Free Dangerous Escapade by Hilary Gilman Page B

The
situation promised to be interesting, for not a man or woman there but was sure
that the relationship between ward and guardian was of the closest. Thus, when
the assembly became aware that the Lady Amelia Henshawe had entered the Rooms
accompanying her Mama, a hush descended, and they watched with delicious
anticipation as Lady Horatia led her young friend forward to be presented to her
guardian's betrothed. They were disappointed. Something was said, and a chaste
salute was exchanged. With unexpected cordiality, Lady Amelia invited Kitty to
sit beside her and engaged her in conversation. The sensation seekers were
disappointed but soon entered once more into the more important business of the
day — making assignations, flirting desperately,
and destroying reputations.
    Had they been
able to overhear the conversation between the two women, the fashionable
assembly would have been little the wiser regarding the sentiments of either
lady. Lady Amelia was far too well-bred to betray any animosity towards her young
acquaintance, and, as yet, Kitty was conscious of none towards her. The
conversation was kept up mostly between the two older ladies, and Kitty was
well content to listen to the gossip they exchanged.
    Lady Amelia
was graciously intent on including Kitty, however, and began to question her
about the coming Ball and upon the gown she was to wear. Nothing loath, Kitty
embarked upon a minute description of its glories, which Lady Amelia was
pleased to approve.
    “My dear, it sounds
delightful and most decidedly suitable. No colour becomes a brunette so well as
pink.”
    “Indeed,
Ma'am, I hope so, for above all things I desire to be a credit to my guardian
and to dear Lady Horatia,” answered Kitty demurely.
    “Oh, do not
exclude me!” cried Lady Amelia playfully, tapping Kitty's hand with her fan. “For
I am one of the family, am I not? You must know, my dear, that I look forward
to having you under my own roof very soon now.”
    “Yes,”
answered Kitty, a little taken aback by this sudden affection, “yes, indeed,
Lady Amelia.”
    “When we are married,”
pursued the lady, “my Lord and I have quite decided that you shall make your
home with us until we can find an eligible match for you. Debenham is very
anxious to establish you creditably, my love. I am sure you must be very grateful
to him.”
    Kitty opened her
eyes very wide. “You have discussed my marriage with the Earl?” she repeated
incredulously.
    “But, of
course.”
    “Then, Ma'am, perhaps
you would be kind enough to inform Lord Debenham that I have no intention of
marrying now or at any time any man chosen for me by him. No, do not trouble yourself.
I shall tell him myself!” announced Mistress Kitty defiantly.
    Lady Horatia judged
it time to intervene. ''Do not fret, my love,” she interposed soothingly. “Anthony
would never dream of acting without consulting you. Your happiness must and shall
be the paramount consideration. But why should we be talking of bridals when
our dearest Kitty has not yet made her first appearance? There is time enough
to be thinking of such things.”
    “Of course, there
is,” agreed Lady Amelia with a gracious smile. “I did but mention the matter so
that Kitty might know how hard dearest Debenham is striving to establish her, despite
the doubtful nature of her upbringing.”
    Lady Horatia decided
that Kitty had been exposed for quite long enough to the honeyed spitefulness
of her guardian's prospective bride, and at the conclusion of this speech, she
swept Mistress Kitty from the Pump Room and secured a couple of chairs to
convey them back to Milsom Street.
    The next
evening was that of the Ball, and as her ladyship was determined that her
charge should be in the best of looks and spirits for the evening, she ordered
the reluctant Kitty to remain quietly in her chamber until midday, which time
she was allowed to take a gentle stroll in the gardens before being summoned inside
to partake of an early