Instead, she looked every inch a young society debutante on the cusp of marital success. Her dress was in the very latest fashion; an ivory gown with a silk net overlay and a satin trim embroidered with tiny trailing rosebuds, while its puffed sleeves and whole skirt had just the right amount of fullness.
It was altogether a very romantic affair and even she had to admit that with her hair twisted up in the cover-style ofLa Belle Assemblée, no one would think her the least bit capable of brandishing a parasol as a sword. She turned to Sophie, a Pre-Raphaelite vision in white, and sparkling at the prospect of having her own presentation brought forward by a year.
‘I suppose having analmost countessin the family brings its privileges,’ she whispered, adjusting one of Phoebe’s cascading ringlets. ‘You look beautiful this evening, Phoebs,’ she added, pulling her sister into a brief hug. ‘I’m so proud to call you my sister.’
Phoebe returned the gesture, blinking fiercely. This was the night that would change everything and set her on a path from which there would be no return. Once she left town in the company of Captain Elliot, she would be considered compromised by most of the polite world, and her marriage would merely save her sisters from similar ruin.
She held Sophie a moment longer, knowing her plan was also going to create a rift that even time would struggle to heal. She was certain her sister’s real affections were not engaged for the captain, and yet she also knew her elopement to the border would feel a bitter disloyalty. She could only hope that, in time, Sophie would understand.
‘Now, then, my dears,’ their aunt began, seated opposite, ‘while this isn’t St James’s Palace, itisthe Upper Assembly Ballroom, and from what I understand, King George likes to enjoy himself at these affairs. Your presentation is a little late in the season, but he has made an exception given Phoebe’s imminent marriage to the earl. He will likely say little during your actual presentation, but if he does, just smile and offer polite commentary about the local sights, or waters. And for goodness’ sake, let there be no mention of mud! If the conversation falters, you can always offer a short compliment about Brighton Pavilion.’
‘We’ve never been!’ Sophie objected.
‘Neither have we, my dear, and by all accounts, it’s quite monstrous, but you mustn’t say that to the king! Now, then, let us make haste. Your uncle is to wait with your brothers, and you are to be presented as soon as the Ball gets underway. You really are quite privileged, my dears.’
Phoebe followed their aunt through the Assembly Ball crush, which was no surprise given the imminent arrival of His Majesty, wondering how Sophie could look so serene. Briefly, she wondered if anyone would miss her if she escaped into one of the quieter rooms for a while, but every way she turned there was another ambitious mama and her dutiful daughter or son, wishing her well.
Finally, Thomas and Fred loomed into view in the corner of the ballroom, engaged in conversation with Uncle Higglestone. Thomas stepped forward to greet them, a smug smile pinned to his face, and her spirits sank even lower.
‘Ah, there she is, the young lady of the hour!’ he pronounced, holding a brandy glass aloft. ‘I must admit to having doubts you would ever know your duty, Phoebe, but tonight you exceed even my expectations. You look quite the dazzling debutante!’
He smiled then, his teeth glinting in the candlelight.
‘Like a countess to be!’ her uncle added in a rare moment of presence, taking two glasses of champagne from a passing footman.
‘Indeed she does, Mr Higglestone!’ Her aunt beamed, accepting one of the proffered glasses. ‘I was only saying so this morning – Phoebe has just the right fortitude and spirit for life as a countess. I’m sure her dear mama would have?—’
‘That’s the herald!’ Fred interrupted, flashing Phoebe a glance of intense sympathy. ‘I think His Majesty may have arrived!’
‘Oh, my dears, oh my dears,’ Aunt Higglestone mumbled, fanning herself with a new lilac broderie fan, purchased especially for the occasion.
Phoebe could never understand how anything with so many holes could provide any useful service, but forced a smile as Sophie slipped her arm through her own. She squeezed it momentarily, conscious this moment was as important to her sister, as it was doom-laden for her.
‘Viscount Damerel, Captain Elliot Damerel…’ proclaimed the Assembly Room announcer. ‘The Marchioness Carlisle and Lady Aurelia Carlisle.’
‘Witness the predators stalking their prey!’ Sophie whispered, beaming in the captain’s direction.
Fred smirked, but Phoebe’s thoughts were elsewhere entirely, consumed by the viscount’s glance through the crowds, his eyes dark, his face devoid of warmth, just as it had been at Prior Park. A dull flush crept across her cheeks as she pulled her gaze away, only to lock eyes with the captain, his usual carefree manner replaced with something far more sombre. He nodded briefly, before following his brother into the main Assembly Room.
‘No Doctor Kapoor?’ Sophie mumbled, confused by the captain’s brief acknowledgement. ‘Do you think he has been called up by his regiment? Perhaps the captain has received news, too…?’ Her voice trailed off uncertainly as the marchioness and Aurelia paused beside them.
‘Mrs Higglestaff, and thelivelyMissesFairfaxes!’ the marchioness pronounced, her vulturous gaze running over their debutante dresses. ‘How lovely it is to see you all, but then, one is rarely allowed to miss you… I see you’ve been keeping Madame Paragon busy, and French silk is alwayssucha gamble. Do enjoy your evening!’
‘Thank you … it’s Higglestone,’ their aunt murmured faintly as the marchioness moved on.
‘I trust you’re in fine spirits, Miss Fairfax.’ Aurelia paused behind the marchioness, her china-doll eyes gleaming. ‘It could be a long night!’
‘Indeed, I am!’ Phoebe forced brightly. ‘There’s nothing I like so well as an evening of adventure, especially if it brings forth a victory.’
A strange smile played around Aurelia’s lips.
‘One can hardly be ignorant of your impending announcement, Miss Fairfax – and it’s such a relief your brother can finally consider your papa’s gambling debt settled, too!’
Phoebe paused, feeling as though the room had suddenly shrunk a little.
‘Oh! Don’t tell meyou didn’t know?’ Aurelia exclaimed artlessly. ‘I thought someone must have told you by now? After all, it has been an open secret among the ton these past twenty years…’
A dull pulse began to thud in Phoebe’s ears as Aurelia shook out her fan, and tittered.
