Chapter 9

CHAPTER 9

The rest of the party came to Fernsby Hall throughout the day. Lord Lyndhurst, Lord Malden, and Mr. Camden, all with strong political sway in one shape or another; Sir Michael, tall, lanky, and agreeable company; and Lord Lyndhurst's eldest son Mr. Stratham, whose only aim in life was to please himself.

Lady Lyndhurst headed up the ladies, with Lord Malden's daughter Miss Elmsworth and her chaperone Mrs. Browning, a Miss Owens and her mother, and finally, Miss Hall, friend to Miss Owens.

Georgie had done a marvelous job partnering guests with one another. Besides Lord Fernsby, everyone would be sharing a room with at least one other person. The three young ladies of the party had to make do with the children's schoolroom, converted into a bed chamber with several temporary beds. Even with Basil's surprise attendance, Evangeline was satisfied that no one could complain with the arrangements .

Basil had the good sense to stay out of doors and away from Evangeline for the rest of the day, but she was not fooled. It was only a matter of time before he sought out her company again, and if he did not, she would seek his out in a day or two.

She was acquainted with everyone in the party and had known most of them for years, but there was not one with whom she could claim any great friendship. If she found the atmosphere among the other guests too oppressive or dull, she would go to Basil when she needed to laugh and knew she would not be disappointed. She was still angry with him for the morning's prank, but as she was a grown and rational woman, those feelings would fade away in good time.

After she carried out a little prank or two of her own, of course.

Guests were settled into their respective quarters. The women spent the afternoon resting from their journeys while the men were shown around the estate by Lord Fernsby. When the dinner hour came Evangeline, with Georgie on her arm, came down to the drawing room in a gown of rose-pink silk that set off the color of her hair. As she waited for the gong to sound, she mingled and conversed easily with the other guests, her ambition to make everyone welcome and comfortable.

To make up for the uneven number of guests, Lord Fernsby had invited a gentleman from the local neighborhood to join them, a Mr. Lorne. An older man in his sixties whom Evangeline had never met before. She found him polite and jovial enough. A perfect example of a country gentleman.

At the table, Evangeline was seated on Lord Fernsby's right, with Lord Lyndhurst on her own right. As this was not a formal dinner to be conducted in state, she conversed freely with the two gentlemen and Lady Lyndhurst and Lord Malden across from her. Basil sat near the other end of the table in between Miss Hall and Miss Owens, with Miss Elmsworth, across from him within easy speaking distance. All three single ladies in attendance and there was Basil right in the middle of them, already making them blush and stammer with his charm as Mrs. Owens and Mrs. Browning watched with hawk-like eyes. Perfect.

The subjects of conversation varied as the party went through the five courses so carefully planned by Georgie (who ate very little of it, the poor dear). Across from Evangeline, Lady Lyndhurst questioned Lord Fernsby about the new school that had been built under his patronage for the sons of the local working class.

"The school will only be open during the winter and the summer, when the lads can be spared from their work," Lord Fernsby said. "But I have high hopes that it will do them, and through them the community, much good to have a solid education in the basics of reading, writing, and sums."

Lady Lyndhurst nodded in approval. "A kindness for them, to be sure. This service does you credit."

Lord Fernsby bowed his head and lifted a hand. "I was not the driving force in the matter, much as I would like to take the credit. There has been interest from several of my acquaintance to contribute to a subscription to maintain the school. Many within our circles have been very generous and keen on the idea. In fact, the most generous subscriber said he would only contribute under the condition that a school for the girls be created within the year as well."

"One for the girls as well?" Lady Lyndhurst said, frowning slightly .

"Yes. And , if you believe it, that all the pupils be taught how to swim."

Both Evangeline and Lady Lyndhurst opened their eyes at this. "It seems a peculiar request," Evangeline said. "Do the pupils really need to learn such a thing?"

Lord Fernsby shrugged. "I thought it odd myself. Most of the lads round about already know how, but that particular subscriber was adamant it be taught."

Evangeline furrowed her brow in thought. "Who would demand such a thing?"

But Lord Fernsby pressed his lips together. "An anonymous subscriber, ma'am. I am not at liberty to divulge any information surrounding their identity under pain of losing their subscription."

