The Cinderella Debutante (6 page)

Lady Gainsford nodded in agreement. “How do matters go along in Mount Street? Your sister is a success already, so I hear.”

Lucy acknowledged this, going on to describe events since their arrival and how several gentlemen were dancing attendance on Belinda. “Mama encourages them all,” explained Lucy, “but several are unsuitable in my opinion. In particular I must ask you both about Lord Sneyd - his interest in Belinda is marked. He appears cultured and well-mannered but I don’t like him. My stepmother gets angry if I express concern, but instinct tells me I am right.”

The two older women glanced at each other before Lady Gainsford spoke again: “Why you bother to try and protect that foolish, overindulged step-sister of yours is a mystery, Lucy. She would not be so concerned for your welfare. Still, family ties, however tenuous and frustrating, are often hard to break and your sentiments do you credit. You are right to distrust Julius Sneyd. He is an unprincipled man who adheres to no code of behaviour, save that which benefits him. You would all do well to avoid him.”

“Society tolerates rather than admires him,” confirmed Lady Derricott. ”Beneath his veneer of charm, he is a distasteful, cruel creature.”

“He is reputed to be in need of money after recent gaming losses. Marriage to an heiress would be very opportune.”

Lucy bit her lip. “Belinda must not marry a man like that. Spoilt and willful she may be, but she is also naïve. She doesn’t appreciate the misery that would follow marriage to Lord Sneyd.”

“Does your stepmother listen to your concerns?”

Lucy sighed. “No, Grandmama, she believes Lord Sneyd’s interest in Belinda is to be welcomed because of his distinguished family name and title.”

“Ridiculous! She should listen to some sound advice, not pander to her misplaced ambition for Belinda,” observed Lady Gainsford with a snort of disgust.

“But how is best to proceed?” asked Lucy. “Place objections in Mama or Belinda’s way and they will do the opposite. They will not listen to criticism of Lord Sneyd.”

Her grandmother touched her hand reassuringly. “Then keep your counsel, for the time being at least. Perhaps now you are aware of the kind of man he is…. Well, forewarned is forearmed, you know.”

“Amelia is right,” said Lady Gainsford. “Stay vigilant for now. No point in antagonizing a man like Sneyd unnecessarily and by the time he makes an offer, your mother may have come to her senses. If not, then she will at least be made to acknowledge what sort of man he is.”

Lucy chuckled. “I believe
you
could make her see sense, ma’am. I trust it will not come to that though - he may yet reveal his true nature and whatever her faults, Belinda would never agree to an elopement. She would be too concerned about the scandal.”

“And what about you, Lucy? When Belinda marries, what will you do?” asked Lady Derricott.

“I intend to set up my own establishment and employ a chaperone,” said Lucy. “Having already thought about the matter, I know—”

“We know you have a mind of your own,” interjected Lady Gainsford, “but such arrangements will not do. Amelia and I have discussed this and it is quite decided - you will come to live with me.”

“But—“

Lady Derricott clasped Lucy’s hand. “It must seem odiously high-handed, my dear, but indulge us in our plans, for now at least. I should be delighted to have you, but you will do far better with Maria. Grandfather Derricott was anxious for you to live with us after your father died, but the offer was refused by Lady Sinclair and, as she was your legal guardian then, we could do no more,” she concluded on a bitter note.

Lucy blinked in surprise. “I did not know anything of this although it does not surprise me.” She turned to her hostess. “Thank you for the kind offer—“

Lady Gainsford waved aside Lucy’s thanks. “Your grandmother and I are agreed and as long as you are happy with the arrangement, there is no need to discuss it further. Besides,” she continued with a piercing look, “
you
may marry before then; we hear several young men haunt Mount Street on your behalf, not least my godson.”

Lucy blushed, but replied firmly, “Now there you are mistaken! Lord Devlyn is very taken with Belinda. He has persuaded his sister to procure Almack’s vouchers for us. His efforts are all on Belinda’s behalf, not mine.”

“Has he indeed?” said Lady Gainsford, looking thoughtful.

Lady Derricott interjected hastily, “You are probably right, but there will be gentlemen who will find you more attractive than your sister.”

“Exactly so!” declared her friend. “Now, Lucy, there is much to organize, since I shall shortly be holding a ball with you and your grandmother as my honoured guests.

