Julia Justiss (13 page)

“Sometimes we are too indulgent of those whom we fancy. Mama has always warned me to guard against it, especially with children. You’ve been out in Society too little yet to know, Miss Lambarth, but what appears to be a harmless indulgence within one’s family can be interpreted by larger Society as encouraging the inappropriate.”

Helena’s smile faded. Although she’d tried to overlook the subtle criticism of Miss Standish’s first remarks, she could not ignore this further gibe, not only concerning her taste, but Aunt Lillian’s judgment, as well.

“And ’tis such an unusual color!” Miss Standish continued. “I suppose it becomes you better than the white or pale shades normally thought suitable for a young lady embarking upon her first Season.”

Helena gazed at Miss Standish, her eyes narrowing. Darnell was in the corner conversing with Mr. Dixon, but all the other guests were lingering by the tea table, listening to their exchange. Though Helena cared not at all what Society thought of her, she was incensed by
the indirect criticism of the aunt who’d lovingly accepted an ill-bred orphan into her home and heart.

Knowing that returning the first sharp reply that sprang to her lips would probably increase the breathless interest with which their audience was following the conversation, she bit back her observation that ’twas fortunate that Miss Standish was beyond her first few Seasons, since pales would not become her, either. “I do prefer colors,” she said instead.

“At least you are out of black, which is such a difficult color to wear. It has been a year since your father’s death, I assume?”

At the mention of her father, the last shreds of Helena’s good will evaporated. “Miss Standish, I chose this color and material because the weave of the silk pleased me. And though it has not been a year since my father’s death, I would never be so hypocritical as to wear mourning for him.”

“Oh!” Miss Standish exclaimed, appearing to be taken aback. “How very…outspoken you are, Miss Lambarth! I suppose, having lived all your life in the country, you are not yet familiar with London customs. I beg you will not repeat that remark in any less intimate a family group than this, for such blatant lack of respect for your late parent would be considered most improper.”

“Miss Standish, do take your tea,” Aunt Lillian said nervously, holding out a cup. “I fear it is growing cold.”

With a satisfied smile, Adam’s fiancée accepted the tea and moved away. Still seething, Helena resumed serving the rest of the company.

Perhaps she’d better begin looking for new lodgings immediately, since she most certainly wished to be established elsewhere before Adam Darnell brought home
this
bride. If the new Lady Darnell were going to be as unpleasant to Aunt Lillian and Charis as she’d just been to Helena, she would urge both ladies to depart with her.

When she looked up again a moment later, Bennett Dixon was watching her. “’Tis a task that requires a good deal of concentration, isn’t it?”

“Certainly for one with as little practice as I,” she flashed back.

He grinned at her, as if he were amused by her sharpness. “I don’t know how you ladies manage it. When I serve punch at Christmas, I spill it all over the cup. Lady Darnell, would you be so kind as to release your charming assistant? I’ve been wanting all through dinner to converse with her.”

Lady Darnell, who’d been looking distressed since the interchange with Miss Standish, brightened. “Of course. Helena, did I not tell you Bennett was eager to meet you?”

Just then Francis Standish walked up and Helena suppressed a moue of distaste. Bennett Dixon’s easy, casual elegance appealed to her far more than Standish’s overly fussy appearance and pompous air of self-importance.

“Ho, Dix, ’tis not fair to steal away the debutante of the evening, whom I, too, long to engage in some small chat.”

Before Helena could point out that Charis was the
debutante and his cousin the dinner’s honoree, Mr. Dixon replied, “You’ll soon be part of the family, Standish, able to run tame in the house whenever you wish. We not so lucky fellows must seize such opportunities we can. Miss Lambarth?” Grasping her elbow, he pulled her away.

As soon as they were out of earshot, Helena murmured, “Though I thank you for the rescue, ’twas rather managing.”

“Excuse me if I’ve offended you!” He grinned again and sighed lustily. “But I fear you are correct. I expect it stems from too many years in the army.”

“You served with Darnell, Aunt Lillian told me. Where were you posted?”