Disappointed but understanding, Evangeline ran through her acquaintances in her head. There was not one she could think of who had expressed any opinion on whether the children of the working class should be taught to swim.

Lady Lyndhurst returned to first condition mentioned. "And what could farmers' and shopkeepers' daughters need a school for? They do not need instruction in dancing and French, I imagine. Who is this donor that he makes such a request? You must tell us. So singular."

Lord Fernsby chuckled. "I am a man of honor, ma'am. I never go back on my word. As for French? No such thing. The girls will be instructed in—erm—you know, a little reading, enough writing to get by, erm?—"

He circled his hand above his head as he trailed off. Lady Lyndhurst did not look impressed.

Evangeline stepped in. "Needlework and sewing, perhaps?" she prompted.

"Yes, quite right," Lord Fernsby said, still drifting out to sea on the subject.

"Skills, in short," said Evangeline, "that will aid them in finding good work when they are older."

"Ah, I see," Lady Lyndhurst replied. "I was half afraid you were going to tell me that you were giving them a lady's education, as if you were opening one of those Bath seminaries."

Evangeline's smile tightened. It irked her to hear such scoffing about female education. She felt everyone ought to have at least a little, including women. While she had been married there had been no need for her to learn anything beyond what was expected of an excellent hostess and credit to her husband. To be polite company and bolster her husband's consequence with her dress and behavior. It was not until after the earl's death that she had slowly discovered just how ignorant she had been about the most general things. Mathematics beyond addition and subtraction, for example. How a butterfly became a butterfly. Where milk came from!

So, not only did she dress in the most outlandish colors one could think of, she had also spent much of her time with her children in their sessions with the governess and a tutor she had employed to learn what she never had.

"They will receive an education that will be useful to their place," she said in response to Lady Lyndhurst. "With the right skills, a farmer's daughter might gain work in a milliner's shop, or even become maid to a gentlewoman, if she applies herself."

Lady Lyndhurst hummed in acknowledgement. "Indeed. Well, Lord Fernsby, it does you credit to take on such an endeavor. Two schools, my, my."

Lord Fernsby shook his head. "I cannot take all the credit. It was Lady Fernsby who broached the subject to me over a year ago now. She oversees much of the work for it. I am only the pocketbook."

"Lady Fernsby? She grows in my esteem more and more with her charity."

"And she got the idea from visiting our lovely Lady Ramsbury, here."

Lady Lyndhurst looked at Evangeline. "Indeed?"

Evangeline in turn, shot Lord Fernsby a look of gentle reproof. "Now, Fernsby, there is no need to mention that. Give the credit where it is due, I beg."

"Nonsense," Lord Fernsby said. "Lady Lyndhurst, did you know that Lady Ramsbury here is herself a patroness of a school in Hollyford, near Amsbrook?"

"Are you indeed?" Lady Lyndhurst asked.

"Yes," Lord Fernsby said before Evangeline could respond. "A school for young ladies. Do tell Lady Lyndhurst what you do, Lady Ram."

Lady Ram. He had picked that nickname up from Basil, but he was family, and she was not inclined to take him to task for it. "I merely support the school with a monthly donation. I—I also go in twice a week and instruct them in singing."

"You teach them? Yourself?" Lady Lyndhurst asked, slightly shocked.

"Now, Lady Lyndhurst, you must admit that there is no one better qualified than Lady Ramsbury. She has the voice of an angel."

Basil turned his head in their direction and regarded them for a moment before turning his attention back to Miss Owens.

"That much is certain. I remember hearing you at Bradford's soiree last fall," Lady Lyndhurst said. "I should think you have enough to keep you occupied with all your children at home as well, and without a companion for yourself, I hear."

Evangeline thought it best not to mention that Ettie and Charlotte often came with her to the school to give instructions in painting and embroidery. She only shrugged. "I need no companion, really. I do not go out or entertain on any grand scale when I am at Amsbrook."

As the dinner went on, Evangeline noticed Mr. Lorne looking in her direction several times. He was too far down the table for her to do anything but smile politely whenever she could not ignore the attention. When the ladies rose to retire to the drawing room, Mr. Lorne, rising with the other men, regarded her with such warmth in his eye that warning bells sounded in her head. It appeared she had admirer, an older one. While she hoped that it would not go any further than a look of admiration or a compliment here and there, if he kept on, she wondered whether he would be able to catch a subtle hint that she was not interested in any form of flirtation from that quarter.

