Page 14 of The Return of the Rake

Chapter 3

The allure of intriguing new friends.

The Mermaid’s Tale, Little Valentine, East Sussex, 3rd October 1815.

“What got you looking all hot and bothered?” Mrs Fairway asked as Anne stalked into the room.

“Never mind, I’ll tell you later,” Anne replied tersely, letting out a breath as she looked around the room. “Well, this is more like it.”

“Isn’t it splendid!” Izzy Honeywell exclaimed, hurrying up to Anne and taking her hand, squeezing it with excitement. “There’s barely an empty seat. You’ve got to give it to the old buzzard, she was right.”

“Izzy, that’s her grace, to you, you dreadful girl,” Anne scolded. “But yes, her patronage and the chance to watch her granddaughter perform has certainly brought out everyone.”

“If she does perform, and the duke hasn’t locked her in her room,” Izzy murmured, lowering her voice.

Anne nodded. During their time at Haven House, where they had stayed to watch Izzy’s sister Bea marry the Marquess of Stonehaven, they had heard what the Duke of Hawkney had said about their club. He had been furious with his grandmother for her intention to expose his sister to such a gathering, vowing he would not allow her to make a spectacle of herself.

“Well, we shall see who won that confrontation,” Mrs Fairway replied, nodding towards the dining room door.

Anne turned in time to see the dowager enter. Dressed in a gown of purple so dark it was almost black, she was a striking figure, not least because of the turban that topped her snowy white hair, where a large diamond and amethyst brooch glittered. More diamonds adorned her neck and ears and flashed upon her gloved hands.

“Well, she’s done us proud,” Mrs Fairway said with approval.

“Hasn’t she, though,” Anne agreed, grinning as she made her way through the crowd with Izzy and Mrs Fairway in her wake.

“Your grace,” she said, sinking into a low curtsey. “How delighted we are to welcome you for our little recital.”

“Delighted to come,” the dowager replied with a nod, her eyes sparkling with satisfaction. “And as promised, might I present my granddaughter? Come here, gel, don’t be shy.”

Anne watched, delighted, as an exquisitely dressed young woman hurried forward. Her hair was a deep auburn, so dark it appeared almost mahogany until the light caught it and the fiery glints shone ruby red.

“Lady Della, we are so very pleased and grateful that you felt able to attend,” Anne said carefully, but she need not have worried as Lady Della returned an impish smile.

“I would not have missed it for the world,” she confided. “Grandmother has told me so much about you, Mrs Adamson. And you are Miss Honeywell, I think?” she added, turning to Izzy.

“Yes, my lady,” Izzy said, for once remembering her manners and curtseying prettily.

“Oh, no. Please don’t be so formal. Indeed, I hope we shall be friends, for I intend to visit Hatherley Hall often now that Grandmama has settled here.”

“Well, that is wonderful news. We shall be delighted to get to know you better,” Anne replied with a smile that was entirely genuine, for the lovely creature seemed warm and friendly and not at all like her cold and disagreeable brother.

“And I believe there is another founder member I must meet. Miss Halfpenny?” Lady Della added. “Well, besides your lucky sisters, Miss Isabelle, for whom I send my congratulations upon their nuptials.”

Anne admitted herself surprised she was so well informed, especially about Clara, for the dowager had been rather rude to the poor girl. “Indeed,” Anne said, looking around the room. “Miss Halfpenny is a little shy, so she’s most likely—”

“There she is, hiding behind that potted palm as usual,” Izzy said frankly.

“Hmph,” the dowager said, sounding exasperated. “There’s shy and then there’s Clara Halfpenny. The child needs to find her spine, if you ask me.”

“Now, now, Grandmama, we cannot all be as forthright as you,” Della said, gently but firmly reproving, whilst giving Anne and Izzy a conspiratorial wink.

“Oh, isn’t she marvellous?” Izzy whispered, clearly struck by the young woman’s charm and warmth.

“You, gel, never mind that silly chit. Find me a seat. I’m too old to be gallivanting about the room.”

“Certainly, your grace,” Izzy said, offering the lady her arm. “But I take issue with your description of Clara. She’s not the least bit silly.”

“Silly enough to allow other people to frighten her when they’ve nothing to say worth listening to,” the dowager replied, giving Izzy a stern look. “Don’t contradict me, you troublesome creature.”