A Lesson in Friendship Page 6

  “Your smile speaks of something, Lady Sarah. I just have no idea of what.” Conway had a flash of her naked white body beneath him when she lifted the corners of her mouth in a seductive way.

  “I was thinking about the past and what can never be again. I was thinking about how I can only go forward.”

  His own smile dropped as he regarded her. Such a serious creature for someone so young, he thought as they continued to stare at one another.

  Ginny laughed. “Never thought I could be so contemplative, Lord Conway?”

  Shaking his head slightly, he put on his half smile. “To be honest, no. I have rarely met a débutante who had thoughts beyond those required to land a husband.”

  “Then I'm glad to surprise you. Not everything, or everyone for that matter, is what they appear. We all show off a certain persona to people around us. But at home, alone, we are very different people.”

  “So is this your true self, or another mask you show off to the world.”

  “This is truly me. Scary, huh?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

  “Terrifying,” he responded, only half kidding. Did he really want someone so deep, or would he rather have a shallow wife, easy to please, who would for the most part leave him to his own pursuits.

  The dance came to an end and Conway walked Sarah back to the protection of her mother. He had a lot to consider in his own life and this young girl was bringing that out in sharp relief. A whole range of questions kept popping in his head. What type of girl did he want to marry? Should he marry or wait a few more years? Where did he want his life taking him?

  He bowed to the women and made his way back to his friends. His three best friends all lounged lazily against the wall of the terrace, smoking their cheroots and ribbing each other good naturedly. When Conway approached, they began to snicker at him and his new found obsession with Lady Sarah.

  Doncaster was first. “Was it worth stealing my dance with the beautiful Lady Sarah, Conway? Or did she lead you on a merry chase once again?”

  Devon would not be outdone. “She has you tied in so many knots that it would take a pair of scissors to get you untangled.”

  Finally, Townshend joined in. “Tis a pity you avoided our wager, good man. Lady Penelope has only granted me one dance this evening. Perhaps she thinks so little of me as well.”

  Conway took his time lighting up a cigar before responding. “I admit the chit intrigues me. But every time I speak with her, she says something that makes me feel as though I should have my head examined.”

  “Maybe you should consider someone far more conventional, Conway. Miss Masters is demure, sweet and pretty. Perhaps more your speed, old man.” Doncaster had had his eye on the girl himself, but was far from enamored. He didn't think that any girl would turn his eye for more than a minute, unless it meant a night of passion was involved.

  “I will thank you to keep your cast-offs to yourself, Doncaster. I have enough trouble remembering this year's crop of young girls. Besides, I thought you had decided on her for yourself.”

  “I assure you, that is not the case.”

  Devon picked up on his friend's tone and asked, “What did she do? You were all set to court her last time we spoke.”

  Relishing that the conversation had turned away from him, Conway encouraged the new topic. “Was it not you who told the rest of us that we are reaching an age where we should consider getting married? Was it not all your idea to attend these tedious events to meet all the eligible ladies coming out this year?”

  Doncaster saw right through his friend's attempt. “Do not blame me for you lack of success, Conway. Perhaps I should have kept my dance, if only to speak to the extraordinary young lady myself. And, it was actually you who said we should think about marrying.”

  A flash of anger took Conway by surprise. Why should he be jealous? The girl was more trouble than she was worth, so why should he care if his friends wanted to dance with her? Because although he'd never admit it to anyone, even himself, he had claimed her. She would be his baroness, when he got around to courting her properly and asking for her hand.

  Trying to keep his surliness out of his tone, he responded flippantly. “Perhaps you should, Doncaster. I should like it very much when she knocks you down as well.”

  The friends laughed, lightening the mood considerably. After finishing their cigars, they entered the ballroom once again, en masse, to show a united front to all the matchmaking mothers in attendance. Yes, they were all over thirty and yes, they were in need of wives. But, above all, they would not make an imprudent choice and would certainly not be coerced into marrying someone far beneath their notice.

  Chapter 5

  Ginny awoke the next morning, head pounding from too little sleep and too much of everything else. She hadn't even drank that much the night before, sticking to some fruity punch that was so watered down it could have passed for water. But as she lay in her bed, she suffered like the day after the musicale with all the champagne.

  Her maid knocked quietly and entered the room. Ever since Ginny had popped into this world, her maid was reticent around her. Apparently, the young girl did not know how to handle a hysterical female employer with serious depression issues.

  “Good morning, m'lady. Is there anything I can bring you this morning?”

  “Yes, MaryAnn. I need coffee and something to eat. Preferably toast or a roll or something bready like that. Please don't forget lots of sugar and cream.”

  “Yes, m'lady.” MaryAnn was out the door before Ginny could blink. Normally, Ginny wouldn't make her maid do so much for her. Some things were necessary, since she couldn't button herself up the back and tie up her own stays. But making the maid fetch her breakfast was an indulgence she normally wouldn't allow herself. That day, however, Ginny was feeling extremely self-indulgent.

