The Suitor List Page 2

  When the time arrived for her and her aunt to leave, Augusta began to wonder why they should even bother.

  June 1811-London

  Augusta and Mrs. Parker arrived in Town three days prior to attending their first assembly. Presently, Augusta rode next to her aunt, across from the Duke, in the Faraday-crested carriage, wearing the most beautiful embroidered white silk gown and matching slippers. A string of pearls intertwined with her auburn hair made a particular striking contrast ... at least that is what her aunt had told her.

  What occupied Augusta's thoughts were the Season's remainders-the not-so handsome and not-so young gentlemen who were ignored or refused by other ladies. Upon reflection, she decided the attention of such suitors did not appeal to her in the least.

  "Please, Gusta, do try and enjoy yourself," her father chided her. "This is everything you've wished for-your first appearance at Almack's ! You will be the toast of the Town before the night is out"

  "Your Grace, you are being far too modest," Mrs. Parker amended. Even though they were to attend the as sembly, her aunt wore a cap and a gray round gown. "I vow there will not be a young man who would not wish to pay court to our dear Gusta"

  Augusta felt thankful that neither her aunt nor her father were pressuring her into making a match, and she would do her best to endure the long hours of the evening that stretched out before her.

  Her father smiled and his attention moved from his sister-in-law to his daughter. "I was attempting not to make her feel more important than she ought"

  It had been a very long time since Augusta had seen her father in evening dress. He looked fine enough to make a successful match himself in his white knee breeches, black jacket, snowy white cravat, and black and red striped waistcoat.

  The carriage came to a halt. The three occupants alit from the transport and entered the building. They stopped on the first floor landing, entering though the front doors and shedding their outerwear before heading to the main rooms.

  "This may not be the most opulent of places, mind. However, nowhere will you find a more notable collection of guests" Augusta's father leaned in closer. "I will caution you to behave yourself"

  "I understand, Papa" It was all Augusta could do not to straighten the skirts of her gown or check the condition of her hair. She merely gazed at the brise fan in her gloved hand and replied, "I realize I am not the angel Charlotte is"-she whispered more softly-"nor am I near as difficult as Moo"

  "Rightly so," he agreed, then escorted Augusta through the assembly doors.

  The music stopped, leaving silence hanging in the air. The dancers froze mid-step, and the remaining occupants of the brightly lit room came to a standstill.

  A hushed ". . . Duke of Faraday" swept through the room, without certainty of origin.

  Everyone turned toward them and beheld the Duke of Faraday's eldest daughter. Penny had never seen such a reaction at Almack's.

  The orchestra conductor was the first to regain his wits, striking up the musicians and continuing where they had left off. The dancers resumed their progression and the guests returned to their companions. Whispers replaced the normal hums of conversation; the once casual glances grew sharper and more obtrusive.

  A woman came toward them. Penny recognized one of the Almack's patronesses, Lady Castlereagh, even though it had been more than a few years since they'd last met.

  "Your Grace" Lady Castlereagh bowed her turbaned head and dipped into a curtsy. Her gaze took in not only the Duke but his party. "What an honor to have you join us"

  "The pleasure is mine, madam" The Duke turned to Augusta. "May I present Lady Castlereagh? My lady, my daughter Lady Augusta"

  Lady Castlereagh's expression showed much interest but very little surprise. "Ah-you are fortunate to have the beauty of the legendary Darling sisters." Her attention drifted from Augusta to Penny.

  Augusta's mother, Sarah, and Sarah's two sisters, Mary and Penelope, were renowned for their beauty in their day.

  "My dear Duke, Penelope, and my dear niece Augusta-what a delight to see you all." Lady Mary Kimball approached her family. "It has been an age since I've seen you, my beloved sister, and you, Augusta ... you quite take my breath away. Your cousin Miriam is present and I'm sure the two of you will find ways to amuse yourselves as always. She has spoken of nothing but seeing you this entire day!"

  "Allow me to make a few introductions, will you, Your Grace?" Lady Castlereagh interrupted their family reunion, getting back to the business of Almack's, and ushered Augusta away.

