Free The Private Affairs Of Lady Jane Fielding by Viveka Portman

nodded curtly before disappearing from his wife’s side.
    ‘Lady Fielding,’ she smiled. ‘Lady Bexley,’ she curtseyed a greeting.
    Mrs Lidia Swinton was a woman I both loved and loathed in equal measure. She had a wicked sense of humour and was ruthlessly witty with it. Her black hair was carefully coiffed beneath a beautiful blue bonnet. Her eyes glittered with mischief as they alighted on Lady Bexley.
    ‘I was just suggesting that when Lady Bexley has children, you and I could perhaps suggest a quality wet nurse.’
    Lidia’s lively blue eyes slipped to me, and she arched an elegant eyebrow. ‘Quite, and naturally I shall. Yet, Lady Fielding, what a fascinatingly dull topic for conversation you propose for such a fine day.’
    ‘A necessary discussion to have, wouldn’t you agree, especially for a young bride?’ I countered, smiling indulgently at Lady Bexley.
    The young woman had paled, whether at the topic of discussion or Lidia Swinton’s unusually abrasive manner. With a slight stutter, she excused herself.
    ‘Do you think I offended her?’ Lidia asked, watching the young bride disappear through the crowd.
    ‘I think not,’ I said and glanced at her husband, who remained deep in conversation with Jacob about hunting.
    ‘No,’ Lidia agreed. ‘I suppose being married to Bexley one would become used to boring conversation,’ she replied, failing to soften her voice.
    I fanned my face to disguise a smile. ‘How is your husband?’
    ‘Better than yours, or so I heard.’ Lidia smiled wickedly. ‘Though, I am certain you will eventually indulge me with the details once you are ready.’
    I sincerely doubted that, but said naught.
    Lidia continued regardless, ‘First, however, you must introduce me to the fellow beside him, he cuts quite a dashing figure and one I’m not familiar with.’
    ‘He is my husband’s cousin,’ I fanned my face, ‘and he is staying at Fielding for a time.’
    ‘Lucky you.’ Lidia smiled fiendishly. ‘A veritable banquet for your eyes, I should imagine. Such impressive masculinity, and you shall have them both to yourself? Lord Fielding’s cousin is not yet married?’
    ‘No,’ I replied.
    I turned and looked at both Matthew and Jacob; deep as they were in conversation with Bexley they did not notice our observation of them. It was true, their blond heads were glistening in the heat of the sun, their shoulders broad. They did look very fine.
    ‘Astonishing,’ Lidia replied, ‘why ever not?’
    I looked at her then. ‘You cannot expect me to divulge these details to you.’ I laughed, though even to my own ears it was hollow. ‘Matthew’s business is his own, and not for public speculation.’
    ‘So this Adonis who, it must be said, looks markedly similar to your own husband, is called Matthew?’
    I looked at her, trying to decipher the shrewd look in her eyes. I said nothing.
    Lidia laughed. ‘My, my, Lady Fielding, did your eyes just turn green?’
    Was I jealous she admired Matthew? Mayhap I was.
    ‘Lidia, you are incorrigible,’ I retorted, and glanced towards the Hall. ‘Have you seen Lady Stanton?’ I asked.
    ‘No, she’s hiding, swollen and bloated with child as she is.’
    ‘You’re being unkind. What about Lord Stanton? We came late and have not greeted him.’
    ‘He was drinking in the marquee last I saw, but has since disappeared. I can only imagine where.’
    I laughed, though it was half in pity; Lord Stanton was a notorious womaniser. Poor Lady Stanton.
    So the afternoon continued as such. I spent some time walking in what I found was a surprisingly companionable silence betwixt Matthew and Jacob. With a gentleman on both my arms, I felt delectably spoilt and cosseted. I relished the envious glances from the other women. As we walked, whether it was accident or design, occasionally Matthew or Jacob’s arm would brush against the swelling of my breast. The gesture left me weakened.
    Matthew spoke about his plans for Mansbury Terrace