Jilted (11 page)

Eustacia blushed. ‘Oh no,’ she exclaimed hastily. ‘There is
nothing
of that sort between us, I assure you. I am a guest of Lady Agatha and Lord Ilam is taking me about just to be polite.’

Mrs Crossley looked doubtful. ‘Well, if you say so, then it must be,’ she replied. ‘But it will do Anna no harm at all to see that he enjoys the company of ladies. I blame myself partly for this.’

‘I am sure you have nothing with which to reproach yourself,’ said Eustacia reassuringly.

‘I do not mean to say that I have encouraged her,’ said Mrs Crossley, taking the cloths from her so that she could put them away. ‘It is just that we are a little isolated here, and she has few chances to meet any young men. I’m not much of a one for going out and about, and she has always been such an easy girl to have about the farm, doing her work and being no trouble, and so I suppose I did what was easy for me. But lately she’s started going all quiet like, and she’s been talking about his lordship quite a bit.’

‘Are there no social occasions that she could attend so that she could meet some other young men?’ Eustacia asked.

‘His lordship always has a garden party at about this time of year,’ said the farmer’s wife. ‘That’ll be in a fortnight’s time, and it’s no doubt why he has come back. A lot of folk go to that. Then there’s the ball at the Olde Oak, which always comes afterwards.’

‘I think it would be a very good idea to take her to both of those events,’ said Eustacia. They left the dining-room and went back to the drawing-room. The rest of the party had not yet returned.

‘If you could contrive to hang off his lordship’s arm, so that she will think that he is spoken for, I would be very grateful,’ said the farmer’s wife.

‘No doubt he would think I’d run mad if I did,’ replied Eustacia with a twinkle.

‘Perhaps you could have a word with him about her,’ the other ventured.

‘Me?’ squeaked Eustacia, her voice going up at least an octave.

Mrs Crossley sighed. ‘She’s only young, I suppose. They haven’t much sense at that age. That’s why we ended up looking after his lordship, Lord Ashbourne only being a boy himself when Lord Ilam was born.’

‘How old was Lord Ashbourne when he married?’ Eustacia asked curiously.

‘He was not quite seventeen. The marriage was arranged by his father and I don’t think he had much say in it.’

‘Did you know his wife?’

At that moment, Lord Ilam came back in, followed by Anna, who was looking flushed and happy. He eyed Eustacia curiously for a moment before saying ‘It is time we were on our way. Aunt Agatha will think I have made away with you otherwise.’

‘Yes of course.’ Eustacia got to her feet. ‘Thank you so much for your hospitality, Mrs Crossley.’

‘It was a pleasure, Miss Hope,’ said Mrs Crossley beaming. ‘I’ll look forward to seeing you at his lordship’s garden party.’

‘If I’m invited,’ Eustacia replied, glancing up at the viscount through her lashes. She could see out of the corner of her eye that Anna’s face had now taken on a stony expression.

Ilam looked at her, his brows raised, for it was the first time that she had spoken to him in a way that was even remotely flirtatious. ‘I can just imagine Aunt Agatha’s expression if I were to exclude you,’ he replied.

Mrs Crossley and Anna waved them off as they left the farm. ‘It was a pleasure meeting you, Miss Hope,’ said the farmer’s wife. On her face was an expression which reminded Eustacia of the discussion that they had just had.

Eustacia’s heart sank. Clearly Mrs Crossley hoped that she would speak to his lordship on the subject of Anna’s infatuation. Yet how could she? She had known the man for only a week. To
be advising him on his treatment of a young woman whom he had known all his life would be an unpardonable piece of presumption.

On the other hand, she knew all too well how painful it was to discover that one’s hopes and aspirations did not match those of the man with whom one had thought that one had an
understanding
. If only Morrison Morrison had been honest with her earlier, then much of the pain and embarrassment could have been avoided. She did not think for a moment that Ilam was deliberately misleading Anna concerning his feelings, but the young girl was vulnerable through her infatuation. In such a state, she would see every smile, every friendly gesture as evidence of a warmer regard. It would be quite difficult for Lord Ilam to discourage her without being brutal. It behoved someone to make the situation plain to him. Mrs Crossley obviously thought that she, Eustacia, ought to be that person.

