Page 36 of Tempting the Earl
"You are quite right, milady. And no wonder he would want to flirt with you." The two women giggled together like girls for a moment before Emily continued. "You know, my lady, the earl never did marry, maybe he has been keeping the candle burning for you all these years."
"I think you have too many romantic notions in your head," concluded Clara, although she wore a pleased expression and a faint blush upon her face. "Isn't it time we start our preparations to go out this evening?" she continued, changing the subject.
Despite the countess' nonchalance in the matter, after that afternoon visit the earl of Vale was often present when the countess and her companion were receiving visitors, and the two aging nobles were often seen taking to the dance floor to certain slower numbers at the various balls they attended. Speculation began to mount among thetonwhether or not Vale was paying court to the Countess of Yorkleigh. Lady Clara found the gentleman’s attention somewhat bewildering. She wasn’t sure if he was courting her or not. She also wasn’t sure if she should accept his courtship if he was, in fact, courting her. But she enjoyed his company sufficiently that she didn’t put an end to it.
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Emily and Lady Clara were thrilled with the results of their visits to the London modiste. The gowns they had selected were appropriately beautiful. Emily gazed longingly at the richer hues of the gowns for the countess in contrast with the lighter, wispier fabrics deemed appropriate for the younger woman. Lady Clara laughed at Emily’s desire for the more dramatic colours.
“Your time will come, my dear. Enjoy being young; it does not last nearly long enough. If you are not so excited about the colours of your gowns, just be glad you can carry off these light shades. Many of the other young ladies look so washed out by the colours that are considered appropriate for those fresh from the school room.”
“But my lady, I am not actually fresh from the school room, am I?” reasoned Emily.
“Maybe not, but appearances matter, Emily. You look quite lovely in that gown; enjoy it. Now let’s go, we do not want to be late.”
It was still early in the Season, and they had not yet attended any of the grander parties, but Philip began to find it irksome to be constantly tripping over fashionable young ladies and gentlemen who were coming to see Miss Spencer. Besides the young folk coming to see Emily, there was an increasing number of older gentlemen who were beginning to show up to pay their respects to the countess. Philip found that to be highly disconcerting as well.
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Miss Spencer’s role as companion began to evolve into the need to act as chaperone. It turned out that Lord Vale’s interest in the countess had sparked the idea in other aging potential suitors that the Countess of Yorkleigh might be on the lookout for another husband. Lady Clara was initially delighted by the male attention but then began to find it disturbing. She really doubted if she could ever replace her own dearly departed earl and thought it was too late in life to try. She discussed the matter at some length with her companion.
“I see we have another beautiful gift from Lady Thorpe’s father,” teased Miss Spencer humorously.
“Yes,” sighed Lady Clara disconsolately.
“My dear lady, you sound quite sad about the matter. You should be in transports. Lord Brookfield is a remarkably handsome old charmer. That fan he has sent over for you is quite lovely.”
“You are right, Emily. He is handsome and charming and has exquisite taste in gifts. But unfortunately, thanks to Lord Vale’s flirtation with me, I think many of the older gentlemen think I am on the lookout for another husband. I will admit that the attention was nice, especially at first, but now I am faced with the task of refusing offers for my hand.”
Emily laughed with glee at the consternation upon the countess’ face. It was vastly amusing to see that the older lady was as confused about her feelings as the young ladies making their debut. She then sobered when she realized that her dear friend was really quite distraught over the situation.
“Is it really so bad, milady? Have any been terribly persistent? I am sure that Lord Yorkleigh would be quite happy to look after the matter for you.”
“I don’t want to involve my son. Can you imagine how awkward that would be for him? He is still grieving for his father, it seems. The reason this is so uncomfortable for me is that the last time I was on the Marriage Mart everyone had to approach my father first. If I weren’t interested in a particular gentleman, my father would deal with him accordingly. It was much simpler that way,” declared the countess emphatically.
“Would you like me to make an effort at discouraging the gentlemen?” Emily offered kindly although not quite knowing how she would carry out such a task.
Her offer had the effect of wiping the melancholy from Lady Clara’s demeanour as she giggled girlishly at the thought of Miss Spencer shooing away the persistent suitors. “That is the most generous offer I have received all week,” she laughed. “No, Miss Spencer, I don’t think I shall have to take you up on that offer just yet. I think this is Lord Vale’s fault, and he shall have to help me with it.”
“You could always become engaged to his lordship for the Season and break the engagement when it is time to return to Rosemount. That should discourage the other gentlemen from calling around so much.” Emily was merely joking, but Lady Clara’s reaction was quite serious.
“What a brilliant idea. Perhaps I shall propose when next he comes for tea.”
Chapter Eighteen
Emily was amazed to be the centre of attention at times. She was not aware that Lady Clara had put it about that she was a family friend and had a small dowry which meant she was considered to be available on the Marriage Mart. Although her success was not brilliant like that of Miss Julia, who was set to inherit quite a considerable amount, Lady Clara was delighted with the attention her young friend, Emily, was receiving. Emily's hand was spoken for every dance at the balls they attended, and there was a constant flow of visitors when they were at home in the early afternoons.
Philip was put out to see the bouquets of flowers that were often being delivered for Emily and was annoyed by all the young pups hanging about his front rooms. He knew he was being unreasonable to be so bothered, but he never got to speak with his mother or Emily himself anymore. They always slept late and he had to breakfast alone every day.
One day he realized he’d had enough. He bumped into Emily in the hallway as she was approaching the stairs with her nose buried in a small posey of flowers that had just arrived at the door.
"One more poor sot to add to your list of besotted suitors?" he questioned with a sneer.
Emily seemed surprised at his tone. So was Philip; he realized he sounded almost jealous.
"I do not know what you mean, my lord. Is this not the normal way of thetonduring the Season?" she questioned gently.
"Well, you do seem to be surprisingly popular," he replied grudgingly.