“We saw action through most of the Peninsular war, then at Waterloo.” He paused, a shadow passing over his face. “’Twas often a bloody business, which I’m sure Miss Standish would pronounce not a proper topic for a lady’s drawing room. But at times I still miss the camaraderie of the unit and the sense that one was engaged in a business more important than oneself. And the uniform, of course, which the ladies found very dashing.”

She laughed, as she was sure he meant her to. “You were in the hussars, were you not? You must know horses, then. Now that my aunt will be permitting me to go about, I wish to purchase horses and perhaps a carriage.”

“Do you drive?”

“Nothing but a pony trap, and not for many years. I may have to learn all over again. But I can begin riding again as soon as I can obtain a suitable mount.”

“Tattersalls would be the best place here in the city to look for one. Should you like me to make inquiries?”

“I should be much obliged! Or…is that something I shouldn’t ask you to do, even though you are a very old friend of the family?” She smiled ruefully. “I expect Darnell has warned you I grew up with little supervision. Lady Darnell has been doing her best to rectify my faults, but there are so many rules! I could ask Darnell to assist me, but I imagine he shall be fully occupied dancing attendance on his fiancée and her family.”

“Poor Adam,” Mr. Dixon murmured.

Helena was surprised into a chuckle. “How very unchivalrous, Mr. Dixon!”

Coloring a bit, he returned, “You must allow her mama to be a bit…overwhelming. I much prefer present company.”

“You are quite the gallant, sir! But—would it be acceptable for you to look into acquiring horses for me?”

“Quite acceptable,” he confirmed.

“And you would not consider it an imposition? Please do tell me if it is, for I’ve procured an excellent map of London and am sure I could find the place myself.”

“No imposition at all. I go to most of the auctions anyway, which, I’m afraid, are not attended by ladies.”

“Then however is one to—” Stopping herself before she voiced her opinion of the idiocy of that stricture, Helena continued, “Thank you for the warning. I shall need all I can get, if I am to avoid falling into behavior that might reflect badly upon poor Aunt Lillian.” She cast a bitter glance across the room at Miss Standish.

Following the direction of her look, Mr. Dixon squeezed the hand that rested on his arm. “I hope to become
your
good friend, as I am Adam’s.”

“I should like that,” Helena replied, smiling. Mr. Dixon was a man, of course, and therefore suspect, but it appeared he might make an amusing companion. His engaging manners and easy friendliness were particularly appealing after Miss Standish’s enmity.

“With Darnell occupied elsewhere, it would be most helpful to have a trusted gentleman’s advice on matters of propriety and fashion.” Since it would be better not to approach Darnell himself, she thought, recalling the peculiar sensations they seemed to evoke in each other.

Mr. Dixon bowed. “I would be delighted to offer you a masculine perspective on whatever matter you wish to discuss. Shall we begin immediately? Drive with me in the park tomorrow and I can show you the types of vehicles available while you point out the horses you prefer.”

“If Aunt Lillian agrees, I would be delighted.”

At that moment, smiling in approbation, Aunt Lillian called to them. “Helena, dear, Miss Standish and her family are departing. Come help me bid them goodbye.”

As a member of the family.
Helena understood at once the significance of the gesture and a pang of bittersweet affection pierced her chest. Aunt Lillian might not have the biting wit to engage Miss Standish in verbal combat, but she intended by her actions to show Adam’s betrothed that she fully embraced her unorthodox niece.

“Shall we set a time for the drive?” Mr. Dixon asked, interrupting her reflections. After settling the matter, he bowed. “’Twas my very great pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Lambarth. Until tomorrow.”

He bent over her hand. Beyond his lowered head Helena saw Darnell, fiancée on his arm, staring as Mr. Dixon saluted her fingers. A disapproving frown creased his brow.

A look sizzled between them. Turning away, Helena shrugged off the sensation. Darnell could hardly object to the attentions paid her by his good friend. And despite the intensity of their reaction to each other, his breeding impulses must now be focused on Miss Standish.