So deep in thought was she that she was not aware of how far they had travelled without speaking. Nor did she hear Lord Ilam speaking to her until he repeated his words. ‘You won’t find out very much about Ashbourne from the Crossleys,’ he told her. ‘I shouldn’t bother to quiz them again.’

‘I wasn’t quizzing them about your father,’ replied Eustacia indignantly. Involuntarily she pulled at Butternut’s reins, causing the mare to toss her head.

‘Really?’ said Ilam in disbelieving tones. ‘I suppose I did not hear you asking Aunt Bertha about him after all. Doubtless I
imagined
it.’

‘Doubtless you have turned the whole incident into something much more important than it really was,’ she retorted swiftly.

‘As you say,’ he answered, inclining his head slightly. Eustacia was left with the distinct impression that he still did not believe her.

‘For goodness’ sake,’ she said in exasperated tones. ‘Why must you be for ever going on about your father and how handsome everybody thinks he is? Anybody would think that you were not exceedingly attractive yourself!’

For a moment, they stared at one another. Then a slow grin
started to spread over Ilam’s features and Eustacia turned bright red as she realized what she had just said. She was just wondering how she would ever get over this piece of awkwardness when Ilam took pity on her and said, ‘Race you to that oak tree!’

After that, they talked of indifferent subjects until they reached the vicarage. Ilam lifted Eustacia down from Butternut’s back. ‘Thank you,’ he said before releasing her. ‘You have raised my
self-esteem
no end.’ He refused to come in, pleading estate business. ‘Pray send my duty to Aunt Agatha and tell her that I shall be consulting her about the garden party as usual.’

Eustacia promised to do so, and went inside and up the stairs to change out of her habit. She thought about what had just occurred. Ilam had seemed to be surprised to hear that he was an attractive man. Again she blushed at her own boldness. How Mama would scold her if she ever found out! Yet he was attractive. His face did not have the classic handsomeness possessed by his father and even, to a degree, by Morrison Morrison; but it had a certain rugged masculinity that, along with his fine physique, would always command female attention. Perhaps his conviction that his father was the kind of man whom women found appealing prevented him from acknowledging his own attractions; even caused him to think poorly of himself. That might explain in part why he did not realize that Anna fancied herself in love with him. He probably did not think that any woman would regard him in such a way.

Absurd, she exclaimed, wondering even as she said it whether she was condemning his low opinion of himself, or admitting how compelling she found him. 

The following morning Eustacia went to the room which had been the Rev’d Colin Rayner’s study, and was now referred to by everyone as the library, in order to answer a letter that had come to her from Miss Warburton.
Your Mama has been so kind
– wrote that lady –
and is treating me like an honoured guest
. Eustacia smiled. No one could be more gracious than her mama when she had a mind to it. Miss Warburton also went on to say that she had heard from Mr Lusty.
He has written me a very civil letter, telling me that he will do himself the honour of calling upon me as soon as his duties permit
.

‘Ha!’ Eustacia exclaimed. Then she looked round
self-consciously
, glad that no one else was present. She had almost sounded like her mama at that moment! ‘As soon as his duties permit, indeed!’ It did not sound very lover-like.

She had just taken up her pen to write an answer, when the doorbell rang. Shortly afterwards, Grimes came to say that Lady Agatha was receiving visitors and would be pleased if Miss Hope would attend her in the drawing-room.

‘Who are these visitors?’ Eustacia asked, as she laid down her pen and stood up, smoothing her gown. It was unusual for visitors to come to the rectory. Apart from Lord Ilam, and Mr Lusty, they had received no one, but then it was a small community, and Eustacia had learned that some families had gone to London for the season.

‘It is Mrs Granby and her daughter, miss,’ replied Grimes. ‘They have just returned from London, I b’lieve.’

‘Thank you, Grimes,’ replied Eustacia, feeling pleased. Perhaps now there would be a female of her own age with whom she could associate, a commodity which had been sadly lacking in Illingham so far.

