Chosen by the Lieutenant

Her heart beat very fast as she saw Phipps look about, his gaze finally coming to rest on her. He smiled and began to walk leisurely towards them, his intent obviously to greet Miss Langton and Amanda. She schooled her features to a polite smile as he came up to them, refusing to let her pleasure leap into her eyes as she was sure it must if she did not keep them lowered.

‘Miss Langton.’ Phipps bowed. ‘Miss Hamilton. I look forward to the music this evening. Shall you play cards later?’

‘I do not much care for cards, unless it be whist,’ Miss Langton replied, giving him a smile of welcome. ‘What do you play, sir?’

‘Oh, I do not think I shall play this evening,’ Phipps said. ‘I came merely for the music and the company...’

‘I love to play whist for small stakes,’ Amanda said. ‘I do not see the need for huge pots when it is the skill of the game that counts.’

‘Then perhaps we should make up a set,’ Phipps said. ‘If Miss Langton would play—and who might make a fourth?’

‘I say, do you speak of whist, Phipps?’ a man’s voice asked from behind him. ‘If you play for small stakes just for amusement, then I’m your man. I see no point in risking a fortune when, as Miss Hamilton says, ’tis the skill of the game that counts.’

Amanda smothered a sigh as she saw Lord Johnston. The young man was a pompous bore, but admitted everywhere in society on his infrequent visits to town. He lived in the country and bored everyone by talking about his Jersey cows that produced such rich milk. The prospect of hours spent in his company was not appealing, but what could Phipps do other than bow his head?

‘Splendid,’ Lord Johnston said and sat down next to Amanda. ‘I hear the guest singer this evening is Madame Bonniceur, a remarkable soprano. I believe her voice to be unmatched by any.’

Amanda held her groan inside. Whenever the young man was present at one of these affairs he would find his way to her and monopolise her company for as long as he could. She’d hoped that Phipps might take the seat beside her, but he had moved to sit beside Cynthia and she was left to make the best of Lord Johnston’s company.

He was one of the few gentlemen not in need of a fortune to regularly seek her out at parties and she was always a little apprehensive, for she could not be unaware that he was showing some partiality towards her. If given the least encouragement, she feared that he would propose to her—or, worse, approach her papa and ask for his permission. Lord Johnston was exactly the kind of gentleman that her parents would welcome as a suitor. If not as rich as some here this evening, he was not in want of a fortune. Precise to a fault, well bred and the owner of a large country estate, where he spent most of his time, Papa would not object to his making her an offer.

She must be very careful not to give him the least encouragement. Yet she was a polite and generous girl and she could not be rude or imply boredom and thus hurt his feelings.

At that moment Lady Mellors called her guests to attention, asking them to gather in the music room for the recital. Amanda rose, as did Miss Langton, Phipps and Lord Johnston. Caught in the general movement towards the music room, Amanda was forced to take her companion’s arm. He would of course take a seat near to her and that meant she must endure his company for the whole of the evening. However, Miss Langton led the way to a small two-seater sofa, which left the gentlemen with no choice but to stand behind them or move away. To Amanda’s relief Lord Johnston bowed his head, murmured that he would see her later and moved away to find a seat.

Phipps was more resourceful. He saw a single chair and whipped it up before anyone else could take it, bringing it back to place it just by the side of the sofa. Miss Langton nodded to him and smiled, clearly approving of his action.

Amanda caught his eye and the triumph in it made her laugh. He inclined his head, a look of mischief passing between them. She wished that she might have been close enough to congratulate him on the adroit move, but the music was about to begin.

As the liquid notes of the beautiful aria filled the room, Amanda’s throat seemed tight. It was a song of love...of a young man pining for a girl so far above him that he could never hope to possess her. The achingly tender words and the thrilling music made tears come to her eyes. She thought that she would give every penny of her fortune to be so loved, but knew that it would never happen, and the pain of realising that she would never feel a man’s love made tears slide down her cheek.

Flicking them away with the finger of her white gloves, Amanda found her glance going towards Phipps and the look in his eyes made her feel hot all over. She would swear that he understood her feelings and was sorry for her. A surge of despair followed by anger surged through her. How dare he pity her?

