“I have yet to learn that one,” Helena said and Lady Dalhousie’s gaze met that of Mrs. North. The younger woman smiled, as if having read her thoughts, and Lady Dalhousie was relieved to find them in agreement upon the works of Sappho.
Yes, she was a very suitable choice.
“You know another,” Lady Dalhousie prompted.
Helena stood and cleared her throat to recite. “‘The rose the poet’s song perfumes, And in each muse’s bosom blooms, How sweet to seize the blushing Prey, and snatch it from the Thorn away!’”
“The poet Anacreon,” Mrs. North said with approval. “From Ode 51. A much-quoted verse on the merit of the rose. Brava, Miss Emerson.” Her smile turned conspiratorial. “I had to learn that one as well.” She straightened, her voice clearly resonant in the parlor. “‘Before the Rose pale sickness flies; The Rose can ev’n the dead rejoice: ‘Gainst Time itself it keeps the field, To Time its odours scorn to yield.’”
Nicholas applauded them both. “Poetry! I am convinced that I have underestimated your skills, Mrs. North.”
The lady in question granted him a quelling look. “Are you, Captain?”
Oh, yes, there was interest between this pair. How intriguing, if unlikely to lead to much result. Perhaps this was why Nicholas never courted any lady.
He aimed too high if he admired this one.
Even if Haynesdale was agreeable, she would put a stop to it herself on principle.
Lady Dalhousie cleared her throat. “Despite your lack of skill in the cultivation of roses, Mrs. North, I am intrigued by your interest in my niece this season.”
“I fear, Lady Dalhousie, that my brother and your nephew have conspired in this plot. They would see their responsibilities tended, in Miss Emerson having a companion, myself being urged to attend parties and balls, and yourself having the leisure to remain at home.”
“Where I should much rather be, when it rains as it does today.”
Mrs. North sipped her tea. “And of course, the arrangement would leave both gentlemen free to do as they wished.”
“You have undone me, Mrs. North,” Nicholas said and bowed slightly.
Mrs. North smiled at him but Lady Dalhousie fixed her gaze upon the younger woman, clearing her throat for emphasis. She could not exactly treat a duke’s daughter like a servant, but she could be haughty. “I hope you understand, Mrs. North, that this would be an informal arrangement.”
Mrs. North laughed lightly, proving that she was not witless. “Oh, I have no desire to become a paid companion!”
“I am hoping that you might introduce my niece where possible, and ensure that her decorum is acceptable.”
Helena rolled her eyes at this, which was a perfect example of the issue. The two older ladies’ gazes met in mutual agreement.
“I fear she may offer a challenge,” Lady Dalhousie felt compelled to add, knowing it was an understatement.
Mrs. North smiled with a confidence that was undeserved. “I am certain that Miss Emerson’s company will be a joy.”
Lady Dalhousie withheld her doubts. “I have vouchers for the ball at Almack’s this evening, Mrs. North. Would you be inclined to begin your companionship so soon as this?”
“I should like nothing better.” Mrs. North finished her tea and declined another cup. “Shall I collect Miss Emerson at eight in my brother’s carriage?”
Both Lady Dalhousie and Helena straightened with interest at the mention of the ducal carriage. “Thank you, Mrs. North,” Helena said after a prompting glance from her aunt. “Will your brother accompany us?”
Nicholas seemed to be much interested in the bottom of his teacup.
“I suspect not,” Mrs. North said with a smile. “His Grace has been much occupied in the evenings of late, as Captain Emerson can testify. I have been assured for years that the one place he will never be found is Almack’s.”
Nicholas coughed and his eyes were twinkling in a most wicked way, but Lady Dalhousie let him have his jest—whatever it was.
Mrs. North stood then and took her leave, thanking Lady Dalhousie so graciously that the older lady might have been convinced that she was the one doing the favor. Helena went to the window when Mrs. North left, while Nicholas escorted that lady to her carriage.
Lady Dalhousie sat back and savored her tea, well content with her nephew’s solution and her own newfound ability to remain at home, just as she preferred.
The situation was worthy of another iced cake.
