Secret Heiress (8 page)

‘You will soon get used to it,' Julia said and laughed. ‘Now, you must meet my daughter Kate—Kate, this is Eliza. You two must absolutely be friends, because you are going to see a lot of one another. I shall want to spend time with Sarah and you two should be prepared to go off on your own somewhere.'

‘Mama!' Kate was a younger image of her mother, her blue eyes sparkling with amusement as she came to Eliza. ‘You must forgive her, Miss Bancroft. She may command me, but not you, though I hope we shall be friends and you may call me Kate if you wish.'

‘Only if you call me Eliza.' Eliza smiled because she liked both the mother and daughter. ‘I, too, hope we shall be friends. As yet I have very few acquaintances in Bath.'

‘I have loads of them,' Kate said frankly. ‘However, only one or two I would actually call friends. I should
like to get to know you—and that is not because Mama insists either.' She threw a fond but exasperated look at her mother, who was talking animatedly with Lady Sarah. ‘Dear Mama is managing, but she means well.'

‘I am certain she does,' Eliza agreed, thinking that she was fortunate to have met a girl she could truly think of as a friend.

Most of the other young ladies she met exchanged pleasantries but did not seem interested enough to become her friend.

Her thoughts were interrupted as the invitation to move into the dining room was given. After some shuffling and searching, everyone sat down and Eliza found herself seated between an elderly gentleman, who proved hard of hearing and Lord Roberts. Her host saw her seated with solicitous care and then proceeded to ignore her as he talked exclusively to the lady on his right.

Obviously, a companion was not deemed worthy of a meaningful conversation. Eliza contented herself by looking about her. She caught snatches of other people's conversation and smiled as she watched Miss Susanne Roberts making up to Lord Seaton. Susanne simpered, giggled and fluttered her lashes so often that Eliza would have asked if she had something in her eye had she been close enough.

Now and then the deaf gentleman muttered something. Eliza nodded or asked if she could pass him a dish or the condiment set. She risked a few glances at Lord Seaton and discovered that he was looking at her and frowning. Once she thought he would address her across the table, but his companion claimed his attention and the moment passed.

It might have been a long and tedious meal, but the
food was actually delicious and Eliza enjoyed watching the company. She saw Kate flirting in an unexceptional way with an older gentleman, and Lady Sarah was clearly enjoying talking with friends.

Eventually, Lady Roberts announced the move to the drawing room, leaving the gentlemen to their port and cigars. Kate immediately gravitated to her side.

‘Poor you,' she exclaimed as she linked arms. ‘Mr Huddlestone is as deaf as a post and Lord Roberts was awfully rude. I do not think he addressed more than three words to you all evening.'

‘I did not remark it,' Eliza assured her. ‘I dare say a dowager duchess is more important and entertaining than a companion.'

‘How calm you are and kind.' Kate laughed. ‘In your position I should have been inclined to talk across the table, but Mama says it is rude to interrupt the conversation of others.' She lowered her voice. ‘Besides, Miss Roberts was monopolising the only handsome man in the room—even if Lord Seaton was more interested in looking at you.'

‘No, I am certain he was not,' Eliza denied immediately. ‘He seemed quite content with his companion.'

‘She threw herself at him in town, but he ignored her. Mama warned me that Seaton may be in financial difficulty, for his father was ill for a while before he died and may have neglected the estate. There was a rumour of it, but I do not know the whole. He may be looking to marry a fortune, though I shall think him a fool if he settles for a peagoose like Susanne.'

‘That is a little unkind,' Eliza reproved, but could not resist a smile. Kate was certainly outspoken, but she could not help liking her.

Lord Seaton was not a fool, but it was possible that
he needed to marry money. Gentleman often did, for the upkeep of a country estate was expensive. She imagined that Lord Roberts was wealthy and would see his daughter well endowed. However, Eliza had no time to ponder the subject for she was summoned by Lady Roberts to help serve the tea.

When she brought Lady Sarah her cup, her employer frowned. ‘This is unfair on you, Eliza, my love. You are here to enjoy yourself.'

