Chapter Nine

Selina

W hen Selina woke the next morning, she felt an instant excitement at the thought of the musical soirée planned for that evening. George would be coming to Number 1! Perhaps, if everything worked out, she would manage to snatch a kiss with him. Their first kiss at her family home...

The busy sound of servants rushing hither and thither came floating up the stairs. There was so much to get ready for the entertainment—furniture to be rearranged, rooms to clean, fires to make, food to prepare...

How wonderful it had been last night at the theater to find out that George had only been playacting when he had been so cold towards her. Carter had given Selina a succinct explanation of the necessity for the "wall of ice" when he had come to the Templetons' box in the Theatre Royal last night. From then on, everything had begun to slot into place. At last!

How I wish I could have flown across from my box to George's to embrace him, in front of the cream of Bath society. How Mama would have scolded me—and what fun it would have been!

Lord Templeton had invited Carter in for a drink when their carriage reached the Royal Crescent after Romeo and Juliet , and Selina had taken the opportunity to have another whispered conversation with him when her parents were otherwise engaged, for she was determined to clear up the final reservation she had about George's intentions.

"I have been a little worried about something Martha told me," Selina said to Carter, "for she was outside the dining room when you men were talking after dinner and heard George deny there was any affection whatsoever between him and me."

"Oh, that!" Carter had said with a laugh. "George may have uttered those words for the benefit of listening servants, but I can tell you that no one in the room believed him. No, not your father, nor your brother Henry, and certainly not me. We all know love when we see it."

"That is such a relief," Selina had said, "for I had begun to think George must be a rake."

"George? The man is no rake. There has never been the slightest whiff of scandal attached to his name—and I would not shy away from telling you if there was, believe me. I assure you, the only other creature he has ever fully given his heart to is his horse. No, in my opinion, George is a most sincere young man. A good fighter, too."

"How glad I am to hear you approve of him," Selina had said.

Carter had gone on to explain that he considered George's character the ideal foil for Selina's more extrovert personality. This chimed with what she had already begun to work out for herself, namely that opposites could work well together, especially as far as romance was concerned.

Yes, Selina's conversation with Carter last night had been most satisfactory, clearing up as it did any lingering doubts she had harbored.

'Twas ironic that Selina had not been sure George was right for her until she thought he could never be hers. And strange that it took a crisis to make her realize all she wanted was to marry him and that her initial worries over whether they were suitable for each other were nothing of any consequence.

I thought him a boastful show-off and a tedious companion at Kitty and Henry's dinner party. He was either talking incessantly of his skill at cards or acting like a tongue-tied dullard...

Now Selina realized that George's keenness to impress her had caused him to veer between boastful babble and a distracted silence. How could she hold that against him? For was it not a delightful quality to have such strong emotions that one behaved a little erratically, not to say wildly?

And when I thought he was being cold towards me, he was acting out of great love, so anxious was he to shield me by creating the wall of ice. Protecting someone is not a fault. Medieval knights of old defended their ladies.

George was a very good actor, that was certain, for Selina had been totally taken in by his coldness and disdain. And George in his turn must have thought Selina was a good actress, for she had been rude to the point of bluntness.

I told him I hated him! He must've found that quite amusing, knowing that I was only doing it because of the wall of ice.

There was a complication that Selina supposed one day she would be able to articulate to George—that in reality, she had thought he did not care for her one jot. She had not known he was playacting. However, that could all be saved for another day—and would be a mightily complicated situation to explain. Selina's brain hurt even just thinking about it. A veritable Gordian knot.

Selina's task today was to convince George she loved him and that what was between them was not a mere physical attraction but something lasting—something with a future. She had the ultimate aim of encouraging him to make a declaration. And she knew how to do it. She had a plan—a musical one. And she knew it would work.

Later that same morning, Selina was pleased to welcome Kitty to Number 1; she was longing to see her friend and keen to enlist her help concerning a plan to show George how much she loved him.

"How are you?" Selina asked when Kitty appeared in the entrance hall.

"Much recovered."

"You are in an interesting condition! So exciting. Many congratulations! But are you sure you are in good health? You look a trifle pale."