She turned away, concentrating on the music. It had changed now and was a rousing song of war and honour, which soon swept away her foolish sentimentality.

* * *

After the recital was finished and the soprano enthusiastically applauded, their hostess asked them to take refreshments, and everyone moved towards the supper room. A large table was spread with all manner of treats: pastries and mousses, trifles and dainty cakes, as well as cold meats, pickles and bread for the gentlemen. Normally, Amanda would have relished such a feast, but she discovered that she had no appetite—even a champagne syllabub held no appeal for her.

‘May I serve you with something, Miss Hamilton?’

She turned to discover Phipps at her side and forced a smile. It had hurt her to see that look in his eyes, for it told her that he had no idea of offering for her, but thought her an object of pity.

‘No, thank you. I am not hungry this evening.’

‘Then a glass of champagne?’

‘Yes, thank you, sir.’

Amanda accompanied her friend to a table. By the time Phipps arrived with a tray of delicious treats, followed by a waiter bearing two ice buckets with bottles of champagne, four gentlemen had joined them. Smiles and jests greeted Phipps and, good-naturedly, he sent for more glasses so that they might all enjoy the wine he’d provided.

‘Well, this is a merry party.’ Lord Johnston had seated himself beside Amanda. ‘I do not know that I have ever enjoyed an evening as much.’ He gave her an arch look. ‘I believe you know why it is so pleasant to me, Miss Hamilton.’

Amanda lowered her gaze. His hints were becoming bolder and she could not doubt that he was working up to asking her to marry him. For a moment she was tempted. After all, if there was nothing more in life for her, she might as well take what was offered. She enjoyed life in the country and if she had children... The thought of what must pass before she could forget herself in the care of her children caused her to shiver.

‘Are you cold?’ her companion asked. ‘I thought it hot in here and was about to ask if you would like a stroll on the terrace?’

‘I thank you, no, sir,’ she replied and sipped her champagne. ‘I’m neither cold nor overwarm—I think someone just walked over my grave.’

‘What a terrible saying that is,’ Miss Langton put in. ‘I should not like to think of you in your grave, Amanda dearest. We were just speaking of a jaunt to Richmond for a picnic and you must come with us, Amanda, for I shall not go if you do not.’ She held her head to one side and looked naughtily at the gentlemen hanging on her every word. ‘What must I do to persuade you?’

‘There is not the least need to persuade me,’ Amanda said and laughed, feeling grateful for the interruption. ‘I am always willing to oblige you, Cynthia.’

‘Well, I think you have your answer, gentlemen,’ Cynthia replied and threw a challenging look at one of the men. The Marquis of Shearne was a new admirer who had only that evening become one of her court, having been in the country until the previous day. ‘We shall expect to be royally entertained, sir. The success of the day must fall on you, since it was your suggestion.’

‘Your wish is my desire,’ the marquis answered gallantly. ‘We have two ladies and five gentleman, we must find more ladies...’

‘Then you may include me, and my sister will chaperon us,’ Harry Brockley spoke from behind the marquis. ‘I dare say Miss Langton’s cousins will make up the party?’

‘I am certain of it,’ Amanda said, looking at him in surprise for he had not hitherto paid Miss Langton the least attention, even though he was Phipps’s friend and often with him. ‘I think Mama would like to come—and perhaps Miss Jane Field...’

Miss Field was a rather shy young lady, pretty but modest, who blushed easily and was quite often left sitting on the sidelines at balls and dances, unless a kind lady introduced her to a partner. Amanda had invited her to all her mama’s parties and the girl was painfully grateful.

‘There, Miss Hamilton takes us all in charge,’ Brock said. ‘It is all arranged, so when do we set out on this famous expedition?’

It was agreed for the following Friday and Amanda undertook to ask Miss Field. Phipps gave her an approving nod, his eyes steady on her face in a way that made her heart flutter.

‘It was kind of you to think of Miss Field,’ he murmured as their hostess reminded them that card tables had been set up. ‘She is not here this evening, I think?’

‘Jane does not always receive an invitation to smaller parties, though she makes up the numbers when there are to be many guests.’

‘I believe she is not in as fortunate circumstances as yourself and Miss Langton?’