On her arrival in the drawing-room, she found Lady Agatha entertaining two ladies dressed in gowns which, whilst entirely suitable for the occasion, screamed expensive London fashion. The older lady, who was obviously a similar age to Eustacia’s own mother, was in a bronze green walking gown, with a bonnet trimmed with ribbons in a similar colour. She was a fine-looking woman who had kept her figure, and who still had some claim to beauty. Her daughter, a ravishingly pretty blonde with sparkling blue eyes, was in a delightful shade of pink, trimmed with piping of a darker shade.

‘Ah, Eustacia,’ said her godmother upon her entrance. ‘You have come at just the right moment. Mrs Granby, this is my
goddaughter
, Eustacia Hope. Eustacia, Mrs Granby.’

‘Charming,’ said Mrs Granby. Then she turned to her daughter with what could only be described as a slightly anxious look. ‘Evangeline, do you not think so? Miss Hope, this is my daughter Evangeline.’

Evangeline looked at Eustacia in what could almost have been a measuring way. Then she smiled and said, ‘Miss Hope, I am delighted to meet you, and I am convinced that we are going to be the best of friends.’ There was an almost imperceptible sound from Mrs Granby’s direction that could have been a sigh.

Eustacia smiled back. ‘That is very kind of you to say so,’ she replied. ‘I will do my best to live up to your expectations.’

‘Oh, I know you will,’ replied Miss Granby. ‘You are dark, and I am fair, so we will set each other off beautifully!’ Eustacia tried to look gratified, but inside, she had come to the conclusion that here was another tall blonde beauty who, like her mother, would cast her into the shade.

‘I have sent for refreshments,’ said Lady Agatha. ‘In the
meantime
, why not take Miss Granby into the gardens, Eustacia? Then Mrs Granby and I can have a comfortable chat.’

‘That will be delightful,’ said Miss Granby. She undid the strings of her bonnet.

‘Evangeline, dear….’ ventured Mrs Granby.

‘I refuse to walk around the garden in a bonnet whilst Miss Hope is bare-headed,’ Evangeline interrupted decidedly as she laid aside her head gear. ‘It would make me look very foolish.’ The two young ladies walked out of the French doors which led into the garden. There was a small terrace with two or three steps which took them down onto the lawn. ‘I love this garden. Do not you?’ asked Miss Granby, when they were walking beneath the trees.

‘Yes, very much,’ Eustacia replied. ‘Do you live nearby, Miss Granby?’

‘Yes, we live just outside the village, but we have a house in Town as well. We have been there for the season. Have you had a London season, Miss Hope?’

‘No. My parents dislike London, so I have had to make do with York and Harrogate.’

Miss Granby’s eyes widened. ‘Not go to London? In your place, I would have made such a fuss that they would have been obliged to take me.’

‘I don’t think I would have been taken however much of a fuss I made,’ said Eustacia ruefully.

‘You are obviously not determined enough. One only has to drum one’s heels on the carpet for the job to be done.’

‘Did London live up to your expectations?’ Eustacia asked, trying not to imagine what her mother would have done had she ever tried such a trick.

‘Oh yes, very much so,’ replied Miss Granby. ‘I cannot think of anything better than a day spent shopping, then perhaps riding in the park, followed by dinner and a ball.’

‘It certainly sounds exhausting,’ remarked Eustacia.

‘I cannot see any point in going to London and then doing things by halves,’ declared the other. After a pause, she went on, ‘I know what you are going to say next,’ she declared. ‘You are going to ask me if I attracted the attention of any gentlemen while I was in London.’

‘I thought that that went without saying,’ answered Eustacia with a smile.

‘You are kind,’ said Evangeline, tucking her hand into her companion’s arm. ‘As a matter of fact, I had a good many
admirers
.’ She smiled secretively. ‘One of them did please me more than any other, but I have not made up my mind. I only met him shortly before we came away, you see.’

‘Does he have the approval of your parents?’ Eustacia asked.