“But—”

Lady Gainsford again waved her to silence. “No point in arguing, my dear. My mind is set on this too. You have never been properly presented and this is our chance to remedy that.” She gave a booming laugh. “Never pictured myself as a fairy godmother, but I can act like one! Cinderella will go to the ball. We shall be obliged to invite your stepmother and sister, but under my roof you will be treated on equal terms. It will be made clear that this ball is in place of your ruined season. Let us get on to the details.”

Lucy enjoyed the next half hour enormously. Although Lady Gainsford and her grandmother were very different characters, they held each other in high regard and affection. Lucy was delighted to see Maria Gainsford would never allow her grandmother to be lonely.

The afternoon was well advanced when Lucy rose to leave. Lady Gainsford asked if they would be attending the Barchester’s ball on Saturday and when Lucy confirmed they would be, she said she understood Lord Devlyn would be calling in during the evening.

Lucy then set off alone for Hookham’s. She told the coachman not to wait, but to walk the horses since the cold wind would be bad for his cough. With a grin, he touched his hat and replied he would not be more than a step away, adding roguishly that she was a sight more considerate than her mother or her sister.

After spending time choosing books, none of which her mother would approve of, Lucy went outside again. Stepping onto the pavement, she had a brief glimpse of a large, brightly-patterned waistcoat, before colliding with the considerable bulk behind it which sent her books tumbling to the floor.

“My humble apologies!” cried a stout gentleman, bending with difficulty to retrieve the books and thrust them back into her arms. “My fault entirely – never look where I am going!”

Slowly Lucy became aware of Lord Sneyd standing near the stout man, who was now panting and mopping his brow after his exertions. Sneyd’s curiously opaque eyes studied her from under half closed lids as he began berating his companion.

“Really, Hen, be more careful where you are walking!” Bowing, he said, “Well met, Miss Sinclair! I trust you are not too shaken – my friend here is a blundering fellow. Allow me to introduce Sir Oswald Henlow who numbers clumsiness among his many sins.”

“A pleasure to make your acquaintance,” mumbled Sir Oswald, his cheeks even redder with embarrassment following this comment. Lucy gave nod of acknowledgment before Lord Sneyd enquired about her mother and sister.

“They are well, thank you, sir.” She went to walk on, anxious to be away. “Indeed, I must return at once. I have been delayed on my errands and they will be wondering what has become of me.”

“Please convey my deepest regards,” he replied. “Do I look forward to seeing you all at the Barchester’s?”

“We have been invited,” admitted Lucy, with a sinking heart.

“Excellent. Then I hope to secure at least one dance with your sister.”

“That I cannot promise. Belinda’s dance card is sure to be full soon after our arrival,” she replied curtly.

His eyes narrowed. “Then my disappointment will be great – I must stake my claim at the earliest opportunity.”

Lucy returned his cold look, the double meaning of his remark apparent to her. Relieved to see the carriage approaching, she excused herself, climbed in and asked the coachman to drive on.

***

Lord Sneyd, watching her leave, seethed with fury. That chit would bear watching. She was not as gullible as her sister and mother and was wary of him. He could not afford his plan to go wrong. The stakes were too high.

Sir Oswald was also watching the retreating carriage. “Julius, is that the Sinclair sister with the fortune? Ho, she’s a feisty piece, ain’t she?”

“Lower your voice!” hissed his companion. “That is not the heiress. The girl you have just met is the older sister who does not seem to find my presence agreeable. That must be taken into account.”

“Why?” asked Sir Oswald, whose powers of deduction were not great.

“Because, you fool, although the mother and sister welcome my addresses, if Miss Prunes and Prisms sows doubt in their minds, my chances of a quick marriage will be dealt a setback!”

Sir Oswald frowned. “Hmm, when viewed in that light, the older sister could be a problem. Better shackle the heiress quickly then.”

“Indeed,” snapped Sneyd. “Time is short and Sylvester is not a patient man.”