"I am feeling considerably better. You must have wondered what was wrong with me outside Hunter's."

"We worked it out," Selina said. "That is, George and I did. Of course, Henry already knew."

"I'm sorry I did not tell you before," Kitty said.

"I understand," Selina said. "'Tis a private matter and still very early days."

The two young women stood at the foot of the staircase, and Selina smiled.

"Are you quite sure you are well enough to attempt the climb? Should I ask one of the footmen to carry you up?"

"If you do, I shall scream!"

Giggling like schoolgirls, the two friends hurried up to the withdrawing room.

"Now," Selina said, "if you are sure you feel well enough, I would appreciate your help. I need to decide what I am to perform at the musical soirée this evening, and I'm relying on you to help me choose."

"Gladly," Kitty said, "although I am surprised you have not sorted out a piece yet. Has Signor Allegretto not suggested anything?"

"He has," Selina said. "A fairly new song by Schubert—about a rose. 'Tis very charming, and I was happy to sing it, but now my circumstances require a slight change."

"This sounds interesting," Kitty said. "Tell me more."

Over the next ten minutes, Selina explained to Kitty everything that had been happening with George—including the wall of ice misunderstanding.

Not absolutely everything! Some things are too personal to mention—like the scene under the tree in the Crescent Fields and another in the corridor of the theater last night...

I have re-lived these moments of bliss a thousand times already; however, it is still too soon to share them.

"I sense there is something not yet revealed," Kitty said to Selina.

"Maybe! Oh, Kitty, I am so happy now that I know the reason for George's recent coldness."

"And what is this plan of yours?" Kitty said. "Tell me, why must you change your music?"

"Music can communicate feelings in a way that words cannot. I intend to show George how much I love him by singing to him—and for this, I need to find and rehearse a special song. I was thinking of an aria from The Marriage of Figaro . You know the one Susanna sings, about anticipating joy?"

"Oh, yes!" Kitty ran over to the pianoforte and strummed the opening bars. "Full of intrigue—and heartfelt love. Perfect!"

"I hoped you would think that was suitable," Selina said. "Here—I have the accompaniment ready. Would you play it through with me?"

"Gladly. And would you like me to play for you this evening?"

"'Twould be lovely," Selina replied, "however, Signor Allegretto is to attend this evening. Mama insisted, as he has been so loyal to our family—and he said he would like to play for me."

"Splendid," Kitty said. "I always enjoy hearing him play."

The two friends spent a delightful half hour rehearsing the song until they were satisfied with the result.

"How will this make George love you?" Kitty said. "Granted, it is a fine love song, but I do not quite see..."

"Ah!" Selina said. "When I sing, I intend to look directly at George. Then he will know how much I adore him."

Kitty creased her brow. "That could be considered a little improper. I do not think your mama would approve."

"I see your point," Kitty said, "for my mama does disapprove of many of my bolder ideas. Let me think about it again."

"I know," Kitty said, "why do you not fix your gaze upon a different man, one whom everyone would know you are not in love with, and sing it to him? Then George will realize how lovely it would be if he were to feel the full beam of your affection. My goodness! By the end of the evening, you could be an engaged woman."

By the end of this evening? I can scarce believe it. And one day, maybe I will be in the blessed state that Kitty finds herself in—carrying a child.

"But on whom should I fix my gaze?" Selina said. "For if I fix it on another young gentleman, George might get the wrong idea. Besides, I do not think my parents would approve of this either."

"Since when has your parents' disapproval stopped you doing anything you wanted?" Kitty said.

"Quite often!"

"I tell you what, why not stare at Signor Allegretto?" Kitty said.

"What a good idea. No one would ever think I was in love with him. He is far too old, and anyway, he is my teacher. He will be thrilled to see how beautifully he has taught me to show affection in my face as part of a performance. And hopefully George will see how much love I am capable of."

"I do hope this game of yours works," Kitty said with a giggle. "'Tis rapidly becoming more complicated than the silliest opera plot—and that is a hard act to live up to. And be assured, I will not tell anyone of your plan to capture George's heart—not even Henry."