  Ten minutes later, not one of Augusta's dances remained free.

  Augusta gazed upon her dance partner, Sir Albert, and stepped back into the ladies' line, waiting for the music to end. She thanked him and bid him farewell, hoping she'd have more than a few moments to catch her breath before the next set began.

  Within the hour of her arrival at Almack's, she had completely changed her mind about coming to Town. Augusta did not know she could enjoy herself this much. The music, the gaiety, and most particularly, the gentlemen were far more enjoyable than she could have imagined.

  With her fan in one fist and a handful of her ivorycolored crepe skirt in the other, Augusta's cousin Miriam Kimball rushed to her side.

  "You cannot dance with Sir Albert Stephenson-he is just engaged to Miss Barbara Leigh this last evening."

  "But I have just completed a set with him, Mimi." Augusta stood very still, wondering if she had made a faux pas. "Is it because he is engaged?"

  "He should be dancing with his fiancee," Miriam told Augusta in a scolding tone and sent Sir Albert a dark look across the room.

  "Does that mean he cannot dance with any other female?" If that were true Augusta had much to learn. Surely the protocol for such things must be the same here as it was in the country.

  "The majority of his time should be spent attending to Miss Leigh, not to you."

  "I do apologize." Augusta didn't know what else to say. "Need I express my regrets to Miss Leigh as well?"

  "No! Oh, no," Miriam said more quietly and glanced across the way at a very unhappy brunet who sported a delightful band of small white roses in her hair. "That should be even more scandalous."

  Augusta sighed. "How is it possible to undo what I have already done?"

  "You cannot. There is nothing for it." Miriam exhaled as if all her ministrations and council to her countrified cousin had failed. "I'm afraid there will be talk"

  Although quite fond of her cousin, she knew Miriam to love dramatics, and Augusta would not allow herself to become involved. She would try, in any case.

  "I shan't listen. You cannot possibly blame me for his behavior. I had no idea he was attached to anyone-and I certainly will decline if he should wish another dance"

  "Another dance! He cannot help himself, I suppose" Miriam shrugged and added a sigh.

  "Cannot help himself? Whatever do you mean?"

  "You are a veritable polished jewel compared to Miss Leigh." Miriam lifted her hand to stop Augusta's next question. "No, no-there is truly no comparison. I daresay he is past regretting their engagement."

  "But does he not love her?" Augusta could not imagine how he could dismiss his affection for his new fiancee so easily.

  "That is what I've heard" Miriam leaned closer to her cousin to whisper. "His family is in the suds and hers, although not titled, is very wealthy. You see, they complement one another very well. Some may have thought that enough for a successful marriage-and for many it very well would be"

  Oh, dear. Perhaps Augusta did have much to learn. She had always believed in friendship and mutual affection, the type of marriage her parents had.

  Sir Warren Cantrell, whom Augusta had partnered in her third set, approached with a strikingly handsome gentleman. They stopped before her and bowed.

  "Lady Augusta," Sir Warren greeted her. The gentleman accompanying him made a most impressive bow from the waist.

  His hair was the color of jet, his eyes a deep blue, and his cloth
es fit to perfection, displaying his remarkable physique. He quite made the other men of her earlier acquaintance fade from her memory. No hint of a smile played on his handsome countenance, but he continued to regard her in an enticing, somber manner.

  "And before I make her known to you, Fieldstone"Sir Warren edged his companion aside with an elbow"I wish to claim Lady Augusta for our next set"

  "You cannot dance with her again," Sir Warren's companion objected.

  Augusta had already allowed him a second set and had just learned that it was wrong of her.

  The gentleman moved forward. "And please show some respect and not kick up dust"

  Sir Warren was not to be dissuaded. His eyes brightened and he asked, "Perhaps you would care to join me for a drive tomorrow afternoon? I have a spanking new phaeton with a matched set of grays."

  "Well, I am not quite sure . . "Augusta glanced about, uncertain how she should answer. Perhaps if she were to have some guidance....

  "Arrive by three and she may accompany you," Mrs. Parker interjected without missing a beat.

