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“It is a pretty mystery, at that. But we’ll get no further for our speculating.” Jackson rolled his shoulders, and his stern visage softened. “I only wish you to be mindful, my friend. I’ve no wish to see you so happy, only to see you wounded later if she turns out to have more base motivations in mind.”
“I know it.” Daniel acknowledged his friend’s caution. “Even so, I’ve never been so inspired, and I cannot bring myself to give up the interaction entirely.”
“No, I don’t suppose you would. Especially if she inspires your art.” Jackson laughed a bit, and the sternness fled his features. “Nor shall I begrudge her your attention. She has evidently made enough of a positive impact to encourage you to seek out your fellow man for the first time since you came to England.”
“I cannot explain that. Only that, after she left, I was seeking some occupation and I saw your letter of invitation. I have never answered it because the noise of the city is trying to me, but tonight was different.”
“Indeed. And it begs the question of whether you will continue to attend to social engagements.” Jackson regarded him. “It would do you good to make some appearances, even if you do not feel particularly sociable.”
The club had been fine, but the idea of attending one of the numerous garden parties or balls or other such gatherings. Daniel swallowed another mouthful of scotch, trying to banish the prickling at the back of his neck. It took little effort to remember the whispers and the stares that had followed him through the club itself.
At a social affair, there would not only be gentlemen in attendance. There would also be ladies of all ages. Including, no doubt, the debuted ladies of the Season, and mothers with their unattached daughters.
Daniel said as much.
Jackson smirked. “Well, if it’s that which troubles you, then I’ve a solution, should you choose to accept it. Patricia is arranging a masquerade ball, Friday next. All the participants will be masked and disguised, and it is Patricia’s plan to wait until the very end of the evening for the unmasking. So, you may attend in relative anonymity and mingle without being singled out. And if you like, you may leave before the unmasking.”
A masquerade. An event for which he might hide his face without any consequence. And Patricia and Jackson would understand if the press of their society became too much to bear, and he retired early.
He dipped his head. “Tell her, then, to send me an invitation, and that I shall answer in the affirmative in regard to my attendance.”
“Excellent. She’ll be overjoyed.” Jackson tossed back the scant remains of his scotch and rose. “In point of fact, there is no need for her to send your invitation for I planned to deliver it myself when next I visited.” Jackson reached into his breast pocket and withdrew a crisp envelope sealed with the Merriweather seal, and with his name in neat letters on the back. ”Patricia will be happy I’d taken the opportunity so soon, and even more so to have confirmation of your presence.”
Daniel nodded and tucked the envelope away. “Quite.” He glanced around the club. “Have you any suggestions for the remainder of the evening?”
Jackson’s eyes lit up with mischief. “Since you are feeling sociable tonight, perhaps you might join me at the tables for a game…or two, or three.”
Daniel finished his own scotch, set his glass beside Jackson’s, and rose to his feet as well. “Do you know, I think I shall—if you can find us some companions. I think I might be partial to a game of Whist, or Commerce if you like.”
“Whist it is then. I think I know just the fellow.” Jackson straightened his cravat and led him from the room. Daniel followed and wondered whether it was the scotch or the memories of Hetty that made the introductions that followed more a pleasure than a chore.
CHAPTERNINE
Henrietta groaned as Sarah gently and politely prodded her into wakefulness. It was far too early, in her opinion, to engage in any sort of activity that did not involve sleep. Indeed, it was barely a civilized hour for breakfast.
Still, she stumbled out of bed and let Sarah help her through her morning ablutions and into a walking dress, compelled by the first words she’d heard from her maid when she roused.
“Begging your pardon, my lady, but Miss Eva is here. Something about going to the dressmakers, and she got you an appointment with hers, but you’ve got to come now.”
She’d almost forgotten that they’d agreed on that particular ruse for today’s outing, so that she might once again sneak away.
A cup of strong tea did much to help her toward alertness, and by the time she was ready to go, she felt almost civil. With a final inspection of her appearance, she nodded for Sarah to collect her parasol and her hat and made her way downstairs.
Eva was in the front parlor, along with Henrietta’s mother and father, sipping tea. Henrietta's mother raised an eyebrow at her appearance. “Henrietta, dear. Whatever kept you? And why did you not tell me you had an appointment?”
“I am sorry, mother. I simply could not sleep last night and had trouble rousing myself to activity this morning. And I did not tell you, because I did not know till yesterevening that Eva would be able to secure an appointment for me as well. Her aunt has agreed to chaperone us for the day to boot.”
“I see.” Her mother’s lips thinned in consideration. “While that is courteous of you, Miss Darnell, I must wonder...for I thought you went to the shops yesterday as well.”
“You are right, of course. But yesterday was only to see what the new fashions were. We did not purchase much of anything. Today will be for deciding on styles and fabrics and such. After all, it is the height of the Season, and it would not do to be seen in anything less than the latest fashions.” Henrietta dipped her head. “You know I’ve only a Season or two left before society labels me a spinster.”
Eva nodded. “It is the same for me. And you know of my modiste, Lady Crawford. She is quite good—well worth the fuss of an early awakening to have her attend us.”
Henrietta held her breath. Her father was not much for involving himself in such affairs, so long as they did not drain his accounts to nothing. Her mama, on the other hand, was far more strict in such matters. She was quite willing to see the family well turned out, but she did not approve of frivolous spending.
Besides, she knew quite well what her mother was truly thinking of. It had long been her habit to go out walking the town or visiting the shops with Eva, but it was usually only once a week, and never twice in two days.
“Now then, what’s all this?” Andrew appeared, leaning against the door frame. “Pleasure to see you, Miss Darnell.”