"Thank you, Kitty. I know I can rely on your discretion." Selina clapped her hands in delight. "I have a very good feeling about this and cannot wait for the evening's entertainment."

Will it not be wonderful for George and me to have all our misunderstandings behind us at last? And then we can start to court properly and get to know each other in a civilized fashion, instead of snatching moments of bliss in between scenes of high drama.

*

George

George took his father's carriage from Devonshire Buildings to the Royal Crescent that evening. He could of course have walked the few miles or ridden over on Trigger. However, attending Lady Templeton's music soirée was a significant moment in his courtship of Selina.

There was still the worry burrowing into his mind, though. Selina had said she hated him—and that had not been because there was anyone around to impress with her playacting, for George and Selina had been quite alone in the theater corridor at that time.

Is it possible that Selina was so stirred up by the emotions of the moment—and that exquisite kiss—that her brain simply confused two emotions and she meant to say something else? Had she really intended to say she loved me?

George looked out at the rapidly flowing River Avon as the carriage passed over the bridge into the city. He must be rational. It simply was not possible that Selina would confuse love and hate. The emotions could be close to one another, but Selina was a very clever young woman fully in control of her mind.

Wasn't she?

Granted, she took risks by frequently walking out onto the rooftop above Number 1; that balustrade was quite low. And she had put herself in grave danger when visiting Bath City Gaol by not thinking through the full consequences of her actions. However, being a little hotheaded and impulsive was very different from saying one thing and meaning the exact opposite. To do such a thing must surely indicate some sort of derangement. A temporary insanity? There was such a thing in medical literature—it was possible that Mrs. Leigh Perrot had suffered from this sort of condition when she had allegedly taken lace from Smith's in Bath Street years ago.

But Selina? George saw no evidence of any behavior that would give cause for medical concern. He could seek advice from his father, although that would mean revealing what had happened in the corridor at the Theatre Royal. Inconceivable!

George could consult some of the medical texts in his father's library on his return this evening—they might have something of interest there.

After a little more overanalysis, George realized the farcical direction of his thoughts.

Good Lord! What am I thinking? Would I rather Selina was suffering from some sort of delusion rather than face the fact that she hates me?

Would it not be easier just to follow Carter's advice from the night before? Stop overthinking , he had said to George. And embrace your good fortune. Yes, this was what George would do. Switch off his inquiring mind, embrace his good fortune—and hopefully Selina too—and continue with his attempt to win Selina's heart and mind. This was definitely the best course of action. And attending the musical soirée could conceivably be phase five in George's attempt to win Selina's heart.

George received a warm welcome from Lord and Lady Templeton at the front door of Number 1 and then sped up to the withdrawing room where Henry greeted him.

"George! How wonderful to see you. I'm afraid you'll have to be put up with some of my playing this evening—but there will be many more accomplished performances from others for you to enjoy, I promise."

"You are too modest," George said, "for you are a fine musician, Henry, as well you know."

"At least you will not have to put up with any musical offerings from me," Edmund said as he said joined them. "Mama always labelled me the least musical child in the Templeton household."

"I remember how she used to try to persuade you to practice more," Henry said to his brother.

"Yes," Edmund said. "There were many battles fought over my pianoforte scales and arpeggios. A hopeless cause! I simply did not have the aptitude, nor the interest. What about you, George? Were you forced to learn music?"

"I was not," George said. "My parents took me to many concerts, and I enjoyed playing the piano a little, but it was more the outdoor life for me as a boy—I loved to help out at my father's stables."

"Ah, yes," Henry said. "The stables. I remember you have spoken of this before."

"Is it not unusual for a doctor to run stables?" Edmund said.

"My father is interested in the health of all animals," George said, "including humans—and horses. He is never happier than when looking after the new foals."

"I believe your best friend is a horse," Edmund said with a smile.

Kitty and Selina were warming themselves at the fireplace at the other end of the room, for despite it being spring, the weather was still chilly. They were deep in conversation, every now and then pausing to smile and giggle before resuming an animated discourse.

If only I knew for certain she were to be mine, how happy I would be. I am on the edge of a precipice, with blissful love waiting for me in the clouds above. One false step, and I will plunge into the chasm, instead of flying to my love.

