“Well, that’s one problem solved. Now if we can only get Lady Bagshot, as well as the Hayhursts.” Lady Dare stirred three lumps of sugar into her tea, then set her spoon aside. “Hyacinth might be able to persuade her. She’s always been rather a favorite of Lady Bagshot’s.”
“Yes, that’s true. Lady Bagshot fancies herself a great judge of music, and admires Hyacinth’s skill on the pianoforte.” Lady Chase smiled proudly at her granddaughter. “You do play like an angel, dear. It’s the one point on which Lady Bagshot and I agree.”
“There it is, then. Miss Somerset will call on Lady Bagshot and influence her in the Ramseys’ favor. Of course, you’ll have to delay your trip to Brighton for a few days.” Lachlan raised a meaningful eyebrow at Finn.
He caught on at once. “Brilliant idea, Lachlan. She’ll receiveyou, Hyacinth, even if it’s only to get the gossip firsthand. Do you suppose you can put off the trip to Brighton for a week or so? Do you feel well enough?”
Hyacinth gave her sisters an uncertain look. “I don’t suppose an extra week in London will hasten my demise.”
“I don’t think—” Iris began.
Lachlan interrupted her, his gaze on Hyacinth. “You told me you wished to make amends, Miss Somerset. Here’s your chance. Your gowns won’t be of much use to Isla if she’s not invited anywhere.”
“And I daresay you’re safe enough for a few more days. For the entire season, really,” Finn added.
Hyacinth hesitated, then glanced at Isla with a shy smile. “Perhaps we could call on Lady Bagshot together, Miss Ramsey, and see if we can’t win her over. It will help your cause a great deal if we can. Lady Bagshot is rather a favorite with theton.”
“Nonsense. She’s as dreadful an old dragon as you’ll ever meet.” Lady Chase pursed her lips. “But shedoeshave a weakness for quiet, well-behaved young ladies.”
“I suppose a few extra days won’t do any harm,” Iris admitted reluctantly. “Violet, you and Nick should call on the Worthingtons, and Grandmother, you must go see Lady Atherton. We’ll have you all put it about the unfortunate, ah…incidentthe other night was a simple misunderstanding, and drop a hint or two about the Ramseys’ relationship to Lord Huntington.”
“Yes, that’s very good. Oh, I do love it when a plan falls logically into place.” Lady Dare rubbed her hands together.
Everyone began chattering about Lady Bagshot, and the Hayhursts’ ball, and Lady Atherton’s chest complaints, but Lachlan remained silent, his gaze on Hyacinth.
It was a few days’ delay only. If he and Finn couldn’t persuade her to go ahead with her season, Hyacinth Somerset would be off to Brighton with her grandmother before the ink dried on Lady Bagshot’s ball invitation.
The thought bothered him more than it should.
The gowns—it was the damn gowns that had done it. What sort of lady offered all her pretty ball gowns to another lady she hardly knew, one who was going to debut in her place?
Hyacinth Somerset was kind. Truly kind, just as Finn had said she was. It wasn’t right she should be left to languish on the sidelines, as if she were no more than a lonely spectator in her own life.
There was a brief lull in the conversation, and Lady Chase rose to her feet. “Come along, Hyacinth. I daresay you’d like a rest, wouldn’t you? You look a bit pale. I hope you haven’t exhausted yourself today.”
Lachlan snapped back to attention just as Miss Somerset accepted her shawl from Lady Dare. She wrapped it around her shoulders, and tucked Lady Chase’s hand into her elbow. “I’ll see you soon, Miss Ramsey? Shall I send a note round once we’ve secured an appointment with the modiste, Madame Bell?”
Isla stood, curtsied to Lady Chase, and held out her hand to Hyacinth. “Yes, of course. I’m looking forward to it.”
Before he knew what he intended to do, Lachlan jumped to his feet. “May I see you to your carriage?”
“Um…of course. Thank you, Mr. Ramsey.” Miss Somerset looked surprised at his offer, but she took his arm and let him escort her out to the drive.
“Lady Chase.” He bowed, then handed her into the carriage, and while the old lady fussed with the cushions and carriage rugs, he took Miss Somerset aside. “They don’t have an ass at the Royal Menagerie.”
Her cheeks flooded with color. “I—it was a figure of speech. I do beg your par—”
“No, don’t beg my pardon. I’ve never been to the Royal Menagerie, but I’ve heard they have a Persian lioness. Have you seen her? Fiercely protective animals. Rather like brothers. If you did change your mind about your season, you’d have nothing to fear, Miss Somerset. Not from anyone.”
She blinked. “Are you trying to say you’d protect me from theton, Mr. Ramsey?”
“Just as I would Isla. As if you were my own sister. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”
“That’s very…” She trailed off, as if she couldn’t determinewhatthat was. “But my sisters and grandmother wish me to go to Brighton. I doubt I’ll change my mind.”
“Pity.” Lachlan didn’t argue with her—not this time—but led her to the carriage, and handed her in. “I wish you a pleasant afternoon, Lady Chase. Miss Somerset? Enjoy your rest.”
Chapter Six
