AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter 9
Richard had to do a double take when he saw Isabel coming towards him. He almost didn’t recognize her. The dress was brand new; her hair was done up and curled around her head, covered by a hat that matched the dress. Even though she was hurrying over, there was a poise about her that was quite different.
She looked different. Was it even the same person?
Then Richard saw Lady Dunley walking after her and knew it was Isabel.
Isabel stopped before him, her expression looking hopeful. Then a pointed cough from a buxom, plump woman with Lady Dunley had Isabel’s cheeks reddening. She dropped her gaze to the ground and gave him a curtsy that looked like her legs would buckle if she went too far down.
Richard frowned.
“Isabel? Is that really you?”
“I’m afraid it is.” Isabel rose up with a slight wobble. She gave him a bashful look. “I’m having to change a few things. One can’t enter Society without becoming a proper lady.”
“I see.”
Richard wasn’t sure he did. Then he turned to Lady Dunley, who approached him with a warm smile.
“Mr Sidney.”
“Lady Dunley.” Richard grasped her hand and bowed over it. “Is that how you’re still being addressed, or do I have to call you Mrs Moore? I’m afraid I’m not quite up to speed on everything.”
“I’m not losing my title to a younger model. That’s staying.” Lady Dunley turned to the buxom woman, who was watching Richard with a querying expression, and the thin, younger woman with the slight twinkle in her eye. “This is my cousin, Lady Blythcourt, and her companion Lady Hester. This is Mr Richard Sidney; he was a former neighbour of ours.”
“Mr Sidney.” Lady Blythcourt came forward with a beaming smile and took his hand. “It’s a pleasure to see you, but I’m afraid we can’t stop and talk. My little cousin still has some training, and I want to get back to it once we’ve gone for a walk.”
“That’s perfectly fine, My Lady. I understand.” Richard found his gaze drifting to Isabel again, who had moved aside and was standing with her eyes focused on the ground. “If you don’t mind, I would like to walk with Miss Moore for a while. It’s been a while since we spoke, and I would like to see how she’s getting on.”
Lady Blythcourt started to speak, but Lady Dunley spoke over her.
“That’s a really good idea, Mr Sidney. I think Isabel would appreciate it.” She took the other lady’s arm. “Come on, Elizabeth. Let’s go on ahead. You said you wanted to show me something further up the path.”
“What about Isabel?”
“Hester can hover back if needed. I’ve known Mr Sidney since he was a small boy. My daughter’s safe with him.”
Lady Dunley then hustled the woman away, the companion following them with a bemused look. Richard turned to Isabel, who was now looking a little relieved.
“What was that all about?”
“I think Mother realized that I needed a bit of a break from Lady Blythcourt.” Isabel sighed. “She’s nice enough, and she’s a good teacher, but she can get a bit too much.”
“Teaching you to be a lady?”
“Pretty much.” Isabel looked up, her expression warming as she looked at him. “I did write to you. I thought you weren’t going to get the letter.”
“I was already on my way here.” Richard gestured at himself. “I’ve got myself a job. I’m the assistant to Professor Ainsley.”
Isabel’s eyes widened. Then she beamed.
“That’s brilliant news, Richard! I’ve heard of Professor Ainsley. He’s one of the best in his field. How did you manage that?”
“I have no idea, but Cohen suggested that I apply for the position when he started looking. Today is my first day.”
Richard had been very surprised when he got a letter from Professor Ainsley a mere four days after he sent his own letter offering his services for the assistant position. It was like he had barely finished the letter before replying. Even though it had only been a few hours, it felt like Richard had been doing this forever.
He had never felt so comfortable in something in his life. This was his calling.