Selina looked at George across the crowded room, her eyes luminous and mouth curved into a beatific smile. She looked truly divine—both irresistible and unattainable all at the same time.

Then she whispered something into Kitty's ear.

"It looks as if my dear wife and sister are hatching a plot," Henry remarked.

"You never know quite where you are with those two," Edmund said. "They are as thick as thieves—and have been since childhood. Do you remember how they always tried to outwit us, Henry, when Kitty came round to play with Selina?"

"Do I!" Henry said.

"They would have put Machiavelli himself to shame," Edmund said.

"Did you know Signor Allegretto is coming this evening?" Henry said to George.

"No! What a pleasant surprise," George said. "I look forward to seeing him again. He must be mightily relieved that Lord Steyne is locked up, after being terrorized by the villain."

"Absolutely," Henry said. "And Signor Allegretto is to accompany Selina when she performs this evening."

"I heard them running through the piece but half an hour ago," Edmund said. "Exquisite! I put my head round the door, and they were both so completely wrapped up in the music, gazing into each other's eyes, that they did not even hear me come in. You should have seen Signor Allegretto's face! He seemed enraptured with the beauty of the music."

As long as it was only the beauty of the music Signor Allegretto was enraptured with—for I could be jealous if I thought he had eyes for my Selina.

"What was Selina singing?" George asked.

"Don't ask me!" Edmund said. "'Twas in Italian, I know that much. It might have been Mozart, from an opera—but I am not entirely sure. I'm a bit of a Philistine, although I know enough to know that it was damned fine."

"I look forward to hearing the piece," George said.

"That's not all, though," Edmund said. "I got the distinct impression that Selina was involving Signor Allegretto in some sort of plot of hers."

"Lord!" Henry said. "Is there no end to our sister's machinations? Could you hear what they were saying, Edmund?"

"Barely. They were muttering something about love—that sort of nonsense. They looked a bit shifty, if I'm being honest."

Not good . . .

"Perhaps they were translating the words of the song?" Henry said.

"Possibly," Edmund said. "Anyway, they stopped talking as soon as they saw me standing there. Oh well. No doubt all will be revealed."

"'Tis time to take our places, I think," Henry said. "George, you sit in the front row next to Edmund. I'm going to sit with Kitty and Selina. We musicians have chairs reserved at the side so that we are ready to go on when it is our turn."

There were many splendid items performed that evening. Henry launched the concert, playing quite exquisitely on his violin, accompanied by Lady Templeton. Several gentlemen and ladies sang, there was a charming flute air, then Henry and Kitty performed a rousing pianoforte duet which had everyone tapping their toes.

How well matched they are musically and in every other way—and what joy they have waiting for them in their life together.

Kitty was looking far better than she had that day outside Hunter's—the roses were beginning to creep back into her cheeks.

Very soon it was time for the last item; Selina was performing a Mozart aria accompanied by her singing teacher. Signor Allegretto sat down at the pianoforte with a flourish and gave Selina an encouraging smile as she walked on.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am going to sing an aria from the opera The Marriage of Figaro . It is sung by Susanna at the end of the final act, and is a beautiful declaration of love to her future husband. I had originally chosen a different song..."

Here Selina paused to smile at Signor Allegretto.

"...but with my music teacher's blessing I have changed the program, for the sentiment contained in this Mozart aria is so close to my heart that I could not miss the opportunity to sing it to you."

Selina stood poised in front of her music stand, while Signor Allegretto played the introduction.

"Deh vieni, non tardar, o goija bella..." she sang.

The two performed as one. Signor Allegretto followed her every breath, easing the tempo slightly where necessary and creating a beautiful accompaniment to cushion and nurture her glorious voice.

Selina sang most of the song from memory, leaving her free to gaze into Signor Allegretto's eyes. She was so much inside the character of the song that one could be forgiven for thinking she was actually in love with her teacher.

What I would give for Selina to look at me like that every day for the rest of my life.

At the end of the performance there was a rousing burst of applause from the audience and many shouts of "Encore!"

"Thank you, thank you," Selina said. "And now, if you are sure you would like an encore, I will sing the song I had originally intended to sing this evening—by Schubert, about a little rose."