‘I am not certain of her circumstances,’ Amanda replied, though she knew well that Jane’s father had little fortune and she was here only to bear her richer cousin company during her Season. ‘But I care little for that—I like Jane. She is a kind girl and shy.’

‘You are a generous young woman,’ Phipps said. ‘Miss Langton is to be my partner. Does it content you to partner Lord Johnston at whist?’

‘I could not object,’ Amanda said, though she wished she might have reversed the pairing. ‘Lord Johnston is an adequate player, I believe.’

‘We shall see,’ Phipps said, glancing over his shoulder. ‘Miss Langton seems taken with Shearne. I think he has but recently returned to town?’

‘Yes, I believe so...’ Amanda glanced at her friend and saw the way she was sparkling up at her new admirer. She felt a pang of sympathy for Phipps and her anger with him vanished as she understood that he must be feeling cast out. ‘I dare say she is flattered by his attentions—they are marked.’

‘Yes, indeed,’ Phipps murmured, ‘and our fortunate friend has both title and fortune to offer—a temptation for any lady.’

‘Perhaps,’ Amanda replied. She could make no comment for she had not yet spoken directly to the gentleman, but there was something about him that set her teeth on edge. The way he looked at Cynthia...was not quite what she thought proper. His smile had the eager sharpness of a predator and she thought him a rake. ‘I believe Miss Langton to be a woman of sense, sir. She may not be distracted for long.’

‘You may be correct,’ he murmured softly in her ear. ‘Brock hates him. I was surprised that he agreed to be a part of an expedition got up by Shearne.’

‘Major Brockley hates the marquis?’ Amanda looked at him in surprise. ‘Does he have good reason?’

‘If he does, he has not spoken of it, but I know he distrusts and dislikes the man intensely.’

‘If Miss Langton is in any danger...’

‘Oh, I do not think he would dare to try to seduce such a popular lady; he would be ostracised by society if he did her some harm...yet if I were her I should think twice before accepting an offer from him.’

‘Why?’ Amanda asked, but they had reached the card room and the others were waiting for them, the marquis still hovering at Cynthia’s side as if he meant to watch their game and perhaps advise her.

‘Another time,’ Phipps said and smiled at her, making Amanda’s heart leap for joy. Even though she’d been hurt earlier, she was powerless in the face of that smile.

Approaching the table, Amanda took her seat and looked across the table at her partner, suddenly realising that she would not find it so boring after all. Phipps sat to her right and Cynthia to her left, Shearne and two other gentlemen lounging against the wall and making comments as the players settled down to cut the cards.

No, she thought, it might be a pleasant enough evening after all and smiled inwardly as she saw that the marquis was not having things all his own way. Cynthia might enjoy his flattery, but she had more sense than to exclude her former suitors, and since Phipps was her partner he received his fair share of smiles and warm looks, especially as they took trick after trick.

Lord Johnston was not a competent player at all; indeed, he made so many foolish discards that Amanda was hard put to hold her tongue. However, she managed it and by the time the party was about to break up received a look of understanding from Phipps that quite restored her mood of despair.

‘We shall see you in two days,’ the marquis said, taking his leave of Miss Langton, though he hardly bothered to glance at Amanda.

Phipps took her hand and bowed over it, giving her another of his devastating smiles. ‘Please forgive the tedious evening you have endured, Miss Hamilton. I truly believe you have the patience of a saint.’

‘Oh, do not say so,’ she murmured and blushed. ‘I was able to observe the skill of your play, sir, and that was entertainment enough.’

‘You must be my partner another evening,’ he said, pressed her hand and departed, leaving Amanda to sigh and wish for a future she knew was quite impossible.

Why could she not be tall and willowy like her friend Miss Langton? Just another two inches in height would have made all the difference. But she was being a fool, for did the Bible not say that a woman should be judged by her heart and not dwell on her vanity—or some such thing? Her vicar at home was fond of preaching on the evils of vanity and indeed it had never occurred to Amanda to worry about her looks until she came to London and was taken up by Miss Langton. She was a fool to long for her friend’s looks, just because she feared that the man she wanted was preparing to ask Miss Langton to wed him.

In two weeks Papa would think of returning home. Mama would be disappointed that her daughter had not accepted an offer of marriage, for she had not spoken of those she’d dismissed without a thought—but Papa would not mind. Amanda believed that her darling father would not mind if his daughter never left home.