‘I am enjoying myself very much, ma'am. Serving tea is no hardship for me.'

‘It is the manner…' Lady Sarah shook her head. She clearly did not approve of the way Eliza had been commandeered by their hostess, but would not make a fuss in public.

Once tea was served, Kate was called to the pianoforte and she asked Eliza to accompany her.

‘Do you know this one?' she asked, playing a few bars of a popular ballad. She smiled when Eliza inclined her head. ‘Sing it with me?'

Eliza stood at her shoulder and joined in the second verse. She had a sweet though untrained voice and their voices blended into a pleasant harmony. They had finished the ballad and were singing the words of ‘Greensleeves' when the gentleman returned, and were warmly applauded as they brought the old song to an end.

‘Well done, ladies. That was a perfect duet,' Daniel Seaton told them, strolling towards the pianoforte. ‘May I join you in a verse or two?'

‘Of course,' Kate agreed. ‘What shall we sing?'

‘I have been practising Mr Beethoven's piano sonata,' Susanne said, coming up to them. She looked pointedly at Eliza. ‘Perhaps you should return to Lady Sarah, Miss Bancroft. I believe she needs you.'

‘Yes, certainly. Everyone has heard quite enough of me for one evening.' Eliza retired gracefully to sit by her employer's side.

She listened appreciatively to the music. Susanne played with more accomplishment than Kate and, when they sang a popular ditty, their voices blended well with Lord Seaton's. She applauded their performance as warmly as anyone.

‘I believe we should leave now,' Lady Sarah said when the entertainment finished and the company began to talk amongst themselves. ‘I am feeling a little tired.'

‘Allow me to escort you to your carriage, ma'am,' Daniel offered, startling Eliza who had not been aware that he was standing so close.

‘So kind,' Lady Sarah said and took his arm. ‘It was a pleasant evening, but it is late for me. I knew your uncle once, sir. You must call and take a dish of tea with us one afternoon.'

‘I should be delighted,' Daniel said, inclining his head.

Eliza gathered up all their bits and pieces. She followed behind, noticing with approval Lord Seaton's consideration for her employer. He walked her to her waiting carriage, helped her inside, seeing her settled comfortably before turning to Eliza. His blue eyes were thoughtful as he offered his hand to help her ascend the steps.

‘I hope your evening was not too tedious, Miss Bancroft?'

‘Not in the least, sir. I enjoyed your singing immensely.'

‘I enjoyed your rendition of “Greensleeves.”'

‘And Miss Roberts played with remarkable proficiency.'

‘She is undoubtedly an accomplished young lady.'

‘Yes, I am certain she is.'

What was the message in his eyes? Eliza was not certain; it might be merely imagination, but he seemed to say that he cared nothing for Miss Roberts and very much for her. No, she was letting her feelings run away with her.

It seemed to Eliza that Lord Seaton held her hand for a little longer than necessary. Perhaps only seconds, but enough to make her heart flutter. Her body began to heat and very peculiar sensations made the nape of her neck tingle. She removed her hand from his grasp.

He was too dangerous to allow even the smallest flirtation.

‘Thank you, sir. I can manage now. Goodnight.'

‘Goodnight, ladies.' He stepped back as the groom closed the carriage door. ‘I shall call one afternoon, Lady Sarah.'

Sitting back against the squabs, Eliza refused to feel pleased by his promise. It would be extremely foolish to allow herself to like Lord Seaton too much. Yet she did, she did…already her thoughts dwelled on him far more than was sensible or right.

D
aniel doused his head with cold water and groaned. Whatever had possessed him to drink so much wine after he returned to his lodgings the previous evening? He shook the water from his hair and sank back into the rapidly cooling bath his valet had prepared for him. Last evening's dinner party had been a total failure as far as he was concerned. Not only had he been bored by Miss Roberts, finding her shallow and foolish, he had left without speaking to her father.

‘Damned idiot!' he muttered as he rose from the water and towelled himself down, the droplets glistening on skin that was slightly golden in tone.

