Page 10 of More than a Companion

“I am veryglad that you were able to accept our invitation.”

Honora smiled at Lady Albina, thinking just how relieved she was that Lady Albina had been eager to converse with Honora and had done so with delight from the very first moment that they had stepped down from the carriage. She had asked Honora many questions and the conversation had flowed easily, allowing Honora to free herself of any lingering anxiety.

“It was to my aunt,” Honora replied, “but I am grateful to be included. I am sure that you are aware of my present circumstances.”

She shot a quick look over her shoulder towards her aunt who, of course, had made Honora’s situation plain before they had even begun to walk with Lady Rutherford and her daughter.

Lady Albina laughed, shaking her head in a rueful manner.

“Your aunt does not seek to hold such news back,” she said, looping her arm through Honora’s as though they were very great friends already. Honora, surprised, looked across at Lady Albina, astonished that the lady should be so willing to be so readily acquainted with a companion. “I am sorry for it.”

“Sorry?” Honora repeated, confused. “There is nothing that you have done to make this situation as it stands. My aunt is merely eager to make certain that no one mistakes me for an eligible match.” Those words seemed to hurt her very soul as she spoke them, but Honora clung to her usual frankness, unwilling to be anything but truthful. “She is correct about my father’s circumstances, although the situation is not of his making.” Sighing, she looked away from Lady Albina, embarrassed to be speaking of her lack of fortune but wanting no ill to be placed on her father. “My late grandfather was not the most frugal of gentlemen and, unfortunately, these last few years have caused great difficulty with the fields. I know that if my father could bring me to London for a Season, he would.”

“And that is what I am sorry for,” came Lady Albina’s eager reply. “It is not by your hand that you find yourself in this scenario. I cannot imagine what it must be like to be companion to your own aunt!”

Something about Lady Albina’s remarks – mayhap her obvious kindness and sympathy – made Honora’s heart soften, the truth of her situation bubbling up within her.

“It is trying,” she replied, casting another glance behind her, for fear that her aunt would overhear her. “She is seeking a match of her own, if you can believe it.” Seeing Lady Albina’s wide eyes, Honora laughed but nodded. “Tis true! I believe she wants a better situation than that which she has at present.”

Lady Albina made an exclamation and turned her head, although Honora saw the anger that flared in her eyes. The only sound for some moments was their footsteps on the path, but Honora did not feel the need to break the quiet. Lady Albina clearly had some thoughts of her own.

“I find it most difficult to hear that your situation, such as it is, is not considered by your aunt, Miss Gregory,” Lady Albina said, eventually, the spark still in her eyes. “I find that thetonas a whole is a most selfish creature and, unfortunately, that this only encourages that trait in each individual.” She shrugged and Honora gave her a small smile. “It is a trait that I myself am determined not to have – and I shall certainly never wed a gentleman who has nothing but thoughts of himself.”

This now explained to Honora the reason for Lady Albina’s almost immediate friendliness and her complete absence of concern over Honora’s status. Honora felt herself relaxing even more, silently thankful for this new acquaintance.

“And will you have to marry soon?”

Lady Albina sighed and rolled her eyes.

“This is my second Season and alas, I must now concentrate my efforts on making an excellent match.” Laughing at Honora’s confused look, she looked across at her with a warm smile on her face. “You think me a little ungrateful or foolish, mayhap.”

“No, indeed not!” Honora exclaimed, not wanting to insult her new friend. “I am not –”

“I do not take any insult, have no fear,” Lady Albina laughed, pressing Honora’s arm lightly. “It sounds a little odd, I am sure, to have a lady such as myself struggling to find even the smallest happiness at the thought of finding a husband. And yet, the thought of being alone, of being without a husband and having a dark and undistinguished future is also rather frightening.”

Honora felt as though a burden had been lifted from her shoulders. Finally, she had someone she could speak with, someone she could share her own struggles with, and she was sure that, even with this early acquaintance, Lady Albina would understand.

“You cannot know just how relieved I am to hear you say such a thing, Lady Albina,” she breathed, making Lady Albina look back at her with a growing air of curiosity. “I am greatly troubled by my own circumstances, although I have been attempting to find happiness and contentment in them. I had always hoped to have a Season but now I must consider what my future is most likely to be.”

Lady Albina tilted her head, her eyes searching Honora’s face.

“And there is nothing you can to do change your circumstances?”

Honora shook her head.

“Nothing that I can think of,” she replied, a little heavily. “Besides which, my aunt has made it clear that she does not think any gentleman would be eager to court me, given that I have no dowry and a father who is impoverished – and might find himself destitute should the fields and the harvest fail again!” Her shoulders slumped, a heavy sigh falling from her lips. “I am a part of London society, yes, but I can never be atruepart of it.”

“I do not think that is true.”

A little confused, Honora looked back at her.

“What do you mean?”

“Why not ask your aunt for the opportunity?” Lady Albina suggested, the idea throwing Honora off balance. “You say that she has all these reasons as to why no gentleman would think of you – but I am sure that there would be someone who would do so! You are beautiful and, I am sure, have an excellent character also. Mayhap a gentleman might find himself filled with affection for you!”

A laugh escaped Honora which she could not hold back, but Lady Albina did not join in. Instead, she frowned, her lips twisting a little. Honora dropped her laughter almost immediately, attempting to apologize.

“I cannot think that such a thing would ever take place,” she began, but Lady Albina sliced the air with her hand, cutting her off.

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