Anne Herries - Chosen by the Lieutenant

* * *

Amanda danced almost every dance that evening and it was not until supper that she had a chance to talk to Jane.

‘Are you enjoying yourself? I saw you dancing with Lord Armstrong, Mr Pearson and Major Brockley. I do not think you have often sat out this evening.’

‘Oh, no, everyone has been so kind, especially Lord Armstrong,’ Jane said. ‘He admires you so much, Amanda, and talked to me of you in such tones that I think he is falling in love with you.’

‘Oh, no,’ Amanda denied, her cheeks heating. ‘I am sure it is not so, Jane. He speaks of me because he knows we are friends. You would make him a much better wife than I should.’

‘No...’ Jane’s cheeks went hot. ‘I am sure he would not look at me. I am such a little mouse...and you are so clever and bright, and pretty too,’ she added loyally.

Amanda pealed with laughter. ‘Jane, you must not tell fibs! I may have a quick mind, but I am not pretty. You cannot truly think it?’

‘Oh, I know that beside Miss Langton you may appear merely attractive,’ Jane replied earnestly. ‘She is a diamond of the first water, of course, and few ladies can compare to her. When she is not here you are as pretty as most other girls.’

‘If I were not quite as plump, or a little taller, I suppose I might be thought quite attractive,’ Amanda said with devastating frankness. ‘I am trying not to eat quite as much.’

‘You are a little plump, but it is the style of your gowns that make it noticeable,’ Jane said, looking at her thoughtfully. ‘But not so fat that you look ugly or unpleasant. Besides, a lot of men prefer plump girls and find thin ones intimidating. My uncle thinks you...’ Jane blushed again. ‘Forgive me, Amanda, but he said you were a delightful armful. If he were ten years younger, I think he would offer for you...’ She looked at Amanda awkwardly, but her doubts fled as Amanda burst into laughter.

‘I am most grateful to him,’ Amanda said, amusement dancing in her eyes. ‘One of the nicest compliments paid me, I think, because it was honest.’

‘May one share the jest?’ Phipps asked, coming up to them with his friend Brock. ‘You have danced with me but once this evening, Miss Hamilton. I fear I must have offended you?’

‘No, indeed, you have not,’ Amanda said. ‘If you wish, I have the waltz after supper free?’

‘I thank you. We should go now, for I think the musicians are about to start.’

Amanda had been so busy laughing and talking that she had left most of her supper untouched, but she did not regret it for she loved to dance, and since Major Brockley had once again solicited Jane’s hand, she had no qualms about leaving her.

‘I am getting up a little party at my country house for August,’ Major Brockley said as the two couples returned to the ballroom. ‘I should be happy if both you and your mama—and Miss Field—would make up part of the company, Miss Hamilton.’

‘I should like to come,’ Amanda replied. ‘I am not certain whether I shall be at home before that—or the guest of Miss Langton.’

‘Oh, Miss Langton will naturally be included,’ Brock said. ‘I shall send the invitations to your home. I dare say either your papa or your mama will let you know the precise details, if you are not at home.’

‘Thank you, I look forward to it,’ Amanda replied.

The two couples parted to take their places on the floor and the music struck up. Of all things, Amanda loved to waltz, and to do so with the man who made her heart beat faster and her feet as light as a feather was such a delight that the music was over too soon. However, Brock then solicited her hand for a country dance and Phipps partnered Miss Field.

* * *

After the set was finished, Lady Hamilton came in search of them and said it was time they left. Told of the scheme for a house party at Lord Brockley’s country seat, she appeared flattered and agreed instantly that she would be delighted to bring her daughter and to chaperon Miss Field.

‘We shall arrange for Jane to stay with us for two days before we come to your father’s estate, sir—and that way I may chaperon them both.’

Jane was flushed with pleasure and, on the way home, thanked Lady Hamilton so many times that that lady laughed and told her she had been thanked enough.

‘It is no trouble, my dear. You are a delightful girl and I am glad to see Amanda making friends that she may keep throughout her life.’

Jane afterwards contented herself with making plans for the visit. Her parents were not rich and, had she not had a generous aunt, the visit to town would not have happened. She confessed that she intended to make herself some new gowns for the promised treat, for the prices charged by London seamstresses were much too high for her pocket.

Amanda, having a generous dress allowance, felt as if she ought to offer some kind of help to her friend, but Mama intervened and spoke of Jane’s talent in dressmaking.

‘Did you make the gown you are wearing?’ she asked.

Jane smiled and inclined her head. ‘I have been asked for the name of my dressmaker several times, Lady Hamilton, but I make them all myself. Mama’s maid helps me cut the patterns, but the needlework and designs are my own.’

‘Amanda needs two new gowns,’ Mama said. ‘If you were to help her choose them, I dare say the silk we buy could be ordered in a sufficient quantity for you to make yourself a gown to match. Think how pretty that would look—the two of you in the same silk, but different styles.’

‘I should love to help Amanda choose her new gowns,’ Jane said, ‘but I need no payment, ma’am.’

‘Oh, but I think that is a lovely idea,’ Amanda cried, thinking how clever Mama was. ‘You could help me make some adjustments to my gowns, Jane. I have discovered that at least three of my new dresses are too big around the waist. I think the seamstress made too much allowance...’

‘No, I think you have lost some weight,’ Jane corrected her. ‘I have an eye for these things and you were rounder at the beginning of the Season than you are now—at least that is my observation.’

‘Do you think so?’ Amanda was puzzled for she had not noticed anything. ‘I thought the seamstress believed I might grow into the extra size.’

‘No, Jane is right,’ Mama said. ‘I thought you might have lost a couple of inches about your waist, my love. I dare say it is all the dancing you’ve been doing...but will you help us, in return for the silk, Jane?’

‘Of course, if you wish it,’ Jane said. ‘I should like to redesign a few things for you, Amanda, if you trust my judgement.’

‘You must come with us when we remove to the countess’s house,’ Lady Hamilton announced. ‘I do not wish to see you girls parted and I know Susanna will be delighted to have you stay. You will prolong your visit to town, Jane, and then come home with us for a week or two. Unless your parents are desperate for you to return?’

‘No, ma’am, they will be only too pleased for me to stay with friends for a while.’

Having arranged the future to her satisfaction, Lady Hamilton allowed the girls to talk together, closing her eyes until Coachman stopped outside Jane’s aunt’s house, and they took leave of one another, after arranging for Jane to accompany Amanda to the dressmaker two days hence.

Continuing their journey, Amanda’s mother was silent for a moment, then, ‘Do you think Major Brockley has taken a fancy to Jane, my dearest? I noticed he danced with her at least twice this evening.’

‘Yes, Mama, he did,’ Amanda agreed. ‘However, he danced with several pretty girls twice—and with me also.’

‘You are a pretty girl,’ Mama said. ‘You put yourself down too much. I have noticed that you are even more popular of late, which proves that it was not just because you went everywhere with Miss Langton.’