Somehow Helena could not help feeling that would be a very great waste.

T
HE FOLLOWING DAY
at nuncheon Aunt Lillian announced they would begin the round of social calls necessary for Helena’s introduction to Society. First on the list was Aunt Lillian’s old friend and Society leader, Lady Jersey.

While Lady Darnell retired to ready herself for the excursion, Charis asked Helena to stay with her for a few minutes in her sitting room.

“We’ve not had a chance to chat since dinner last night. What did you think of Miss Standish?” Charis asked after they’d seated themselves before the hearth.

Not knowing how Charis felt about her brother’s fiancée, Helena answered carefully, “I found her attractive and very…self-assured.”

Charis sniffed. “Indeed! Adam said Miss Standish used to be a lively child. If she was, I can’t help thinking she has grown rather stodgy. And she seems always so…measuring, as if she is constantly assessing my actions and finding them wanting. And I thought it most unkind of her to call attention to the fact that you do not wear mourning, which anyone who knows what transpired with your father would perfectly understand,
but which might well be thought improper by those who do not.”

Helena smiled wryly. “I don’t think Miss Standish likes me very much.”

Charis tossed her head. “I expect not. You are just as rich as she is, and much more beautiful.”

“Me?” Helena shook her head dismissively. “With her blond hair and light eyes, I thought Miss Standish very lovely. And dear as you are to claim so, no
disinterested
observer would ever call me beautiful.”

“Perhaps not in the conventional sense,” Charis admitted. “You possess something more—a sort of intensity that makes you seem so…alive, it is almost as if you are in motion even when you are sitting still.”

Helena laughed out loud. “What a fanciful notion!”

Charis chuckled. “Fanciful perhaps, but ’tis true. Gentlemen certainly notice it! Last night they could scarcely take their eyes from you.” She paused, gazing into the fire for a moment. “No wonder that man on the mail coach stared at you. He must have sensed that…passion in you, even before you looked as lovely as you do now.”

“And you are a great goose!” Helena said roundly. “If the gentlemen stared last night, I expect, as Miss Standish was at pains to point out, ’twas because of my oddly styled gown of inappropriate color. And if the company had not already been well acquainted,
you
would have been the center of attention, for you were by far the prettiest lady present. I believe Aunt Lillian was correct in predicting your Season shall be a huge success!”

“Though I fear I cannot like Miss Standish very much, I expect I should be grateful that Adam fixed his interest with her, for with the promise of her wealth to help restore Claygate, he will now be able to provide me a dowry. Not enough to make me acceptable to the highest sticklers, but I don’t seek a grand match. I would rather wed the choice of my heart, or not marry at all.”

“If no man claims your heart, you must come live with me after Darnell installs Miss Standish here. But I suspect such a dreary single fate will not be yours.”

“Oh, I am certain
your
life shall always be exciting, whether or not you marry! But I’m not so brave. I should prefer marriage to remaining unwed, if I can find a kind, sensible man who cares for me and wishes to retire to a pleasant country estate like Claygate—where we shall raise a bevy of children to idolize their daring Aunt Helena.”

Warmed once again by Charis’s affection, Helena replied, “Then let’s hope daring Aunt Helena doesn’t spoil their future mother’s chances of wedding the man she chooses by creating some awful scandal! Now, we must go change our gowns if we are to be ready to leave.” With a hug, Helena left Charis and proceeded to her chamber.

An hour later they entered Lady Jersey’s crowded drawing room. While they waited to speak with their hostess, Helena noticed their small party was drawing the attention of a number of the guests, who, while trying not to appear to be doing so, were definitely scrutinizing her.

Recalling Miss Standish’s hostility last night, Helena wondered if Darnell’s fiancée had begun circulating stories about his odd houseguest. Before she could decide how she should deal with that possibility, her aunt secured their hostess’s attention.

After introductions and an exchange of greetings, Lady Jersey frankly inspected Helena’s gown. “Unusual, Miss Lambarth, but quite becoming.”