This time, Selina did not direct her gaze at Signor Allegretto, but instead allowed her bewitching eyes to rove over the audience. Was she lingering overlong on one or two of the men? Flirting? Jealousy flooded George's being. He wanted to jump to his feet and scream that Selina was his and his alone. Instead, he decided to stare fixedly at the floor, unwilling to bear full witness to her brazen behavior.

A chill came over him. He should not have been surprised.

" I hate you, George Fitzgerald ," Selina had said in the theater corridor. " I hate you more than I have hated anyone in my whole life."

And the way she had looked at Signor Allegretto in the Mozart aria—why, they had more or less declared they were in love! Had not Edmund as good as hinted this before the concert, saying he had caught the pair whispering about love? And Selina had once said that Signor Allegretto had waxed lyrically about how lonely he felt sometimes in his lodgings and how he longed for a lady companion. Was Selina now Signor Allegretto's lady companion? Could it be that when George and Selina had encountered Signor Allegretto in Hunter's, the two lovers had been toying with George? Selina had been very keen to sit with Signor Allegretto. Was the whole sorry story about Lord Steyne threatening Signor Allegretto a lie? Or at least an exaggeration?

George's head hurt as the implications of this betrayal—if there had been a betrayal—stacked up and shifted memories of other events inside his head.

Selina was not the woman George had thought. He still ached for her and loved her with his whole being—he always would. But it was obvious that he had been fooling himself. Selina did not care for him. Whether or not she had any real interest in Signor Allegretto, or any of the other young men there, was unclear. She could have been merely flirting and teasing. However, one thing was certain. George and Selina were finished—'twas not the match made in heaven George had previously supposed.

"Now, ladies and gentlemen," Lady Templeton said, "I am pleased to announce that refreshments are available downstairs in the dining room. If you would like to make your way..."

George fled down the stairs as if desperate to be the first for supper—but in reality, he was on a different mission. He would not stay where he was not wanted. 'Twas time to leave. As he wrenched open the front door, he heard a voice calling from above.

"Mr. Fitzgerald? George!"

Selina ran down the stairs after him.

George's heart had been dealt such a blow that his eyes became a little moist.

Dash it all! I will not stay to let a woman see me cry.

"Goodnight, Miss Templeton," he croaked. "Please give my thanks to your parents."

And with that, George fled down the steps to his waiting carriage.

*

Selina

Selina pursued George across the cobbles, leaving the front door to Number 1 wide open.

"George! George!" she shouted. "Why are you leaving?"

What has gone wrong? I sensed a change in him while I was singing.

Selina ran to the very door of George's carriage and pulled at his sleeve as he was about to ascend the step.

"George! Please! Are you unwell? Why are you leaving me?"

He did not answer, but wiped his eyes quickly as if he were troubled by dust. Then he nodded—barely politely—and said,

"I am afraid I must go home now, Miss Templeton. Thank you for a charming evening. I believe you have had enough fun at my expense. Goodbye."

'Twas as if a shutter had come down over him. During Selina's performance of the aria from The Marriage of Figaro , George had looked captivated. Then all had changed dramatically during the encore, which he did not seem to enjoy at all. Perhaps he did not rate Schubert as highly as Mozart? And what could he mean, saying she had been having fun at his expense? Oh, what was going on?

"Selina!" Lady Templeton called from the front door. "Come back this instant! You will catch your death. What are you doing?"

"Coming, Mama." Selina spun round to face Lady Templeton. "I'm bidding farewell to Mr. Fitzgerald. A moment longer..."

When Selina turned back to the carriage, George had already taken the opportunity to hop inside and give the order to his driver to proceed. Selina waved to the departing carriage, but there was no answering gesture from George. In fact, he seemed to be looking in entirely the other direction.

"Mama sent me out to collect you," Edmund said to Selina, appearing at her side. "You should not be here alone. Apart from anything else, 'tis freezing."

"I had not noticed."

Selina followed Edmund back to the house and went into the dining room.

"Well done, Miss Templeton. You gave a very fine performance," one of the gentleman guests said.

