It was my turn to curtsy before Lord Cumberland, which I did as trained, slightly lifting the hem of my hobble skirt to make it easier. “My lord.”
“Miss Wells.” Lord Cumberland took my gloved hand andbowed over it as well. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve heard your name on everyone’s lips this season.”
“Only good things, I hope,” Mother said with a purr.
“The very best.” His smile was rakish, revealing a small space between his front teeth.
It was hard to decipher his age, though I would have placed him in his mid- to upper thirties—almost twice my age. He exuded great confidence and a bit of pomposity, though there was nothing distinctive about his appearance other than the small mustache I did not care for and the gap in his teeth.
“I hope you are enjoying your visit to England,” he said to me.
“It’s been—” How did I tell him it had been tedious and unpleasant? “Educational.”
“How very boring.” He chuckled, his aristocratic voice sounding snobbish. “Surely there is more to be had in England than an education.”
Mother’s eyes narrowed at me.
“Of course,” I said, not wanting her ire. “We’ve met many wonderful people and visited several interesting places.” I could find nothing else to comment upon and assumed an air of disinterest.
“Perhaps, if you’d allow me,” Lord Cumberland said, his voice smooth, “I could plan a few outings for you and your mother, to show you the best that London has to offer.”
“That would be marvelous.” Mother eyed him openly. “How very kind of you.”
“It would be my pleasure.” He bowed again. “And, if it’s not too much to ask, may I request the honor of a dance or two tonight, Miss Wells?”
I wanted to refuse him, but there was no possible way. “Of course.”
“It was good to see you again, Lord Cumberland.” Lady Paget’s smile held a secret.
“And you.” He nodded once, then took his glass off themantel, appearing to have completed whatever task he’d been given.
“If you’ll excuse us,” Lady Paget said, gathering Mother and me to herself like a hen collecting her wayward chicks. “I must present the Wellses to our host and hostess.”
As we moved away from Lord Cumberland, I glanced back and found his eyes on me, calculating. He met my gaze, a half-smile on his face.
“Well,” Lady Paget asked Mother, “will he do?”
“For my purposes?” Mother’s voice was firm and unshakable. “Quite.”
I turned back to focus on the path ahead, dread pooling in my stomach.
The automobile ride back to Berkeley Square was quick and silent over the bumpy cobblestone streets. Darkness blanketed us, suffocating me with its oppressive weight. It had rained during the ball, and everything glistened under the streetlamps. The scent of wet earth filled my nose, a pleasant change from the overpowering smells in the ballroom. We passed dozens of townhomes, each one dark and bleak on this cool evening.
Our driver dropped us off at the front door, and we walked up the wet steps to our house. All I wanted was to climb out of the heavy gown I wore, slip into my nightgown, and then bury myself beneath the down comforter on my bed so I could wake up in Williamsburg.
Rogers, our butler, opened the door and silently took our wraps. The front hall was lit with the faintest light, just enough for us to see our way to the stairs.
Not one word passed between Mother and me as we walked up the massive stairway. My room was to the right and herswas to the left, but when I turned to go my own way, her words stopped me.
“I’d like to speak to you.” She didn’t even look to see if I would follow her.
I hesitated, torn between the comfort of my bed and the cold instructions she was sure to give me for tomorrow. But there was little choice, so I followed her to her room.
Her lady’s maid was waiting for her.
“Leave us, Gertie,” Mother said. “Return in ten minutes.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Gertie curtsied and quietly left the room.
