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‘Just the headache of all the wedding preparations,’ Jack said. ‘Do either of you know where I can find a reliable secretary?’
Chapter Ten
Jack called the next day to ask whether the fifth of September would suit and to take her walking in Green Park. Madelyn agreed that date would be most acceptable and went to put on a light spencer and the quite ridiculous little straw hat that Louisa assured her was just the thing to wear with it. She studied the effect in the mirror, decided that she looked like a sunflower with a rather large bee on top, and joined Jack in the hall, resigned to appearing ridiculous.
‘Do you like my new hat?’ she enquired, striving for the light and frivolous tone that Louisa assured her was correct for conversing with gentlemen.
‘A delightful piece of nonsense. I imagine the price is in inverse relation to the size,’ he observed as Partridge opened the door and handed him his own hat.
‘How did you know that? I imagine the cost of men’s headwear is not related in any way to that for ladies.’
‘I have purchased the occasional piece of fripp—Do look, is that Byron over there? No, of course not—foolish of me. He left the country in the spring.’
As she had never read any of the poet’s works, the attempt to distract her failed. ‘You were about to say frippery, I think. For mistresses, I imagine.’ It had not occurred to her until that moment, but of course Jack must have had them. He probably still did, which was a lowering thought. But why should she care? He did not pretend to love her, he would undoubtedly be discreet and not embarrass her by flaunting an irregular arrangement. But I do care. It was a matter of self-respect, nothing more.
‘I can assure you,’ Jack said stiffly, ‘I am not involved with anyone at present and, naturally, would not be after our marriage.’
‘Naturally? I thought most men kept mistresses if they could afford to, married or not. My father certainly did.’ Mrs Milbanke, a most obliging widow in the next parish, to be exact.
‘I would not.’ It sounded as though his teeth were gritted, although as they were negotiating the traffic in Pall Mall it was difficult to tell. ‘And even if I did, a lady ignores the situation.’
They arrived safely on the other side of the road and turned towards St James’s Palace.
‘That must be difficult if she has any affection for her husband,’ Madelyn said after a while.
That was received in silence. Jack nodded towards the red brick mass of the Palace. ‘The Palace is where Drawing Rooms are held. I will take you to be presented to the Queen after we are married. It will be a debut for both of us, the first time I will appear at Court using my title.’ Mistresses had clearly been dismissed as an unsuitable topic for conversation.
‘Louisa showed me a picture of Court dress. I thought she was in jest, but apparently I am supposed to wear something like a vast bell and have ostrich plumes in my hair. Quite idiotic.’
‘I suggest you do not make that observation to Her Majesty. Console yourself with the thought that you will not be alone in your discomfort. I have to carry a chapeau bras, trip myself up with a ridiculous little dress sword and try not to rip my best silk hose with it. Tradition, my dear. I would have thought you would approve of it.’
Interesting... The survival of the past into the present. Do the lords and ladies putting on their Court dress think of it like that? I wonder. And if it
is acceptable to dress in a palace as though one was in 1750—
‘Look out!’
Madelyn found herself lifted and swung to one side. She arrived back on the flagstones with a bump. ‘What on earth?’
Jack pointed at the pavement. ‘The milkmaids bring their cows to graze in the park this way and do not clear up after them. You need to take care where you put your feet. It might be best to take my arm if you are going to walk along with your head in the clouds.’
‘Thank you.’ Madelyn slid her hand under his proffered elbow. ‘You are very strong to lift me like that.’
‘That, I believe, is my cue to say that you are as light as thistledown.’
‘And mine to reply that I do not believe such nonsense for a moment,’ she retorted. ‘But Louisa would tell me that I must behave as though I do not have a sensible idea in my head, so please imagine I have just simpered and said something like, Oh, my lord, you flatter me and what wonderful muscles you have.’
Jack made a sound that was suspiciously like a snort of laughter. They had reached the edge of the Park and he began to point out landmarks. ‘This is Queen’s Walk. The reservoir is up there next to Piccadilly, and you can see the Queen’s House across the grass in the distance in that direction. Which way would you like to go?’
‘It is very green. Oh, there are the cows you were talking about, over by the trees. But where is Rotten Row? Is that not the fashionable place to promenade?’
‘That is in Hyde Park.’ Jack pointed at a far corner. ‘That way.’
‘I see,’ she said, suddenly realising why they were in this particular park. ‘You do not think I am ready to be seen in such a place as Rotten Row?’
‘It is always crowded, always confusing if you do not know everyone and I think you would find it easier to take in the scene and recognise people if you were in an open carriage,’ Jack said easily. ‘Besides, I want to drive you, not walk, and I am negotiating for the purchase of some horses at the moment. You would prefer to appear behind a good team drawing a high-perch phaeton to a pair of job horses and a hired carriage, would you not?’
It was perfectly reasonable, but why did she have the feeling that Jack was tactfully attempting to control her movements? Probably because he is, she thought. Louisa had let slip that it was not she, but Jack who was deciding which invitations they would accept, who Madelyn was to be introduced to. Now she was not to be allowed to wander at will in Hyde Park, it seemed.