"Yes," another said. "'Twas truly sublime. I actually thought you were in love with your music teacher at one point, such was the depth of your emotional interpretation."

"I thought you were enamoured with me, when you sang the encore," the first gentleman said. "You caught my eye in such an agreeable manner—and that of several other gentlemen too, I think?"

"Yes," the second gentleman agreed. "We are all hopelessly under your spell now."

On another occasion, Selina would have enjoyed these rather flirtatious compliments, however this evening she could not think of any witty put-downs at all.

"Excuse me," she said to the two young gentlemen. "I see that my friend Mrs. Templeton is waiting for me over there. I must have a word with her—and tell her how much I enjoyed her performance."

"Oh, yes," the first guest said. "'Twas a fine duet she played with her husband."

"Miss Templeton, perchance you will be playing a duet with a husband of your own one day soon?" the second guest said.

"Indeed," the first said. "We are all yours for the taking."

Selina gave the gentlemen a withering look before striding across the room to where Kitty stood waiting.

"Did it work?" Kitty said. "I noticed you were outside with Mr. Fitzgerald. What was he saying to you? Does he know how much you love him? Have things been resolved? And why did he leave so early? Was he unwell?"

"Which of these questions would you like me to answer first?" Selina said to Kitty. "I cannot cope with being so inundated."

Kitty stared at Selina, then put her hand on her arm. This had the effect of causing tears to spring up in Selina's eyes.

"Upstairs," Kitty whispered. "Now. Shall we go to your chamber?"

A few minutes later, Selina was sitting on her bed being comforted by Kitty, tears flowing freely in the privacy of her room.

After a while, she pulled away from Kitty and blew her nose on a handkerchief.

"Breathe," Kitty said. "In your own time—what has happened?"

"What has happened is that I have ruined everything. I thought I was being so clever, showing George my love through the language of music—whereas all I was doing was trying to snare him using a trick. 'Twas dishonest and foolish. And now he dislikes me intensely. He might even think that I'm in love with Signor Allegretto."

"Absurd!" Kitty said. "That could never be true."

"I have heard comments from other guests," Selina said. "'Tis the appearance I created. They said they thought I must be in love with my teacher. Then they said they thought I must be in love with them!"

"They must have been jesting," Kitty said. "Surely they would not dare to suggest anything so improper? Oh, I feel bad about this. This was my fault, as 'twas I who first suggested you should sing to Signor Allegretto."

"The blame lies entirely with me," Selina said. "Besides, I ran the idea past Signor Allegretto before the performance. He knew full well that I would pretend to make eyes at him, so that George would know I was capable of love. Signor Allegretto agreed that it would be good to make George a little jealous—for then he might realize he had feelings for me, not only physical feelings, but love. Deep love—the sort of love that might prompt a man to propose marriage."

How foolish and immature it all sounds—what a blunder I have made!

"Oh, how I regret my actions," Selina continued, "for instead of easing the path of love, I have made George think so little of me that he felt compelled to flee. He must think I am a scarlet woman, making eyes at my teacher, whereas in fact I only wanted to show him how my heart is full to the brim with love—for him. In the encore, I allowed my gaze to sweep across the audience, but when I tried to catch George's eye, he was staring at the floor... oh, what a mess!"

"There must be a path out of this," Kitty said. "Let us consider the facts. What indications have there been as to George's feelings?"

Selina blushed crimson. "I need to tell you about two incidents that I have not shared with anyone yet."

"This sounds interesting! Tell me all."

Selina gave her best friend in all the world a full account of how she and George had kissed under the tree on the Crescent Fields and then at the theater so recently, almost by accident.

Kitty's eyes grew round as saucers, then she grinned. "Well done, Selina! You are a dark horse. What wonderful romantic trysts!"

"Do not breathe a word of this to anyone, will you?" Selina said. "Promise?"

"Of course I won't," Kitty said.

"If my parents knew about this, they would be very angry with Mr. Fitzgerald—and also with me. I fear I would never be let out of the house again for the rest of my life."

"I will not even tell Henry, even though he is my dear husband."

"Good," Selina said. "Do not tell Henry, because I suspect he would think it was his duty to challenge George to a duel to defend my honor."