Chapter Two

The following morning Amanda received a note from Lady Langton to tell her that Cynthia had a sore throat and would not be able to keep an appointment to walk with her that afternoon. Amanda immediately wrote to sympathise, promising that she would call another day and enquire after her friend’s health.

‘Since you are free for one afternoon, you might like to come visiting with me,’ Mama said, arching her brows. ‘Your time has been so occupied with Miss Langton that we’ve hardly been out on our own for an age.’

‘Yes, I should like that, Mama,’ Amanda said. ‘I do hope that Miss Langton will be well enough for the picnic on Friday, for everyone would be disappointed if she were to cry off.’

‘Yes, though I see no need for you to disappoint anyone and I am certain Jane Field will be looking forward to it.’

‘Yes, of course I shall go,’ Amanda said, ‘though I fear some people will think it a waste of time if Cynthia is not there.’

‘I dare say some gentlemen would think exactly that, but others would be quite content with their company.’ Her mama smiled at her. ‘Lord Johnston likes you very well, my dear—and Lieutenant Phipps has been attentive, I think?’

‘Oh, Mama...’ Amanda sighed ‘...Lieutenant Phipps will not offer for me—and I should refuse Lord Johnston for I should not be happy as his wife.’

‘You must not be too particular,’ Mama said and looked sad. ‘It is unwise to give one’s heart until one is married—that way one does not have it broken.’

‘Do you believe that love comes to order, Mama?’

‘Certainly, if one schools one’s mind to it, at least affection,’ she replied and patted Amanda’s hand. ‘Do not fret. Neither your papa nor I wish to force you to marry anyone you don’t like. You may discover a gentleman you could marry sooner than you think...’

Amanda accepted her mother’s suggestion, though she thought it fanciful, for she knew her heart to be given irrevocably. However, she would wish to marry in time and perhaps someone would appear magically who would make her forget her love for the handsome lieutenant.

She spent the morning going through her wardrobe, for it was surprising how many pairs of silk stockings were needed on an extensive visit to town and she had already worn out two pairs of dancing slippers. She had one new pair of long white gloves, but judged she might well need another before they left for the country. It would be better to make any purchases she might need in the near future, rather than sending for them when they were at home again, and made out a list of shopping.

By the time she’d finished her calculations, it was time for a light nuncheon, then Mama called for her carriage. Dressing in a gown of light peach with white-kid boots, short lace gloves and a white shawl, Amanda discovered that the gown was a little loose around the waist. Since it was the first time she’d worn the dress, she realised that the seamstress had made an allowance for her to put on weight. No doubt the lady understood that attending so many parties caused one to expand.

It was not loose enough to return it, but she would have to ask her maid to make a small adjustment before she wore it another day. The slight annoyance was not enough to spoil her day, for she tied her sash a little tighter and glanced in the mirror. She looked her best, even though she could not compare to the beautiful Miss Langton.

She went downstairs to join her mama and soon they were bowling along in the direction of one of the most fashionable squares. Mama seemed happy to have her daughter’s company and talked of all the enjoyable times they had had since they came to London. Just as the carriage drew to a halt, she gave Amanda a look of approval.

‘That gown suits you, dearest. I have not seen you looking so well in an age. The air of London must suit you.’

Amanda groaned, for when people said she looked well it was usually because she was plump in the cheeks, which some elderly gentlemen actually seemed to admire—at least, they enjoyed pinching them.

‘Thank you, Mama,’ she said and followed her mother from the carriage, not forgetting to smile at the groom who assisted first Mama and then Amanda down.

She murmured a ‘thank you’ in a soft voice Mama could not hear, because it was not really done to thank servants for every service. People of consequence accepted instant obedience as their right, but Amanda felt grateful for kindness shown her from any direction.

They were admitted to the house by a very correct butler who said they were expected and bowed them into a charming sitting room. A lady was sitting by the fire, a light blanket thrown over her legs. Her smile was welcoming and, as Amanda looked into her face, she saw that she had once been beautiful, but there was a fragility and vulnerability about her that immediately touched her.

‘Horatia, my dear friend,’ she greeted Mama warmly. ‘You have brought your daughter to see me, as you promised.’

