Miss Dower's Paragon (8 page)

Evelyn looked up, still smiling, but she said nothing. She knew very well that her mother had gone to lengths to be certain that Mr. Peter Hawkins would be in attendance on the evening of her come-out. Mrs. Dower had not pressed her very hard lately to reconsider Mr. Hawkin’s suit, but she knew that lady too well not to realize that her mother meant to do her utmost in promoting the match.

Chapter Seven

“I suppose, then, that we shall also see Mr. Hawkins’s guests at your dinner party,” said Miss Woodthorpe.

The other ladies looked over at her in surprise.

She regarded them all with a lifted brow. “Have none of you heard, then?”

“I heard the bells announcing an arrival, but I had no notion who it might be,” said Miss Sparrow. “And no one that I have spoken to this morning knew any more than I.”

“But perhaps that is understandable, for the gentlemen must only have arrived a little while ago. I met their carriage on the road into Bath. It seems that we shall have three London gentlemen circulating among us this spring. Mr. Hawkins has apparently invited his cousin, Viscount Waithe, and another gentleman to stay,” said Miss Woodthorpe.

“We knew that the viscount was expected. But who was the other gentleman?” asked Evelyn curiously.

Miss Woodthorpe shook her head. “I do not know, and naturally I did not fall into conversation with the gentlemen. We merely exchanged greetings. However, I recognized the viscount from his previous visit a few years ago, and I naturally assumed that his companion was also either a relation or a friend of Mr. Hawkins’s.”

“But this is marvelous news!” exclaimed Miss Sparrow.

Her large blue eyes sparkled in anticipation as she turned to her friend. “Oh, Evelyn, you shall have such fun. I envy your coming-out when we have such exalted company. There were not such gentlemen about when I entered society last year, I vow. Perhaps I may persuade Mama to allow Maria to make her bows also. She is perhaps a bit young, but it is not often that our own cadre of gentlemen is added to in such a fashion, and certainly no one can deny the possibility of attracting the attention of a well-bred gentleman is enough to tempt even the most devoted of mothers.”

Since all there knew that Miss Sparrow was the eldest of five daughters and was herself but recently affianced, none found anything of surprise in her statement. The good reverend and Mrs. Sparrow would naturally wish to establish all of their daughters well and as quickly as possible as the girls came of an age for marriage so that their younger sisters would not be put to any disadvantage.

“Indeed, I shall speak to your dear mother myself and offer my services as chaperon if she should so wish. I am not so ungenerous as to wish Evelyn to sew up all of the eligible gentlemen into her own circle of admirers,” said Mrs. Dower with instant sympathy.

“Really, Mama!” exclaimed Evelyn, even as her friends laughed.

“Oh, but it is quite true. No one will be able to hold a candle to you, Evelyn,” said Miss Sparrow. She shook her head, smiling a little. “I fear that I am a disloyal sister, indeed, when I say that poor Maria will be quite overshadowed. But it cannot be helped, and who is to say that Maria will go over quite well once you have accepted an offer?”

“Indeed, and it is my hope that Evelyn shall do that very thing soon after her come-out,” said Mrs. Dower with a meaningful glance at her daughter.

“Oh stuff! Perhaps I shall not accept an offer at all, while Maria will speed her way to the altar,” said Evelyn, misliking both her mother’s broad hint as well as the intimation that she must accept a suit before the younger Miss Sparrow had any hope of contracting an eligible offer. She had never been particularly vain about her attributes but had merely accepted her good fortune for what it was. It bothered her when others assumed her appearance should entitle her to exceptional treatment.

“Oh, I do not think it likely. Truly I do not! Why, you are ever so pretty, in an unusual style, and quite clever, too. I shall expect the gentlemen to positively flock around you,” said Miss Sparrow.

“Do you think so, indeed?” asked Evelyn meditatively. A wicked sparkle came into her eyes. “I wonder if I shall care for it?”

Miss Sparrow shook a slim finger at her. “Now you are funning with me, I know! But I shall let you have your little joke. We shall see who has the right of it, will we not? You are already beside yourself with curiosity over the viscount and this unknown gentleman. Confess it, Evelyn!”

Evelyn only shook her head, laughing. “Not I!”

Miss Woodthorpe had listened silently to the conversation, only smiling now and again, but now she added her own observation. “The gentleman driving the carriage was a veritable whip, and the team he drove was the most splendid I have ever seen. I imagine that he must arouse some interest among our young aspiring sprigs, if not with you, Evelyn. As for the viscount, as I recall, his lordship was very prettily behaved and rather well formed of countenance.”

