Page 26 of The Ruin of Miss Amelia Burrowes

Chapter 11

“How do you know she’ll be here, Nathan?” Decked out in her newest and most fashionable evening gown of silver silk satin, Amelia deemed herself too conspicuous, although Nathan had insisted she wear something to make Lady Tenby’s guests notice her. She truly didn’t think she could take one more cut direct, especially in such a noble household. Only Nathan’s comforting presence had given her the courage to appear here tonight.

“Because she’s helping bring out her granddaughter Lady Agatha Kidwelly this Season, and Lady Tenby’s balls are de rigueur these days, ever since her husband was elevated to the marquisate. You said yourself Lady Carrington is a high stickler. If so, she’ll be here.”

Amelia frowned. “The granddaughter must be Marianne’s daughter. Jonathan’s oldest sister. He had two, but only one was married at the time we were engaged.” She glanced about the ballroom, looking for a familiar face, then stopped. Did she really wish for Lady Carrington or her daughter to see her looking for them? She drew back, not letting go of Nathan’s arm. “Do you know what Lady Carrington looks like?”

“Yes, quite accidentally.” Nathan chuckled. “I accompanied Kate to a private entertainment given by Mrs. Maria Scop on the night before I met you at Lady Hamilton’s and was quickly pressed into service to dance with Lady Agatha. And thus was introduced not only to the young lady, but to her mother and grandmother as well.” He smiled ruefully at her. “Never would I have thought such an imposition on my time would stand us in such good stead now.”

“I suppose the Fates have been having quite a laugh at our expense,” Amelia murmured as Nathan moved them nearer to the dance floor.

“They brought us together at just the right moment, my love. For that I will allow them all the amusement they can stand for the rest of my life.” Nathan stopped and nodded. “There she is.”

Drawing in a large breath to steel herself, Amelia turned her gaze in the direction he’d indicated, and there she was: Lady Carrington, looking much the same as when she’d last seen her, at the family’s primary estate. A short, thin woman, Lady Carrington nevertheless commanded any room she chose to set foot in. Her bright blue turban, adorned by two sweeping peacock feathers harmonized nicely with her dark blue taffeta gown, trimmed at neck and hem with swirls of fabric made to look like peacock feathers as well. Ironic that such a finely feathered bird had robbed Amelia of her future and relegated her to the nondescript life of a common wren. Armed with the knowledge of what Lady Carrington had concealed all these years, Amelia arched her neck, threw her shoulders back and marched straight toward the lady in question.

Nathan let out a startled “Awp” and hurried to keep up with her.

Lady Carrington stood speaking to her daughter, a superior smirk on her face. “And Lady Clavern’s son has asked Agatha for a second dance already, so I think we may put him firmly on the list now.”

“Good evening, Lady Carrington, Lady Dereham. I do hope you remember me.” Amelia smiled brightly at the ladies while Nathan stood by her side, beaming idiotically.

Lady Dereham looked puzzled for a moment, but her mother’s eyes widened immediately then narrowed into two suspicious slits. “Why, of course we remember you, Miss Burrowes.” The lady sounded as though she wished her in purgatory. “You remember Amelia, don’t you, Marianne? Jonathan’s betrothed before he,” she paused a moment then continued resolutely, “died.”

“Oh, yes, of course, Amelia.” The smile on Marianne’s face was surely meant to be pleasant, however it fell somewhat short of that mark. “We have not seen you in an age.” Her gaze strayed to Nathan. “And this must be your husband?”

“Not for another week, my lady, but I am counting the minutes until that happy occurrence takes place.” Nathan kept his tone respectful, although his eyes had deepened to the color of storm clouds before a bad blow. “Lord Ainsley at your service, ladies. We met several weeks ago at Mrs. Scop’s entertainment, if you recall. I had the distinct pleasure of dancing with your daughter, Lady Agatha.”

Lady Dereham preened as all good mother birds did. “I do remember, my lord. You were particularly gallant to dear Agatha.”

“A charming young lady, if I may say so.” Nathan turned slightly until he caught Lady Carrington’s sour countenance. “I remarked to Miss Burrowes that Lady Agatha was fortunate to have two ladies see her through the dangerous waters of her come out. So many young ladies seem to come to grief during their first Season, when something unforeseen may dash their hopes for happiness and they end up with their reputations irrevocably ruined.” He turned back to stare directly into Lady Dereham’s panicked eyes. “One cannot be too careful when a lady’s reputation can be lost in a blink.”

He snapped his fingers, and Lady Dereham jumped.

“I do take your meaning, my lord.” She gazed frantically around the room until she spied her daughter, and her shoulders slumped with relief. “If you will excuse me, I must go speak to dear Agatha.” She snapped open her silk fan, fluttered it in a frenzy then all but ran toward Lady Agatha, who seemed to be having a delightful time flirting with Lord Somersby.

“You have a wonderful way of issuing a threat with a pleasing countenance, Lord Ainsley.” Lady Carrington clenched her jaw until her skin turned pale. “May I ask what business my granddaughter is of yours?”

Shrugging, Nathan shook his head. “I only wished to point out to your daughter that even the most innocent of ladies can be ruined by those unscrupulous members of the ton who might, of course, have prevented such a thing from happening.”

“I assume you are speaking of Miss Burrowes’s scandalous behavior with my son almost a decade ago.” The woman sniffed, as though Amelia and Nathan were wasting her time.

“I am, my lady.” A smile puckered Nathan’s mouth. “Some new information has arisen regarding a correspondence between your son and his betrothed. Information I believe you may not be aware of that will clear Miss Burrowes of any wrongdoing.”

A look of suspicion stole over Lady Carrington’s face. “What could a mere correspondence do at this late date, my lord? If you are satisfied with the lady’s character to the point you are willing to marry her, I do not see why you are consulting me on this at all.”

“Oh, but I believe you will, my lady.” Nathan sidled up closer to her and lowered his voice. “I believe you can help Miss Burrowes regain her reputation in the ton. Once you read what your son wrote to her, I daresay you will eagerly offer your assistance.”

Lady Carrington stumbled back a step then regained her dignity and her footing. With a sniff, she nodded. “Very well.” She shot a glance toward her daughter, returning with the exquisite Lady Agatha in tow. “Call upon me tomorrow morning at half-past nine. The household will scarcely be stirring at that time. We will discuss this further then.”

“You may depend upon us to be there, my lady.” Nathan bowed and offered his arm to Amelia, who dropped her curtsy and clung to her betrothed’s elbow for dear life. “Good evening.”

“Good evening, my lady.” Amelia’s heart was pounding in her chest as they made their way toward her mother, who looked at them curiously.

“Was that Lady Carrington?” Mrs. Burrowes peered toward the lady, her fan swishing so wildly her hair began to straggle untidily.

“It was, ma’am.” Nathan turned to Amelia, his eyes bright with suppressed mirth. “So far, so good, my love.” He squeezed her hand. “We have an appointment to see her tomorrow morning.”

“That seems rather odd.” Mama frowned, following them as they turned to go. “She never seemed to approve of Amelia even when she was betrothed to her son. Why would she wish to renew the connection after all this time?”