My Lady Mischief (9 page)

Emma glowed with admiration. "What a wonderful solution, Thea. I only wish it had been my own." She patted her companion's arm. "But are you certain you could not come to care for Lord Hartingfield?"

"I cannot see how." Thea bit her lip. "Miss Mimms warned me about men like him. He's a profligate. A cad. He cares more for his cattle than me. Why, I'd rather live my life as an ape leader than tied to him.

"Besides, it is my intent to reside at Steyne and I do not think Lord Hartingfield would agree. I shall be much better off seeking a more compliant gentleman."

"Very well. We can be comfortable again with such a good plan to follow. But, Thea." Emma would die of curiosity if she didn't ask. "I
would
like to hear more about Lord Hartingfield's kisses."

Chapter Seven

London was a teeming, smoke-and people-filled metropolis, greatly exceeding Thea's expectations. The travel-wearied party approached the outskirts of town in the late afternoon. Thea's stomach was aflutter with excitement as the coach made its stately way through narrow city streets still bustling with activity.

Concerned about the necessity of their close proximity, she had felt her burden lighten considerably upon learning of Hart's decision to ride beside the carriage on his own mount. Just then he waved at her and she ducked her head back into the carriage.

Hart acknowledged her need to avoid him, and it did not please him. After all, she had agreed to get to know him and that promise did not signify they would be leg-shackled. But, she
would
make good on her promise. And he
would
do his utmost to convince her of the benefits of their union.

The carriage pulled up to Lady Prunella's elegant town house, a large Georgian structure. He dismounted to help them from the carriage. An elderly and rheumatic butler opened the door and led them into a cavernous hallway replete with Grecian statues.

Mrs. Wiggins would be traveling on to visit with an old friend. After Thea bid her goodbye, Emma gave her a tremendous hug. As they spoke, Hart whispered to Thea, "I will call upon you and your aunt in the morning."

"I thank you for your consideration, my lord, but that will be unnecessary."

"Necessary, or not," he stated with a resolute expression, "I will see you tomorrow.
Au revoir,
my sweet."

Thea watched him depart with Mrs. Wiggins, then turned to the butler.

"My lady is expecting you, Lady Althea, Miss Rawlings," he said. "She requested that you be brought to her upon your arrival."

"Thank you," she replied. "And you are?"

"Phelps, my lady."

Thea nodded.

"Sarah," he flicked his fingers and a maidservant appeared out of nowhere, "will escort you to Lady Prunella." He bowed as the middle-aged servant led them up the curving stairwell.

During the walk through the townhouse, Thea was surprised to see what appeared to be dozens of footmen lining the halls and passageways. She brushed the thought off as tiredness and continued on her way.

Passing along what seemed to be an endless corridor, Emma accidentally dropped her reticule. Both she and Thea were astounded when two extremely lofty footmen dove for it, almost beaming each other on the head. Neither young woman could restrain a laugh at their antics.

The maid had almost lost them, having failed to notice the commotion. The young women rushed to catch up with her.

Another footman swung open the sitting room door and announced their arrival. Upon entering, Thea felt a bit intimidated by the Egyptian furnishings in the room, which even included a gold-leafed daybed in the shape of a crocodile with clawed feet for legs. However, Aunt Prunella's greeting could not have been warmer.

"Welcome, my dears! Thea, I was so delighted to receive your letter about bringing Miss Rawlings with you." Directing a sweet smile at the young woman, she added, "Welcome. I haven't seen either of you in dog's years."

"Yes, Aunt." Thea gave her a quick embrace. "I was fourteen at your last visit to Steyne."

"Oh, no. Can it be that long? Well, no matter. Let me take a look at you both." The older woman pulled out a quizzing glass and eyed Thea carefully. The magnified view of Prunella's fluttering eye made her giggle.

"And, Thea, just look at you! My, you have grown into a beauty. You are absolutely the image of your sweet mother, God rest her soul. She would be so proud of you now."

Turning to Emma, Lady Prunella continued, "And you, Miss Rawlings...no, that is too formal, we shall be the best of friends, so might I call you Emma?"

"Certainly, Lady Prunella."

"No, dear. In return you, too, must call me Aunt. You have grown quite lovely, child. Such sweetness."