In the drawing room she had enough work to keep her busy. Throughout the day she had kept an observant eye on her guests, especially the women as their comfort was her particular concern. She had learned much during that short time. Miss Owens, a petite, pretty redhead, twenty years old, was shy, retiring, and seemed lost without her mother by her side. If Mrs. Owens, a plump woman only a few years older than Evangeline, hoped to engage Sir Michael's hand for her daughter (a hope whispered in Evangeline's ear not twenty minutes after their arrival), Miss Owens would need to open up a trifle or the other girls would outshine her easily.

Miss Hall, nineteen years old, seemed to hold a high opinion of herself that came off as lofty. Her features were pleasing enough, if a little long and sharp, with hair and eyes a sturdy brown, and she always had an opinion to give. She had come with the Owenses, and Evangeline had not heard whether she had any motive of matrimony, but between her and Mrs. Owens, little Miss Owens was often swept to the background.

Then there was Miss Elmsworth, Lord Malden's daughter, with her chaperone, Mrs. Browning. Not quite as pretty as Miss Owens, but her bearing and pleasant countenance did much to recommend her dusky blonde hair and blue eyes. Evangeline knew that Lord Malden would not oppose a match between her and Sir Michael, which could make things difficult between Mrs. Browning and Mrs. Owens, if they were after the same man for their charges. Evangeline would be a fool not to be ready for a few skirmishes between them.

Having sent Georgie upstairs, who was looking pulled and wane after nearly two hours at the table, Evangeline set about putting her guests at ease with one another. She led the conversation and questions like the veteran hostess she was, attentive to everyone's responses. She wished for each of them to trust her, to know she was a reliable party to whom they could speak openly. If this was accomplished, her position as a hostess would become that much easier.

After a time, she suggested that the younger ladies examine the musical selections available on the pianoforte to play for the gentlemen when they rejoined the women. Miss Hall led the way with enthusiasm. Miss Elmsworth begged Lady Lyndhurst to come and give her opinion, to which she good-naturedly agreed. While they were occupied, Mrs. Owens and Mrs. Browning drew closer to Evangeline for what she thought would be a comfortable gossip, but the mutual look shared between the two ladies as they took their seats near her told her that something was already amiss at Fernsby Hall.

"Lady Ramsbury," Mrs. Owens said, sotto voce . "I don't mind telling you that Mrs. Browning and I were more than a little… confused that Mr. Morley made up one of the party. What do you make of it?"

Evangeline lifted a shoulder as if nothing was amiss. "I was just as surprised as you when I arrived. He was invited in the eleventh hour."

Mrs. Browning hummed. "By whom?"

"By whom? Why, by Lord Fernsby. Who else?" Evangeline replied, frowning slightly.

"Of course," Mrs. Browning said hastily. She dashed a look to Mrs. Owens. "I only thought—the two of you being such friends as you are—but of course it would have been Lord Fernsby who extended the invitation."

Mrs. Browning wisely closed her mouth after this. Mrs. Owens intervened. "We would not disparage any guest of Lord and Lady Fernsby, but I must say, I too, was shocked to see him here. I did not know he and Lord Fernsby were that well acquainted."

A sense of protection for her friend simmered in Evangeline's stomach. "I believe their acquaintance improved over this last season, but to be fair, one of the reasons for this house party is to further all our acquaintances with one another, would you not agree?"

Mrs. Owens looked nonplussed. Mrs. Browning stepped in. "Yes, but to have someone of his reputation, which has been so shocking of late…"

"Of late?" Evangeline asked. She cocked her head in thought. "Mr. Morley indeed has a reputation for levity and looseness?—"

"My dear Lady Ramsbury, the girls, I beg you to soften your voice," Mrs. Owens said, glancing nervously over at the trio by the pianoforte.

Irritated, Evangeline complied as she continued. "But as I think about it, Mr. Morley has not been the subject of any recent scandal. But perhaps he has only been more discreet in his…amusements."

No one is that discreet.

The memory of his words from his first proposal pulled at the corners of her mouth. She could not imagine Basil being discreet about anything. She had assumed that since he had kept himself out of any recent scandal that he had simply grown bored of his usual pursuits for a time.

