Two years ago, he’d stopped a rival thief from robbing the earl, not out of goodness, but because he’d wanted to rob Lord Havisham himself. But in an ironic twist of fate, Lord Havisham had misunderstood Royston’s action and thanked him for his help. Then he’d offered Royston a position as a footman.
He couldn’t judge others. Despite Lord Havisham’s questionable morals when it came to his wedding vows, Royston had to admit the earl had been nothing but kind and generous to him. He enjoyed a level of freedom other footmen didn’t have, a higher salary than average, and even paid medical bills. His past wasn’t a secret to the earl, and as long as Royston didn’t steal again, the earl wouldn’t give him the sack.
But if he was going to be honest, he didn’t enjoy having to cover for His Lordship’s philandering, or keep a young woman separated from her mother only because the earl had to dirty-puzzle in his box.
Well, at least tonight, the job was easy. Surely, he wouldn’t have any problem keeping Miss Haywood in the hallway.
Angeline had always wantedto go with her mother on one of her elegant nights out. Theatre premiers, operas, concerts, soirées. Mama had never taken Angeline with her until that night.
She admired the way Mama commanded everyone’s attention whenever she entered a room, even though she didn’t hold any titles. Or how the gentlemen— no matter their age, marital status, or peerage —seemed enthralled by her with just one glance. It wasn’t a matter of beauty because Angeline had never managed to tear a smile from anyone, despite the fact she’d inherited her mother’s looks. Same raven hair and black eyes, same pillow-like lips, and same curves. Yet no one noticed her.
Not that she minded. In fact, being at the centre of attention wasn’t her first aspiration. But she wondered how it would feelto have the same uncanny power of charming people as Mama had.
Every head turned towards Angeline’s mother as they crossed the busy lobby of the Theatre Royal. Ladies and gentlemen in their finest clothes waited for the play,The Romany Rye, to begin. A few gentlemen were so intimidated by her beauty that they fidgeted and blushed. Oddly enough, others pretended not to see her, even though Mama gave them a graceful bow of her head. How rude.
Mama’s blue silk gown hugged her body, exalting her hourglass figure, and showed only a hint of her decolletage. Angeline wondered if her mauve gown had the same effect on her. Not likely, judging from the almost pitiful glances tossed in her direction. Some gentlemen looked at her as if to say, ‘Poor creature.’
She paused to admire the high-vaulted ceiling, the frescoes, and the large windows. She could get used to going out with her mama.
“Did you do some research, as I asked you?” Mama asked, climbing the sweeping stairs, her chin up.
“Of course.” Angeline hurried up to walk next to her. “The Romany Ryeis the story of two half-brothers and the jealousy tearing them apart.”
“Goodness me.” Mama stopped at the top of the stairs. The lights from the chandelier played with her diamond necklace. “I don’t mean the play. We aren’t here to enjoy the performance. We have a mission.”
Actually, Angeline would love to watch the play although her first official appearance in society was more important. Alas, when she’d been the age to be a debutante, Mama hadn’t enough money to bring her out. Thank goodness their finances were in order now. More than in order, as the diamond necklace proved.
“Come here, darling,” Mama said.
She followed her mother to a quiet, dimly lit corner in the hallway.
Mama lowered her voice. “I’m going to introduce you to an earl. I hope you studiedThe Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politenessas I asked you to do. This meeting is very important.”
Well, Angeline had read the book, but remembering it was another matter. “I did read the manual.”
Mama narrowed her gaze. “I don’t mind you spending time riding or practising with the bow. A lady needs to spend time outdoors, and physical activities are good for the body, but you shouldn’t neglect your etiquette studies just because you want to shoot arrows at a hay target.”
A target at two hundred yards, something Angeline was proud of and that required a lot of practice.
“We must think about your future.” Mama touched Angeline’s cheek. “I haven’t cared enough about that so far. But I promise you’ll have a more comfortable life than I did. You won’t make the same mistakes I did.”
Angeline held Mama’s hand. “Not every man is like Father.”
Her father had been a drunk and violent man, who had disappeared one day when Angeline had been a child, leaving them full of debt and in a decrepit house. She had to thank her mother for all the sacrifices Mama had made and for never giving up to keep her daughter alive. Mama had gone into service and worked hard until she’d been able to leave service and establish herself as a respectable lady.
Angeline had briefly worked as a maid as well, but Mama was the one who had improved their lives drastically with her ability to make money. Angeline didn’t exactly understand all the intricacies of Mama’s financial enterprises— she invested her money in different businesses and stock markets — but shewas well-connected in society. An earl had invited her into his box, after all. Mama was London’s darling at the moment.
Angeline watched a family of three heading to their box. The girl had to be around fifteen, pretty in a pale-yellow gown. They smiled at each other, looking so happy. A happy family with a proper husband and father was possible. Having a happy family of her own was her mission to prove to her father how wrong he’d been to leave them.
“You worry too much, Mama. I’m sure I’ll find a lovely husband and have a house full of children and love.”
Instead of smiling at the idea of seeing her daughter settled and happy, Mama’s expression tightened. “There’s still time to marry. I’m not in a hurry to become a grandmother.”
“Time? Mama I’m practically a spinster.”
Mama waved dismissively. “A husband can wait.”
Angeline didn’t argue. Husbands were a delicate topic. After Mama had been abandoned and mistreated by her husband, she didn’t respect marriage. But…