Why the hell had his father lost so much money to Cheadle? It was the cause of all this bother, the reason he had no choice but to offer for a girl he did not truly admire. He must either marry to advantage or enter the army and sell his estate to salvage what little he could.

Surely there must be another alternative?

The thoughts had been going round and round in his head since waking. He had really believed he could go through with the marriage to Miss Roberts until…he had seen
her
looking at him with those thoughtful eyes.

Miss Eliza Bancroft.

Damn it all, why should the girl affect him like this? She wasn't beautiful by the standards of the day. Perhaps if they had met first in society he would have passed on without a second glance.

Liar!

Daniel groaned as he accepted that Miss Eliza Bancroft had been the reason for his failure to address Miss Roberts. He was intrigued by her manner of plain speaking. She found him amusing, did she? Her careless remark had pricked his vanity. He was accustomed to having young women hang on his every word. Indeed, he might have married long ago if beauty or money had been all he required in a wife.

The woman had bewitched him! What an idiot he was, mooning over a girl's smile like a green youth.

Daniel's mirth vanished as swiftly as it had come. His situation was serious. He had to find some way of paying those damned mortgages.

 

Eliza looked out of the front window as she heard voices below and was in time to see that Lady Julia and Kate had arrived. They were all to visit the Pump Room together that morning. Picking up the reticule she had been asked to fetch for Lady Sarah, she went downstairs in time to witness their friends being admitted.

‘Eliza,' Kate said, ‘isn't it a glorious day? I have asked Mama if we may leave her and Lady Sarah for a while once they are settled with their friends. It is far too pleasant to be stuck indoors. Do you not agree?'

‘It would be pleasant to walk if Lady Sarah does not need me.'

A walk was exactly what she needed after a night of too much thinking. Despite all her good intentions, Eliza had not been able to dismiss thoughts of Daniel Seaton. She wished she did not know his secret for it seemed to draw her closer to him. Had they met in company for the first time the previous evening, she would not have felt so troubled.

How could he think of marrying such a foolish girl as Miss Roberts? She was far beneath him in every way.

Immediately, Eliza was ashamed of the thought. Miss Roberts was a perfectly pleasant girl, just a little foolish to set her cap at him in public the way she had.

Good gracious! Was she feeling jealous?

Eliza scorned the wayward notion. She had no business thinking of Lord Seaton at all.

Kate's friendly chatter was just what was needed to banish her foolish thoughts. Eliza gave her new friend all her attention as the four ladies were driven to the Pump Room in an open landau.

Lady Sarah seemed happy to be reunited with an old friend, and once the two older ladies were settled in the Pump Room with a glass of the restorative water, Kate persuaded Eliza they should leave.

‘Certainly you must go with Kate,' Lady Sarah added her voice to the young lady's. ‘I shall be perfectly comfortable here—and we are all to take luncheon together at Lady Julia's house. Do not be late for that, girls.'

‘No, of course not,' the girls chorused.

Kate slipped her arm through Eliza's and they left the Pump Room, heading for the fashionable shops that abounded in the town.

‘I need a new fan for best,' Kate told her as they
emerged into the warm sunshine. She was dressed in a pretty green walking gown with a bonnet of chip straw trimmed with matching ribbons and white shoes and gloves. ‘My favourite snapped in half last time I used it. The struts are so fragile, are they not?'

‘I have one that my mother gave me,' Eliza replied. ‘I have not…'

She meant to say that she had hardly used it but, seeing the gentleman walking towards them, her heart caught. He was so extremely handsome in his coat of blue with dove grey breeches and boots that shone like gloss.

‘Miss Henderson…Miss Bancroft…' Daniel raised his hat to them. ‘A beautiful morning, is it not?'

‘Lord Seaton,' Kate said and gave him a flirtatious look. ‘Are you on your way to the Pump Room? I would not have thought you needed to take the waters.'

‘Indeed, no, I should hope not,' he replied and grinned, for her manner was mischievous. ‘Indeed, I have heard the taste is so bad that I doubt the health-giving properties they are said to possess. I suppose you are headed for the shops?'

