moved away to speak to David Burton.
The next few days passed quickly. He managed to escape any intimate encounters with Lady Barbara but found himself increasingly annoyed by the amused looks he caught Felicia casting in his direction.
Lady Louisa, thankful that her son’s pursuit of Lady Barbara was apparently fading, relaxed and began to enjoy herself and the idea of her upcoming journey to London.
“I can be quite comfortable now,” she said to Felicia. “For it is obvious that Ian is not going to make an offer in
that
direction.”
Felicia agreed with a little laugh, for she was feeling in unusually high spirits. “In sooth, ma’am, I believe you are right. But I fear Lady Barbara had not yet realized it. I declare she is making a proper peagoose of herself. Even Lord Rowbotham noticed that your son’s attitude has changed.”
Lady Louisa tried to look suitably shocked at the idea that Lord Rowbotham would be so forward as to discuss such delicate matters with a woman, but her disapproving “Tut! Tut!” caused Felicia to giggle again.
“He compared her to the fairest rose, ma’am. ‘Perfection,’ he said, ‘like a rose, has to have constant attention, if it is to be maintained. And already I perceive a crack.’”
They both laughed at this.
“I would never have believed Cuthbert to be so observant,” Lady Louisa said and changed the subject hastily as she saw Mr. Burton approaching.
*
That Felicia was enjoying herself in the company was obvious. Both Lord Rowbotham and Mr. Burton were in constant attendance and even Lord Umber did his best to be civil. Felicia did not mistake the attentions of either gentlemen. Lord Rowbotham was happy to find someone who would listen to his latest theories on raising hybrid roses, and Mr. Burton, it seemed, had set himself up as her protector. She might have been perturbed if she had known that Dr. Ross was responsible for this arrangement but, happy in her ignorance, she basked in the unaccustomed friendly atmosphere. Even the haughty demeanor of Lady Barbara failed to puncture her cheerful mood. The only shadow on her enjoyment was the fact that she was still unable to remember much of her past.
A grudging respect was growing between herself and Lord Umber. Lady Louisa had let slip some details of his charity work and when the opportunity arose, Felicia asked Mr. Burton what these
good works
were all about.
“That is something you must ask Ian, yourself, Miss Richards, for he is quite reticent on the subject. The only information I have is privileged.”
Felicia nodded in understanding, but knew she would never have the courage to raise the topic with Lord Umber. The thought that he was more than just a rake was comforting though, and she was able to observe more clearly the small things he did to insure his mother’s comfort and the pride he showed in the good management of his estate.
Even Lady Barbara noticed the newfound harmony between the two antagonists and doubled her efforts to be charming whenever Lord Umber was in her vicinity. That she was not going to bring him up to scratch did not enter her mind until Cousin Milly timidly observed that while Lord Umber was always pleasant, he no longer paid her special court.
“Oh, don’t be so silly, Milly,” Lady Barbara snapped. “He is so busy dancing attendance on his mother, and consulting with his bailiff. He spends as much time as he can with me.”
“I…I saw him laughing with Miss Richards in the rose garden this morning,” Milly stammered. “For a full…twenty minutes
….”
she concluded in an outburst of confidence.
“Pay no heed to that little country mouse, Milly. She had neither the sophistication nor wit to hold the attention of someone so worldly as Lord Umber.”
“But she is pretty,” Milly persisted. “And Lady Louisa quite dotes on her.”
“Enough of your chatter, Cousin, you know so little of such things.”
Milly lapsed into a hurt silence as she wondered when Barbara would face the awful reality that Lord Umber did not care enough to propose. Sighing sadly to herself, she picked up her tatting and continued with her work. She really liked Felicia, but felt somewhat guilty about this and was afraid that Barbara would consider her disloyal. How awkward it was all becoming, and how she wished she was back in the safety of her own home.
Her words, however, caused Lady Barbara to observe Felicia and Lord Umber more closely and, by the time her visit was over, she realized that perhaps Milly was right for once. Somehow, Lord Umber had escaped the intricate web she had woven to ensnare him, and now she would have to try other tactics. Either that, or become the laughing stock of London.
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.”