“Then it does suit me,” Helena replied, amused by the relative hush as the guests nearest them strained to overhear the conversation, “for I fear I, too, shall prove to be rather unusual. I hope, having long stood her friend, you will not hold my social lapses against Lady Darnell, who is taking great pains to try to civilize me.”

Lady Jersey chuckled. “Your concern for your aunt speaks well of her efforts, Miss Lambarth. Being such a contrast to the norm of milk-and-water misses, I expect you shall cause a stir.” A little smile played about her lips. “I shall greatly look forward to witnessing it.”

After leaving their hostess, Lady Darnell led them toward a fashionably dressed matron holding court in the opposite corner of the room, murmuring that she was delighted she would be able to present Helena to another of the Almack patronesses, Princess Esterhazy.

As they walked, Helena noted a finely dressed older watching her. Since they’d entered Lady Jersey’s parlor, each time Helena looked around during a pause in the conversation, she’d caught the woman staring at her.

“Aunt Lillian, who is the lady in the green dress?” she asked, pointing her chin in the woman’s direction.

Turning where Helena indicated, Lady Darnell gasped. “Oh, my! ’Tis…’tis Lady Seagrave, my dear. The mother of the gentleman whom…”

“My mother loved,” Helena finished, now inspecting the woman as avidly as that lady had regarded her. “Should I approach her?”

“I can introduce you if you like, but it wouldn’t be wise to encourage the connection. Though ’tis many years since the…unfortunate events transpired, if you associate with Lady Seagrave, some may remember what circumstances forced your poor mama to do, and think badly of her.”

A decade of anger sizzled in Helena. “’Tis my father Society should think badly of!”

“Indeed, my dear, but when a marriage doesn’t prosper, ’tis always the woman who is blamed. Then, too, Lady Seagrave might resent you. If your mama had not taken refuge with her son, perhaps he might have been able to return to England. ’Tis best not to stir up old troubles.”

Her aunt was probably correct, Helena thought, unable to read what emotion lay behind Lady Seagrave’s enigmatic expression. In any event, since Lady Darnell was clearly uncomfortable about introducing them, Helena would not trouble her by insisting on it.

But she couldn’t make herself turn away without acknowledging the challenge of Lady Seagrave’s steady regard. Drawing herself up to her full height, she gave
the woman a gracious nod. With the faintest of smiles, Lady Seagrave returned it, leaving Helena still uncertain of the woman’s opinion of her.

Then, swallowed up in the crowd of gentlemen around the princess, Helena lost sight of the woman. Lady Darnell explained as they drew closer that, like the princess’s husband, many of the men here were diplomats, the Englishmen having returned to London to consult with the government.

When they were halfway through the group, a tall, blond gentleman chanced to look their way. His dark eyes lighting, he eased his way toward them.

“How are you, ma’am?” he asked, bowing over Lady Darnell’s hand. “You may not remember me, for you retired to Claygate soon after Adam and I became friends, but he and I were at Oxford together. Nathan Blanchard.”

“Of course I remember you, Lord Blanchard!” Aunt Lillian responded with a smile. “Allow me to present you to Adam’s sister and my niece, Miss Lambarth.”

“Miss Lambarth, a pleasure. But surely this blond angel cannot be Adam’s little sister! I seem to recall at our last meeting a child with long pigtails, some sort of furry creature in arms and a quantity of mud.”

Charis blushed. “Lord Blanchard, children grow up.”

“But few grow so enchanting! Lady Darnell, you must permit me to call while I’m in London.”

“You will be welcome at any time,” that lady replied, looking pleased by Blanchard’s reaction to her charges.

“Will I find Adam at home, or is he still with the army in Paris?”

“No, he returned about a month ago. He will be delighted to see you—in such time as he can spare from his betrothed. He has just become engaged to Miss Standish.”

Lord Blanchard raised his eyebrows. “Adam captured the hand of the elusive Priscilla Standish? He’s been quite busy! Tell him I shall seek him out to present my congratulations. And I hope to see you ladies again soon.”

