‘Kisses lead to … other things.’
‘Things you know nothing about, cousin.’ The riposte was swift.
‘More to the point, do you, Susan? Are you stronger than a man? If you encouraged him to think you are without morals and would not object to the liberties a man might take with some Covent Garden opera dancer, you would need to be.’ Sophy had done what she had been determined not to do; she had lost her temper.
‘I am the Viscount Tyneham’s sister. Who would dare take liberties?’
‘Oh Susan, you little fool. There are you saying men are simple, easy to entrap, and yet you cannot see that if you act like … like a lightskirt, that is ultimately how a man will treat you, and not think of who your brother might be.’
Susan stared at her cousin, as if this was impossible.
‘You are not to be trusted, Susan, in company. I have no alternative but to instruct that you do not leave this house without my permission, or if Harriet or I are not with you, and be assured that from now on I shall remain within sight at all times if we are at a social function. I dislike making you a prisoner here, but until such time as you can comport yourself like a decent young woman, that is how it must be. You may go.’
Susan looked grim, made her cousin a flourishing curtsey that was designed as an insult, and stormed out of the room. Sophy sat down, her hands trembling, and then wept. Once the tumult of her emotions had waned, she took several deep breaths, and went in search of her sister.
Harriet was in what they termed the sewing room, a small, cosy chamber which had a large enough window to catch good light, even if northerly facing. She was hemming a handkerchief, but looked as though she had also been using one.
‘Oh Harry, please do not be miserable.’
‘I am sorry, Sophy, I did try to be positive, but whenever my mind wanders …’
‘Then we must ensure that it does not wander, my love. I … have spoken to Susan, made it clear that what happened cannot happen again or she goes home in disgrace. I have also said she may not leave the house unless you or I are with her.’
‘Oh dear, she will not like that, feeling a prisoner.’
‘No, but it is more in the notion than the reality, since how often has she gone out without us before? The thing is that I must also keep the strictest eye upon her when we are at balls and parties, which means I cannot be there to guide you as much. However, you have been about long enough now to know many people, and I have absolutely no doubt that you can deal with any situation. If not, you must find me.’
‘And your Season?’
‘My Season, Harry?’
‘What about you having enjoyment? There is Sir Esmond, who makes you smile, and Lord Rothley, who makes you smile even more and—’
‘We did not come to London for my benefit, Harry. You know that I did not even wish to come at all. There was never any intention that I should be seeking a husband. I am too long in the tooth to be a debutante, my dear. I came to assist Mama, and see you be a success.’ She smiled, but this made Harriet sigh once more. ‘I think perhaps you have been letting yourself sit in lonely gloom too long. Come upstairs and put on that new pelisse Madame Clément had to adjust. The weather is good, and you and I can have a comfortable walk together in Green Park if you do not wish for too much bustle.’
Harriet set aside her stitchery.
‘That would be nice, just us.’
‘Just us, Harry.’
She forgot that they might meet someone, and fate decreed that it should be Captain Lord Edward Wittenham. He was alone, and did not look, thought Sophy, as if he cared whether the sun rose on the morrow or not. Harriet, when she noticed him a second later, took a gasping breath, and gripped her sister’s arm more tightly.
‘Let us turn about and go the other way,’ she whispered, her cheeks turning parchment pale.
Sophy patted the hand upon her arm.
‘No, dearest, be brave. You cannot avoid him forever, you know, and far better to get this meeting out of the way, do you not think?’
‘Yes.’ She coloured, flustered. ‘No. Oh, I am not sure.’
By this time recognition had pierced whatever despondency afflicted the captain, and he too paled, then blushed, and finally swallowed convulsively as he drew near enough to make his bow.
‘Good afternoon, my lord.’ Sophy’s voice was very calm.
‘Good afternoon, ladies.’ He looked at Sophy, and then at Harriet, and his poise deserted him. ‘Lady Harriet, I … might I call upon you, tomorrow perhaps? There are things … Must explain …’
‘No, please no.’ Her response was instinctive, and in that moment Sophy, who had entertained very uncharitable thoughts about this foolish young man overnight, even if he was technically her senior in years, felt desperately sorry for him. His face fell. ‘I will not be receiving visitors tomorrow,’ Harriet managed before biting her lip and looking away.