Evangeline shrugged. ‘I dare say he might. He is an only child and his family have quite a good fortune. Mama wanted me to settle upon somebody, but I want to have another season next year.’

‘Will she permit it?’ Eustacia asked.

‘Of course she will,’ Evangeline responded, tossing her head. ‘Mama dreads the possibility of one of my tantrums and Papa will do anything for his “little angel”, as he calls me.’ She took one look at Eustacia’s astonished face and giggled. ‘You are thinking that I am dreadfully spoiled,’ she said, correctly guessing what was in Eustacia’s mind. ‘I am their only child, you see. Besides, it is quite their own fault, you know. If they hadn’t wanted me to be spoiled, they shouldn’t have indulged me so much. Shall we go back to the house, now?’

‘Yes, of course,’ Eustacia replied, wondering whether the other young woman might stamp her feet and shout ‘I won’t’ if she suggested that they walk to the other end of the lawn instead. ‘Come this way, Miss Granby.’

‘Please, call me Evangeline,’ said the other. ‘You know my
darkest
secrets, now, so we must be friends. Where is Miss Warburton, by the way?’

Even while she was giving an answer, Eustacia was thinking about what had just been said. Like Miss Granby, she was an only child, but she would never have dreamed of throwing a tantrum. Such tactics with Lady Hope would probably result in a day of bread and water in her room and possibly some rather nasty
medicine
as well. As for Papa calling her a little angel, he would be far more likely to tell her firmly to do what her mama bade her.

Inside the drawing-room, refreshments had arrived, and soon the two young ladies were being served with lemonade, whilst the older ladies enjoyed a glass of ratafia. ‘I had ratafia in London,’ said Evangeline, pouting.

Again, Eustacia noticed the anxious expression on Mrs Granby’s face as she murmured ‘Evangeline, dearest!’ No wonder she had wanted to marry her daughter off this season. She could then have cheerfully consigned the control of that wilful young lady to her prospective husband.

‘That may be so, Miss Granby,’ answered Lady Agatha, quite unintimidated by the prospect of a storm to come. ‘In my house, however, young ladies are served with lemonade.’ Eustacia glanced at her in surprise. Her godmother was far more likely to serve her with drinks that her mama would not permit. It only took a moment or two for her to guess that Lady Agatha had made this pronouncement from sheer devilment, to see whether she could provoke Miss Granby into having a tantrum.

For a moment, the issue hung in the balance. Then Evangeline burst out laughing. ‘Then lemonade it must be,’ she responded. ‘Thank you, Lady Agatha.’

‘Your mama and I were just talking about the garden party at Illingham Hall,’ said her ladyship to Evangeline. She then turned to her goddaughter. ‘It is quite the social occasion in these parts. Some even go so far as to say that the Derbyshire set return from the London season simply in order to attend.’

‘Yes, it is quite true,’ agreed Mrs Granby. ‘It is a very popular event.’

‘I dare say you have been very dull up until now,’ said Miss Granby sympathetically.

Eustacia could hardly agree, so she merely said, ‘My godmother does her best to keep me entertained. Lord Ilam has been very kind as well.’

‘Kind?’ echoed Miss Granby in surprise. ‘I would not have thought it of him. He always seems rather brusque to me.’

‘Evangeline, dearest,’ ventured Mrs Granby again.

Eustacia began to wonder whether these words might be carved
on the woman’s tombstone. ‘Oh yes,’ she said in response to Miss Granby’s words. ‘He has lent me a charming little mare and has taken me riding several times.’

‘I know he is a very conscientious landlord,’ said Mrs Granby.

‘Sad stuff,’ commented Evangeline. ‘Let’s talk instead about the garden party and the ball at the Olde Oak. Just think how much Eustacia will love them, Lady Agatha.’

‘I am sure she will,’ responded her ladyship, smiling.

The visitors left soon afterwards. ‘She’s as spoiled as a young woman could be,’ commented her ladyship, ‘but she seems to have taken to you, my dear. You’ll have a livelier time with her about. No, there’s no need to protest about it. I know it’s been a little dull for you with only an old lady in mourning for company.’

