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Chapter 6
Isabel looked out of the window and marvelled at the houses they passed. They did look grand, but they were nothing on the scale of the house she had grown up in. They looked more like a novelty, especially standing side by side and sharing walls. Isabel didn’t think that was supposed to happen with the wealthier houses.
“It’s ever so noisy.” Isabel pulled back as a shout from a nearby fruit stall made her head hurt. She clapped her hands over her ears. “Why does London have to be so loud?”
“It’s because it’s the capital, Isabel. And it’s the main connection to the rest of the world.” Lady Dunley smoothed down her skirts. “You’ll get used to the noise. From what the landlord told me, it’s not very noisy where we are.”
“So, we’re not going to be living here?”
“No, they would wipe out what savings I’m holding onto. We’ve had to go for something a little less grand, but apparently, it’s still comfortable.” Her mother frowned. “He’s told me all about it, but I’m beginning to wish I had come to London to look myself. I don’t like going to something I haven’t seen before.”
Isabel didn’t like it, either. She didn’t like being here at all. They had never been to London, choosing to go to Exeter and Torquay instead. They were big places, but they were towns that Isabel could cope with. London was at least twice the size of them put together, and it was twice as noisy. Isabel really didn’t like noise. Living where they had been was perfect for her; she could get on with her hobbies without the worry of anything urban getting in the way.
But they couldn’t go back now. It was not possible anymore. The new Viscount Dunley and his family were moving in now, giving Isabel and her mother time to leave. They’d had to leave the majority of the furniture behind and quite a few of the staff. The servants they did have to leave there were not happy about it. They were rather upset, and Isabel found herself crying as she wanted to take everyone with her. Her cousin would have his own staff, so the knowledge that the former household staff might not have secure positions was worrying.
But they couldn’t afford all of them. They could manage a small household, who had gone on ahead with the furniture they were allowed to take and their belongings to get the house set up. Arnaud was going to be there making sure everything was in order. Isabel was glad that her maid was still going to be there.
However, Cook wouldn’t be. That was upsetting, but Lord Dunley had told them he had heard about Cook’s ability in the kitchen and his current cook wasn’t young enough to make the long journey, so he had suggested a switch, their cook for his. Isabel didn’t like that at all. There was no way her mother could agree to that.
But they didn’t have much choice. Cook understood although he was still upset about it. He wasn’t normally an emotional man, but the embrace he had given Isabel had made her break down again. She really wanted him to come.
He had promised to look after the animals who were still being cared for until they could be released, but how he was going to keep them hidden was anyone’s guess. Isabel didn’t think her cousin was going to be very nice and allow it to carry on. It made her worry for the little creatures she had looked after for so long.
“Isabel.” Lady Dunley sat forward and took her daughter’s hands from her ears. “It’s quieter now. You can stop doing that.”
“Forgive me, Mother.” Isabel swallowed. “I’m just so frightened. I don’t want to be here.”
“I know you don’t, darling. I don’t want to be here, either.” Lady Dunley squeezed Isabel’s hands. “But we made a deal, and we’re going to make the most of it. And it’s only for one Season.”
“One Season too long, Mother.”
The older woman sighed and sat back.
“But you promised one Season, and then I would let you find work in service. We need to do something to stop going into disrepute, and this is our only option. Just keep your head high and focus on finding a husband. Then you and I can hope we can get out of this hole your father put us in.”
Isabel sighed and looked out the window. She would prefer to have her father here. But instead of that, he was dead and buried, and they had been left with practically nothing. How had they not known that he was gambling all their money away? Even her mother didn’t realize something was wrong; her husband dealt with all the financial affairs. And why didn’t their estate manager say something? He had to have known.
Well, he was one of the few staying at the house instead of coming to London, and that Isabel was glad about. The estate manager was not her favourite of people right now.
The carriage turned into a street just off Hyde Park. At least they were going to be close to some greenery. Isabel didn’t like the thought of walking around London’s cobbled streets. It felt like a complete maze. She was sure she was going to get lost.
Their carriage slowed and pulled up outside a house halfway down the street. Isabel looked out and saw a tall, handsome house in white with tall windows and high steps up to the front door. It did look a little narrow, if the doors to the houses on either side were anything to go by. Did that mean the house was small?
“Here we are.” Lady Dunley peered out beside her daughter. “Oh, it doesn’t look too bad. It’s quite quaint, actually.”
“Quaint,” Isabel murmured.
She wasn’t sure what to make of it.
The door opened, and their driver appeared, giving the ladies a nod.
“Here we are, ladies. I believe this is your new home.”
“Thank you, Carstairs.” Lady Dunley took his hand and allowed him to help her out. “I don’t know where you’re meant to go. I doubt we’ve got a stable for you here.”
“I’m sure I can find something.” Carstairs turned as the front door opened. “Good afternoon, Miss Arnaud.”
“Mr Carstairs,” came the prim reply.
