“He can never hold a bad mood for long,” her mother said.
Ariana wondered about that. Clearly Norris felt as strongly about his freedom as she did about Boxstall’s security, which meant he’d fight for his freedom as fiercely as she must fight to take it away. He’d given his word, however, so she need only do her part.
She had only to catch a husband in the next few weeks, which for an earl’s daughter with a large dowry was no challenge at all!
Chapter 2
Ariana and her mother left three days later in the family traveling chariot, followed by a simpler coach, which was carrying the servants and piled high with additional luggage. It wasn’t until they were well on their way that Lady Langton made her announcement.
“We won’t be going directly to the Boxstall town house, dear. I’ve arranged for us to stay for a few days with our cousin the Dowager Countess of Cawle.”
“No!” Ariana protested.
“Whyever not?”
Ariana wanted to say, “I don’t like her,” but she knew she’d sound like a timorous child. Unfortunately, she felt like one. It had been eight years since she’d met the woman, and then only briefly. It had been another disaster.
“The arrangements are all made, dear,” her mother said.
“But why?”
“You’ll be able to stay out of sight there. Once we’reknown to be in our own house, people will call and invitations will arrive, but you don’t want to appear in society until your wardrobe has been refurbished.”
“I’m not dressed in rags.”
“First impressions are crucial, and you’re sadly out-of-date. I don’t think you’ve ordered a new gown in ages except for your riding habit.”
“As everyone is in mourning, what I have will do. It’s all only two years old.” Purchased after her father’s death.
“An age in fashion!”
“Then why do we have trunks packed with dowdy black and violet?”
“Are we to walk around in our shifts? We must wear something while new is made, and some of your clothes can possibly be brought up to style. Lady Cawle will know. She’s a very fashionable and influential lady, well thought of by all.”
“Well thought of? I remember being warned that a bad word from her could ruin my chances. As for fashionable, I presume she still dresses in that odd way?À l’ancien régime, waist at the waist and huge skirts. She should be a figure of fun.”
“But isn’t,” her mother said.
“But isn’t,” Ariana had to admit. In a way, the eccentric Dowager Countess of Cawle ruled society.
That had been drummed into her at the time of her come-out in preparation for the visit to Albemarle Street. Lady Cawle could surround her with a halo of approval or cast her into the darkest hinterland. The lady had done neither, but she’d surveyed Ariana through a lorgnette and declared her too young and overdressed. Ariana had been so crushed that she’d turned clumsy and knocked a china figurine off a table to smash on thefloor. Lady Cawle must remember that gawkish, clumsy girl.
Ariana could tell herself that she was older and more confident, but she was no shorter. She was even less able to flutter and sigh and do all the things appropriate to a husband-hunting maiden. The closer they came to London, the more nervous she felt, but she reminded herself again and again of the crucial purpose. She must marry, and could not afford to fail or flee.
Even so, when they drew up in front of the Albemarle Street house, her heart began to pound. She took a deep breath and descended from the coach, but sight of the large town house brought back such vivid recollections that a shiver went through her.
“The air’s quite cold,” she said as explanation, though it wasn’t. They’d been having a mild November.
Liveried servants ushered them into the spacious entrance hall, but it became clear that a number of people were in the house. Music could be heard above, along with a hum of conversation and occasional laughter.
Two gentlemen who were descending the wide staircase glanced at the arrivals with curiosity, then stared. No wonder, with her so tall standing next to her petite mother. Ethel, standing discreetly a few steps behind along with her mother’s maid, could not balance that.
The gentlemen continued on their way and a stately servant in black hurried forward. “My ladies, the countess is engaged in one of her musical afternoons. She is sure you would wish to progress to your bedrooms without unnecessary encounters.”
Keep the country bumpkins out of sight?
All the same, it was a huge relief not to have to face Town fashionables immediately, and it had nothing to do with how she was dressed. The mere ambience of a tonparty and the stares of the two gentlemen had brought back all the memories and thrown her close to panic.
