Free Another Country by Kate Hewitt Page A

even went so far as to secure an invitation to a
musicale for them both. “I too know some people of import here,
niece,” he said in a preening way and Caroline had to admit he was
right.
    Although she never inquired as to the nature of his
business, it appeared that his work provided him with some useful
contacts.
    “Do have some cake,” Caroline invited Eleanor now,
forcing her thoughts back to the present. “I’m afraid it’s bought
from a bakeshop; the cook here is quite hopeless and I’ll have to
sort something out as soon as I can.”
    “As hopeless at cookery as at hair?” Eleanor
chuckled dryly. “Then you are in a sorry state, indeed.”
    Caroline knew her friend was gently mocking her, and
sighed. “I don’t mean to sound spoilt. I only wanted nice things
for you. You will come to the musicale tonight, won’t you?”
    Eleanor glanced at the invitation card Caroline
showed her. “As it happens, I’ve already been invited to this
musicale. Ian is attending with Isobel Moore, and they’ve kindly
asked me along.”
    “Oh! I didn’t realize...!” Caroline said awkwardly
and Eleanor smiled. Caroline’s thoughts were plain on her face; she
had not expected Eleanor to travel in the same society as she did.
In truth, Eleanor had not expected it either. Ian’s position in
society was far more elevated than being a doctor warranted, and it
was all due to his association with the Moores.
    When Ian first showed her the
invitation, Eleanor had balked. “I can hardly attend with you and
Miss Moore,” she protested. “I shall feel a third wheel, and that,
dear Ian, is something I refuse ever to feel again.”
    “The Moores wish for your company as much as I do,”
Ian replied. “And you must get out in society, Eleanor. You’re
young and pretty. Don’t moulder away sewing my shirts and making
butter as if you were a spinster!”
    “I haven’t made any butter yet,”
Eleanor protested with a little laugh, “and I like to keep
occupied. You might like these soirees and such, but they’re quite
out of my element. The most entertainment I’ve had is a ceilidh at home, or a
prayer meeting in Glasgow. They hardly count!”
    “Then it’s high time you went to something proper.
Besides, I’d appreciated your company. I... I don’t want to be with
Isobel alone.”
    Eleanor raised her eyebrows at this confession. “Has
she set her cap at you?”
    “I wouldn’t say that,” Ian said uncomfortably.
    “You must put it to rights if she has,” Eleanor
warned him. “For you’ll both suffer if anything improper
occurs.”
    “Eleanor!” Ian was scandalized. “Nothing improper
could ever occur, I assure you!”
    “Perhaps not,” Eleanor allowed, “but much happens in
the minds of gossips.”
    The thought of attending a social event thrilled her
more than she cared to admit, even though in her mind she wondered
which one of her few gowns would be suitable. None, probably.
Perhaps she could quickly add some lace at the cuffs, or a
fichu.
    “If you like,” she said now, ”I could come here
before, and dress your hair. Then we could go together, if that
suits.”
    “What about your brother?”
    Eleanor did not miss the spark in Caroline’s eye.
“He is escorting Isobel Moore. I don’t wish to be a third
wheel.”
    “Is that how it is?” Caroline took a sip of tea, her
expression carefully disinterested. ‘Is he courting her?”
    “I don’t believe so,” Eleanor replied, “but all the
same, I think I shall meet them there.” She knew Ian would not be
pleased with this arrangement, but she’d no notion of ordering her
life to suit his romantic tangles.
    “Very well, then, it’s settled.” Caroline smiled in
satisfaction, thinking of the evening ahead, her first invitation,
even if it had been issued to her uncle. Perhaps his presence would
encourage him to take more of an active interest in society. They
might even host a ball, or at least a dinner party.
    Caroline’s hopes suddenly