  "Oh, splendid! I shall see you at three!" Sir Warren in his highly excitable state dashed off.

  "Cantrell, old man!" The dark-haired stranger raised his hand and called after him without success.

  "Your lordship," Mrs. Parker interrupted. "If I might make my niece known to you"

  "I would be most appreciative, ma'am. I thank you" He appeared as if he had forgotten all about Sir Warren and his nonexistent introduction.

  Augusta had not taken her gaze from this gentleman since his first word and allowed herself to look up at him more directly.

  "Augusta, may I present"-Mrs. Parker receded, allowing them to address one another-"Viscount Fieldstone."

  How noble and handsome Lord Fieldstone was! It seemed to Augusta his expression of interest mirrored her own.

  "How do you do?" Lord Fieldstone said in a wonderfully sonorous voice.

  She extended her gloved hand and allowed her fingertips to rest upon his as she dipped into a curtsy. The momentary silence that rested between them was enough to allow each to draw a slow, single breath.

  "May I assume, since Sir Warren is unable to partake of his second dance, it is available?" He leaned toward her as if anticipating a positive response.

  "You may, my lord." Augusta could not help but dimple up at him. Oh, she did feel foolish for behaving so missishly, all giggles and smiles.

  "I must thank Sir Warren for my good fortune."

  "You were my champion, convincing him not to cause a scandal this very evening, were you not?"

  "I can see why he might press you to step beyond propriety." Lord Fieldstone openly admired her hair, her dress, then finally her gloved hand, which he continued to hold in his. His face remained unexpressive and his lips never hinted of a smile. "Nor can I disapprove of you for not dancing a second set with him."

  "And on my very first evening out. I do have my reputation to consider."

  "See there-" He indicated the dance floor, where guests began to line up for the next dance. "Shall we join them?" Lord Fieldstone offered his arm and they headed toward the other guests gathering for the next set.

  "Viscount Fieldstone ... ," Lady Mary Kimball whispered to her younger sister Penny. "That would be a most advantageous match. It is a shame that our dear Sarah is not here to see her eldest daughter make such a successful splash."

  "Augusta reminds me very much of our sister Sarah. I think she would have been most pleased, Mary," Penny agreed. "They make a most handsome couple, do they not?"

  "They certainly do. However, Gusta has only just arrived. We have until next week to see what becomes of them," Mary, who Penny always believed knew best, mused. "Nothing, no one, will ever replace her mother, but her aunts will make certain Augusta finds happiness"

  Penelope Parker sat in the breakfast room of Worth House enjoying a cup of tea. She could not have been more pleased with her niece's first evening out. What more could Augusta wish for than capturing the attention of every young man in attendance?

  A disturbance from the corridor brought Penny to her feet. There would be visitors, to be sure. She had expected there would be some unconventional callers in the days to come ... but she hadn't counted on ones arriving so early.

  Penny headed toward the foyer to see who had arrived. Three young ladies had come to call. Her niece Miriam led the way, followed by her friend Miss Elizabeth Randolph and Augusta's friend Miss Emily Wilbanks.

  "Are we too early for a visit?" Miss Randolph appeared uncertain of the etiquette of their impromptu visit.

  "Good morning, Mrs. Parker." Emily, who looked very chipper for this hour, was the last to step inside.

  The young Miss Wilbanks, whom Penny had watched mature alongside her sister Sarah's daughters, may not have had the benefit of social connections that position and rank brought, but she came from a well-established family and had a fine education.

  "Good day, Aunt Penny" Miriam strode past the butler, Ralston, and untied her bonnet, making it apparent she intended to remain for quite some time. "I told you we would be welcome anytime, Lizzie, you goose"

  Penny added, to her previous thoughts, that sometimes Emily behaved better than her own relatives. "Keeping country hours, are you?" she teased, knowing very well Augusta's best friend wanted to hear news of Almack's since she could not attend.

  "Look at all these flowers!" Emily exclaimed, glancing about but coming to settle on a card protruding from a bunch of violets.

