Free Enlightening Delilah by MC Beaton

sit up with the gamblers all through the night, sending his servants to bed, so that he could sweep the carpets himself in the early hours of the morning to retrieve the gold carelessly scattered on the floor.
    Very few of the noble gentlemen who played ever emerged into the street as winners. The one notable exception was the Duke of Portland’s father-in-law, General Scott, who dined simply off boiled chicken, toast and water to keep a clear head and cool judgement at the whist table. In this way, he succeeded in winning the enormous sum of two hundred thousand pounds. It appeared as if the great aristocratic families who had inherited the accumulated wealth of the eighteenth century were hell-bent on squandering the lot in the pleasure-loving days of the Regency.
    ‘I trust,’ said Sir Charles, ‘you are not thinking of marrying Miss Wraxall solely because of her wealth.’
    ‘No, by Gad! Worship the ground she walks on, I assure you. Still, I never did believe in love in a cottage and I would dearly like a wife who would keep me happy by paying for my customary pleasures.’
    Sir Charles fought down a sudden stab of dislike for his friend. Still, if Delilah was the minx she was reputed to be, then she might lead Lord Andrew a merry dance.

4

    Now, don’t look so glum and sanctified, please,
For folks,
comme it faut,
sir, are always at ease;
How dare you suggest that my talk is too free?

Il n’est jamais de mal en bon compagnie.
    Charles Brooks
    Delilah had led quite a busy life in the country. Although there were balls and parties, most of the time was taken up with sewing clothes for the poor, visiting the sick, making jams and cordials, gardening, reading, painting, and many other activities.
    It was not that she was idle in London. It simply struck her as rather odd that society should boast of being idle and yet spend so much work and energy on their amusements. Lessons by the music tutor were followed by lessons by a French teacher, then an Italian teacher, and then came a dancing master to show her the steps of the quadrille.
    All this activity did have the merit of making the days pass quickly.
    She had taken affectionate leave of her father, who had again promised solemnly to return in a month’s time and, if she were unhappy, to take her home.
    Delilah did not expect Sir Charles to call again, nor would she admit to herself that, when Lord Andrew told her Sir Charles was staying in London at his house, she had proceeded to encourage the attentions of that young man more than she ought.
    But she could not help wondering whether Sir Charles meant to attend the ball at Lady Burgoyne’s. She wanted him to see how feted she was, how popular with the gentlemen. Even after all those years, it was important to Delilah that Sir Charles should believe that that farewell kiss had meant nothing to her.
    In all, Delilah felt she had enough to do to make the time until her father’s return pass quickly.
    Had it not been for a nagging worry that her father meant to propose to Miss Amy Tribble, Delilah would have been quite happy.
    Amy wandered about in a dream from which Effy’s occasional sharp remarks failed to rouse her. She was remembering and savouring her last talk with the squire.
    They had had a splendid time at Astley’s, cheering the equestrians and crying at the sentimental plays. The squire had called the next day to take his leave of Delilah and then had requested a few moments alone with Miss Amy.
    He had pressed her hand warmly. He had said, ‘I never hoped to be comfortable in the company of a lady after my wife died, Miss Amy. Now, you have changed all that. As soon as Delilah is settled, I must consider my own future. I had not thought to marry again, but . . .’ His voice had trailed off and he had not said any more, but it was enough for Amy. Her only regret was that Mr Haddon was not in London. She hoped he would be back in time to hear of her engagement. Effy could have him. Mr Haddon should