Anne Herries - Regency - Mischief & Marriage

Her thoughts were interrupted as the invitation to move into the dining room was given. After some shuffling and searching, everyone sat down and Eliza found herself seated between an elderly gentleman, who proved hard of hearing and Lord Roberts. Her host saw her seated with solicitous care and then proceeded to ignore her as he talked exclusively to the lady on his right.

Obviously, a companion was not deemed worthy of a meaningful conversation. Eliza contented herself by looking about her. She caught snatches of other people’s conversation and smiled as she watched Miss Susanne Roberts making up to Lord Seaton. Susanne simpered, giggled and fluttered her lashes so often that Eliza would have asked if she had something in her eye had she been close enough.

Now and then the deaf gentleman muttered something. Eliza nodded or asked if she could pass him a dish or the condiment set. She risked a few glances at Lord Seaton and discovered that he was looking at her and frowning. Once she thought he would address her across the table, but his companion claimed his attention and the moment passed.

It might have been a long and tedious meal, but the food was actually delicious and Eliza enjoyed watching the company. She saw Kate flirting in an unexceptional way with an older gentleman, and Lady Sarah was clearly enjoying talking with friends.

Eventually, Lady Roberts announced the move to the drawing room, leaving the gentlemen to their port and cigars. Kate immediately gravitated to her side.

‘Poor you,’ she exclaimed as she linked arms. ‘Mr Huddlestone is as deaf as a post and Lord Roberts was awfully rude. I do not think he addressed more than three words to you all evening.’

‘I did not remark it,’ Eliza assured her. ‘I dare say a dowager duchess is more important and entertaining than a companion.’

‘How calm you are and kind.’ Kate laughed. ‘In your position I should have been inclined to talk across the table, but Mama says it is rude to interrupt the conversation of others.’ She lowered her voice. ‘Besides, Miss Roberts was monopolising the only handsome man in the room—even if Lord Seaton was more interested in looking at you.’

‘No, I am certain he was not,’ Eliza denied immediately. ‘He seemed quite content with his companion.’

‘She threw herself at him in town, but he ignored her. Mama warned me that Seaton may be in financial difficulty, for his father was ill for a while before he died and may have neglected the estate. There was a rumour of it, but I do not know the whole. He may be looking to marry a fortune, though I shall think him a fool if he settles for a peagoose like Susanne.’

‘That is a little unkind,’ Eliza reproved, but could not resist a smile. Kate was certainly outspoken, but she could not help liking her.

Lord Seaton was not a fool, but it was possible that he needed to marry money. Gentleman often did, for the upkeep of a country estate was expensive. She imagined that Lord Roberts was wealthy and would see his daughter well endowed. However, Eliza had no time to ponder the subject for she was summoned by Lady Roberts to help serve the tea.

When she brought Lady Sarah her cup, her employer frowned. ‘This is unfair on you, Eliza, my love. You are here to enjoy yourself.’

‘I am enjoying myself very much, ma’am. Serving tea is no hardship for me.’

‘It is the manner…’ Lady Sarah shook her head. She clearly did not approve of the way Eliza had been commandeered by their hostess, but would not make a fuss in public.

Once tea was served, Kate was called to the pianoforte and she asked Eliza to accompany her.

‘Do you know this one?’ she asked, playing a few bars of a popular ballad. She smiled when Eliza inclined her head. ‘Sing it with me?’

Eliza stood at her shoulder and joined in the second verse. She had a sweet though untrained voice and their voices blended into a pleasant harmony. They had finished the ballad and were singing the words of ‘Green-sleeves’ when the gentleman returned, and were warmly applauded as they brought the old song to an end.

‘Well done, ladies. That was a perfect duet,’ Daniel Seaton told them, strolling towards the pianoforte. ‘May I join you in a verse or two?’

‘Of course,’ Kate agreed. ‘What shall we sing?’

‘I have been practising Mr Beethoven’s piano sonata,’ Susanne said, coming up to them. She looked pointedly at Eliza. ‘Perhaps you should return to Lady Sarah, Miss Bancroft. I believe she needs you.’

‘Yes, certainly. Everyone has heard quite enough of me for one evening.’ Eliza retired gracefully to sit by her employer’s side.

She listened appreciatively to the music. Susanne played with more accomplishment than Kate and, when they sang a popular ditty, their voices blended well with Lord Seaton’s. She applauded their performance as warmly as anyone.

‘I believe we should leave now,’ Lady Sarah said when the entertainment finished and the company began to talk amongst themselves. ‘I am feeling a little tired.’

‘Allow me to escort you to your carriage, ma’am,’ Daniel offered, startling Eliza who had not been aware that he was standing so close.

‘So kind,’ Lady Sarah said and took his arm. ‘It was a pleasant evening, but it is late for me. I knew your uncle once, sir. You must call and take a dish of tea with us one afternoon.’

‘I should be delighted,’ Daniel said, inclining his head.

Eliza gathered up all their bits and pieces. She followed behind, noticing with approval Lord Seaton’s consideration for her employer. He walked her to her waiting carriage, helped her inside, seeing her settled comfortably before turning to Eliza. His blue eyes were thoughtful as he offered his hand to help her ascend the steps.

‘I hope your evening was not too tedious, Miss Bancroft?’

‘Not in the least, sir. I enjoyed your singing immensely.’

‘I enjoyed your rendition of “Greensleeves.”’

‘And Miss Roberts played with remarkable proficiency.’

‘She is undoubtedly an accomplished young lady.’

‘Yes, I am certain she is.’

What was the message in his eyes? Eliza was not certain; it might be merely imagination, but he seemed to say that he cared nothing for Miss Roberts and very much for her. No, she was letting her feelings run away with her.

It seemed to Eliza that Lord Seaton held her hand for a little longer than necessary. Perhaps only seconds, but enough to make her heart flutter. Her body began to heat and very peculiar sensations made the nape of her neck tingle. She removed her hand from his grasp.

He was too dangerous to allow even the smallest flirtation.

‘Thank you, sir. I can manage now. Goodnight.’

‘Goodnight, ladies.’ He stepped back as the groom closed the carriage door. ‘I shall call one afternoon, Lady Sarah.’

Sitting back against the squabs, Eliza refused to feel pleased by his promise. It would be extremely foolish to allow herself to like Lord Seaton too much. Yet she did, she did… already her thoughts dwelled on him far more than was sensible or right.

Daniel doused his head with cold water and groaned. Whatever had possessed him to drink so much wine after he returned to his lodgings the previous evening? He shook the water from his hair and sank back into the rapidly cooling bath his valet had prepared for him. Last evening’s dinner party had been a total failure as far as he was concerned. Not only had he been bored by Miss Roberts, finding her shallow and foolish, he had left without speaking to her father.