A new admirer and feelings are revealed

The day of the Barchester’s ball arrived with Lucy acknowledging she could do no more than follow Lady Gainsford’s advice. Whichever way she phrased her warnings about Lord Sneyd, her stepmother and sister ignored them. The chance meeting outside Hookham’s had reinforced Lucy’s dislike of the man. True, he was always courteous, but she could not ignore the malevolence in his eyes or how he sent shivers of distaste chasing over her skin. He reminded her of a poisonous snake: a smooth, sleek exterior cloaking a ruthless predator.

Lucy knew Lord Devlyn and Lord Sneyd were the most eligible of all Belinda’s admirers. The first could offer a title, wealth and impeccable social standing. The second, although not such a notable figure, nevertheless came from an eminent family and would satisfy Lady Sainclair’s ambition for her daughter.

As for Belinda, she didn’t seem to care for either. Her ambition was the same as her mother’s and she would never allow emotion to stand in the way of a good match. Lucy doubted her sister would ever fall in love; she was too selfish and too vain.

Lady Sinclair, a naturally indolent person, went to enjoy an afternoon snooze before the ball so when her step-sister sallied forth to do some shopping, Lucy decided it would be wise to accompany her. Lucy’s patience was sorely tried. They visited every milliner in Bond Street in Belinda’s search for a new straw hat decorated with blue ribbons, but this was forgotten on entering Madame Helene’s where Belinda cooed over a high poke bonnet decorated with cherries. Madame said she should not leave without it as it suited her so well, and the expensive straw decorated with yellow trimmings would be re-made in blue at once.

Lucy’s only compensation was that Belinda was rarely more temperate than when shopping for new gowns, hats, gloves and other items to add to her wardrobe. Her temper flared only once when Lucy tried to instil some financial prudence: Belinda saw no reason for economy despite always exceeding her allowance.

At 10 o’clock that evening, they set off for the Barchester town house.

Lady Sinclair had spent considerable time and effort on her appearance. She wore her finest jewellery. Despite an uncertain taste in clothes, she had an unerring eye for expensive jewellery. No vulgar baubles would declare their country origins. She sat in one corner of the carriage, gazing with misty-eyed pleasure on her daughter.

Belinda sat opposite, dressed in a white spider gauze overdress decorated with rosebuds and serenely confident of the adulation she was about to receive.

Lucy felt a mixture of apprehension and anticipation. Lord Sneyd would no doubt continue his pursuit of Belinda, while Lord Devlyn stirred Lucy’s emotions. She had no desire to see Belinda monopolized by either man but for different reasons.

For once, Lucy envied Belinda. She had no idea how to be coy or flirtatious, or sway her body in the way Belinda did which drove men wild. She was half-afraid to face her feelings for Lord Devlyn. He aroused sensations in her that might better have been left to slumber. She found him overpoweringly attractive; a wild pulse beat in her throat whenever he was near. The wonderful warmth he conjured within her was impossible to ignore. Not that it did any good. He was only interested in Belinda. Lucy steeled herself for a difficult evening ahead although she had every intention of enjoying herself as much as she could.

The impressive entrance of the Barchester house in Green Street was bustling with carriages. The ballroom was already full and the musicians installed at one end were playing. Lady Barchester stood near the doorway with her daughters, greeting their guests. She welcomed Lady Sinclair, Lucy and Belinda effusively.

“Thank you. We are happy to be here.” Lady Sinclair’s darting gaze priced the house, furnishings and entertainment. “You have done well to obtain those musicians – Lady Fanthom told me they are in great demand.”

“We contrived somehow although my husband has not yet settled their account,” said Lady Barchester. “Belinda, how well you look - your gown is exquisite.”

Belinda responded with the briefest of smiles; she was already scanning the assembled guests.

Lady Barchester ran her eye approvingly over Lucy’s ensemble. Her dress of celestial blue crape over a satin slip had a deep frill at the hem and was embroidered with blue silk. Forget-me-nots had been weaved through her hair, and she wore delicate sapphire and diamond drop earrings.

“You also look radiant tonight, Lucy. My daughters admire your particular style.” She gestured towards the two girls next to her. Sophie and Olivia were tall, slim red-heads, each with a dusting of freckles, a pair of candid brown eyes and an open smile.

“Lucy! How dare you look so modish?” teased Sophie. “We shall be put in the shade.”

“You must tell us how you dress your hair in that fashion. It looks so attractive,” added her sister, “Don’t you agree, Belinda?”