“But that is what an estate manager and a steward are for. I believe you are making excuses!”
He laughed. “I’ve made no secret of my dislike of the Season. I come to London only when my presence is required at parliament. I’m a rustic at heart.” He smiled at Henrietta. “Hetta will prove a great companion. She will enjoy shopping for fripperies with you. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll ensure that my horses are properly cared for.”
Watching him walk to the stables in the mews, Aunt Gabrielle shook her head. “I’ve given up matchmaking for your father. No one will ever take your mama’s place. I’ll take you up to your bedchamber. Come, child. You must be dusty after your journey. Then we shall have coffee and a long chat.”
She followed her aunt into the black-and-white marble circular foyer where a shimmering crystal chandelier hung. They climbed the sweeping staircase to the upper floors. Along the walls in recesses were exquisite artifacts from all over the globe her uncle brought back from his travels. She didn’t remember him, he’d died many years ago. Her aunt left her at her chamber door. Inside, Molly awaited her.
Henrietta drew off her bonnet and tucked a curl into place before the mirror. “Isn’t this quite the most elegant house?”
“And London right outside the door!” Molly’s hazel eyes danced. “I have laid out the white and green patterned muslin.”
* * *
Verity’s coach pulled up outside the Queen’s Theater in Haymarket. She alighted keen to view her troupe’s new home. The theater’s three Doric columns rose above a stone basement, with a grand pediment and balustrade. Members of the troupe were already installed inside being fitted for costumes and preparing for their first performance of Shakespeare’sHamlet. Sarah Siddens had graciously chosen to leave the Drury Theater and join them to play Gertrude for one season. Verity had studied her lines during her trip across the channel and was confident of tackling her role as Ophelia.
English speaking actors had abandoned France after the National Convention suppressed all Royal Académies, including theAcadémie Française. Verity had been disgusted by this latest absurdity. Her father made sure she learned to speak English and had long planned for them to abandon France for a country which would not condemn his philosophical views, but they had left it too late, it seemed.
Verity wasn’t entirely sure that England would welcome her father’s radical views either, but this country had a better system of government. She disliked the selfish and ruthless manner, in which the king and the aristocracy ruled the French people. Queen Marie Antoinette had attended several of Verity’s plays with her painted and bejeweled entourage in their fine silks and satins. Their careless manner contrasted poorly with the starving peasants fighting for a crust of bread.
Verity and her father accepted that changes needed to be made, but hopes for a better and fairer form of government faded as events went from bad to worse. The hollow pain of worry for her father’s health and welfare tightened her chest. Here she was in England without him, their plans in ashes, and about to play a very different role, one of a femmegalante.
She gave instructions to the coachman for her trunk and bandboxes to be taken to the hotel, then she straightened her shoulders and picked up her skirts to climb the steps. Her reputation preceded her, but her performance must live up to it. She must do what Danton asked and be quick about it. If she failed, her life would not be worth living, here or anywhere.
First, she must discover more about this Lord Beaumont. His deceased wife had been French that was all she knew. She felt confident he would have an Achilles heel. For most men did.
Verity walked into the theater as the cast members gathered around to greet her. She pushed her concerns to the back of her mind as the world with which she was familiar embraced her.
Sarah Siddens, a tall woman with dark hair, over-bright eyes, and a striking figure, advanced on her. “I am so glad to meet you, Mademoiselle,” she said. “Ophelia is a favorite part of mine. One might say I’ve made it my own, but you look perfect for the role.”
It was left unsaid as to whether Verity’s acting was also up to scratch. Sarah seemed larger than life towering over Verity. It was best to give the actress her due and start off on the right foot. Verity sank into a low curtsey, then rising, squared her shoulders. “Your reputation as a breath-taking Ophelia is well known to us in France, Mrs. Siddens.” Her mouth suddenly dry, she fought to appear calm. “I have no wish to step into your shoes, merely to do the role justice.”
Sarah nodded, apparently satisfied. At least for now.
