Engagement of Convenience

Julia buried her nose in her book, pretending not to hear the invitation, even when Emily cleared her throat to gain her attention.

‘Come play, Julia,’ her mother gently ordered.

With a sigh, Julia put down her book and joined the others at the table.

‘We’re always playing in London and the stakes are often very high. Sometimes gentlemen lose a great deal at the tables,’ Annette explained, dealing the cards.

‘Perhaps the men of London are not very sensible, for it takes only a tiny amount of sense to know one should not bet what one cannot afford to lose.’ Julia laid down a card, then chose another.

‘No gentleman worth his salt would dare refuse a wager.’

‘Then there must be many poor fools about the London ballrooms.’

‘Do you consider Captain Covington a fool?’

Julia shrugged, trying to imagine the captain dancing, but she could only picture him gambling in some tropical den of iniquity. She fought back a laugh, struggling to keep her face a bland mask of uninterest. ‘I haven’t known the captain long enough to comment on the merits of his wit—however, if he lives in London, the odds are against him not being a fool.’

‘I assure you, Captain Covington is no fool,’ her mother interjected. ‘He has proven himself a hero on more than one occasion.’

Julia didn’t respond, wondering what her mother would think if she knew about the captain’s involvement with the Governor of Bermuda’s widowed sister. She’d overheard Uncle George telling Paul about it once. It was quite shocking.

‘How long has George known Captain Covington?’ Annette asked.

‘Ten years,’ Mother answered. ‘Captain Covington was a lieutenant on George’s ship in the war against France during the First Coalition. His service was so distinguished he was given command of his own ship. He’s very well travelled, Julia.’

‘Is he now?’ Julia barely heard her. She was too busy concentrating on which card to play next so she could lose and end the game.

‘George tells me Captain Covington is a very sensible man when it comes to money, much like you, Julia,’ her mother remarked, attempting to draw Julia into the conversation.

‘Interesting,’ Julia mumbled, disappointed by her excellent hand for it made losing very difficult.

‘Captain Covington and I spoke a great deal this afternoon and it was as if we’ve known each other for years. We have a great deal in common for we both adore cheese,’ Annette continued.

Julia selected another card and scowled for it was a good one. ‘Most men in London adore food. That’s why there’s so much gout in town.’

Emily coughed disapprovingly.

‘London is a gourmand’s paradise,’ Annette insisted. ‘I advised Captain Covington to hire a French chef. All the best houses have them. He’s a very affable man. I’m surprised he’s not married for he’d do well with a wife.’

‘A man of thirty with a sensible head is a rarity these days,’ Emily said more to Julia than to Annette.

‘He’s very handsome,’ Annette added.

‘Yes, he is, don’t you agree, Julia?’ Mother entreated.

Julia took another card and smiled to find it a bad one before she noticed the three women waiting for her response. ‘Pardon me?’

Emily scowled at Julia’s inability to follow the conversation. ‘Captain Covington is very handsome, don’t you agree?’

Yes, she did, but she was not about to admit it. ‘I hadn’t thought on the matter.’ She rearranged her cards, needing only another bad one to lose.

‘I’m told he’s a very accomplished horseman,’ Emily added. ‘Perhaps, Julia, you could accompany Captain Covington on a ride tomorrow?’

Julia watched the rain hit the window, streaking down the panes. Without his afternoon ride, Manfred would need a good gallop. She did not relish the idea of trying to control him in a gentle trot alongside Captain Covington’s mount. Hopefully the weather would clear by morning and she could take Manfred out before duty intruded on the day.

‘I’m sure Uncle George will escort him if he wishes to ride.’ Julia continued to study her cards, avoiding Emily’s chastising scowl. ‘He’s better company for the captain than I am.’

‘Of course nothing can compare to Rotten Row at the fashionable hour. Captain Covington promised to join me there when we return to London,’ Annette said, drawing another card. Julia judged from the smile on her narrow face that Annette had a good hand. It was only a matter of moments before Julia could lose the game and put an end to this tiring conversation.

‘I won. I won,’ Annette announced much to Julia’s great relief, though she pretended, like Emily and Mother, to be disappointed. They slid their sovereigns across the table and Annette swept the coins into her palm, making Julia wonder how someone from London with a carriage and four could covet a few crowns.

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