After exchanging a few words with the princess, who gave Helena a gracious smile, Lady Darnell shepherded the girls to the door. Pronouncing herself highly satisfied with the call, Lady Darnell decided to treat the party to ices and return home. She expected Miss Standish and her mother to call to thank her for the dinner party, she told them, and wished to rest before they arrived.

Understanding her aunt’s need for repose before having to receive Adam’s fiancée and her tiresome mother, Helena was doubly glad she would be driving out with Mr. Dixon—and thus had an excuse to avoid being present during the Standish ladies’ visit.

Helena’s escort arrived promptly at the arranged time. Determined to escape before Darnell’s fiancée arrived, Helena descended minutes after Harrison sent up his card.

“Miss Lambarth, you astound me!” Dixon exclaimed as she entered the parlor already garbed for the drive. “I’ve scarcely had time to warm my hands at the fire.”

“Perhaps you should invest in warmer gloves, sir,” she responded with a chuckle as he shepherded her to his phaeton. “Before you commend my punctuality, however, I must confess it is due more to the desire to avoid…certain callers than to an unusually high degree of promptness.”

It took him only an instant to puzzle out her meaning. “In that case,” he replied with a grin, “I’m surprised you were not waiting in the foyer!”

The open vehicle into which he assisted her had a narrow bench seat suspended high over very large wheels. She admired the view offered by its superior elevation while Mr. Dixon scrambled up to take the reins.

“I hope the height of the phaeton doesn’t alarm you,” he said as he set his team in motion. “Though it may appear the seat is suspended a dangerous distance from the ground, ’tis quite safe—with a competent driver at the ribbons. You needn’t worry I shall overset you.”

“I doubt you could have gone through a war intact if you were that ham-fisted. I love the carriage! I shall obtain one myself as soon as I learn to drive it.”

A bit of coolness in his tone, he replied, “I beg your pardon, but even at the risk of incurring your displeasure, I couldn’t allow a
female
to drive my rig.”

She looked at him in surprise. “Are females not permitted? How tiresome! Then I shall hire a carriage and pay John Coachman to teach me. I have vast experience driving a pony cart and expect the same principles apply.”

Looking at first a bit taken aback at her blithe disregard of convention, he recovered to produce a smile. “If you are that determined, let me offer to tutor you. A high-perch phaeton is a gentleman’s vehicle and, without wishing to appear a braggart, I expect I have more experience at handling one than a coachman. My vehicle is better maintained, my horses of higher quality, than any you might hire.”

Helena slid him a laughing glance. “But, Mr. Dixon, you just said you could not allow a female at the ribbons.”

“A female in general, no, but a serious student would be an entirely different matter,” he replied promptly.

“Ah, but I would not wish to risk your superior horses or vehicle at the hands of a clumsy, inexperienced driver.”

“With my guidance, your handling would not be clumsy.”

The debate continued until they reached Hyde Park, Helena maintaining she could not impose upon his time and would feel more comfortable learning in a hired vehicle, Mr. Dixon insisting she would learn better and more quickly with him as her instructor.

As they entered the park, Helena exclaimed at the beauty of the large open expanse with its tended carriageways and verdant greenery. Taking his place in the long line of vehicles, between greeting acquaintances, Mr. Dixon pointed out various styles of carriages.

After a half hour of slow progress, Helena’s initial enthusiasm began to dissipate. “’Tis very well to look at thoroughbreds, Mr. Dixon, but if this is the only
place in London one can ride, I shall need nothing more spirited than a plodding old pony.”

He smiled at the exasperation in her tone. “One doesn’t come to the park during the promenade hour to ride, but to see and be seen.”

“There is better riding to be had at other times?” Helena inquired hopefully. “’Tis truly a waste of fine carriage trail to dawdle about in this fashion.”

“You prefer galloping
ventre à terre,
I suppose?”

“Is there any other way?” she returned with a grin.

Mr. Dixon laughed. “I suppose not. Early morning is best, I understand, if you wish the park to yourself.”