Aunt Prunella went on with a seemingly endless stream of chatter, punctuating every point she made by gesturing with her fan. Thea stole a look at her friend, amazed by her aunt's animation. This was not her normal manner. What had happened to the lethargic Lady Prunella?

After feeding them a refreshing tea, Aunt Prunella suggested they proceed to their suite of rooms to get some rest. "For you must know, I am having one of my educational salons tonight to discuss the scientific principles of electricity. If you feel quite up to it you may certainly attend. If not, you may take dinner in your suite and we will meet over breakfast tomorrow to discuss how we will go on during your visit."

Heads spinning with weariness, they declined the invitation to attend the salon. Thea murmured that a good sleep was called for. They bid Aunt Prunella goodnight and with a footman's assistance retreated to their suite of rooms.

It contained a cozy sitting room surrounded on each side by a bedroom and dressing room. Fatigue overcame Thea, who sat upon a Sheraton armchair while Emma said, "I'll take the pink bedroom, Thea. You
take the blue." Thea agreed happily since blue was her favorite color.

Both rooms were fashionably and generously furnished, each a mirror image of the other except for the color scheme.

Following a soft tap at the door, a young maid entered. With a deep and awkward curtsey, she introduced herself, "I am Jones, m'ladies. The housekeeper, Mrs. Roberts, suggested I act as ladies' maid to you both until your own abigail arrives."

"Thank you, Jones. You may find the job a bit onerous since my abigail is laid up with the measles. If you feel game to the task, you may first help Miss Rawlings and then attend me when you are finished." Thea smiled with friendship at the timid maid.

Jones was heartened by her new lady's condescension. She had heard that these noblemen's daughters were, by and large, terribly haughty. How lovely that it proved to be untrue.

*

In the breakfast parlor the next morning, Aunt Prunella's voice rang out melodically, "Good morning, my darlings." It was obvious she felt quite sprightly. She allowed Thea and Emma to fill their breakfast plates from the buffet before she continued. "Now, let us get down to business at once."

Thea and Emma each took a seat beside her at the ornate table adorned with large china figurines of a shepherd and shepherdess.

Lady Prunella was an attractive, young-looking woman whose appearance belied her forty-eight years. She was dressed in a light blue morning gown of Belgian lace. Her long sleeves were tightly fitted to her arms until just beneath the elbows, where they flared out enormously. The blue flared sleeves were finished with white embroidered eyelet and the underside was filled with layer upon layer of white lace. Each time she moved her arms, the sleeves would billow dramatically.

Thea glanced down at her own countryfied attire and realized that it wasn't at all the thing, in spite of Miss Mimms' attempts to see her properly outfitted.

"Are you here to get some town bronze or to nab husbands?" Aunt Prunella asked bluntly. Thea gazed at her in astonishment.

"You must know that they are not the same things at all." She pointed to Thea and her sleeve swung open like a fan. "Now, answer my question."

Thea recovered her wits. "Emma is betrothed, Aunt, to the squire's son at Steyne. And," she paused to take a deep gulping breath, "I am here to find a husband. Quickly."

The older woman raised her brows at this comment. "Quickly, Thea? Do you not feel it is best to take one's time on these matters?"

"Yes, Aunt." It wouldn't do to have her aunt thinking there was any reason for undue haste. She hurriedly explained, "I merely meant that I eagerly anticipate the moment when I may bestow my esteem and affection on the gentleman of my choice."

"Very well, Thea." Lady Prunella silently stared at her for a moment as if considering the veracity of her statement. "Now girls, we must make our plans accordingly.

"There are three areas that must be covered. Appearances, experiences, and strategies. Appearances are the simplest. For both of your objectives, dressing all the crack is essential. I have already made an appointment for you with my modiste, Madame Brandt." She eyed their attire. "You will need morning gowns, evening gowns, full evening gowns, walking dresses, promenade gowns, just to name a few. And you, Thea, will require a court dress for your presentation to Her Majesty, the Queen."

She turned to Emma. "I am sorry, dear, but for this one occasion only, you need be excluded. Otherwise, you will accompany each other everywhere. Luckily your coloring is such that you truly complement the other."