"Ah, but you have not heard, then," Mrs. Browning said.

"Heard what?" Evangeline asked politely.

Glancing at the girls, Mrs. Browning inched to the edge of her seat. Mrs. Owens did the same. "Why, he has been seen recently in the company of a woman ."

Evangeline blinked placidly and waited for more. The expressive movement of Mrs. Browning's face told her she should already know what that implied. Evangeline was not born yesterday. She knew perfectly well the implication. Basil had been seen with a woman. This was not new news. She did not doubt the truthfulness of the account, but it shouldn't have sent a bolt of jealousy through her. Why should she be jealous? This was Basil they were speaking of.

"Well?" she prompted. "What of it? Where did you see them together, Mrs. Browning?"

Mrs. Browning's eyes bulged, and she gasped in shock. " I did not see them together. Good gracious, no! It is where they were spotted that makes the occurrence so out of the ordinary."

Evangeline lifted her brows, expectant.

"He was seen with this…female among th e docks along the Thames by, oh, I forget whom. Some servant or other, who then told a servant in Mrs. Riddon's house who was overhead by someone from Lady Claybridge's house, and then she got hold of it somehow, and told it to Mrs. Henley who told it to me, among others, I am sure. You know how she loves to talk."

Evangeline took in Mrs. Browning's account, choosing to ignore the hypocritical aspect. Mrs. Browning would never admit to being just as big a gossip as Mrs. Henley. "The docks, you say? That is an odd place to be, to be sure."

"Yes, and what is odder still," Mrs. Owens said, "is the servant said that Mr. Morley?—"

"Which servant?" Evangeline asked blandly. "The one from the docks, Mrs. Riddon's house, or Lady Claybridge's house?"

"Why, I am sure I don't know. But the tale goes that he was escorting her to a place that lets out tiny, dirty rooms and that he looked quite, erm, at home by her side. Almost as if she were," she leaned in closer and mouthed, " under his protection."

Evangeline set her teeth, the simmering defensiveness rising to a boil.

"Is it not shameless, though?" Mrs. Owens said. "That there are women who would stoop so low. A woman from the docks? What did she hope to gain by it? But of course, she could not have known Mr. Morley's reputation."

Mrs. Browning nodded a sad assent to Mrs. Owens's words, but Evangeline had had enough. True or not, this was still a rumor only. She would hear her friend being talked about no more. And these ladies had conveniently forgotten about the many women in their circles who indeed stooped so low as to be mistresses and incognitas who were well compensated for it. Made quite a career out of the enterprise as a matter of fact.

"My dear ladies, I must ask that we turn to a subject more palatable than this. Mr. Morley is only a stone's throw away in the dining room, a guest in this house, and, regardless of his virtues, my friend these many years. Are you fretting over what his influence might be upon your charges? I will tell you Mr. Morley knows what is due to his equals. He is no threat to them in any way, shape, or form. What do you say to this anonymous subscriber of Lord Fernsby's? The one who says every student must learn to swim?"

The ladies had not been privy to the conversation at the table, so Evangeline told them of the mysterious person, though they did not have much to say on the matter.

"An eccentric person, to be sure," said Mrs. Browning. "I do not know why he should care about such things. But one thing more I will say about Mr. Morley?—"

Evangeline hid her disappointment as Mrs. Browning circled back to the original subject. She had not finished saying her piece about the gossip surrounding Basil.

The demand for swimming lessons at the school had tickled Evangeline's curiosity. She wanted to find out who the person and how such a request had risen to the top of their conditions. Why would it be so important?

Lady Lyndhurst rejoined them. "What have we here, heads all together? That means the conversation must be fascinating. What is the subject?"

Mrs. Browning stammered. "Well, we were only discussing the—erm—the price of muslin, you see?—"

"We were speaking of Mr. Morley," Evangeline said over her.

"Mr. Morley? Ah, yes." Lady Lyndhurst pursed her lips. Another lady displeased by his presence. " He is an amusing man, to be sure. And he is such a great friend of yours, is he not, Lady Ramsbury?"

But Evangeline, once she had taken stock of Lady Lyndhurst's reaction to Basil's presence at Fernsby Hall, would have no more on the subject. "Indeed. But what was that you said, Mrs. Browning, about the price of muslin?"