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Maude saw exciting opportunities opening up for her two daughters. Of course, gowns would be needed; she couldn’t allow her girls to be made a laughing stock by appearing plainly dressed while mingling with the cream of society. But Mr Chapman would understand that the expense of a few new frocks and fripperies would be an investment in their daughters’ futures. She frowned, wondering whether to ask her husband to pen a note to Mr Dewey and hint that his girls might require a few additional clothes as they were doing well socially and were welcome to stay longer in town. It was a delicate matter to broach; Maude knew Walter Dewey was under siege financially with no likelihood of a change in circumstances, but Anthony would have to find a way of raising it with the fellow. It would be unfair to expect the Dewey girls to go about clad in the same dresses every evening. If Beatrice and Elise chose to return home rather than feel humiliated all plans would go awry... Maude rose abruptly from her chair.
‘I have to speak to Mr Chapman before he goes off out,’ she told the girls, hurrying away.
* * *
‘She didn’t turn up?’ Hugh sounded indignant. ‘In that case I’m glad I didn’t bother traipsing off to the lake pavilion to meet her.’
‘As I recall, you gave me the task so I might waste my time instead,’ Alex returned sardonically as he expertly negotiated a zigzagging path between a brewer’s dray and a coal cart. The phaeton returned to an even keel as Alex eased the spirited thoroughbreds to a more sedate pace.
Hugh was unperturbed by the precariousness of the journey they were undertaking to Cheapside. He had complete confidence in his friend’s skill with the ribbons and knew they would arrive for appointments with their respective attorneys, in good time and good health. The frown furrowing Hugh’s brow was caused by guilt, not fear they might be pitched off the high-flyer and into the road.
When Alex had called at his lodgings earlier to give him a ride the first question Hugh had ready was concerning Lady Lonesome. A few days had passed since they’d seen one another because estate matters had taken Alex to Berkshire. But now his friend was back and, in Hugh’s opinion, looking decidedly moody...and that was making him uneasy.
‘Sorry about sending you off on a fool’s errand,’ Hugh mumbled, glancing at his friend’s lean profile. ‘Had I believed Lady Lonesome was a fraud I’d not have nagged you to get involved.’
‘If she were a fraud, I imagine she’d have turned up and attempted to part you from your money,’ Alex pointed out.
‘True...’ Hugh admitted on a rueful grimace. ‘Mayhap she was a harlot who found rich pickings elsewhere that night. If she writes again, I’ll let her know that I’m no longer able to continue our correspondence. If I hadn’t remained in the thick of things I might not have spotted Aunt Edith by the stage and that would have been a great shame.’
‘Particularly as she had with her Beatrice Dewey,’ Alex remarked drily.
Hugh suppressed a slightly self-conscious smile. ‘She is a delightful young woman, don’t you think?’
‘I think you should concentrate on putting your finances in order before you contemplate romance. You replied to that damned advertisement hoping to marry a stranger for her fortune because of the mess you’re in.’
‘You’re right on that score, too.’ Hugh sighed dolefully. ‘It’s pointless getting keen on a young woman who is as hard up for cash as I am myself.’
‘How do you know Miss Dewey is hard up?’ Alex asked sharply. He didn’t imagine that Beatrice would have divulged anything personal to Hugh so quickly, especially not in such company as was tightly congregated about them a few nights ago. It might easily have been overheard and the tabbies would delight in putting such rumours about to give their own favourites a head start in the marriage stakes.
‘Aunt Edith told me a bit about the family after I’d escorted her and Dolly Pearson home to Hammersmith.’ Hugh plunged a leg out in front of him, easing his position on the carriage seat. ‘I went in and took a nightcap with my aunt before I set off home. She told me the Dewey girls had moved to the countryside with their papa because of some difficulties the family had years ago.’ Hugh grimaced disappointment. ‘I expect Edith realised I rather took to Beatrice and she was gently putting me straight. My aunt knows I have no option but to fortune hunt for a wife. Apparently her neighbour Dolly only related bare bones about her brother’s fall from grace. But whatever happened resulted in a scandal and Walter Dewey’s financial ruin.’