‘There is nothing I enjoy more,' Kate replied. ‘Unless it is dancing. Do you attend the assembly this evening, sir?

‘I am not sure…' His eyes rested on Eliza. ‘Do you attend, Miss Bancroft?'

Eliza had deliberately remained silent, but now she was forced to answer.

‘I believe it is Lady Sarah's intention,' Eliza said, hoping that she did not sound breathless. Her heart was behaving most oddly. ‘It will be my first proper ball, though I was sometimes invited to your uncle's Christmas party, sir. I danced there, of course. Mama taught
me—' She broke off with a flush for she had said too much—and she did sound breathless.

‘Then I must certainly attend,' he responded gallantly, his words making her feel odd all over. ‘You will promise to save at least one dance for me, Miss Bancroft—and I shall also claim one from you, Miss Henderson.'

‘I shall be sure to enter your name, sir—and so will Eliza,' Kate sparkled up at him. ‘Now you must leave us for shopping is important business, my lord.'

‘I am not sure that I ought to dance.' Eliza remembered belatedly that she was a companion. ‘I do not know if Lady Sarah will permit it.'

‘Of course she will expect you to dance.' Kate retorted. ‘Lord Seaton, support me in this please. Eliza must dance, must she not?'

‘I am persuaded that Lady Sarah will expect it,' Daniel replied and his eyes were bright with amusement. ‘I must not delay you longer. I shall see you both this evening, ladies.'

He tipped his hat once more and walked on by. Kate hugged Eliza's arm.

‘Was that not clever of me? He likes you very much. I dare swear he had no intention of attending this evening until you told him it was your first ball.'

‘Oh, no…' Eliza was genuinely horrified. ‘Please do not suggest such a thing. It would be most inappropriate. Lady Sarah has been kindness itself, but I am her companion. Lord Seaton really should not pay me any attention. Especially if—' she broke off, feeling flustered. ‘He should not.'

‘You are distressed,' Kate said in concern. ‘I was merely teasing you. I would not encourage you to think of him. Lord Seaton is not exactly a rake, but he is
known for his flirts. They say the last was a beautiful opera dancer.' Kate gurgled with laughter. ‘I heard he fought a duel with someone over her, but I dare say it was all a hum. Oh dear, I should not have mentioned that, should I? Mama says my tongue will be the ruin of me and she is right.'

‘I believe many gentlemen have a mistress,' Eliza said, sounding calmer than she felt. ‘But…I have no wish to become one of them.'

‘No, indeed it is not to be thought of for, then I could not know you and that would be a shame.' Kate's humour was irrepressible. ‘Not that I should take a jot of notice but Mama would not approve. You will pay him no mind, Eliza. Unless of course he were to propose marriage. They do say reformed rakes make good husbands in the end.'

‘You are a wicked tease,' Eliza told her. ‘It is as well I have no intention of having my head turned by a handsome face.'

‘So you do like him,' Kate crowed. ‘No, no, I shall not tease you, dearest Eliza—but just think how fortunate it would be if he should offer.'

Eliza shook her head. To allow herself even one thought in that direction would be madness. She was not sure she would be permitted to dance that evening or even if it would be wise. Lord Seaton was too far above her and the more she mixed with him the more painful it would be in the end. She might even have to leave Lady Sarah's employ at the end of the month, and then she might never see him again.

The thought brought a sharp swift pain to her heart, but she lifted her head in the air. She refused to be foolish enough to fall for a man she hardly knew and could never know better.

They were approaching the shop they had come to visit and Kate's attention was taken by the array of beautiful fans in the window. Some were of painted paper, others of ivory and lace, some with silver or jewelled handles and very costly.

‘Oh, there are so many lovely ones,' Kate exclaimed. ‘How do I choose just one?'

Eliza was able to enjoy helping her friend to choose. She was, after all, a sensible girl and she would not fall into a dangerous flirtation simply because a certain man made her heart race whenever he was near.