"But the expense!" gasped Emma. Thea opened her mouth to offer financial assistance but Lady Prunella spoke first.

"This will be at my expense, of course. I cannot have it said that I would, in any way, stint my niece and her lovely friend." Her voice took on a stubborn tone. "Therefore, there will be no argument on this point."

"Thank you, Lady Prunella," said Emma, awed by her generosity.

"No more of that." Lady Prunella rapped the girl's knuckles with her fan. "We already determined that I shall be your Aunt as well, Emma.

"I corresponded with Lady Sefton, and received vouchers to Almack's for each of you. Maria was such a dear to send them right over." Lady Prunella waved the packet at them. "After your presentation at court, Thea, as you know, we shall have a ball to present both of you to society. I am planning a majestic event, I am already conjuring up some splendid ideas. Well, that can come later."

Thea's enthusiasm rose. Everything the older woman said created a richer sense of excitement. What fun they would have!

"I have also arranged for my hair dresser to attend you. Wouldn't you each like to have one of the modish short styles, your heads all in curls?"

"I would love it above all things," replied Emma. But Thea had her doubts.

"Would it be possible to make it more fashionable without cutting it all off, Aunt? Papa adores my long tresses."

"Certainly, dear. Henri will strive to give you whatever look you desire. I may as well tell you now, I have hired a dancing master. You will both wish to be
au courant
with the latest dances. Thea, have you had the opportunity to waltz?"

Thea tried to speak but couldn't utter a word. She, instead, reddened miserably, having recalled just how that dance had ended.

"I can see you have. How about you, Emma? No? Well, let me warn you, no waltzing here in London without the approval of one of the patronesses of Al-mack's first.

"I think that's enough to begin with. Have you any questions or particular wishes?"

Thea spoke up, "Yes, Aunt. Papa has given me this billet for you." She handed her the thick packet.

Lady Prunella opened it as Thea timidly continued, "Since I am hoping to quickly fall in love and wed, would you be able to give me a list of the more eligible bachelors? I would not wish to waste my time, you see, with fortune hunters and the like."

Aunt Prunella's eyes flashed with approval at this evidence of practicality. "I will provide you with plenty of paper. I suggest you begin a listing of the eligibles whose names I provide you. We must proceed scientifically, with method and intellect."

She opened the billet and discovered a draft upon Drummund's bank, along with a letter of credit. Separating the earl's letter from the balance of the packet, she asked, "Do you know any bachelors in town?"

"Only Lord Hartingfield."

Lady Prunella's eyes narrowed. "Only? The most sought-after bachelor in town and you call him only?" She looked down to scan her brother-in-law's letter.

Thea was amazed. Hart really
was
the "monarch of the peak," as Mimsie had once described him, reinforcing her opinion of him. The fellow was arrogant, demanding and most likely fickle—not at all a suitable candidate for a husband. Men like him were already in love: with themselves.

Aunt Prunella continued reading. "What's this about the measles, Thea? You had them when you were three. In fact, I came to Steyne at the time to help your poor mama."

"I did not remember, Aunt." Drat, if only she had known, she could have avoided the journey with Hart.

"Well, I see how it was. Your Papa would hardly remember since he was on the continent at the time and Miss Mimms, well... However, you are here with me now and Lord Hartingfield escorted you."

Emma's next words jolted Thea.

"She has already declined his offers," Emma pointed at Thea with her fork, "but he will not take no for an answer, Aunt Prunella. He cannot truly be the most sought-after bachelor in town?"

Lady Prunella couldn't believe her ears. With widened eyes, she discarded the earl's billet and reached into her reticule, withdrawing a vial of smelling salts. After taking a quick whiff, she turned to Thea and said, "The charmer has fallen for a green girl, just out of the schoolroom, has he? Do not tell me you declined an offer from Lord Hartingfield!"

Thea nodded sheepishly.

"Well, what a man can't have, he simply
must
acquire." The earl's letter made the situation perfectly clear. Lady Prunella looked Thea directly in the eye. "But seriously, Althea, how much higher can you look? The heir to a dukedom! Are you aware of just how many women have set their cap at him? You would be astounded." She nodded. "You are just like your mother, aren't you?"