  "Lady Augusta could not have danced with this many men," Lizzie, who had also not attended Almack's the previous evening, commented, sounding wary.

  "She did make the acquaintance of many more gentlemen than she shared dances" Miriam handed her bonnet to Penny, as free space on the table was nonexistent.

  "Do you mean to tell me that some men sent tributes without the benefit of a dance?" Emily remarked, quite shocked at the very idea.

  "It must be so. How else can you account for such a display?" Miriam gestured to the collection of flowers lining every flat surface in the marble entryway and extending into the front cerulean blue parlor.

  "If you young ladies would wait for Augusta in the breakfast room. She has not yet come belowstairs but I expect her soon" Penny led the way. Once they had arrived, she motioned to the sideboard. "Please help yourselves-tea, chocolate, coffee, if you like."

  "Thank you" Emily poured herself tea.

  "I daresay callers will be arriving in a few hours' time," Lizzie voiced, sounding excited.

  "Gusta had best be ready for the day." Emily moved around the breakfast table and seated herself.

  "And she is to go out for a drive at three," Miriam informed her, "with Sir Warren."

  "Cantrell?" Emily guessed hopefully and then sighed, perhaps a bit envious of her best friend's success. "What a wonderful evening Gusta must have had!"

  "One might have thought such, but I believe she was determined not to enjoy herself when she arrived." Miriam poured a cup of chocolate for Lizzie, then herself.

  "Fustian!" Lizzie cried. "It was her first assembly."

  "And was it not Almack's?" Emily tilted her head as if she wondered that she had somehow misunderstood.

  Penny knew Emily did not need to attend to know her friend's mind. Those two understood one another very well.

  "Our dear Gusta did not want for partners-there was a line of men just waiting to have a chance." Miriam punctuated her words with a significant nod of her head. "You should have seen them, Em. All of them lined up for Gusta's attention, all of them clamoring to be the first to partner her. I believe she must have crushed the hopes of no less than three dozen gentlemen last night."

  "Good gracious, Miriam-honestly," Augusta snapped from the doorway.

  "Good morning, Gusta," Emily greeted cheerfully.

  "It is very nice to see you, Em," Augusta acknowledged. "I suggest you only listen to half of what my cousin says and ignore the other half"

 
Miriam huffed. "I beg you to speak to my aunt. She was there and saw what truly happened."

  "I shall leave you girls to your gossip." Aunt Penny diplomatically avoided the conversation, as she was known to do in the Faraday household. "I'm going to take the carriage to call on your mother, Miriam, to see if she could use any help for her party this evening."

  A ball, given in Augusta's honor by her aunt Mary, had been planned many weeks ago, as it was known the Season would be over soon.

  "Please tell her I am looking forward to this evening." Augusta stepped into the room.

  "Certainly, my dear." Aunt Penny made her exit.

  The four girls waited patiently until they were certain Mrs. Parker was well out of hearing range before continuing their discussion.

  "I had a splendid time," Augusta stated, directly to Emily, "and there were exactly the number of gentlemen I needed to dance every set and no more than that."

  "I am quite sure that long before you made the acquaintance of Lord Fieldstone, you must have decided all was going quite well" Lizzie said, and then added, "I certainly would have"

  "I believe it must have begun, if I am not mistaken, with Sir Albert's insistence that he claim your first dance" Miriam lifted her cup and saucer from the table. "There was some heated discussion among the young bloods"

  Augusta faced the sideboard and groaned with exasperation. Why did Miriam feel the need to overexaggerate at every occasion?

  "One's opinion of any gathering always improves when there are gentlemen battling over you," Miriam declared over the rim of her cup. "However, Sir Albert managed to prevail!"

  "Is that why Sir Albert Stephenson has begged off?" Lizzie leaned forward, nearly spilling her chocolate.

  "He's broken his engagement to Miss Leigh? The scoundrel!" Emily remarked with her eyes wide with outrage.

  "I told you not to dance with him!" Miriam scolded Augusta and then turned to face her friend. "Pray, how do you know this?"

  "I have had it from my abigail Marybelle," Lizzie replied.