Gail Whitiker - A Most Unsuitable Bride

Diana had originally been concerned that he might not give Amanda the attention she deserved, but, when she saw the warmth in his eyes as he smiled at her, she knew her fears were unfounded.

‘We have much to talk about,’ Amanda whispered as Diana and Phoebe went to move on. ‘Promise we shall have some time together this evening.’

‘Of course, but if we do not, I shall be sure to come and visit you again.’

Amanda’s eyes brightened. ‘Oh, yes, I should like that very much!’

The girls exchanged a few more words, and then Diana and Phoebe moved on to join their aunt, who was already talking to a couple neither of the girls knew. They were soon introduced, however, and the first half-hour or so passed in pleasant conversation. Phoebe eventually went off with a cluster of younger girls, and Diana herself made the acquaintance of several amiable people, none of whom looked at her with the censure she had been expecting.

‘Oh, look, there is Lady Aldsworth,’ Mrs Mitchell said, spying a tall, black-haired woman who had just come in. ‘I must have a word with her. Do you mind if I leave you for a moment, Diana?’

‘Of course not. I shall be fine on my own.’

As it turned out, however, she wasn’t alone long. Only moments after her aunt stepped away, Diana turned to find Amanda at her side. ‘Now, we shall have our few minutes alone,’ the girl said with evident satisfaction.

Surprised that she had time so early in the evening, Diana said, ‘Are you sure you dare? There are many people anxious to wish you well on your betrothal.’

‘Yes, but they can hold their good tidings for a few minutes. Right now, I want to spend time with you.’ Amanda reached for Diana’s hands and held them tightly in her own. ‘I truly am so pleased to see you back in town, Diana. When your aunt told me you were coming, I could scarce contain my excitement. But it must seem strange being back after spending so much time away.’

Diana knew what Amanda was referring to, but she only smiled. ‘It is better than I expected. This is only my first outing, of course, but I’m feeling more at ease than I’d thought to, and Phoebe is having a wonderful time, which is my main reason for being here.’

Amanda looked at her quizzically. ‘What do you mean? Are you not here looking for a husband?’

‘Certainly not. I am here to act as Phoebe’s companion, and to make sure she has a wonderful time. And, of course, to help her find a husband.’

‘But what about your future?’

Diana laughed softly. ‘I am mistress of Narbeth Hall, and actively engaged in caring for my garden and my flowers, along with my two cats, three rabbits, and a very rambunctious puppy. But never mind my life, tell me all that has been happening in yours!’ Diana said, purposely switching the subject. ‘I leave behind a fragile duckling, and come back to find a beautiful swan, engaged to marry the Earl of Eastcliffe, no less.’

Amanda giggled, and in doing so, became the ingenuous girl Diana remembered. ‘Astonishing, is it not? Especially given the way I used to look.’

‘Nonsense. You make it sound as though you were a dowd, and we both know that was never the case.’

‘No, but I was not, as Aunt Hester said, “a lady whom the gentlemen were lining up to meet.” Fortunately, she taught me how to improve in so many areas, and I will always be grateful to her for that. I don’t think Mama ever dreamed I would attract the attention of someone like John.’

‘So you are happy about your upcoming marriage?’ Diana asked.

‘I am more than happy, Diana. I have been fortunate enough to find a man who loves me, and whom I love so very much in return.’

‘Then you are truly blessed.’

‘Yes, I believe I am,’ Amanda said, her happiness shining through. ‘John is always bringing me little gifts, or sending me posies. He even wrote a poem to me once, though he made me promise not to show it to anyone.’

‘Really.’ Diana had difficulty imagining the pedantic Earl of Eastcliffe sitting down to pen romantic prose. ‘And have you?’

‘I confess, I was tempted to when I heard people constantly remarking on how serious he seems, but I have abided by his wishes and I suppose it is for the best. It was a rather sentimental piece.’

The delicate blush on her friend’s cheeks convinced Diana there must be hidden depths to Lord Eastcliffe, and that it was probably best not to delve any further into the content of the letter. ‘Well, I am very happy that you have found someone who makes you so happy, Amanda. You deserve the best of husbands. And as the Countess of Eastcliffe, you will certainly have access to all the best houses.’

‘Yes, though I confess, the thought of moving in the uppermost levels of society is somewhat daunting.’

‘I don’t know why. Looking the way you do, you can hold your head up in any crowd.’

‘Dearest Diana, you always did say the kindest things,’ Amanda said sincerely. ‘And that is only one of the reasons I have missed you so much.’ Her smile faltered. ‘I have missed you. You know that, don’t you?’

Diana sighed. ‘I wanted to think you did, but I didn’t know when your letters stopped coming. I thought perhaps your mother had discouraged you from writing because of what happened.’

‘Oh, no, it wasn’t like that at all! In fact, I wanted to write because there was something I desperately wanted to tell you. But I didn’t know how to say it and, then, as time went by—yes, Parker?’ Amanda said as the butler arrived in front of her.

‘Pardon the interruption, miss, but Lord and Lady Jenkins have arrived.’

‘Oh, yes, of course, and I must go and welcome them.’ Amanda smiled an apology at Diana. ‘They are relations of John’s, come all the way from Yorkshire to meet me. You will forgive me for leaving you?’

‘Of course.’ Diana gave the girl her most reassuring smile. ‘I told you, you shouldn’t be neglecting your guests this evening.’

Amanda’s face reflected her relief. ‘I knew you would understand. But I shall come back, and we will pick up where we left off. There is much I would tell you, Diana!’

She swept away in a rustle of skirts, and, watching her go, Diana felt a momentary pang of disappointment. She was sure that Amanda had been about to tell her something of importance, but she could hardly expect her to ignore her guests so that she might share confidences with an old girlfriend.

Suppressing a sigh, Diana rose and glanced around the room for her aunt. She didn’t find her, but she did find—or was found by—Phoebe, who was looking decidedly flushed and not a little breathless.

‘Phoebe, whatever is the matter? You look quite disconcerted.’

‘That is because I am disconcerted,’ Phoebe said, pressing a hand to her heart. ‘A gentleman has been smiling at me and I am quite at a loss to know what to do about it.’

‘You could smile back at him.’

‘Oh, no! I couldn’t, because he is truly the most handsome gentleman I have ever seen! And I know that if he comes to speak with me, I shall make a complete fool of myself!’

Suddenly feeling very much older and wiser, Diana said, ‘He won’t speak to you without an introduction, Phoebe. And if he does speak to you, you shall certainly not make a fool of yourself.’ She glanced around the room, looking for the source of Phoebe’s agitation. ‘To which gentleman do you refer?’

‘The tall one in the scarlet uniform,’ Phoebe said, not looking at him. ‘There, by the wall.’

Diana glanced across the floor and finally located the source of Phoebe’s consternation, a handsome young officer, who nevertheless had a most friendly and engaging air. ‘I don’t know who he is, but I’m sure Aunt Isabel will,’ Diana said, looking around for the older woman.