Excerpt: ASHE

(Out on a Limb, Book One)

Chapter One:

Almack’s was full to the brim on this fateful Wednesday, the skirts of the ladies barely having chance to swish against the evening breeches of the gentlemen. Tomorrow’s papers would probably describe it as being a “sad crush”, since HRH himself was rumoured to be attending.

Just a whiff of the Royal presence was enough to send every woman possessing that valuable voucher into a frenzy, and modistes everywhere were currently sprawled in their salons with bottles of brandy, exhausted from the panicked rush that had had them running around in circles with pins in their mouths for the preceding week.

While they put their feet up and polished off their brandies, the recipients of all those delightful gowns were passing through the nondescript doors of the assembly rooms, and craning their necks to see who was here, who was where, and whether he had shown up yet. It was also necessary to ascertain if any other attendee was wearing anything similar in style and colour, and if so, how to avoid her for the entire evening.

Gowns were supposed to be unique to the wearer, of course, but since there were only so many yards of each fabric in London, some duplications were inevitable. Thus far, ribbons, trims, flounces, and lace had helped avert disasters.

HRH had not appeared yet, but just about everyone else had, and moving from one place to another was quite a chore. Especially for a tall, well-proportioned gentleman who was accompanying his sister and mother on this exciting evening.

He didn’t find it in the least bit exciting, however, more a nuisance, since there was nowhere to sit, stand, or do much of anything. Forget finding food or beverages, the only thing for him to do, really, was lean against the wall and try not to tread on anyone’s gown, or train, or in one case a small dog.

The Right Honourable Ashe Trease shared a moment of silent communication with the pup. He was just about as irritated as the little chap glaring at everyone. The dog had the advantage, though, since he could nip an ankle if he wanted to.

Ashe was reduced to the occasional heavy sigh.

“Excuse me.”

The carefully modulated tones of a lady percolated Ashe’s misery.

“I am trying to get past. Please move…”

He looked around—and down, to where a woman was staring at him. She had the loveliest brown eyes and elegant features, but her expression was less than friendly.

“I beg your pardon.” Ashe would have bowed, but there just wasn’t room. “As you can see, this crush has me pretty much locked in, but if you give me your direction, perhaps I might forge a path that will allow you to follow in reasonable comfort?”

She thought for a moment, one eyebrow lifting slightly. “I suppose that would suffice.” Then she nodded. “Very well. I am going to the refreshment room.”

Ash frowned. “You are? Why?” There were many things that Almack’s was, quite correctly, known for. The splendour of their served refreshments wasn’t one of them.

“That, sir, is none of your business.”

Irritated, Ashe raised his own eyebrow. Higher than hers. “Since I’m about to trample several of my fellow human beings on your behalf,” he said calmly. “I think it only fair to be absolutely sure you know what you’re walking toward.”

“Oh, just do it, will you? Or I’ll attempt it on my own.”

He huffed out a breath. “Short tempered too. I pity your husband.”

“You need not waste your pity, sir. I neither have nor want one, not that it’s any of your business.”

“You’re not here alone,” he frowned.

“Of course not, don’t be ridiculous.” She snorted and raised her chin. “This must be your first time at Almack’s, or you’d know not to ask such a silly question.”

“Actually…”

“Once you’ve been accepted by the Patronesses, then permission is granted to access whatever room one desires.” The look of disdain was clear. “The refreshment room is mostly likely occupied by gentlemen, most of whom are trying to avoid dancing, but very shortly will also be welcoming many ladies. I plan on meeting a friend there. However, I suppose it could take you some time to become accustomed to the ways of acceptable behaviour at Almack’s.” She looked down her nose at him, which was, he thought, quite an accomplishment, since she was a lot shorter.

“Indeed, Ma’am…”

Ashe didn’t get chance to finish what he was saying, as the crowd moved around him, allowing a woman to bear down on him with an enormous smile.

“Ashe, darling,” said Lady Jersey. “I heard you were going to be here, and I’m utterly thrilled.”

The most notorious Patroness of Almack’s hugged him and, as he bent down, planted a kiss on his cheek.