"Although your honor is worth defending, I would be rather heartbroken if Henry had to lose his life to defend it. No, we must think of an alternative."

The two friends sat side by side in silence for a while.

"I have thought of what to do," Selina said, "or perhaps I should say what not to do. I will no longer try to hatch any plans or schemes, for so far, recently at least, they have all gone wrong. Instead, I will try the direct approach. I love George and still cannot help feeling that the situation is one gigantic misunderstanding. I want the chance to talk to him face to face, woman to man."

"Would it not be better to wait and see what happens?" Kitty said.

"No! I have spent my whole life waiting for things to happen and then sneaking around, hatching plans, or dressing up as someone else and trying to get my own way through subterfuge. I will approach George on equal terms—for only then will I know whether there is any hope."

"You are braver than I am," Kitty said.

"I am sure I am not." Selina stood up. "However, I am hungry. Dearest Kitty, thank you for your help. Let us go down to supper. The others will be wondering where we are."

They walked arm in arm down the stairs to the dining room.

"There you are," Henry said to Kitty. "I missed you—I cannot be away from you for long."

"Excuse me for stealing your wife," Selina said. "We had important matters to discuss upstairs."

"Yes," Kitty said. "And I can confirm that the very important matter has been resolved—more or less."

"Well," Henry said, "there is an important plate of meat over there that needs your attention now, ladies, and some fine salads, too. Would you both allow me to serve you?"

"How kind," Selina said.

"Thank you," Kitty said.

As they walked over to the table, Henry whispered in Selina's ear,

"You have not fooled me, sister dearest. I know that something is troubling you. Just say the word if there's anything I can do."

"There is something," Selina said. "I wish to visit Beechen Cliff tomorrow. I have a fancy to walk around the summit and look across the city."

"'Tis not likely you'll be able to make that journey on your own," Henry said. "I can just imagine Mama's face if you proposed hiking up there by yourself."

"This is where your help comes in," Selina said to Henry. "I would like you to accompany me—and Kitty too, if she pleases."

"Did I hear my name?" Kitty said. "And talk of a trip to Beechen Cliff? I would not miss that for anything. I love walking on that noble hill—'tis one of my favorite places."

"One of mine, too," Edmund said, joining the group. "I am happy to be part of this outing."

"Good," Selina said. "We will go there tomorrow."

"A magnificent idea," Henry said. "I am sure Papa will be happy for us to take his carriage. Shall we set off around ten in the morning? Would that suit? I think Kitty and I can be ready by then."

"That sounds uncommonly early to me." Edmund sighed. "I will have to make a special effort."

"Ten o'clock it is, then," Selina said. "And afterwards, who knows, we might drop in on George, for he lives nearby, does he not?"

"In truth, he does," Henry said. "'Twould be very fine to see him. I need to ask his advice about a horse, as a matter of fact."

"I intend to ask him to marry me," Selina said, "as a matter of fact."

"Very amusing! Such a droll sense of humor," Edmund said to Selina. "I know you care not a jot for the man—I was there on the Crescent Fields when you met George on your nature ramble with the children, remember? You could not have been colder towards the poor fellow, nor he towards you. And George did not linger long at the soirée tonight, did he? He could not get away fast enough. 'Twas like watching the release of a greyhound at the start of a race."

Henry scratched his head. "I do not agree with Edmund about the lack of feeling between the pair of you, but of course he does not have the full picture... indeed, I had thought that given time and opportunity, George would... although given his character, patience is needed... However, Selina, I know for certain that you are joking when you say you will propose to George tomorrow."

"How do you know?" Selina asked.

"Why, 'tis simple." Henry smiled. "Ladies do not propose marriage, do they? Therefore, you must be jesting. You are always jesting!"

"'Tis time for another drink," Edmund said. "Would you care to join me, Henry?"

"I'd be delighted."

How little my brothers suspect.'Tis quite comical, really.

Once the women were alone again, Kitty placed her hand on Selina's arm. "I think this is your best plan yet. I wish you luck."

"I am fully determined to take the reins," Selina said.

I will control my own destiny from now on—not wait for things to happen to me.