“I, too, recall his lordship upon the occasion of his previous visit. A vastly handsome young gentleman, I thought, but quite sports-mad, of course. He is here for the fisticuffs, you see. I shall send a note to Lady Pomerancy that the gentlemen are naturally to be included in the invitation to our little dinner party,” said Mrs. Dower. Her expression became faintly anxious as she reviewed in her mind those arrangements she had already settled on. “I do hope that it will not be considered too provincial an affair for the dashing young blades. One cannot hope to rival London entertainments, after all. Perhaps I should speak again to Cook regarding the menu.”

“I am certain that it will all be quite as it ought,” said Evelyn reassuringly.

“Yes, indeed. Why, everyone knows you for an excellent hostess,” said Miss Sparrow.

Mrs. Dower was exceedingly gratified by this and said so. “You are a dear, dear girl, Abigail. You quite put my mind to rest. Though one cannot but wonder whether music—but I shall not think about it another instant. It will be a splendid evening, I am positive of it.” She ended on a hopeful note, obviously attempting to convince herself.

Miss Woodthorpe cast a curious glance at Evelyn. “How did you learn of the viscount’s intention to visit Bath, Evelyn?”

“Mr. Hawkins mentioned it when he took tea with us,” said Evelyn casually. She was quite aware that her friend’s mild question disguised a sharp interest, for Miss Woodthorpe was possessed of a keen intelligence.

Miss Woodthorpe said nothing. Instead, she raised a slender brow to provide silent exclamation to her thoughts. Evelyn returned her friend’s level glance, but did not oblige Miss Woodthorpe’s curiosity.

However, Mrs. Dower was not so reticent. “Such a gentleman! I vow, I have never been more impressed by anyone’s excellence of manners. Mr. Hawkins has sent round a note of apology whenever he has been unable to join us, for it has become quite an established thing that he should call on us.”

Evelyn unconsciously put up her chin, a certain sign of challenge to those who knew her. “Mr. Hawkins has a decided preference for Mama’s notions of proper tea,” she said lightly.

“I did not know that you were so well acquainted with Mr. Hawkins,” said Miss Woodthorpe, a lazy note of amusement in her voice. Her green eyes sparkled as she discerned the slight grimace that crossed Evelyn’s face.

“No, nor I,” said Miss Sparrow. “I don’t believe I have myself spoken to him above half a dozen times since his return to Bath, even though he always stops to speak with Papa on Sundays after chapel.”

“That is just like him. Every time he comes to tea I am struck anew by his exquisite sensitivity toward one,” said Mrs. Dower, nodding.

Evelyn pretended to ignore the speculative gleam that had entered even Miss Sparrow’s eyes. “Mr. Hawkins is a most proper gentleman,” she said with dignity. She bent her attention to finishing up the sorting of the embroidery yarns, then almost thrust them toward her parent. “There, Mama! You may begin your next project whenever you wish.”

Though she accepted the yarns, Mrs. Dower could not be diverted by something so mundane. “Indeed he is! I could not hope for better company for Evelyn. His exquisite manners, his pleasing countenance and bearing—why, I think Mr. Hawkins quite dashing in all respects.”

“Oh, my,” murmured Miss Sparrow, throwing an interested glance at her friend. What she saw in Evelyn’s expression caused a small knowing smile to come to her lips. Gently teasing, she said, “Perhaps we shall see you engaged sooner than ever we expected.”

Evelyn threw an annoyed glance in her mother’s direction. “Stuff! Mama may have succumbed to Mr. Hawkins’s charming manners, but I assure you that I have not done so. Mr. Hawkins may be a paragon, but he is definitely not the gentleman for me. I am heart-whole and so I shall remain for a while yet.”

Miss Woodthorpe began to pull on her gloves. “Be that as it may, my dear, I would urge you not to toss aside Mr. Hawkins as a candidate quite so heedlessly. He is a gentleman of untested mettle and, I suspect, one of surprising strong will. Apply the spur warily, for without proper care that sort can give one an unexpected toss.”

She stood up and smiled at her companions. “I have kept my groom and the horses standing too long. I must be off if I am to be back in time for tea.”

The ladies all said good-bye as Miss Woodthorpe took her leave.

When she was gone, Mrs. Dower shook her head. “I cannot but blame the squire.”

