“I wish he were going to the theater with us tonight. I should like very much to have the chance to talk to him.”
“Is he not?”
“I have not heard as much. It sounded as if Mrs. North and I would be joined only by Nicholas.”
“How trying,” Aunt Fanny said. “You might endeavor to change her view on that.”
Helena dropped to a stool before her aunt. “I had a notion, Aunt Fanny, though it is daring beyond all.”
“And this from you,” her aunt mused.
“I thought that instead of waiting for Mrs. North to collect me here, I might go to Haynesdale House myself. Once there, I might contrive to see that the duke joins our party.”
“You cannot ride alone to Haynesdale House!”
“It is only a few blocks to Grosvenor Square, Aunt Fanny, and will take mere moments. You need not summon the carriage. I could take a hackney, and Pettigrew might accompany me...”
“A hackney cab!” Aunt Fanny blustered. “A young girl unescorted in a public vehicle? No! I will not hear of it! Pettigrew!” She bellowed this last and Helena held her breath. The butler appeared, bowing in the doorway. Before he could speak, Lady Dalhousie gave her command. “Order the carriage, Pettigrew, to take my niece to Haynesdale House. She is to meet Mrs. North there, and you will escort her.”
The butler’s typical impassivity was disturbed, his expression reminding Helena of a ripple passing over a monolith of stone. He was skeptical but would not challenge her aunt. “Yes, my lady.” He departed without saying more, and Helena was one step closer to her objective.
“Thank you, Aunt Fanny. I will be as charming as I can be.”
“Of course, you will be. A match with the duke would be most advantageous, even if he is a Haynesdale. We shall have to trust in your brother’s endorsement of his merit.”
“Yes, Aunt.” Helena turned to leave the room. She had Nicholas’ money in her small evening bag and would wear her heavy cloak. She and Kitty had packed a small valise, which Kitty would ensure was in the custody of the footman.
“Wait!” Aunt Fanny declared just as Helena was crossing the threshold and she feared that all would go awry. She stopped and turned, striving to keep her expression untroubled. Her aunt smiled, always fair warning of trouble. “Your mother’s pearls would be a fine addition,” she decreed. “I had planned for you to wear them first at your wedding, but perhaps they will bring you good fortune in contriving one. Come here, girl. I will fasten them for you.”
It was a clear evening, but cold. Damien was still out, presumably with Nicholas, so Eliza had dined with her mother. Both ladies retreated to their private sanctuaries, Lady Haynesdale to read about the best additions to the soil when moving roses and Eliza to peruse the pages from Mrs. Oliver which had arrived too late to be useful.
It could not hurt to be informed, all the same.
Upon the merit of patience...
In our times, many gentlemen have returned from war with wounds, both those that are healing and those that will never heal. Such an assault upon a man’s vigor can influence other areas of his life. A man with an injured leg, however, might be convinced that his limp makes him undesirable to the ladies. One who has lost an eye might not believe that a lady will bear to look upon him. In my experience, men tend to see such newfound shortcomings to be more dire than their feminine companions.
Indeed, to my view, such physical souvenirs give a man an air of mystery and also indicate an appetite for life that is most beguiling. Further, a scar always hints at a story and I am most fond of men who offer more than meets the eye.
If the gentleman who draws your attention is in possession of such an injury or scar, you may find him uncommonly reticent in matters of affection. The key is to offer encouragement that cannot be mistaken for anything else and also to be patient. Time is the greatest healer of all wounds, and it will take time for an injured man to become persuaded of his amorous prospects again. Persistence and patience will conquer the most reluctant of lovers.
Eliza supposed that counsel was reasonable, but she also found it somewhat vague. She set aside the first leaf with a sigh and read the next one.
Upon the merit of audacity...
When a lady seeks the earthy attentions of a gentleman, a weekend at a country house can provide ample opportunity for a liaison. It is imperative to ascertain which chamber belongs to the desired gentleman, as a visit in the middle of the night, in darkness, may not leave additional opportunities to verify his identity. This, in truth, is part of the appeal of an unexpected visit and subsequent seduction. The illicit and secret nature of it is frequently alluring, if not exciting, for both parties.
The forthright lady might ‘mistake’ her room, entering the gentleman’s assigned chamber in darkness then joining him abed. When undertaking such a course, it is critical to refrain from reliance upon the continuation of darkness for the entire encounter: arrange your hair and choose a garment in a hue that flatters. The gentleman may light a lamp or candle when first disturbed, and a lady keen for results should plan accordingly in terms of her appearance. Many gentlemen prefer to look upon their partner while taking their pleasure: a little rouge on lips, cheeks and even nipples can improve the view. If the encounter is to take place in your own chamber, you might further set the mood, with a low burning fire, flattering candlelight, and even a strategically placed mirror.
Rouge upon the nipples. Eliza blinked at that advice.
And a mirror. Whatever for?
Plan for either a slow seduction or a quick romp, depending upon the tone or your relationship with the gentleman in question. For a seduction, you might enter his chamber in a partial state of undress, that he might assist in the removal of your stockings and stays, for example. If you desire a more immediate result, I suggest nudity beneath your robe: the sudden revelation of a woman’s assets often overcomes any hesitation in the most reticent of lovers. If not, you will require a bold touch to gain results.
Eliza devoured the page of counsel, then read it again. She was both scandalized and titillated by the suggestions. Could she ever approach a man during the night, to the point of entering his bedroom uninvited? She could readily imagine that the reward might be worth the risk, and truth be told, she found the notion of a secret liaison quite delicious.
Perhaps she would become Eliza DeVries: temptress yet.