 

Daniel walked past the house where Lord Roberts was staying, heading for a popular coffee house in the hope of meeting with friends. His thoughts were once again in turmoil. He had set out with the firm intention of asking Lord Roberts for his daughter's hand and then applying for a loan to settle his gambling debt, which he would repay when he could. However, Miss Henderson had overset his plans by mentioning the assembly. He had been unable to resist the unconscious appeal in Miss Bancroft's eyes when she spoke of her first public ball. The prospect of dancing with her had awoken something inside him that had lain dormant for a while and he anticipated the evening with some eagerness.

Surely it could not matter if he did not speak to Lord Roberts immediately?

Eliza Bancroft.

Daniel wanted to see laughter in those expressive eyes. He wanted to dance with Eliza, hold her body close to his and perhaps take her out into the moonlight to steal a few kisses.

He remembered a previous stolen kiss. He could almost taste her, smell the perfume that was uniquely
her own. He wanted so much more! Forbidden thoughts of Eliza lying in silken sheets, her hair spread on the pillow and her lips swollen by his passionate kisses, slightly open as she waited for more…

The sight of a curricle driving past in the opposite direction, interrupted his pleasurable thoughts. A cold shaft of anger shot through him as he saw the cause of all his troubles. The Marquis of Cheadle was in Bath, which meant that they would be bound to meet in company. Therefore, he must arrange a private interview as soon as possible. He would see what advantage was to be gained from bargaining over the ring he held as surety for a few hundred guineas.

Why did the marquis's ring bear the same inscription as that in Eliza's ring? She said it had belonged to her mother—had there been something between Mrs Bancroft and Cheadle? Surely not! The lady was the wife of the Reverend Bancroft and, as far as Daniel knew, of spotless reputation. It was mere coincidence and a trifle that should not enter his head again. He had more important things to consider.

For a moment, Daniel's thoughts dwelled on the possibility that Cheadle might know something of his cousin's death. He must seek him out and ask a few questions before handing over the ring.

 

Eliza glanced at herself in the mirror as she prepared for the assembly that evening. Her gown was a miracle of white silk tulle, lace and elegant styling. Trimmed lightly here and there with tiny knots of black ribbon, it looked so expensive and fashionable that Eliza was almost frightened to leave her room.

Surely Lady Sarah would not approve of her companion wearing a gown such as this one?

Her heart was sinking as she walked the short distance down the hall to her employer's bedchamber. Lady Sarah could not have intended her companion to look so stylish.

‘Come in, my dear,' her employer's voice invited her to enter as she tapped the door.

‘I am so sorry,' Eliza began immediately to apologise. ‘I thought
madame
would make something more suited to my situation. Shall I change?'

‘What nonsense, Eliza. You look beautiful…' Lady Sarah beckoned her forwards, her expression intent as she looked at her closely. ‘The gown is elegant and perfect for you, my dear. I knew
madame
would do you justice, but I had not expected such a change. You look…very different. Do you not like your gown?'

‘I love it,' Eliza assured her. ‘I thought…well, does it not make me look as if I am a young lady of fashion?'

‘Exactly. Just as you should look, Eliza. You deserve something nice and I am happy to be in a position to give it to you.' Lady Sarah smiled at her. ‘I am very pleased with
madame'
s work. You must thank her when she comes again.'

‘Are you sure it is not too good for a companion?'

Lady Sarah hesitated, then, ‘You have become my friend, Eliza…almost like a daughter to me. We have not known each other long, but already I am so fond of you. I want you to be happy while you stay with me.'

‘I am happy. I feel so fortunate to have been chosen by you, ma'am. I would never wish to do anything to distress you.'

‘I am sure you will not.' Lady Sarah nodded, a hint of tears in her eyes. She knew that she might have gone too far, but she was enjoying treating Eliza, as she would her lost daughter when she found her. ‘We must go down.
We do not wish to keep the horses standing. This evening is your first assembly. You will not wish to miss a moment—and of course you must dance as much as you please. It will give me great pleasure to watch and to know that you are enjoying yourself.'