Page 10 of Dangerous Games of a Broken Lady
Adelaide smiled sweetly. “Oh yes, Lady Francesca. I am a little anxious, that is all.”
“Whatever for?” the Countess interjected tersely.
“News of the engagement,” Adelaide replied, wishing her cheeks would not blush so furiously. There was no reason to be embarrassed.
“Why should you be anxious, then?” the Countess chided. “It is an excellent match. You shall be the envy of all the young ladies in town. Nerves serve little purpose. You would do well to ignore them.”
“Of course, Lady Gaumont. No doubt I am being foolish.”
“No doubt,” the Countess conceded. “Your mother is certainly the envy of all of us ladies with unattached daughters. She moved rather quickly, did she not? Striking before anyone else could. Had I known the Duke of Bradford was in the market for a wife, I might have endeavored to match him to my dear Francesca. Alas, I shall have to wait for another suitable gentleman to make himself known.”
Adelaide flashed a sympathetic look at Lady Francesca, but her friend appeared to have lost all interest in the conversation. Her face was turned out towards the window, watching the streets of Belgravia move past them.
“Well, I think it must be terribly exciting,” Leah chimed in, filling the awkward silence.
“I do not recall anyone asking for your opinion, Miss Green,” the Countess shot back. Adelaide had invited Leah along at the last moment, and it was evident that Countess Gaumont did not approve of the new guest.
Miss Green looked mortified. “I… I simply meant that I was thrilled for my dear friend. I desired to offer congratulations, not offence.”
The Countess said nothing.
“Thank you for your kind words,” Adelaide said softly.
“You are most welcome, Lady Adelaide.” A strangled note lingered in Leah’s voice. The Countess had wounded her pride. Despite their tumultuous friendship, Adelaide felt sorry for the poor girl. Whilst the Colbornes welcomed her with open arms, that was not the case with the rest of high society.
Leah came from a good family without title, who had made a humble fortune through the merchant trade. They were by no means wealthy, but they also lacked for nothing. Still, class prejudice remained a barb in her side. No matter how pleasant her dress or how refined she appeared, her lack of peerage would always work against her. Adelaide did not think it fair. Nor did she agree with the Countess’ treatment of her.
“How did you two come to be acquainted, anyway?” the Countess wondered.
Leah put on a defiant face. “My father had some business with the Earl of Leeds, who had shown great interest in investing in the East India Trading Company. I accompanied several of his visits to the Earl’s home, and Lady Adelaide and I became good friends as a result.”
Adelaide did not wish to correct her. Although they spent a considerable amount of time in one another’s company, she would never have referred to Leah as a ‘good friend’. She did not think Leah would have referred to her as such, either. Even the invitation that evening had been little more than a peace offering, to make amends for their dispute the previous day. This was purely for the Countess’ benefit.
“Remarkable, what this world is coming to,” the Countess muttered. “At least the Duke of Bradford will steer you into more suitable company, Lady Adelaide. He is a frequent visitor to court, if rumor is to be believed.”
Adelaide remained silent, whilst thoughts of Reuben played on her mind. In truth, the whole situation was getting rather confusing.
More suitable company? If Jasper is telling the truth, then I highly doubt Reuben may steer me into anything but trouble. Then again, if Jasper is not telling me the truth, then perhaps Countess Gaumont is right—I may end up frequenting court, too. Although Jasper has no reason to fabricate tales about Reuben. He has nothing to lose by me marrying the Duke. He wishes to protect me, that is all. Oh goodness, what shall come of this?
Her turmoil was interrupted by the carriage arriving in front of the Assembly Rooms. A welcome distraction. One of the stewards hurried up to the door, opening it wide so the party of four could emerge. Other carriages waited in a long line behind them, hooves stomping on the cobbles as the horses whinnied their annoyance.
Enjoy yourself,Adelaide chided.This is the London you love. Make the most of it whilst you still can.
Plastering on a smile, she stepped out of the carriage and followed the Countess and Lady Francesca up the small steps. Her amethyst skirt trailed behind her in a waterfall of deep purple. Ahead, two doormen stood either side of the imposing entrance. Their gloved hands reached for the golden handles, opening the door to reveal the revelry beyond. A glimpse, no more. Leah hurried after them, as though she feared being left behind.
A bombardment of laughter and merriment hit the party as they entered the Assembly Rooms. All of the wondrous creatures of London were assembled here. Down the long hallway, shimmering beneath the spotlight of the chandelier, ladies fluttered around like gaudy butterflies, each one delicate and unique.
The gentlemen were no less impressive. Dressed in their finery, they stood at the edges of the rooms and halls like proud birds. They’d ruffle a little as a beautiful lady passed by. Perhaps, they’d offer a sharp look to competitors across the way. Keeping to the periphery of the action, they could better view the delightful ladies who smiled and giggled with oblivious abandon.
Yes, this is the London I adore,Adelaide mused. No dark thoughts could dampen the smile that had fixed itself upon her face. Not tonight.
“Shall we go through to the ballroom?” Lady Francesca asked eagerly.
“Indeed, I should like that very much,” Adelaide replied.
“A splendid idea,” the Countess agreed. “News of your engagement will already have found its way amongst polite society. I would anticipate a flurry of congratulations, if I were you.”
“I shall, Countess.”
