‘Goodnight, my darling stepmama. We shall have such fun in Bath together.’
Phyllida gave Ellen a final hug and made her way back to her own room. The discussion had not gone quite as she had imagined and she was beginning to suspect that looking after Ellen would be far more challenging that she had anticipated.
* * *
The next few days were filled with shopping and visitors. None of the gentlemen Ellen had met in the park were brave enough to call at Charles Street uninvited but when Phyllida took her stepdaughter to the morning service at the Abbey on Sunday it seemed that every one of her acquaintances wished to perform an introduction to Mr This or Sir That. Ellen behaved impeccably, but Phyllida found herself scrutinising every gentleman who came up to her, watching for signs that they might be trying to fix their interest with Ellen. There were several married gentlemen amongst their number, such as Mr Cromby whose jovial, avuncular style was not to her taste. Neither did she warm to the fashionably dressed widower, Sir Charles Urmston, although he appeared to be a favourite of Mrs Desborough, who made the introduction.
Phyllida noticed Lady Hune coming out of the Abbey on the arm of her great-nephew. The dowager looked magnificent, as always, in black and silver but Phyllida’s eyes were drawn to Richard’s lean upright figure. She thought how well the simple lines of the dark coat and light-coloured pantaloons suited him. When he removed his hat to bow to an acquaintance, his short brown hair glinted with gold in the sunlight. He looked like the epitome of a gentleman and she stifled a sigh. How deceptive appearances could be. The marchioness was moving through the crowd towards her carriage, but when she saw Phyllida she stopped and beckoned to her. Ellen was deep in conversation with Julia Wakefield and Phyllida did not call her away, preferring not to bring her into Mr Arrandale’s orbit more than necessary.
Lady Hune greeted Phyllida cordially and invited her to take tea with her later, a singular honour that Phyllida had no hesitation in accepting on behalf of herself and her stepdaughter. Too late did she recall that she had told Richard they were not free. She saw the laughter in his eyes and felt the heat rising to her face.
‘Your previous engagement today has been cancelled, perhaps?’ he murmured.
‘You are promised elsewhere?’ said Lady Hune, overhearing. ‘My dear, you must not break your engagement on my account.’
Phyllida shook her head, saying hastily, ‘I had mistaken the day. We should be delighted to join you, ma’am.’
Richard Arrandale was in no wise discomposed by the fulminating glance she threw at him, merely casting a grin in her direction before he turned aside to greet another acquaintance.
‘I am glad you can come.’ Lady Hune nodded. ‘You will be able to tell me how your charming stepdaughter goes on in Bath. Very well, if appearances are anything to go by.’
Phyllida followed the dowager’s eyes to where Ellen was now part of a lively crowd of young people.
‘She has already made new friends of her own age, Lady Hune.’
‘Which is as it should be—’ The dowager broke off as Ellen and Julia Wakefield ran up, their faces alight with excitement that could barely be contained while they made their curtsies. The old lady’s eyes gleamed with amusement.
‘You are clearly big with news,’ she observed solemnly. ‘You had best get it out before you burst.’
Julia giggled and Ellen, after a blushing smile towards Lady Hune, turned her expressive eyes towards Phyllida.
‘Lady Wakefield says there are the most romantic Gothic ruins just a few miles from Bath at Farleigh Castle. We are on fire to see them and Lady Wakefield says she will set up a riding party, if only you will give your permission, Philly. Dearest, do say I may go. Lord and Lady Wakefield will be accompanying us and Julia has a spare pony that I may ride—’
Laughing, Phyllida put up a hand to stop her.
‘Of course you may go, and there is no need to borrow a horse, for Parfett is even now bringing our own horses from Tatham Park. I thought we might like to ride out occasionally before the weather closes in.’
‘Will you come, too, Lady Phyllida?’ asked Julia in a breathless whisper, ‘It will be delightful if you can, I am sure—’ She broke off, blushing scarlet when she realised her company. ‘And Lady Hune, of course,’ she added hurriedly.
‘My riding days are over,’ replied the dowager, choosing to be amused by Julia’s artlessness.
‘If Lady Wakefield is going with you then you do not need me to come,’ said Phyllida, not wishing to put herself forward. Besides, she had made up her mind not to be a clinging chaperon. ‘You may go off and enjoy yourself with my goodwill.’
Lady Hune turned to Julia.
‘Does your mama know the family at Farleigh House?’ When the girl shook her head the dowager continued. ‘Tell her to write to the housekeeper there, mention my name and I have no doubt she will receive you.’
‘Th-thank you, ma’am,’ stuttered Julia, wide-eyed.
‘Well, off you go and tell your mother to arrange the whole,’ Lady Hune dismissed her impatiently.
Ellen looked to Phyllida and, receiving a nod, she curtsied and ran off after her new friend.
Lady Hune tutted. ‘She will keep you busy, Phyllida.’
‘I think she will, ma’am, but I shall enjoy the distraction, after spending so long alone.’
‘I am glad you are come to Bath. You were too young to be incarcerated at Tatham Park.’ The dowager tapped Phyllida’s arm with one be-ringed finger, saying urgently, ‘Find yourself a husband, Phyllida. You are still young and Tatham left you well provided for, so you need not regard the money. This time you can marry to please yourself.’
Phyllida blushed hotly. ‘I assure you, my lady, I was perfectly happy—’
‘Aye, but no need to tell me it wasn’t a love-match.’
‘Perhaps not, but Sir Evelyn was a kind husband, and I have a duty to his daughter.’
‘Of course, and I know you well enough to be sure you will do your best for the gel, but do not sacrifice your own happiness, Phyllida.’ She looked up as her great-nephew came up.
‘There is a chill wind getting up, ma’am. Shall I escort you to your carriage?’
‘Very well, although I am not so frail that I cannot withstand a little breeze.’ She looked back at Phyllida, a decided twinkle in her faded eyes. ‘You see how I am bullied?’
‘I dare anyone to try and bully you, ma’am.’ Phyllida laughed and without thinking she looked at Richard Arrandale, knowing he would share her amusement. The noise and bustle around them ceased to exist as he drew her in with a smile of genuine warmth. The moment felt special, as if they were the only two people in the world. Phyllida’s heart leapt to her throat before settling back again, thudding so hard against her ribs that she found it difficult to breathe.
Lady Hune’s sharp voice broke the spell. ‘You can take me home now, Richard. I shall expect you later, Lady Phyllida!’
Phyllida did not move as they walked away. Suddenly the sun did not seem as bright and she became aware of the cold wind that Richard had mentioned. That was the trouble with the man, she thought, putting her hand up to make sure her spencer was buttoned up. He made her forget to be sensible. She supposed it must be so with all rakes, for how else could they wreak such havoc with ladies’ hearts?
Her thoughts went back to the dowager’s suggestion that she should find a husband. She did not know whether to be amused or indignant. Lady Hune meant well, she knew that, and perhaps she might consider marrying again at some stage, but for now her mind was fully occupied with looking after her stepdaughter and keeping her safe from men like Richard