‘Susanna dearest.’ Mama bent to kiss her cheek. ‘I was surprised to hear you were in town. It is such an age since we met and I am delighted to see you again.’

‘As I am to see you,’ the lady said and turned her soft blue eyes on Amanda. ‘Forgive me, I cannot get up to greet you, dear child. Pray come and give me a kiss.’

‘Yes, ma’am.’ Amanda moved forward willingly. ‘I am pleased to meet you.’

‘Susanna is married to the Earl of Sandown,’ Mama told her. ‘We were brought out together and she is my very dearest friend—though we have not seen each other since just after...’

‘I had an unfortunate accident when out riding,’ Susanna said to Amanda. ‘It robbed me of the power of my legs, as you see—but in all other aspects I do very well. My son is so good to me. When I said I should like to visit London, he moved heaven and earth to bring me here.’

‘How long do you stay?’ Mama asked.

‘Oh, for three weeks or so if I keep well and there is no reason why I should not. Nathan fusses over me, but I am determined to see as many old friends as I can—though in most cases they will have to come to me. I am able to drive out in the park, or to sit at the table when we give a dinner, but I fear that it would be too much trouble to inflict on a hostess if I were to attend a ball, for I must be carried everywhere in my chair.’

‘Now, Mama,’ a strong voice spoke from the doorway. ‘You know most of your friends would not consider that the least trouble...and if you will only allow them they will make all the necessary arrangements for your comfort.’

Amanda turned to look at the man who had spoken. At first glance she did not think him handsome, for he was of a dark complexion with heavy brows, black hair that was brushed back from his temples and a rather long nose. However, as he bent over his mother’s hand, his smile transformed him. Most would undoubtedly think him handsome, though something made Amanda remain a little aloof.

‘Will you not introduce me to your delightful company?’ His eyes flicked to Mama and then to Amanda.

‘This is Lady Hamilton and her daughter Amanda, dearest. You have heard me speak of Horatia many times, I think.’ Susanna smiled at him lovingly. ‘My son Nathan—you see what a scold he is!’

‘I have heard so much about you,’ Mama said, looking at him with interest. ‘I am sure you speak the truth, Lord Armstrong. I should be happy to make any arrangements necessary to have my dear Susanna at Amanda’s dance next week. It will be our last engagement in town, for after that we must think of returning home.’

‘Oh, surely not so soon?’ Lord Armstrong said, coming to take Mama’s hand and bow over it before turning to Amanda. ‘Miss Hamilton, I am delighted to meet you.’

Amanda smiled up at him, for he was tall and she barely reached his shoulder. ‘As we are to meet you, sir. We have been in town for a month now, you know, and Papa took the house for six weeks, so I fear we shall have to leave at the end of that period.’

‘Not at all,’ he said. ‘This house is far too large for the two of us. You must stay with us after the lease of your present house has expired. Mama must not be deprived of your company too soon.’

‘Nathan, my love. You may command me, but you must not marshal our guests into manoeuvres of your making.’

‘I fear Mama thinks me domineering, but indeed I am apt to see the easy route from difficult situations. Do you not think it is always best to cut to the chase, Miss Hamilton? People make heavy weather of things when if you simply ride straight at the obstacle you may clear it with ease.’

‘You are a hunting man, sir,’ Amanda replied with a teasing look. His manner was easy and since it was impossible to feel shy or reserved with a man who was so direct, she began to let down her guard a little. Clearly this gentleman scorned the polite conventions and meaningless compliments so loved by polite society. ‘I see no reason to scold you, for if it were possible I am certain Mama would wish to stay with the countess...but I know that Papa cannot extend his stay.’

‘Then I dare say Lord Hamilton is generous enough to allow us the pleasure of your company for another week or two, if I promise to see you safely home.’

‘I believe he would,’ Mama said, looking pleased. ‘I should certainly enjoy being here with Susanna as my hostess, sir. I thank you for the invitation—and it will give Amanda another two weeks in town.’

Mama was hopeful that two further weeks would give her daughter a chance to receive a proposal she could accept and the thought brought a flush to her cheeks. She saw the countess and her mama exchange knowing glances and felt hot of a sudden; they were plotting something together, she was sure of it. Mama must have told her that she had not yet received an acceptable offer.