Free Ice Angel by Elizabeth Hanbury Page A

entered with relish into discussions on Sir Seymour’s various ailments and his tailor’s recommendations, and when Sir Seymour suggested a trip to the theatre, Harriet had accepted before Isabella could think about refusing. Edmund Kean in Macbeth was not to be missed, observed Sir Seymour, and he promised to book a box.
    However, Sir Seymour found conversing with Dominic beyond his scope. He merely tickled Dominic’s chin or ruffled his hair, and referred to him as a ‘charming little fellow’. This treatment was greeted afterwards with disgust by Dominic, who complained that Sir Seymour was the most bacon-brained gudgeon that ever was and he talked fustian. Isabella, biting her lip to cover her amusement, chastized her son, to which Dominic replied that Sir Seymour was very kind but not as great a man as Lord Bramwell.
    On hearing her son voice this solemn encomium, Isabella became even more concerned; it proved how attached Dominic was becoming to Lord Bramwell. This circumstance had not gone unnoticed elsewhere and had been discussed in Berkeley Square between Lady Julia and her mother.
    ‘For you know, Mama,’ remarked Julia one morning when her brother had gone to Curzon Street, and she was browsing through the latest issue of La Belle Assemblée, ‘Hal has grown fond of Dominic and takes him everywhere he asks to go. My brother has had no time to visit Chenning Court, see his man of business, or indulge in any sporting wagers as he is too busy at the Royal Exchange or some such place.’ She smiled and added, ‘Dominic is a delightful child though; when Isabella and I took him to Gunthers so that he might try the ices, he soon became the centre of attention. Everyone there was enchanted by him and even Scrope Davies said he should love to introduce him to Prinny one day as he was sure the child would make him laugh.’
    ‘I look forward to meeting Dominic,’ replied Marguerite, looking up from the list she was perusing. ‘It seems Lady Vane’s son is as charming as his mother if he is able to arouse admiration in as jaded a palate as that of Mr Davies.’
    ‘What did you think of Isabella when you met her and Mrs Forster in the park?’ asked Julia.
    ‘Delightful in many ways, not least her lovely face. I only had time to exchange a few words with Lady Vane before Sally Jersey claimed my attention, but I see what Hal means by her reserve – her eyes hold wariness towards the world.’
    ‘Well, she will not attend Almack’s with me yet, but I have managed to coax her into society a little; we enjoyed our visit to the Pantheon Bazaar and Hal hid his boredom at shopping very well. Although he is fond of Dominic, I believe Isabella is the real reason Hal haunts Curzon Street.’ Julia chuckled. ‘He seems extremely taken with her … perhaps they need some help—’
    ‘No, Julia,’ intervened Lady Bramwell firmly. ‘Hal has been hurt in the past and perhaps Lady Vane has, too. It will require a great deal of patience on Hal’s part to earn her trust and you will do better to let matters take their course.’
    ‘You are right, Mama,’ replied Julia, sighing as she idly scanned the items in the monthly miscellany section. ‘Most of London has fallen in love with Isabella’s beauty but she lets no one near. However, I am certain that Isabella harbours a spark of deeper feeling for Hal; she is growing fond of him, I know it. Isabella is the dearest girl and I would love her to be Hal’s choice.’
    ‘So would I, but it will not do for us to interfere without good reason,’ said her mother, adding drily, ‘and I do not think your brother would thank us either.’
    Glancing up from the periodical, Julia arched a scornful eyebrow. ‘Lady Portland has been showing interest in Hal again, and I cannot bear her.’
    ‘Lady Portland! Is she back in London?’
    ‘She and Portland have returned because of Bonaparte’s escape from Elba – they have taken a house in Half Moon Street.’
    Marguerite