  After getting up to use the privy, Ginny went right back to bed and laid down. Sinking into the feather mattress, her mind again wandered toward Lord Conway. He was so easily frazzled that Ginny knew she would have to make a game of it. It would be a fun pastime to come up with ways to shock him. In this time period, it was so easy to say just about anything and shock everyone.

  It could all be for naught, though, as the baron looked to be tiring of her attitude. After he left her last evening, she got the distinct feeling that he was battling with himself over whether to continue their association. Smiling to herself, she knew he would be back. After all, this was a romance novel and she was the heroine. He wouldn't be able to resist the attraction, all the while denying it to himself and others.

  I should be able to write these damn novels if I ever get to go home, she thought, still lying under the covers, allowing her eyes to close. The combination of the warmth, her exhaustion and her using the privy made her unable to resist being drawn back into slumber. The one thing that would prevent it entered her room with barely a knock of warning.

  “Dearest, wake up. I already saw MaryAnn, so I know you are awake. We must discuss the men you danced with last eve.”

  Ginny's eyes opened a slit, watching Sarah's mother flit around the room like a hummingbird retrieving nectar from a group of flowers. Of all the ways to wake up, this was at the bottom of the list, along with news of the death of a loved one. The woman was on fire, with her exuberance and high spirits.

  Lurching herself higher on the pillows, but refusing to leave the bed, Ginny regarded the woman who had come to sit beside her. “What do you want to discuss?”

  Turning her head in confusion, Lady Weston looked shocked. “Why, which one did you favor, dearest?”

  Ginny looked toward the window. She was supposed to favor one, of course. But, she simply didn't. If she had to pick, it would be Lord Conway, of course. He was handsome and well groomed, unlike many of the men she'd danced with the evening before. Was that what she was supposed to say? Or should she hold her tongue? Decisions, decisions.

  “I don't think I favored anyone, mother. They all seemed the same to me, r
eally.”

  Gasping, Lady Weston's eyes grew ten fold in size. “How can you say that? Surely there was someone you preferred... someone tall and handsome, perhaps? Someone wealthy who is great need of a wife.”

  Ginny just stared at the woman. Why couldn't people just say what they needed to say around here.

  “Did you have someone in mind, mother? If so, just tell me who it is and I'll flirt my way into marriage.”

  Lady Weston's mouth pressed into a thin line. The stern look would have made Ginny laugh in her face, had it not been for the fact that Ginny didn't want to listen to a lecture from the woman. Instead, she relented and gave the woman the answer she was seeking.

  With a great sigh of frustration, Ginny said, “I guess Lord Conway would be my first choice.”

  Lady Weston's face changed in an instant. Suddenly, she was exuberant, clapping her hands together as if Ginny had given the million dollar answer on a game show. “It was as I suspected. He has spent a great deal of time with you. Lady Hopewell commented to me just yesterday that he seemed to pay you quite a bit of attention.”

  Standing up, Lady Weston went about the room again, touching objects and rearranging her daughter's vanity. Ginny began to suspect that Lady Weston was in need of some Ritalin. All Ginny needed was a plan to get the woman out of her room.

  “Yes, Lord Conway is very handsome. I should like to get to know him better.” Attempting a natural tone, she sounded almost robotic. Hoping the older woman wouldn't notice, Ginny awaited her response.

  “Very handsome, indeed. Not to mention, he has showered you with more attention than his mis...” Lady Weston almost forgot to whom she spoke and choked before she could finish her sentence. Recovering slightly, she went on. “Regardless, we must produce a strategy to get him to the altar. I doubt any of the Fearsome Foursome wish to be the first married.”

  “Strategy? Like having him compromise me?” Only half kidding, Ginny awaited Lady Weston's response.

  “Well, that might be something we would consider if he will not come to scratch. Before then, we must consider other options.”

  Her eyes grew wide as she listened to Lady Weston's suggestions on how to nab the Baron Conway. All her ideas made Ginny's stomach hurt. How desperate was her mother to get her married off that she would resort to such measures? Were all the matchmaking mothers of the ton of the same mindset?

  Before Ginny could launch into a lecture of her own, MaryAnn re-entered her room with the requested items. Thankful for a reason to boot out her conniving mother, Ginny said, “Well, mother, if you'll excuse me. I plan to have a simple breakfast and then take my time getting ready.”

  Patting her daughter's knee, she whispered, “I think it best if we keep our plans for Lord Conway to ourselves, dearest. You know how Charlotte would feel about it.” With a wink, her mother rushed from the room like a girl stepping on clouds. Apparently to Lady Weston, her daughter's engagement was a done deal.

  After eating her breakfast and enduring the gauntlet of dressing, Ginny made her way downstairs to see what her mother had in store for them. It wasn't as though there were many things to do, but it never seemed as though they were at a loss of places to go or people to see. In the parlor, Lady Weston was explaining to her older daughter that they would be paying calls to a few friends.