“For what, Mama?”

“Why, for naming his daughter after a horse, naturally. Apollonia! Is it any wonder our poor Miss Woodthorpe speaks in such an odd fashion? Really, what was that nonsense about spurs and such? I did not in the least comprehend it,” said Mrs. Dower, frowning.

Evelyn exchanged a tolerant glance with Miss Sparrow. “Never, mind. Mama. It was just Apollonia’s way.”

“I, too, must be on my way, for I have a few errands to accomplish before returning home for luncheon. I had wondered whether you might like to bear me company, Evelyn, if you also have errands,” said Miss Sparrow.

“I had intended to purchase some ribbons to refurbish an old bonnet,” said Evelyn, nodding. “I’d like nothing better than to accompany you, Abigail.”

“Perhaps you might then return with Evelyn and take luncheon with us?” Mrs. Dower suggested. “I should like someone’s opinion on the new mutton that Cook is experimenting with today. One should never serve an entree at a dinner party until it has been previously approved by several personages, you know.”

“I am sorry, but I cannot. Mama would wonder if I stayed away,” said Miss Sparrow. “After luncheon, we are to visit with some of the sick and Mr. Applegate comes to supper this evening, besides, so you see that I must return as quickly as possible if we are to accomplish everything.”

“We shall not urge you, then. I am certain you have any number of things you wish to see to after your visits are made this afternoon,” said Mrs. Dower. She had instantly understood the most important point. “How well I recall that time flies swiftly when one is anticipating one’s betrothed to come to call!”

Miss Sparrow blushed and smiled shy agreement. “Oh, indeed.”

“If you will wait but a moment for me to put on a pelisse, Abigail, I will walk with you,” said Evelyn. Miss Sparrow agreed to this and Evelyn turned to her mother. “Have you any commissions for me, Mama?”

Mrs. Dower considered for a moment and finally shook her head. “I cannot think of a thing, though I am certain as soon as you walk out the door I shall recall any number of items. My mind is all taken up with the dinner party, you see, for despite Abigail’s kind words I cannot escape the lowering feeling that I have forgotten something. No doubt it will prove to be a paltry affair in the eyes of the London gentlemen.”

“Nonsense, Mama. It will go off in splendid style just like all of your entertainments. Lady Pomerancy herself will not be able to find a single item to fault,” said Evelyn.

“Lady Pomerancy!” Mrs. Dower’s eyes widened. “Good gracious, that is something else to plague me. I have forgotten that great chair of hers. Evelyn, I cannot possibly serve dinner in the upper room! We shall never get her ladyship abovestairs.”

Evelyn recognized a valid point, but the solution seemed readily apparent. “We shall simply have her ladyship carried up the stairs.”

Miss Sparrow shook her head with the slightest of frowns marring her smooth brow. “Oh, I don’t know that that will do at all, Ev—”

“Carried! I wish I might see it. One shudders to think of the look in her ladyship’s eyes that such a suggestion must conjure up,” said Mrs. Dower, giving a realistic shudder.

“Mama, do not fret so, I pray you. I am certain that everything must turn out for the best,” soothed Evelyn.

“Indeed, ma’am. Everything does work out to its best advantage,” said Miss Sparrow.

“Well, there you are quite wrong, my dears. One can never leave such a thing to chance,” said Mrs. Dower, unexpectedly firm. “Your dear father never understood it, Evelyn, and many times I was put to positive
extremes
of ingenuity to snatch an affair from complete disaster.” Mrs. Dower gave way to her anxiety and wrung her hands. “Whatever shall I do about Lady Pomerancy’s chair?”

Evelyn saw that it was useless to remonstrate with her mother. Therefore she merely repeated her intention to go purchase some ribbons and kissed her inattentive mother on the cheek.

Miss Sparrow trailed Evelyn out of the sitting room, glancing back in concern at Mrs. Dower, who had accepted her leave-taking in an abstracted manner. “Evelyn, perhaps you should stay with your mother for a little while. I will soon be headed home, in any event, and—”

“It wouldn’t be the least use if I did so, Abigail. You know that it wouldn’t. Mama will not hear a word that I say while she worries at the puzzle she has set for herself.”

“Yes, of course you are right. And I am certain that the dear lady will manage to work it out to her satisfaction,” said Miss Sparrow, her natural optimism rising.

“Of course she shall,” Evelyn agreed. “I shall look for something in the shops to divert Mama’s thoughts, besides.”