Chosen by the Lieutenant. Anne HerriesЧитать онлайн книгу.
if one schools one’s mind to it, at least affection,’ she replied and patted Amanda’s hand. ‘Do not fret. Neither your papa nor I wish to force you to marry anyone you don’t like. You may discover a gentleman you could marry sooner than you think...’
Amanda accepted her mother’s suggestion, though she thought it fanciful, for she knew her heart to be given irrevocably. However, she would wish to marry in time and perhaps someone would appear magically who would make her forget her love for the handsome lieutenant.
She spent the morning going through her wardrobe, for it was surprising how many pairs of silk stockings were needed on an extensive visit to town and she had already worn out two pairs of dancing slippers. She had one new pair of long white gloves, but judged she might well need another before they left for the country. It would be better to make any purchases she might need in the near future, rather than sending for them when they were at home again, and made out a list of shopping.
By the time she’d finished her calculations, it was time for a light nuncheon, then Mama called for her carriage. Dressing in a gown of light peach with white-kid boots, short lace gloves and a white shawl, Amanda discovered that the gown was a little loose around the waist. Since it was the first time she’d worn the dress, she realised that the seamstress had made an allowance for her to put on weight. No doubt the lady understood that attending so many parties caused one to expand.
It was not loose enough to return it, but she would have to ask her maid to make a small adjustment before she wore it another day. The slight annoyance was not enough to spoil her day, for she tied her sash a little tighter and glanced in the mirror. She looked her best, even though she could not compare to the beautiful Miss Langton.
She went downstairs to join her mama and soon they were bowling along in the direction of one of the most fashionable squares. Mama seemed happy to have her daughter’s company and talked of all the enjoyable times they had had since they came to London. Just as the carriage drew to a halt, she gave Amanda a look of approval.
‘That gown suits you, dearest. I have not seen you looking so well in an age. The air of London must suit you.’
Amanda groaned, for when people said she looked well it was usually because she was plump in the cheeks, which some elderly gentlemen actually seemed to admire—at least, they enjoyed pinching them.
‘Thank you, Mama,’ she said and followed her mother from the carriage, not forgetting to smile at the groom who assisted first Mama and then Amanda down.
She murmured a ‘thank you’ in a soft voice Mama could not hear, because it was not really done to thank servants for every service. People of consequence accepted instant obedience as their right, but Amanda felt grateful for kindness shown her from any direction.
They were admitted to the house by a very correct butler who said they were expected and bowed them into a charming sitting room. A lady was sitting by the fire, a light blanket thrown over her legs. Her smile was welcoming and, as Amanda looked into her face, she saw that she had once been beautiful, but there was a fragility and vulnerability about her that immediately touched her.
‘Horatia, my dear friend,’ she greeted Mama warmly. ‘You have brought your daughter to see me, as you promised.’
‘Susanna dearest.’ Mama bent to kiss her cheek. ‘I was surprised to hear you were in town. It is such an age since we met and I am delighted to see you again.’
‘As I am to see you,’ the lady said and turned her soft blue eyes on Amanda. ‘Forgive me, I cannot get up to greet you, dear child. Pray come and give me a kiss.’
‘Yes, ma’am.’ Amanda moved forward willingly. ‘I am pleased to meet you.’
‘Susanna is married to the Earl of Sandown,’ Mama told her. ‘We were brought out together and she is my very dearest friend—though we have not seen each other since just after...’
‘I had an unfortunate accident when out riding,’ Susanna said to Amanda. ‘It robbed me of the power of my legs, as you see—but in all other aspects I do very well. My son is so good to me. When I said I should like to visit London, he moved heaven and earth to bring me here.’
‘How long do you stay?’ Mama asked.
‘Oh, for three weeks or so if I keep well and there is no reason why I should not. Nathan fusses over me, but I am determined to see as many old friends as I can—though in most cases they will have to come to me. I am able to drive out in the park, or to sit at the table when we give a dinner, but I fear that it would be too much trouble to inflict on a hostess if I were to attend a ball, for I must be carried everywhere in my chair.’
‘Now, Mama,’ a strong voice spoke from the doorway. ‘You know most of your friends would not consider that the least trouble...and if you will only allow them they will make all the necessary arrangements for your comfort.’
Amanda turned to look at the man who had spoken. At first glance she did not think him handsome, for he was of a dark complexion with heavy brows, black hair that was brushed back from his temples and a rather long nose. However, as he bent over his mother’s hand, his smile transformed him. Most would undoubtedly think him handsome, though something made Amanda remain a little aloof.
‘Will you not introduce me to your delightful company?’ His eyes flicked to Mama and then to Amanda.
‘This is Lady Hamilton and her daughter Amanda, dearest. You have heard me speak of Horatia many times, I think.’ Susanna smiled at him lovingly. ‘My son Nathan—you see what a scold he is!’
‘I have heard so much about you,’ Mama said, looking at him with interest. ‘I am sure you speak the truth, Lord Armstrong. I should be happy to make any arrangements necessary to have my dear Susanna at Amanda’s dance next week. It will be our last engagement in town, for after that we must think of returning home.’
‘Oh, surely not so soon?’ Lord Armstrong said, coming to take Mama’s hand and bow over it before turning to Amanda. ‘Miss Hamilton, I am delighted to meet you.’
Amanda smiled up at him, for he was tall and she barely reached his shoulder. ‘As we are to meet you, sir. We have been in town for a month now, you know, and Papa took the house for six weeks, so I fear we shall have to leave at the end of that period.’
‘Not at all,’ he said. ‘This house is far too large for the two of us. You must stay with us after the lease of your present house has expired. Mama must not be deprived of your company too soon.’
‘Nathan, my love. You may command me, but you must not marshal our guests into manoeuvres of your making.’
‘I fear Mama thinks me domineering, but indeed I am apt to see the easy route from difficult situations. Do you not think it is always best to cut to the chase, Miss Hamilton? People make heavy weather of things when if you simply ride straight at the obstacle you may clear it with ease.’
‘You are a hunting man, sir,’ Amanda replied with a teasing look. His manner was easy and since it was impossible to feel shy or reserved with a man who was so direct, she began to let down her guard a little. Clearly this gentleman scorned the polite conventions and meaningless compliments so loved by polite society. ‘I see no reason to scold you, for if it were possible I am certain Mama would wish to stay with the countess...but I know that Papa cannot extend his stay.’
‘Then I dare say Lord Hamilton is generous enough to allow us the pleasure of your company for another week or two, if I promise to see you safely home.’
‘I believe he would,’ Mama said, looking pleased. ‘I should certainly enjoy being here with Susanna as my hostess, sir. I thank you for the invitation—and it will give Amanda another two weeks in town.’
Mama was hopeful that two further weeks would give her daughter a chance to receive a proposal she could accept and the thought brought a flush to her cheeks. She saw the countess and her mama exchange knowing glances and felt hot of a sudden; they were plotting something together, she was sure of it. Mama must have told her that