  “I really must stop and see Mrs. Collins. She is such a delicious source of information, you know.”

  “Mother, gossip is a sin. You should not relish so in the suffering of others,” Charlotte's timid voice took on a stern tone. Ginny remembered that her sister did not care for London, but because of her impoverished situation, she had little choice but to follow her mother wherever she went.

  “Oh, pish, Charlotte. Not all of the information is bad. Why, Mrs. Collins told me just last night about Lady Merton providing a much needed son and heir to her husband. We do discuss happy events as well.”

  As Ginny entered the room, she realized just how much the two women disliked each other. Since Charlotte had already married once, Lady Weston didn't feel any inclination toward her anymore. As if her commitment was complete, she tolerated her daughter so as not to look uncharitable. On the other hand, her other daughter, who was the child of an earl, was much more important. Not only had she entered her first season, but she would be a catch with a large dowry and a beautiful face.

  Sitting beside Charlotte and taking her hand discreetly, Ginny let her sister know that she understood and was in agreement. Charlotte smiled in return and went back to her embroidery.

  “Oh, my. I did want to speak to Cook about the menu for tonight. Sarah, your father will be dining with us this evening and I want to make sure that Cook serves your father's favorite dishes. When I return, we shall be on our way.”

  Relief washed over the two girls faces when their flighty mother left the room. Being around Lady Weston could be exhausting, with all her plans and schemes.

  Reading her mind precisely, Charlotte said, “Mother can be quite a trial at times.”

  Smiling in return, Ginny responded, “You should have heard her plans to get Baron Conway to offer for me. Dear God, maybe he just likes me abusing him, not necessarily wants to marry me.”

  “Sarah, that is terrible,” Charlotte could hardly keep the laughter out of her voice. “As someone who has observed Lord Conway as he has been observing you, I would not be surprised if he made an offer without even courting you properly.”

  Rolling her eyes, Ginny leaned back against the settee, slumping unattractively. “Maybe I'm not ready to marry, Charlotte. Conway's nice and attractive, but I don't think that's enough to base a lifetime commitment on, do you?”

  “You know how I feel. Mr. Stevens and I felt very deeply for one another.” Hearing the sadness in her sister's voice broke Ginny's heart. Since her husband's death, Charlotte had little to be happy over, except her love of her younger sister, despite the selfishness and stupidity.

  “How many more months are left in the season?” Ginny asked, hoping that she could put into perspective that it wouldn't last forever.

  “Barely three, really. Then we can retire to the country for the summer and enjoy long walks and rides.”

  Changing the subject, Ginny said, “Father will be dining with us tonight. That's a change.”

  “Your father finds many things to keep him occupied during the season, least of which has to do with his official duties of state.” There was no hiding the scorn. Charlotte and Lord Weston had never cared for one another, and with the passing years, the situation only got worse.

  “I know I'm supposed to honor him and all, but sometimes he can be a real prig.”

  Gasping, Charlotte refused to say another word. She couldn't disagree with her younger sister's assessment, but also didn't agree with her use of such vulgarity. Instead, she decided to air on the side of silence.

  Not a moment later, Lady Weston reappeared and announced it was time to depart. Both girls retrieved their bonnets and pelisses and boarded the carriage to make a dozen calls on people they didn't like and had little in common with. By the end of the afternoon, Ginny had drank more tea than all of China had to offer and choked down enough stale, tasteless cookies to gag a goat.

  Upon arriving at home, Lord Weston himself appeared in the hallway. He looked over the group of women as though they carried some kind of infectious disease. Sighing heavily, he asked for his wife and daughter to join him in his study. Peering over at Charlotte, Ginny noticed how stiff she was and had to wonder if she was about to be lectured on something.

  Her father's study was exactly what one would expect. Bookshelf lined walls, with volumes of leather bound books surrounded a large oak desk, stained dark. Two small, high back chairs flanked the desk. The floors were covered with thick Persian rugs, with muted colors to enhance the somber mood of the chamber. Lord Weston indicated that the women should be seated. He wasted no time seating himself behind the desk.

  Looking stern and downright grumpy, Lord We
ston first addressed his wife. “Lord Conway came by this afternoon, hoping to take Sarah for a ride in the park.”

  Gasping and clutching her hands tightly to her chest, Lady Weston looked about to burst. If spontaneous combustion were an option, Ginny knew she wouldn't want to be anywhere near the woman.

  “I knew he had a partiality to our daughter,” she beamed as she looked over the girl in question.

  Clearing his throat to bring the attention back to himself, Lord Weston continued. “I had not heard you speak of his being interested in Sarah.”

  Ginny looked the man over closely. He had dark hair, generously peppered with gray. He was handsome, with a rectangular head, strong jaw and piercing gray eyes. Her first thought was that he commanded respect, with his height and gaze. Her second thought was that of course he didn't know Conway had taken a liking to her because he never bothered to engage in familial pursuits. He popped in when it suited him, and not a moment before.