‘I haven’t been dull, Godmama,’ Eustacia protested, realizing as she spoke that it was true. This was in some degree due to her godmother’s scheming, but she was forced to acknowledge that in part it was due to the presence of Lord Ilam. Would he attend the ball at the Olde Oak, she wondered, and if so, would he dance? Suddenly she realized that she was already reviewing the evening gowns that she had brought with her. Thanks to her mama, at least she would not be at a loss as to what to wear. She would hate to look dowdy in front of Evangeline Granby who, whatever her faults – and she certainly had a few – was certain to be fashionably dressed.

Miss Granby did not leave it very long to call again upon her new friend. Only two days later she arrived at the vicarage having been brought into the village by her father. ‘Papa is going to enquire about the arrangements for the ball at the Olde Oak,’ she explained when Mr Granby had brought her in and paid his respects to Lady Agatha. ‘I thought that I would come and see my new friend at the same time.’

‘You are very welcome, Miss Granby,’ said Lady Agatha. ‘Would you like to stay for luncheon? I am afraid that I cannot offer to send you home as I have no carriage.’

‘Please, Papa?’ said Evangeline meltingly.

‘Anything for my angel,’ he responded in doting tones. No wonder she was spoiled, concluded Eustacia. ‘I will send the carriage round this afternoon.’

‘Then may Eustacia come back and dine and stay the night?’ asked Evangeline. ‘I have so much that I want to tell her about my visit to London.’

‘I could not leave Godmama all alone,’ Eustacia protested.

‘Nonsense!’ her ladyship responded bracingly. ‘I have Grimes and the other servants. I will not be at all lonely. In fact, I will be very happy to think that you are being so well entertained.’

Mr Granby declined the offer of a glass of wine, and left soon afterwards. Lady Agatha sent for refreshments for them all, and they were just sitting down together when the doorbell rang. ‘I expect that that is Ilam,’ said her ladyship. ‘He is due to consult me about the garden party any day now.’

Sure enough, a moment later, Lord Ilam was announced, and he came in with his usual athletic stride. ‘Aunt Agatha, Miss Hope, Miss Granby,’ he said, bowing to the company. ‘It’s a pleasure to see you again,’ he went on, addressing the other visitor. ‘How was London?’

‘Exciting: enthralling: wonderful!’ she told him, her eyes sparkling.

‘Busy, noisy and hot, is what I think you mean,’ he replied
ironically
.

‘You don’t care for the place, my lord?’ Eustacia asked him.

‘I can’t abide it,’ he admitted frankly. ‘I have to go occasionally, but I get away again as soon as I can.’ Noting his attire today, which comprised a comfortable coat and breeches and serviceable boots, she could well believe it.

‘I can’t understand it,’ said Miss Granby in bewilderment.

‘It is Doctor Johnson who says that anyone who tires of London has tired of life,’ put in Lady Agatha.

‘Is it he who wrote that dreary old dictionary?’ asked Evangeline.

‘The very man,’ agreed Lord Ilam.

‘I’m surprised that he said anything so sensible,’ the young lady
replied, with frank disregard for the doctor’s scholarship.

It was at this point that the door opened and Grimes came in to say that Mr Lusty was in the hall. A look of consternation crept over Lady Agatha’s face. It was as she paused to think that Ilam said ‘Show him in then, man.’

‘No, I will come out to see him,’ she said hastily. Unfortunately, by this time, Lusty had heard what Ilam had said, and was on the threshold looking in at them.

Lady Agatha cast one anxious glance at her goddaughter. It was at this moment that Eustacia remembered that her godmother did not want Mr Lusty and Lord Ilam to converse with one another. At about the same time, she recalled that as far as Lusty was concerned, she was supposed to be delicate. They all stood to greet the clergyman. Eustacia curtsied, rose, swayed, passing her hand across her brow. ‘Oh dear,’ she murmured, in fading accents. ‘I do feel so….’ So saying, she closed her eyes and sank to the floor. The only thing that happened to change her plan was that she did not actually make contact with the carpet after all. Instead, she found herself caught by a powerful masculine pair of arms.